Why Are Golf Clothes So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons)

 

If you are a new golfer, you will have no problem quickly realizing that golf clothes are incredibly expensive.

Heading out to purchase even just a single golf outfit can cost you well over $100.

If you end up playing golf a few days a week, you will spend a lot of money on your golf wardrobe.

Although there is not much that you can do to avoid this, it is a good idea to at least understand why golf clothes are so expensive.

There are plenty of reasons you will have to pay a premium for golf clothes, but here are a few of the most important to consider.

 

Why Are Golf Clothes So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons)

 

1. Performance Material

 

Golf clothes have always been made to look professional.

The material that golf clothes are made of has changed considerably through the years.

Golfers are becoming more and more athletic, and they are demanding performance-type material from their golf clothes.

Golfers no longer want to be covered in sweat when they are on the golf course because they want to look and feel clean and dry at all times.

With the impressive improvements in technology that we have seen through the years, golf performance materials are easy to find.

Players can still look professional but be more comfortable in the clothing that they have on.

If you are a player who enjoys playing golf in warm or cold weather, the performance materials can adjust to what you need for the day.

If you are less particular about the material that you wear on the golf course, you may be able to wear the basic cotton shirts.

These shirts will not manage moisture or keep you quite as comfortable, but they will work quite well.

 

2. Warm And Cold Weather

 

Although all golfers love a 75-degree day on the golf course, this is not always possible.

Many players will enjoy golf when temperatures are close to 100 degrees.

Other golfers will try and get rounds in as long as there is no frost on the ground.

Having the ability to play golf in a wide range of weather conditions is a great way to get in extra rounds of golf.

Any golfers who are more than fair-weather golfers will tell you that having the proper equipment is an essential part of this process.

If you have the right clothing, you will be able to enjoy your golf no matter what the temperature is.

Both warm and cold weather will have a significant impact on the amount of golf clothing that you need.

If you live in an area where the temperatures vary from one season to the next, you will need a wide range of golf clothes.

Having golf jackets, sweaters, shorts, pants, and lightweight shirts means you will have an extensive golf wardrobe.

One way to save money with this process is to purchase a few pieces that will work with various outfits.

Golfers tend to like quarter-zip-type jackets and pullovers, so you can find something that has a color that works for several of your outfits and not just one.

Keep this jacket in your bag, so you are always ready for any weather conditions that come your way.

 

3. Style And Fashion

 

Golf fashion changes from year to year.

Although you may look at golf clothing and think it is just a simple collared shirt, there is a lot more to it than that.

Golf goes through years where one athletic style is more popular than others.

Then, in other years, you will notice that the look has gone back to a more preppy or classic style.

With the style and fashion constantly changing, golf clothing manufacturers have to take certain risks when it comes to style and fashion.

They purchase fabrics and materials before the start of the golf season and take a chance on what golfers will want to wear that year.

This has to be done ahead of time so that clothing is ready for the season.

With this risk, research, and the high quality of the design, you will end up having to pay a little more for the golf clothing that you wear.

The majority of golfers like to stay somewhat in style when it comes to their golf clothing.

To do this, you will need to pay attention to the latest trends and new releases on the market.

Most players find that by adding a few pieces to their wardrobe every year, they can stay in style but also keep their budget in place.

The game of golf has a bit of a mental element, and sometimes it makes sense to ensure that you feel good as well as look good when you play.

Golfers who feel confident in how they look will enjoy the new styles and fashions that are released each year.

 

4. Brand Name

 

Certain golf clothing brands have worked very hard to grow their reputation and brand name.

These companies have spent time and a lot of money to make sure that golfers know they can expect impressive performance and style from the brand.

Some of these golf brands include options like Peter Millar, Polo, Adidas, Callaway, FootJoy, and more.

These brand names are going to be quickly recognized by golfers.

When you wear a shirt with one of these impressive brand names, you will stand out.

Other golfers will know you are wearing a high-quality golf shirt, and the brand’s logo or name will typically be visible on the golf shirt.

Brand name golf shirts have a certain amount of their cost that goes to the marketing.

The marketing of a company to build a brand name up is a long and expensive project.

The brand name of a golf shirt does not always impact the performance of the shirt, but it can mean that you are going to be playing with a better-quality shirt.

Regardless of the brand-name golf shirt that you purchase, you can expect to pay quite a bit more money for it.

 

5. Logo

 

Golf shirts tend to have logos.

The logo on a golf shirt typically represents a golf course, but there are times when a golf shirt will represent a company or an organization.

It is very common to have a logo on a golf shirt.

To put a logo on a golf shirt costs money.

When the shirt is made, it will have to go through an additional process of having the logo put on the shirt.

The process is not a long one, but it will take more labor and additional materials or thread.

In addition, some setup processes need to be performed in order to put a logo on a golf shirt.

If you’re shopping in a golf store, you may notice that the shirts with logos on them are more expensive.

It is up to you to decide whether you will represent your golf course by wearing the logo, but you should expect to pay a good bit more for the shirt because of the logo.

Certain high-end golf clubs will even sell shirts with their logo to players who are not members of the club.

This is done almost as a status symbol to show that you have played this golf course.

For instance, you may see golfers wearing shirts that have a logo with a US Open course, but maybe they went to this US Open, or they simply want to show that they like high-end golf clothing.

The logo is not an essential part of a golf shirt, but it will have an impact on the pricing of your purchase.

 

6. Golf Dress Code

 

Golf clothing needs to be acceptable to wear at a golf course.

In order to adhere to a golf dress code, the clothing you wear must be approved for golf.

Certain companies that produce golf clothing are going to ensure that they keep the golf dress code in mind.

Shorts will be the proper length, jackets won’t have hoods on them, and the collars will be explicitly built for golfers.

The idea is that the golf dress code must be in place if you plan on wearing the clothing out on the course.

A golf dress code is typically quite strict.

This is why quite a few of the golf outfits available on the market are going to look similar.

Golfers who want to stand out from the crowd will often have to think outside the box when it comes to colors and patterns.

The golf dress code is not going to change anytime soon.

Golfers have been dressing this way for many years.

If you are worried about the clothes you have and whether or not they are good for a golf course, the golf brands will always guide you in the proper direction.

The bottom line is that golf clothes are expensive because they are the only ones that are acceptable to wear on the golf course.

Until this changes, golf clothing companies will continue to charge a premium for their products.

 

7. No Restricted Movements

 

When playing a round of golf, you need to ensure that you can swing without any restriction.

Golf shirts are designed so that you have plenty of movement in your arms, back, and shoulders.

The idea is that as you swing, your golf shirt will never get in the way.

Many golfers do not appreciate how important this concept is.

Let say you finish a meeting and want to head to the golf course with a dress shirt on just to hit a few balls.

With the first golf swing you take, you will instantly feel the impact that the shirt has on your ability to swing the golf club.

With a restricted feel in your swing, you will not be able to turn and get your arms and hands into the proper places.

Restricted movements are going to be a major reason to look for golf clothing from a premium manufacturer that uses only high-end materials and fabrics.

If you look at the golfers on the PGA Tour, they are very particular about the types o golf shirts they wear.

This is so that the shirt can accommodate the range of motion and speed that they need in their swing.

Restricting golf movements is a major problem when you try to save money on golf clothing.

It is worth the few extra dollars to be able to do what you want with your golf swing.

 

8. Matching Accessories

 

Another reason that golf clothes are expensive is that you will not just need the clothes themselves but also the accessories.

A complete golf outfit is going to have a hat that coordinates, a belt, and even shoes.

The accessories alone can cost more than $100 for just a single outfit.

Golfers who are smart and want to save money will choose accessories that have neutral colors and will go with a variety of their outfits.

Having matching accessories can really help you look more put together on a golf course, but it will add to the overall costs that you pay.

Golfers tend to enjoy golf belts and hats, and it doesn’t take long to accumulate a large collection of these accessories.

Many of the belts used for golf are made of premium material, and they will last for many years.

However, the initial costs are high and are going to set you back quite a bit.

The good news is that many belts (outside of those that are made specifically for golf will work for a golfer’s wardrobe.

Most courses require that you tuck your shirt in to play a round of golf, so be prepared with the proper belt.

 

9. Premium And Professional Look

 

A golf wardrobe is supposed to have a premium and professional look.

When you are dressed to go play a round of golf, you should look good.

For many players, the clothing that is worn for golf can be a good option to wear while working in an office as well.

Typically, the golf clothing is nice enough to wear to work.

Golf has always been a high-end sport that encourages people to look, feel, and play their best.

Golf is still considered a gentleman’s game, and even though attire has changed, the golfers who play are supposed to wear premium clothing.

To make premium and professional clothing, golf clothing manufacturers need to spend a bit more money on the development of the product.

Careful consideration needs to take place to ensure that the clothing will have the proper finished look when it is done.

 

1o. Sold In High-End Golf Shops

 

A high-end golf shop is a place where you can always find a great selection of golf shirts.

The golf shirts and shorts that are sold in high-end golf shops will have excellent materials and style, but they are also going to be quite expensive.

These shops are small, and they don’t do nearly as much volume as a large commercial golf clothing store.

Therefore, the markup can be quite high.

A golfer may shop for a shirt at their club and find the pricing is more than $100 for a shirt.

However, when looking for a golf shirt at Target or Old Navy, the cost may only be $20 or so.

The difference will be noticeable in the performance and comfort of the shirt, as well as the longevity.

Golf shirts that have lots of longevity are worth the price you pay because of the value.

Try to find a happy medium between the price you pay for the shirt and the quality and durability.

Chances are there is a good mix out there for you.

 

Conclusion

Hopefully, you can now understand the reasons golf clothing is so expensive.

Whether you are looking for men’s, women’s, or children’s golf clothing, expect to pay a high price.

The only good thing about the higher prices you pay for golf clothing is that it will last a long time.

The durability and longevity of golf clothing tend to be quite impressive.

If you are a serious golfer and you know you will use the clothing, don’t be afraid to spend a little bit of extra money.

Golf clothing will end up being some of your favorite clothing in the closest, even if it does cost you more.