Want to know what you will be wearing on the course next spring? GolfThreads was on hand at the 2015 PGA Fashion Show in steamy Las Vegas to get a preview of the hottest styles and colors that will hit the fairways next year.
What caught my eye? Check out the recap below and start your planning your spring wardrobe now.
Bobby Jones
I was blown away by Bobby Jones’ layering pieces for Spring 2016. I’m typically not a fan of yellow, but the pairing of that yellow technical pullover with the white pants was one of the best looks of the show. It was very modern and athletic, yet also quite elegant. The argyle sweater vest and the navy pullover were on point, too. It looks like another strong season for Bobby Jones.
J.Lindeberg Golf
If there were one word to describe J.Lindeberg’s SS’16 Collection, it would be ‘clean.’ If you allowed me a few others, I’d add timeless, sophisticated, well tailored, modern, athletic and innovative.
Several of JL’s technical polos for spring actually look like they are fabricated from cotton (see the micro JL logo print polo and the multi-stripe polo in the pictures). Expect an infusion of color from the brand for spring. I’m totally diggin’ the bright cobalt color and the azalea pink is a must-have for Masters week. Bright reds and grassy greens weave their way through the collection, as well, and the camo outerwear pieces were among my favorites.
Also, look for JL to team up with the Fayed brothers from Bespoken again on a follow-up to their AW’15 collab with some sweet pieces that work equally well on or off the course.
Devereux
The hits keep coming for Devereux. Its Spring 2016 Collection called “72”, which pulls inspiration from California and its temperate climate, will bring a modern edge to the fairways. The label’s Andrew oxford polo was one of my favorites from the show. It possesses a cool and effortless style with sophisticated details that transition well to off-course settings. The guys at Devereux are also extending their product line for spring with a new range of shorts, a wrinkle-free travel blazer, a players vest, and a special hat collaboration with Gents. Again, the details on these new products are amazing, and I really can’t wait for those shorts.
Dunning Golf
Dunning is kicking it up a notch or two in the color department for Spring 2016 with bright teals, lime greens and reds. These vibrant colors won’t be limited to just polos, either. You will see them on the label’s popular technical shorts, as well. I really like how Dunning has introduced this splash of color for the season. It is bright and energetic, but it is done in a classy and sophisticated way that speaks to the brand’s understated ‘For the Player’ DNA.
Also, expect to see a return of the button-down collar polo, a lighter stretch jersey fabric and an updated design to the iconic ¼ Zip Stretch Thermal Pullover.
ECCO
Those of you who wear ECCO on or off the course will likely agree that the brand’s ‘Pleasant Walk’ theme is right on target. Look for ECCO to launch three new models in the coming months — the Cage, the BIOM Hybrid 2 HM and the Speed.
The Cage will be available in four colorways. It is built for stability, but it is also soft and flexible. The BIOM Hybrid 2 HM is a sporty and casual take on the brand’s supremely successful BIOM Hybrid 2, while the Speed plays into the whole dress sneaker craze.
Also look for the BIOM G2 and BIOM Hybrid 2 to receive color refreshes. The Casual Hybrid will see new colorways, as well, plus a new cap toe model.
Whet Design
At every show, there is a new brand that creates a ton of buzz and that honor belonged to Whet Design at this show. Whet had two of my favorite prints — a paisley and a pin dot. I would have bought both of them on the spot, if they would have let me. If you prefer less trendy looks, Whet also has a range of classic-looking striped polos and ones with contrasting plackets and collars. The brand’s trousers are as stylish as they are functional. They are lightweight and stretchy, and they are finished with well appointed details.
QED Style
QED Style is one of those small brands that don’t have a huge PGA Tour presence, but it is big on style. The brand is rolling out some unique looks that will certainly turn heads. The denim print polo, complete with copper snaps and rivets, was one of the most talked about pieces at the show. This gold and orange checked Kamas polo, the Cottonwood polo with a trendy floral print, and the Willard reversible jacket were among my favorites. Also, be sure to check out QED’s belts. They are all handmade and truly one of a kind.
State Apparel
Bold geometric patterns and prints are ‘in’ and State Apparel will certainly be on trend with its Digital Collection for Spring 2016. The two showcase pieces in the collection are a Mondrian Polo with red, yellow and blue rectangles and the aptly named Pixel polo that features a Silicon Valley-inspired digitile print. The Binary Polo with a mélange fabric and button-down collar will easily transition from course to street.
Also, look for State Apparel to remove the wiping panels from many of its pieces and to use a lighter weight fabric for the season.
Antigua
We’ve talked a lot about heather patterns (also known as mélange patterns) over the past couple of years. We first started seeing them in athletic wear and they quickly transitioned to the fairways. Antigua is all in on heather patterns right now, and it is putting a unique twist on them with a reverse heather pattern.
The brand has incorporated heather fabrics into everything from polos and pullovers to hats and vests. The sporty Horizon pullover employs a heather print in a color-blocked design. The full-zip Ally features a waffled heather fleece. The windshirt family includes the Element Vest, the Coup half sleeve wind shirt and the Paragon raglan sleeve windshirt. All feature new bonded, water-resistant fabrics that possess a smooth soft-hand feel.
Callaway Golf
Callaway is kicking it up a notch in the fashion department with bold and colorful stripes and heather fabrics for Spring 2016. Look for a slightly wider fit from Callaway through the chest and body, and a slightly longer length in the sleeves. The brand’s Opti-Dry, Opti-Vent, Opti-Shield, Opti-Therm, Opti-Stretch and Opti-Cool ranges are sure to keep you in, um…optimum comfort.
Zero Restriction
Zero Restriction was the biggest (pleasant) surprise for me at the show. It was the first time I had a chance to talk with Zero’s creative director, Billy Draddy, and to get an up-close look at the brand’s collection of outerwear. Again, I’m not typically a huge fan of yellow, but I would totally layer that yellow technical vest over a navy blue merino or cotton sweater. From a performance standpoint, Zero Restriction’s outerwear and rain wear lives up to its name. The range of motion is top-notch. It is easy to see why it is the outerwear of choice for both the U.S. Presidents Cup and Solheim Cup Teams.
B. Draddy
Speaking of Billy Draddy, his B. Draddy label, also owned by Summit Brands, is a must-see for those who favor a northeast preppy vibe. His polos are sophisticated enough for a morning round at the club, and casual enough for a late afternoon barbecue. The Peruvian pima cotton that Draddy uses in his polos possesses a super soft hand and a touch of stretch.
Chase54
If you’re thinking that the world of golf fashion needs an infusion of color, then Chase54 should be on your short list for Spring 2016. Chase54’s aptly named Spectrum Collection will feature an energetic palette of bright colors, including a vibrant coral that will be perfect for the season. Lulu Faddis, chief designer and creative director at Chase54, teamed up with actor Ryan Merriman on a collaboration that resulted in a technical polo with vibrant chest stripes. The label is also doing some interesting things with jacquard prints to add subtle texture to its polos.
2UNDR
2UNDR is flat-out the best underwear that I have found for golf. The Swing Shift Boxer Briefs are a personal favorite thanks to the soft beechwood fiber and modal fabric. The fact that many Tour players wear 2UNDR is probably the best kept secret in the game.
The brand is introducing a new technical fabric and a longer length so now we can enjoy all the benefits of the Joey Pouch in the gym, as well as on the course. Also, look for some promotions and some pink and blue colorways coming in October and November for Breast Cancer Awareness and Prostate Cancer Awareness Months.
Longball
Longball’s Spring 2016 Collection speaks to the brand’s DNA. It is bold, aggressive and athletic. Its range of polos will feature a mix of daring graphics and more refined solids. I already have my eye on the brand’s new rain jacket, and the performance sweaters are stylish and functional. Longball also has a fashionable range of hats, belts and socks to complete any outfit.
Sunice
Sunice continues to give rain gear and outerwear, which has typically been boring and drab, an injection of color and energy. The brand’s lively palette of bright blues, greens and yellows, is a great way to add a bit of pizzazz to a rainy day. The fabric is also incredibly quiet and lightweight, and it effortlessly moves with the body.
The Jay is a waterproof piece that features a lightweight and flexible knit fabric. The sporty Winchester possesses a knit rib collar, cuff and waistband with a contrast trim detail across the chest and sleeves. The showcase vest is the thermal and water resistant Julius with three bonded layers.
Mizzen + Main
Off course trends have been influencing golf fashion since the game began, so it’s about time golf started influencing menswear. That’s the idea behind Mizzen + Main. The brand has taken performance fabrics and worked them into uber comfortable dress shirts that wick moisture and move with the body. One touch and you may never wear a cotton dress shirt again. Whether you favor classic solids, preppy checks or trendy pin dots, Mizzen + Main has a dress shirt that will improve your 9 to 5 wardrobe.
Justin Golf
If you are wondering where all those great-looking, classic golf shoes from years past have gone, then you need to check out Justin Golf. Old world stacked leather heels, leather outsoles and a Goodyear welted construction are combined with modern comfort and performance features to create some sweet-looking kicks. The Grade-A calfskin leather styles start at $400 and the exotic caiman leather models top out at $800. If you are really looking for something unique, then Justin Golf’s cowboy boot golf shoe is a must-see.
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