The Masters has come and gone, which means golf season is officially here! It is time to dust off those clubs that have been taunting you from the corner of the garage for the last few months.
(If your name is Jordan Spieth, though, let them collect a little more dust. It’s too soon, man. Way too soon.)
Unless you live in a warm weather climate, or you are starting your golf season in a tropical location, you’ll likely tee it up in a pair of pants rather than shorts. The funny thing about spring is that the weather is as unpredictable as the back nine at Augusta.
Case in point, when I teed off at the crack of dawn the other day, temps were in the low 50s. By the time the last putt dropped, though, the mercury was approaching a number that starts with an 8. Shorts or pants? That was the conundrum of the day. The answer was Maide Golf’s new Lightweight Highland Pant, and unlike going for that par-5 in two, it was the perfect decision.
For those of you unfamiliar with Maide, it is Bonobos’ golf apparel label. If there is one thing Bonobos knows, it’s pants. The company was founded in 2007 with the simple mission of creating great fitting pants for men by eliminating “khaki diaper butt.”
After mastering the art of pants, Bonobos soon moved on to everything else that a guy would want in his closet, and in 2013 the Maide by Bonobos brand was launched. This was a perfect fit (pun intended) because if there is one thing that the world of golf needs help with it is pants. Baggy pleated khakis with a “diaper butt” were at the forefront of the sartorial nuclear winter that settled over the golf fashion industry in the 1990s. Needless to say, Maide’s stylish, well-tailored and functional threads have been a welcomed addition to the links.
While Maide has three styles of pants in its lineup for SS’16, it is the Highland that has reached iconic status in just a few short years. The original Highland Pant was one of the first technical pants to combine high performance features with a sophisticated aesthetic, and it still does today. It is a great cool weather pant, as the fabric is a bit heavier than what you find on other technical pants.
Seeing an opportunity to find a home in golfers’ wardrobes in the warmer months, though, Maide just introduced a new lightweight version of the Highland. So, how light is it? It is so light that when I picked up the box from the doorstep, I thought they forgot to pack the pants. An empty box? No, just some seriously lightweight pants. In fact, the new Lightweight Highland checks in at two ounces lighter than the originals. It is difficult to believe that two ounces can feel that much different, but it really does.
These pants are as light as air, and the fit and drape are perfect. Many ultra lightweight technical pants feel paper thin, which is great for warm weather, but they tend to lack structure and feel a bit delicate. Slip on a pair of the Lightweight Highlands, though, and head over to the mirror. What you’ll realize is that these pants possess the same structure as a classic pair of chinos, with the added benefits of performance and comfort. Then you’ll remember that Bonobos is really good at this pants thing.
So, how does Bonobos’ off-the-rack pants achieve a bespoke aesthetic? Well, take a look at the cut of the Lightweight Highland and you’ll see a nicely tailored (yet roomy) thigh, a shortened rise, and multiple fits to suit various body types. Throw in a curved waistband with a gel ribbon to keep your shirt tucked in, and the Lightweight Highland is sure to keep you tidy and on point.
Both the slim and straight fits are trim, but not tight in the seat and thigh. The difference comes below the knee. The slim finishes with a slight taper, while the straight is, well, straight all the way down. Tapered pants are the current trend, so unless you have the calves of an NFL running back, the slim fit is really the only option. There is also talk about a “tailored cut” being introduced by Maide, which will be a touch narrower through the seat and the thigh for those of us who have legs that resemble 1-irons.
Besides the feathery weight, the fabric on the Lightweight Highland is also antimicrobial, moisture wicking, stretchy, and water resistant. As someone who tees off at the crack of dawn, I appreciate the DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Early morning dew, or even drops from a light spring shower, will simply bead and slide off. While the rest of your group is dealing with wet ankles in the early morning hours, you can focus on the next skin you are going to win.
The Lightweight Highland Pant is available in classic colors, such as khaki, navy and grey. If you are looking to inject your wardrobe with a bit of color, grab a pair in the faded red color. Trying to describe the faded red hue is a bit of a challenge. In fact, it was the topic of conversation in my group the day that I wore it. Is it orange? Salmon? Coral? One thing I know is that it is not red, but it is a fun, energetic and unique color for the season.
A new Lightweight Highland Short is also available with 10” inseam and in the same range of colors as the pant.
Maide’s M-Flex Flatiron Polo, available in two fits and a spectrum of solid colors, pairs perfectly with the Lightweight Highland Pant and Short. Modeled after the construction of running apparel, the M-Flex design stitches moisture-wicking and antimicrobial performance fabrics together with flat-lock seams to reduce skin abrasions. The design also incorporates stretch cotton polyester panels over the shoulder blades for an increased range of motion. On cooler days, grab the M-Flex Pullover or Knockdown Vest, which use the same technology.
The Lightweight Highland Pant, along with the rest of Maide’s collection is available through the brand’s website and Trendygolf. You can also find it in specialty stores and pro shops across the country including New York Golf Center, Golfsmith, and select PGA Superstore locations. To try before you buy, make an appointment at one of Bonobos’ Guideshops located in 20 cities across the U.S.
Maide by Bonobos on the web: maidegolf.com
Maide by Bonobos on Facebook: @Bonobos
Maide by Bonobos on Twitter: @Bonobos
Maide by Bonobos on Instagram: @bonobos