Ralph Lauren continues its streak as the official outfitter for the U.S. Ryder Cup Team, maintaining this role for the fifth consecutive time. The uniforms for 2023 are no longer a mystery as the American fashion house has revealed the team’s attire, spanning players, captains, caddies, and even significant others. These carefully curated kits and layering components are set to grace the fairways of Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, Italy the final week of September.
The Ryder Cup is one of the premier events in professional golf and Ralph Lauren has introduced a collection that meets the event’s stature by marrying both fashion and function. Crafted from cutting-edge technical fabrics, these outfits boast top-tier moisture-wicking properties, exceptional stretch, and optimized airflow. The polos have been meticulously designed to ensure a full range of unhindered motion, while the pants effortlessly combine lightweight construction with flexibility.
New Looks & Reimagined Favorites
What has consistently impressed me about Ralph Lauren’s approach to the Ryder Cup uniforms throughout the past decade is its skillful fusion of modern technology, innovative pieces, and classic designs. This tradition of blending the old with the new persists in the collection for 2023. While the presence of a patriotic color scheme – encompassing the timeless red, white, and blue – comes as no surprise, the introduction of a vibrant sapphire blue to complement the traditional navy brings a revitalizing touch. Iconic stars and stripes are joined by bold diagonal color-blocking patterns and subtle embossed prints. Fresh design elements such as the incorporation of “MMXXIII” and “Dodici Forti” (Italian for “Twelve Strong”) pay homage to the host country, seamlessly intertwining with the familiar “United We Stand” slogan, the 12 stars, and the “USA” inscription adorning the trouser legs.
So, what will the U.S. team be wearing every day? Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the U.S. kits.
Practice Days
Practice Day 1
GolfThreads’ Take: Shake off some jet lag and sip an espresso. This is the equivalent of an easy opening Par 4. Nothing flashy; just a solid shirt and solid pants to ease your way into the week. Tiger always finished his week in victory red. Why not set the tone by starting the week in victory red?
Practice Day 2
GolfThreads’ Take: This is the most intriguing fit of the week and it features a solid shirt and pants again. I’m interested to see how the combo of the navy polo and sapphire blue pants plays out. It’s not a color pairing I’d necessarily think to wear together, but I think it may be a low-key favorite for Kit of the Week.
Practice Day 3
GolfThreads’ Take: Are you catching a theme here for the practice rounds? Another solid shirt/solid pants pairing. Let’s not sleep on these red, white, and blue striped belts. They look incredible with these solid-on-solid fits and add some fashion flair to the looks.
Practice Day 4
GolfThreads’ Take: Let’s get this party started! A classic Ralph Lauren design here with wide color-blocked stripes. Again, I’m digging this sapphire blue color, how it is used as an accent stripe on the center of this polo, and how it syncs with the trousers of the same color. This fit deserves better than being relegated to a practice round.
Match Days
Match Day 1
GolfThreads’ Take: You can almost hear “Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole” reverberating through the stands of the first tee as you look at this outfit for the opening day of matches. This traditional stripe polo with a tipped collar has a “down to business” feel to it, especially when paired with navy blue pants. Jordan Spieth will wear this well.
Match Day 2
GolfThreads’ Take: A fast and sporty look for a day when you need to hit the accelerator. The bold red and blue chest stripes make a strong statement and will look great on a guy like Tony Finau who isn’t afraid to find another gear when the race is on.
Match Day 3
GolfThreads’ Take: Will the U.S. be poppin’ bottles or crying in their beers in this ensemble? Ralph Lauren hasn’t been afraid to break some old-school fashion rules at previous Ryder Cups (think back to the camo polo/pinstriped trousers in 2021), and stylists are once again pushing the boundaries, albeit subtly, by pairing a striped shirt with embossed pants. The novelty print includes everything from “USA” and “United We Stand” to the Ryder Cup logo, stars, and crossed golf clubs. At a distance, the pants will wear like a solid, but up close, will the pattern be too much with the shirt?
Don’t Sleep on the Layers
The cashmere hoodies were both a player and fan favorite two years ago at Whistling Straits. They return for another tour of duty this year with a sporty update that features a double stripe across the chest and sleeves along with the Ryder Cup logo front and center on the sternum. The wool sweater with players’ names knitted into the back makes a comeback, as well. In 2021, we saw a crewneck version of this, however this year, it is a quarter-zip and the color blocking is reversed. Also making a return is a hybrid jacket that has been a go-to for players over the years. Look for a subtle update to this year’s version with updated channeling on the insulated front of the jacket. What I like about all of the layering options is the fact they can easily be mixed and matched with any of the daily polo and pants combos.
The layering piece that will be the talk of social media in 2023 will be the Cricket Sweater. The white cable knit v-neck with blue and red stripes is a preppy, retro addition to the team’s wardrobe for Italy. Another eye-catching layer is a jacket with diagonal color blocking. The red, white, navy, and sapphire design has a bit of a soccer jersey or Formula 1 racing vibe to it.
Half-zips and tech vests are always popular choices with the players and Ralph Lauren has created new options this year. Expect the lightweight tech half-zip with a new star ombre embossed pattern to be a go-to for many players throughout the week. Another pullover in a color-blocked design is a more understated option. A technical vest makes for a bold and colorful play with contrasting zippers and panels set against a navy shell.
Join the Team
Even if the closest you get to the action is your couch, you can still sport your team spirit. The Ryder Cup Collection is now available at RalphLauren.com, Shop.RyderCup.com, Bloomingdales, and select golf clubs, resorts, and retail shops.
Best in show – the belt. I also like the criquet sweater. If they made a women’s version of the belt and sweater, I would definitely buy them. I know that lots of people have panned the collection, but as a RL lover, I think it is great even though it might not be groundbreaking. I also dig those embossed pants.
The layering pieces are again the standout parts of the kit here! RL always crushes this part of the US uni and this year is no different! Especially love the hoodie here!
America the boring more like – this could be any one of the past five sets of uniforms with the new badge sewn on. Need some fresh ideas and to stop being so hung up on everything having to be red, white or blue.