Wear This Not That

To begin, I am not a huge fan of plaid pants/shorts.  I tend to side with Happy Gilmore on this one.  Goofy pants have given golf a reputation for bad style.  However, plaid is an element of traditional golf apparel, and can be worn successfully if chosen well.

In the image above, I am comparing overall color palette not design.  Personally, I like the design of the Puma Golf Plaid Tech Pant ($90), shown above, better than the Nike Core Plaid Short ($70) below, however, there is a more important point here.  Guys, don't just grab a pair of pants/shorts and what you feel is a matching shirt and march to the checkout counter.  Think for a minute about the level of obnoxiousness your selection might give off.  The difference here between the options on the left and those on the right is the incorporation of a neutral color.  If you look closely, the Puma pants on the left have an electric blue pin stripe accent, however, black and white are dominant.  These pants would look great paired with an electric blue shirt.  The Nike Golf shorts to the left use gray as one of two dominant colors to balance out the coral.  In contrast, the choices on the right use two or more strong colors within the plaid.  I definitely think there are personality types, and situations that will allow for this type of boldness, I just feel strongly they are less common than the average weekend golfer realizes.  Rickie Fowler and Graham DeLaet need to stand out on the PGA Tour and grow their brand, as professionals.  What is your excuse?

To purchase any of the selections above visit: http://www.golfgalaxy.com  or visit your local golf equipment and apparel retailer. 

          

Wear This Not That

You can be rest assured this will not be the first time I say, "Do not wear stripes with plaids."  It should be obvious, but I see you guys.  You are still carelessly indulging in this fashion mistake.  Just promise not to do it again.  MmmK?

I really like the Nike Golf Plaid Short shown her in "fiberglass."  The plaid consists of white, olive, sea foam green and orange.  I am not always a huge fan of plaid shorts, but this design is so subtle that they are still fresh and classy.  You either go safe with this route or you go all the way in with the "crazy, sexy, cool" route in a pair of Sligo Wear or Puma shorts.  The Nike Golf Plaid Short retails for $70 and is available in four other colors, however, they do not all look as great as this option.  Buyer beware.

Now, let's talk about this shirt situation, spotted at Golf Galaxy.  Someone should have had to forfeit their lunch hour over this mess.  You do not pair stripes with plaids.  I almost re-did this display for them out of the kindness of my heart.  Not only is the classic stripped polo shown to the right, typical, boring and freaking orange, it simply clashes with those shorts.  Choose the Nike Fashion Chest Print Polo to the left instead.  It is a $70 investment that will keep you from looking like a fool.  The polo is white with an olive diagonal color block coming across the sea foam pocket.  It has a unique look and ties in perfectly with the shorts. 

Recap: Do not wear stripes with plaids.  I am counting the number of guys I see this weekend in attendance at the HP Byron Nelson Championships ignoring my advice.  Will keep you posted.  

Purchase these items at Golf Galaxy:  http://www.golfgalaxy.com

 

Up and Down- Players Championship

Look, before I start can we all just agree to remember I am talking about golf apparel.  I am not taking a stance on who is a better golfer or more deserving of a win this week, and by no means am I discussing who is more likable.  Topic at hand is who looked better on the fairway.  Though, can I just say, that if there was no drama in golf it would be so boring.  Most of the world already thinks it is boring anyway, so why are we complaining that Sergio adds some flare?  Speaking of... 

Up: Sergio Garcia in adidas Golf

For the Players Championship, adidas continued their reoccurring team concept, dressing each of their tour staff in the same attire for the tournament.  Now, we all may get tired of this move by the end of the season, but I for one am still loving it.  Aside from the genius marking and advertising strategy, the style has been fresh and on point.  Though Sergio isn't technically the only one I am giving my thumbs up to, he was the one we saw the most of, since he worked his way to the top of the leader board early in the week.  I was impressed with all four versions of the adidas 2013 Players Championship Polo.  The diagonal stripes and one off sleeve makes the look fun and interesting.  You can purchase one for under $65.  Just do it.  Sorry Nike, adidas wins this week...style award anyway.  

 

Down: Tiger Woods in Nike Golf

Listen, this will basically be my stance every week.  Tiger looks blah and boring almost every time he sets foot on the golf course.  Always has, always will.  Some would argue that is totally fine because he does not need his apparel to be unique, since being the best golfer in the world is unique enough.  Probably true, but he still gets a thumbs down from me today.  First of all, Tiger didn't wear pink all week.  Not even a ribbon.  Weak move.  Tiger has made it clear by his actions, many times over, that he does not have to go with the standard flow, but sometimes, it's the right thing to do.  Nike Golf should have made sure the face of their brand wore some pink this week.  Furthermore, take a look at the friendly little image below from Saturday's round.  The eye is drawn to Sergio, who looks vibrant and full of energy (yeah, yeah apparel not personality) and Tiger looks drab.  Then on Sunday, Tiger swung the pendulum over to gaudy as many were questioning if he had on freaking red velvet! I mean, that would be a new spin on his traditional Sunday uniform, but maybe a little much.  What's next?  Gold pinstripes in his black pants? 

Up Sergio. Down Tiger.  A very different result from the outcome of the actual golf portion of this week's tournament, but at least Sergio walks away with something.  I am sure it will not help him sleep tonight, but looking good is half the battle right?     

 

Purchase the adidas 2013 Players Championship Polo at Golf Circuit here: http://www.golfcircuit.com/Adidas-Golf-2013-Players-Championship-Polo/__5408.html

Wear This Not That

Greetings from Dallas! It is currently 81 degrees and sunny here in the Big D and it is not looking to get cooler anytime soon.  If you know anything about Texas, you know it is disgustingly hot here.  So...in other words...welcome to shorts weather boys! It may still be snowing where you are, but if nothing else this will give you something to look forward to. 

Remember how in elementary school, on tests they would put four pictures on a test and have you tell which one does not fit in?  This exercise is similar...go.  Pretty easy pick right?  Bottom right plaid shorts.  However, is that your pick for purchase?  I would advise no.  Move away from the plaid adidas shorts.  This particular option of dark plaid is the adidas CLIMALITE Neutral Plaid Short in Black and retails at $65.  It is not the worst pair of plaid shorts on the market by far, I just want to guide you to make better choices.  (My advice stops with your golf style...I cannot help you in the other areas you tend to struggle in.)  

As I will continue to mention, a little pattern and design is preferred, but it goes a long way.  Each of the remaining shorts shown above are all dark gray or black and have a nice attractive design.  Plain is boring by definition, so we try to steer clear of plain whenever possible.  Each of these shorts are made from moisture wicking or heat reflective material to keep you cool and are provided by high quality golf apparel companies, so you cannot screw this up.  In the top left corner you have the Nike Golf Stripe Short in gray, for purchase at $65.  Next, top right, is the Under Armour Embossed Flat Front Short in black at $75. Finally, in bottom left, you see the Oakley Stripe It Short in jet black.  This short retails at $70.

Now, go treat yourself to a fro-yo and a nice sleek new pair of golf shorts.  It's finally time for summer golf and relaxing on the patio afterward! Ahhhhh......

Purchase one of these options now at http://www.golfgalaxy.com or at other golf apparel distributors. 

Wear This Not That

Ok guys, let's face it.  Putting together a great looking outfit to head out of the house in, is not a skill that all of you possess.  Walking into a store and trying to decide what works and what doesn't can be painful.  Most of you just pull the first thing that strikes your eye off the shelf and dash out of the store.  This round of posts is meant to help educate you on some looks that can be worn in confidence, and to save you from purchasing items that should probably never be worn period. 

Let's take a look at white polos with a primary color of blue/turquoise and accents of gray and/or red.  The two shirts above are offered by Slazenger.  I have to be honest.  I don't immediately hate either one of them, but that is probably just because my favorite color is turquoise.  Most people are not going to be able to pull off such bold patterns.  I am a huge fan of both patterns and bright colors, however, you have to use in moderation in most cases.  The "Batley Polo" on the left is described as a "plaid print" shirt.  I would not call that plaid, rather bold streaks that form an awkward cross pattern.  Also, for the "Action Polo" on the right, is it houndstooth pattern, is it stars??   Both shirts retail at $60 and are made from a 100% polyester UV protection, wicking fabric.  

  
 As an alternative, Oakley has a couple of nice options available in the this style.  These two polos are similar to the versions mentioned previously, yet have less abrasive patterns.  While maintaining the same color palette, there is nothing screaming at you across the front of the shirt.  Both still provide an interesting design, instead of the traditional striped polo look.  The Oakley shirts are made from similar fabric to that of the Slazenger ones and are comparable in price at $65.  The option on the left is called the "Fade Polo" and the shirt on the right is the "Cross Cut Print."  Both are available for purchase at Golf Galaxy.  Check out these and other apparel selections at: http://www.golfgalaxy.com