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Hopkins Custom Apparel offers custom golf polos, jackets, and hoodies for uses like corporate outings or private label shops.  Excellent quality and endless design options.

Introduction

I consider Matt Saternus and myself pretty knowledgeable when it comes to products in the golf industry.  We don’t claim to know all the details of every golf shaft or the spin characteristics of every golf ball, but we’re familiar with most companies and their products.  But we both scratched our heads when Steve Hopkins, president of UFO Tour Golf, asked if we’d be interested in an apparel review.  Turns out Steve not only makes amazing custom golf bags [see my full review HERE], but he also produces custom apparel items under the brand Hopkins Custom Apparel.  You may be wearing one right now – I’ll explain that in a moment.

Style

This is a tricky category to evaluate because of the custom nature of the apparel.  Take the three pieces highlighted in this review as examples.  The polo features a self-collar with sewn in stays giving it a crisp, high-end look.  Yet the addition of PIG icons creates a more whimsical style.

By adding the same sublimated print of the polo on the inside of the collar, the quarter zip is transformed from a simple golf layer to a style-forward masterpiece.  The designers at Hopkins Custom Apparel did a wonderful job accommodating the Plugged In Golf color palette and the embroidery execution is top notch.

Right on trend, the hoodie is a great casual piece.  Being able to have a custom print in the interior of the hoodie makes it truly special.  The 92% polyester/8% spandex blend fabric is that perfect weight for adding a little warmth without looking bulky.

Fit

I’d categorize the fit of all three pieces as athletic.  I went with my normal medium, and the fit was nearly ideal.  I’m 5’10” and 165 lbs. (maybe more since I haven’t been on a scale since Thanksgiving) and found the polo to have a sleek silhouette without being tight fitting.  Sleeves covered my biceps, and the torso length is clearly intended to be tucked in.

The quarter zip and hoodie are perfect for layering.  I appreciated that the sleeve lengths were long enough to cover my wrists even in the midst of a full turn.  The Hopkins Custom Apparel size guide goes from XS to 5XL in mens, and S to 3XL in ladies – plenty of options.

Performance

The hoodie’s 92% polyester/8% spandex blend is found in all three pieces.  The spandex offered wonderful flex – I never encountered a hint of resistance regardless of the gyrations of my golf swing.

My only dislike was the draw cords on the hoodie – they just seemed to stick out awkwardly.  I really liked that under my chin, the fabric was tall (similar to a mock turtleneck) and that the hood offered ample coverage.  In fact I recommend wearing a golf hat if you ever plan to cinch the hood to avoid covering your eyes.

Conclusion

As you may have guessed, custom apparel from Hopkins isn’t for you and your partner to stand out at the next member-guest.  The minimum order is for 50 pieces of a particular style.  But for a corporate outing, Hopkins Custom Apparel seems like a perfect choice in my book.  The ability to incorporate logos via sublimation or embroidery offers tremendous options.  And remember when I said “you might be wearing one right now” in the intro?  Well, Hopkins Custom Apparel can also incorporate custom labels and hang tags – like those on the apparel you may have purchased at that fancy private golf club.

Visit Hopkins Custom Apparel HERE

The post Hopkins Custom Apparel Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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Ashworth golf apparel is classic and cool.  It’s an old-school brand that is easy to wear on and off the golf course and can easily pair with other pieces.  

Introduction

Ashworth is one of, if not the, original golf-specific apparel brands.  Founded in 1987, the brand entered the golf culture zeitgeist in earnest when the company’s longtime spokesman Fred Couples won The Masters in 1992.  Since then, the brand has continued providing golf apparel for on and off the course.  They have a classic, old-school style that harkens back to the late 80’s and 90’s.  Generally, their clothing gives the impression it’s designed for a slightly older golfer, but retro fashion from that period is absolutely in vogue.

Style

Golfers will never confuse Ashworth with the loud patterns, colors, and designs of a company like Bad Birdie.  By contrast, Ashworth is reminiscent of companies like Dunning or Peter Millar.  Most pieces feature a solid color; but the ones that aren’t often display horizontal lines.  The rest have relatively simple patterns like flowers, birds, or dots.  

In short, Ashworth has a traditional vibe.  While they feature colors like blue, green, red, and purple, overall their color palate is simple by design.  The colors are subtle, featuring color blocking often with complimentary white, black, or grey accents.   As a result, I found it extremely easy to pair up multiple pieces from them for complete looks with no stylist’s opinion required.  It was also cool to note that most of their polos, jackets, and vests had multiple colorway options.  

Fit

Ashworth is a golf clothing company, not just a clothes company that makes golf clothes.  A handful of design choices are made with a golfer in mind.  One noticeable one is that their polos are an inch longer in the back so they don’t pop out when you bend over to pick a ball up, swing your club, or crouch to read a putt.  There’s also the exact range you’d expect them to be in terms of sizes from small through to a XXXL.  

For most menswear brands, medium fits me for shirts (I’m 6’1” 180lbs for reference).  Ashworth’s fits were right on the money, although the feel could vary because they use various materials depending on the specific piece.  For outerwear I am a large, and, again, the fit was exactly what I was hoping for: fitted.  If you don’t like your clothing fitted, going a size up will likely be your preference.  

The one pair of shorts on offer is called their clubhouse shorts.  Thanks to the appropriately named Ashford Comfort Waistband, they have a particularly cozy, secure fit utilizing a combination of materials, mostly poly with some spandex incorporated.  The shorts come in navy and charcoal colorways and range in waist size from 30 to 44.  

Performance

Ashworth’s website suggests that their clothing is just as good for golf as beachwear, and I found this to be true.  The polos are comfortable to wear on the courses in Chicagoland or while walking around the beach and downtown Lake Geneva.  That goes for each piece I tried, the polos, shorts, jacket, and quarter zip.  

The feel of the clothing did vary because different materials were used.  The pictured red and white polos feature 94% poly and 6% spandex and both felt extremely soft and slick to the touch.  As someone who is touch-sensitive, I enjoyed that feeling.  The brown with horizontal stripes still felt good but was noticeably rougher to the touch than the 100% poly style.  Having both options is good, however, as it gives more people with different preferences different options.  

They also offer performance sleeves.  For a more traditional kind of apparel company, it was nice to see they had this option.  They mean what they say, that they are a golf apparel company for golfers.  The sleeves fit well, felt smooth and stretchy, and didn’t constrict my swing at all.  They come in S/M (pictured above), L/XL, and XXL sizes and only in white.  They did their job well, as I never got any sunburn while wearing them but didn’t feel overheated either.  

The shorts felt great to wear on course.  I found it easy to bend, stretch, and swing without being constrained.  I found them to also be quick-drying and moisture-wicking as well.

Conclusion 

Ashworth is designed by golfers for golfers. Their brand is not the newest or flashiest in golf clothing; they are completely okay with that. Their clothing is comfortable, timeless, and effortlessly wearable. They feel luxe and premium.  It’s a brand that can effortlessly be added to most golfers’ wardrobes, and one that I’d recommend you look into. 

Visit Ashworth Golf HERE

The post Ashworth Golf Apparel Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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Flag & Anthem offers high end quality golf apparel at a reasonable price.  Using a variety of styles and patterns, it’s perfect for any golfer.

Shop HERE and use code A24PLUGGEDIN for 20% off and free shipping on orders over $99

Introduction

Originally established in 2016, Flag & Anthem was started by two industry experts that have been designing clothing for over 20 years.  Their mantra is to offer quality clothing that is both durable and affordable.  I got a few golf pieces to put these claims to the test both on and off the course.

Style

The first thing I noticed about Flag & Anthem’s style is that they don’t try to do too much.  Their focus is more on producing high quality goods that will last rather than obnoxious or neon styles.  I found this refreshing especially in a space that has become quite crowded.

For golf polos, there is a good variety of color block and stripes like the Wilmington or Naples polos featured in this review.  The understated colors made it easy to style with almost anything including Flag & Anthem’s Madeflex Performance puffer vest.

For those of us who aren’t fashion experts, this entire line is foolproof to ensure you look good on the course.  I ordered a few different varieties of pants and shorts, but they all followed the core colors of navy, khaki, grey, and black.  Made of 100% polyester, the shorts can be styled with almost anything and you don’t even need to golf to use these everyday.

Fit

For the polos, I found the fit to be exactly what a dad of two kids in his mid thirties needs.  It wasn’t too tight in any particular areas but had a flattering shape versus a generic box.  The sizing for each shirt was what I expected.

For reference, I am normally a medium or large in most shirts and polos but small in an oversized brand like FJ or Peter Millar.  I ordered mediums from Flag & Anthem, and everything fit perfectly.

The shorts and pants are offered in both even and odd size numbers which I love as it’s rarer to find in men’s waist sizes even for non golf attire.  Sizing was spot on but the added flex around the waist band can make multiple sizes feel custom.

In addition to the shorts, The Pivot Performance pants are also majority polyester but with a 10% spandex combination providing a bit more stretch.  These are a straight fit without any bagginess to them, so they will suit a variety of styles and looks both on and off the course.

If there was anything lacking here, it would be the limited options for inseam length on shorts.  While the only option was an eight inch inseam, this length likely fits the widest array of players and preferences.  If I had the choice, I would’ve gone with a seven inseam but that is just personal preference.

Performance

Considering all the many performance brands selling stretchy polos today, it’s hard to tell a lot of them apart.  When it comes to performance, it’s all in the details.

For Flag & Anthem, they designed their own Madeflex performance combination for their polos which are 89% polyester and 11% spandex.  I found this material to be very breathable for those hot days with enough stretch to not interfere with any type of swing.

The moisture wicking material came in particularly handy when I walked 18 on a hot October afternoon.  I noticed when I finished, I had zero sweat stains anywhere.  Two days later, it was cool enough to don the Performance Puffer Vest which provided the extra warmth I needed but still had a spandex liner that ran down the sides to reduce any impediment during a full swing.

On the course, the pants were lighter than expected and very breathable to the point that they are best used for cooler summer days or shoulder season rounds.   Anything colder and you will likely want a heavier style.

My favorite feature of the pants, which was also present in the shorts, was the netted pocket liner.  I can’t tell you how much sand and dirt has ends up in my golf pockets from tees and divot tools used in a round.  This liner filtered much of that out.

The polos and shorts come in at quite a value at $59 each while the pants are $79.  Outerwear is priced in the $69 to $99 range.

Conclusion

Flag & Anthem generates high quality golf performance apparel at reasonable prices.  The variety of style and attention to detail makes this the value apparel brand of the year.

Shop Flag & Anthem HERE

Use code A24PLUGGEDIN for 20% off and free shipping on orders over $99

The post Flag & Anthem Apparel Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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The G/FORE Operative Collection is built for movement.  Light weight.  Loads of pockets.  Simple color palette makes it easy to mix and match.  Proves athletic wear doesn’t need to be boring.

Introduction

Most Plugged In Golf readers know G/FORE for their spikeless shoes that blend strong performance with elevated style.  The company is now bringing that same dual focus to athletic wear with the G/FORE Operative Collection.  If you’re ready to turn heads in the gym rather than blending in, read on.

Style

The G/FORE Operative Collection utilizes a limited color palette to put the focus on textural details and let the statement pieces shine.  Everything in this collection is black, white, or a blue that is somewhere between royal and electric.  If you like a collection that’s easy to mix and match, this is for you.

On the men’s side, the Monogram G’s Ops B-Ball Short is one of the real standout pieces.  Almost everything else is solid.  There are several shoes in the collection which will add a lot of pop to any outfit.  I also need to shout out the monotone “No1 Cares What You Shot” hat, an instant favorite.  I’ve always loved that line, and I especially like that the black-on-black makes people look more closely to read this critical message.

For the ladies, the story is pretty similar, but there are more interesting textures.  The Micro-Pleat Ops High Waisted Skort doesn’t need any contrasting color to be an eye-catcher.  Whether for pickleball, golf, or casual wear, the shoes in the Ops Collection are akin to the G/FORE G/18 golf shoes [review HERE] with their bold styling.

Fit

The men’s apparel in the G/FORE Operative Collection has a comfortable fit and sizing.  Above, I’m wearing the Tech Melange Raglan Quarter Zip Pullover and Stretch Warp Knit Ops Cargo Jogger, both in size large.  Both pieces offer ample room to move, but neither is overly baggy.  The fit is ideal for action, which is what this collection is built for.  All of these pieces have become regulars in my wardrobe because they look sharp, and they can be worn to the course, the gym, or anywhere else.

One special note: these are some of the shortest joggers I’ve worn.  Once I get moving, I will be showing some ankle.  If you’re not ready to fully embrace that look, these won’t be for you.

Lauren had similar notes for the women’s G/FORE Operative Collection, stating that the sizing was appropriate for workout gear.  Some of the pieces required some effort to get into, but that provided the desirable secure fit and “snatched” look.  I don’t know what that means (she’s cooler than me), but it seemed very positive.  She also noted that all of the apparel had a high quality feel, which should be a given in this price range, but often is not.

Performance

Starting with the women’s side of the G/FORE Operative Collection, Lauren was very pleased with the inclusion of pockets on almost every piece.  She also made special note of the quality shorts on the Micro-Pleat Ops High Waisted Skort, reporting that they provided more substantial coverage, allowing her to move freely.

The key trait that runs through the entire collection is light weight.  Pieces like the aforementioned skort felt barely there.  This gives the collection more versatility, allowing you to be comfortable in any piece even when you’re working hard.  Lauren also noted the Silky Tech Nylon Ruched Full Zip Layer was so light it could be worn for sun protection even at higher temps.

Those key performance elements carry over to the men’s side, too.  The Tech Melange Raglan Quarter Zip Pullover is the lightest I’ve ever encountered, which is great for those that want to start quarter zip season a bit early.  That light weight also allows these pieces to move well, making them an easy choice for looking a bit classier in the gym.

G/FORE has loaded up the men’s pieces with pockets, too.  There’s a zippered pocket and a standard pocket on the Monogram G’s Ops B-Ball Short, which is fantastic.  The Stretch Warp Knit Ops Cargo Jogger lives up to the “cargo” name with five zippered pockets.  While that may be overkill, it’s nice to be able to secure your stuff and focus on your activity.

Finally, the one piece that deviates from the light weight of the G/FORE Operative Collection is the basketball shorts, and I couldn’t be happier for it.  I’ve been on a quest to find basketball shorts that have the thick, heavy, quality feel of shorts from the 90s and 2000s and have been coming up empty.  There’s a time and place for the paper-thin shorts that are the norm today, but these fill a void in the heart of this elder millennial hooper .

Conclusion

Whether your athletic endeavors happen on the golf course, in the gym, or on the hardwood, the G/FORE Operative Collection will keep you moving well and looking sharp.  These high quality pieces are fashionable without being trendy, functional without being bland.

Shop the G/FORE Operative Collection HERE

The post G/FORE Operative Collection Apparel Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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Swiftwick socks offer golfers a variety of options to optimize their comfort and performance on the course.  From slightly thicker Merino wool to the airy Performance model, there’s a perfect sock for every weather condition and player preference.

Introduction

While many golfers fret about their shoes – the style, the spikes, and more – not enough think about their socks.  Socks are a major driver of how comfortable your feet will be during and after the round, and they’re worth putting some thought into.  Swiftwick is a company that has put extraordinary amounts of thought into socks, offering all types of athletes an array of options.  I tested five different Swiftwick socks for this review.

Swiftwick Golf Socks

There are five different models of Swiftwick socks in the Golf category: Pursuit, Flite XT, Aspire, Performance, and Maxus.  All feature Swiftwick’s “Core Technology” – Fiber First Moisture Wicking and Contoured Compression Fit.  Per the company, that means they use high performance fibers that breathe and inherently move moisture and that their socks are designed to fit your foot without bunching or leaving void spaces.

Beyond these two shared traits, every sock is designed for a little something different.  I’ll list Swiftwick’s descriptions here, then break down my own findings in the Comfort and Performance sections.

• Aspire: Light cushioning, firm compression
• Flite XT: Stability, Anklelock Technology, GripDry Fiber
• Performance: Durable design, lasting comfort
• Maxus: Maximum comfort
• Pursuit: Merino wool for all-season temperature control

Style

The number of style options depends on the model that you choose.  The Swiftwick Performance sock comes in black and white only.  Swiftwick’s Pursuit is available in black and heather (above, top left).

Moving into the Aspire, Flite XT, and Maxus, the sock has more design detail on it, and there are many more color choices.  Flite XT is offered in black, white, grey, Purple Boost, Citron Spark (neon yellow), Orange Flare, and Blue Laser (above, top right).  The Maxus comes in black, white, grey, Mist, Pink Jade, Magenta, Emerald, and Midnight Blue (above, bottom right).  Finally, the Aspire is available in the widest selection – an astounding fourteen colorways including Cobalt Blue (above, top middle), Purple Fuschia, and Boysenberry.

Note that most of the fun color options are only available in the Zero (no show) height.  As an Elder Millenial, this is the way.

Comfort

Out of the gate, Swiftwick socks get a jump on offering superior comfort by giving golfers more choices.  Their socks comes in four sizes, aligned with men’s shoe size 3 to 15.  They also offer three different lengths: Zero (no show), One (ankle), and Two (Quarter Crew).  Zero Tab is a no show length with a small extra tab on the heel.

A common trait across the line is the superior shape and fit.  Cheap socks are just tubes of fabric that can bunch up or leave gaps.  This can lead to discomfort and blisters.  Swiftwick socks have substantial shaping that gently hugs your foot.

Across the five models, you can find any feel from light and airy to cushioned and more substantial.  The Performance model is the lightest, feeling almost like going barefoot.  Aspire is very similar – light and highly breathable.  The Swiftwick Flite XT is the middle of the bell curve for me.  It’s not as light as the Performance but it’s not as heavy or padded as the Maxus or Pursuit.  The Maxus is the most padded underfoot, and the Merino wool Pursuit has the thickest feel, though it’s much thinner than other wool socks I’ve worn.

Before moving on, I want to be clear that there are more commonalities between these socks than differences.  I think the differences are meaningful, especially over a four hour walk, but even in head-to-head testing most of the changes are not night and day.

Performance

I wore all five models of Swiftwick socks for range sessions, golf, the gym, and summer walks in my neighborhood.  My overarching takeaway is that there is a much bigger difference between Swiftwick socks and “regular” socks than there is between any of the five Swiftwick models.  The Core Technologies of moisture wicking and Contoured Compression Fit are noticeable in every sock.  Even in extreme heat, my feet stayed cool, dry, and supported.

While I would happily wear any of these models, for the current summer heat, the Performance has been my favorite for its airy feel.  It has the least cushioning, but, as someone who likes barefoot shoes, that’s not a problem for me.  The Aspire is a very similar sock with just a little more compression, and I’ve been wearing this a lot, also.  If you want more cushioning, the Maxus is hard to beat.  The footbed is thicker and it has nice structure without being overly thick.

For the other three seasons, I’ll be wearing the Pursuit more regularly.  As a longtime wearer of Merino wool socks, I stand by Swiftwick’s claim that these are “all weather” socks.  If I could only have one pair of Swiftwick socks, it would probably be the Pursuit because they’re going to be great in the cold while still breathing.  And, again, they’re thinner than other Merino wool socks I’ve worn, which helps with the moisture wicking and breathability.

Finally, the Flite XT is an amazing sock that, for me, feels like a little more than I need for golf.  There’s extra grip built into the heel and toe to keep the sock perfectly positioned, which is cool, but I’m not moving that explosively on the golf course.  This may become my go-to hooping sock, though.  Getting the sizing right is extra important on these or else the grippy heel pad won’t be in the right spot.

If you want more help picking the correct model, Swiftwick offers a Sock Finder Quick HERE.  It’s just three questions, and some may find it preferable to reading the bullet points on each model and picking for themself.

Conclusion

If you’re currently wearing quality golf shoes with cheap socks, let this be your signal that it’s time to change.  Swiftwick socks have a precision fit and high quality materials that will keep your feet comfortable regardless of the conditions.  Whether you want maximum cushioning or a lighter than air feel, there’s a Swiftwick model for you.

Buy Swiftwick Socks HERE

The post Swiftwick Socks Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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With silky soft fabric and a fit that evokes confidence, the johnnie-O women’s golf collection puts the “Oh!” in clothes.

Introduction

One of the few surviving and thriving shopping malls is an 11-minute drive from my house.  Nonetheless, I do at least 90% of my apparel shopping online.  Why deal with parking and crowds when I can sit and click my way to a new outfit?  That said, shopping online brings uncertainty.  How will these pants actually fit?  How will the fabric feel?

I’m here to tell you, in no uncertain terms, that johnnie-O clothes fit flexibly and the fabric kisses the skin.  Each piece is super soft and breathable without sacrificing form, thanks to the modal spandex fabric.  Pieces not only fit true-to-size but have forgiveness, so you can shop and wear with confidence.

Looks

Athletic apparel has become a staple for any time of day.  Why?  Because it has the potential to be both comfortable and attractive.  Before the days of athleisure, we embraced discomfort to get the desired look.  Or we accepted frumpiness in favor of comfort.

Gone are the days of sacrifice.  johnnie-O pieces fit like a dream.  The shirts are flowy but not baggy.  The tennis dress is flexible yet structured and form-fitting.  I love the cutout feature in the back.  It’s another way to keep cool, and I still felt like I was dressing my elder millennial age.  The colors in johnnie-O’s new collection are vibrant and reminiscent of the classic Team USA uniforms.  Crisp, clean lines with bold yet simple contrast.  johnnie-O’s aesthetic is stylish, classy, and ready for competition.  But don’t take my word for it – go browse the many options and find your perfect fit.

Comfort

At its best, trying on clothes is a luxury.  The feel of the fabric is the first thing you notice.  When trying on johnnie-O apparel, the first sensation is cool, soft fabric.  It’s like climbing into silky bed sheets on a hot summer day.  A luxury indeed.

Beyond the initial feeling, comfort is about wearability. What does it feel like after a few minutes or a few hours in the sun?  To test this, I took a trip to the park to play a round of tennis against my much more fit husband.  After shaking the dust off my racket, learning to ignore the myriad pickleball lines, and remembering to always hit to his backhand, I was able to muster a comeback.  We ended at 2-2 to keep things comfortably friendly.  Despite working up a sweat in the Illinois heat (yes, it’s a thing sometimes), my johnnie-O dress looked just as good by the end of the match.  I was dripping sweat but not sweating through the white dress.

Performance

While johnnie-O performs beautifully in the comfort and looks categories, we couldn’t talk about golf clothes without talking about performance.  johnnie-O uses fabric that is highly flexible and moves with you.  It’s perfect for a hot summer day, and that means that while everything feels durable.  The breathability means a bit of visibility with white pieces as well. Garment appropriately.

If you’ve read my previous posts, you may remember that I am a stickler when it comes to pockets in women’s clothing.  You won’t find them in johnnie-O’s Performance Sport Mini Dress, but the Performance Skirt has three good-sized pockets, two of which are cleverly hidden in the undershorts.

Conclusion

johnnie-O is a brand for many sports and activities.  Their new Performance Collection keeps you looking, feeling, and performing your best.  If you see me on the course this summer, I’ll most likely be wearing the Maisie Polo and Gabby Performance Skirt, with my phone, golf balls, and keys all tucked away in the pockets, of course.  

Visit johnnie-O HERE

The post johnnie-O Women’s Golf Apparel Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

Introduction

As the temperatures start to hit their annual highs, every golfer is on the lookout for a golf shirt that will keep them cool.  In this apparel shoot out, we’re comparing two shirts that can handle the heat as well as the movements of the golf swing.

The Contenders

For this comparison, we’re taking a look at the PXG  Comfort Fit Fineline Polo and the Peter Millar Dellroy Performance Mesh Polo.  These are summertime polos from one of the most established names in golf apparel and one of the best newer brands.

Fit & Sizes

Starting with the PXG Comfort Fit Fineline Polo, the fit strikes a great balance.  You don’t need to be gym rat to wear it comfortably, but there’s enough taper in the body to give it a cleaner look.  The sleeves are tailored, not tight, and they hit a couple inches about the elbow.

The PXG Comfort Fit Fineline Polo is offered in Small, Medium, Large, XL, and XXL.

The Peter Millar Dellroy Performance Mesh Polo uses their “Classic Fit” which borders on blouse-y.  There is no taper to speak of, leaving a lot of extra material around the torso.  This shirt is clearly meant to be tucked in -untucked it touches the top of my thighs.  Similarly, the sleeves are quite large.

Peter Millar sells the Dellroy Performance Mesh Polo in sizes Small, Medium, Large, XL, XXL, and 3XL.

Fabric

Peter Millar describes their performance mesh as offering a “traditional feel alongside technical know-how.”  It’s made of 94% polyester and 6% spandex, but it does feel closer to cotton than most other tech fabrics.  They describe the shirt as lightweight, but I would call it mid-weight.

PXG’s Comfort Fit Fineline Polo uses an unapologetically technical material – 85% polyamide, 15% elastane.  It’s extremely light weight with a cool, smooth feel.

Performance

Since their inception, no one has made better hot weather golf apparel than PXG, and that continues with the Comfort Fit Fineline Polo.  The heavily perforated back and ultralight material make it so breathable that you barely feel it.  It also provide UPF50+ UV protection and dries quickly.

During the swing, the Fineline Polo moves beautifully.  There’s ample stretch to accommodate almost any movement, but, if you do find its limits, the material is so light it doesn’t feel restrictive.

On the course, the Peter Millar Dellroy Performance Mesh Polo stays out of the way with its loose fit and four-way stretch fabric.  The level of stretch is impressive, but it feels a little belt-and-suspenders given how much room this shirt provides.

The performance mesh is antimicrobial and breathes well.  Peter Millar promotes this as their go-to for warm weather – and I wouldn’t disagree – but it won’t keep you as cool as the PXG Fineline Polo.  The Dellroy is best from “nice” to “warm,” but I’d stick with PXG when it’s truly “hot.”

Cost & Colors

The Peter Millar Dellroy Performance Mesh Polo retails for $105.  There are four colors available: navy (shown here), pink, lavender, and cottage blue.

PXG sells the Comfort Fit Fineline Polo for $115 in white, black, and navy (shown here).

Conclusion

Both the PXG Fineline and Peter Millar Dellroy polos are solid options when the temperatures rise.  PXG offers a more technical look and feel and better cooling.  Peter Millar will be the choice for those that grudgingly leave cotton shirts behind or those that prefer an oversized fit.

The post Best Golf Shirt: PXG vs. Peter Millar appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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Galvin Green’s golf rain suit is top-of-the-line in every respect.  Durable, high-performance materials, quality fit, and a price tag to match.

Introduction

Rain gear is an interesting category in the golf apparel space because it’s one of the few items that you would rather not have to use, given the choice [check out their daily gear HERE].  However, if you are a bona fide golf sicko, you need to have a reliable set in your wardrobe.  Galvin Green is a Swedish golf apparel brand that is synonymous with style and quality.  In this review, I examine their rain gear comprised of the Alister jacket and Alpha pant.

Style

While the priority for rain gear is undoubtedly in its performance, it’s nice to have decent style as well.  The Galvin Green Alister jacket and Alpha pant manage to accomplish that.  The pant doesn’t have a lot going on in terms of detail.  It’s mainly just a pair of black rain pants, though you’ll notice small carbon fiber-like details around the zippers.  The jacket has more going on, specifically in a modern/futuristic but clean looking style.

The jacket features a combination of navy and black with varying pattern details on the shoulders and arms (the jacket is also available in a black/gray colorway).  Overall, both pieces offer a versatile style that should go well with virtually any kind of clothing golfers are wearing on the course these days.

Fit

Being a European company, I would advise you to expect these pieces to have more of a European-style fit.  To me, that just means being cut a bit slimmer while still being true to size.  I found both pieces to fit very well, allowing ease of movement both walking and in the golf swing.

Both the Alister rain jacket and the Alpha rain pant are available in sizes S-3XL.  There’s a fit calculator tool on the company’s website to help you determine the right fit.  It’s important to make sure you’re getting the right fit in each, if you are in the market for both jacket and pants.  With rain gear there’s a delicate balance because you need each piece to fit comfortably over the clothes you’re already wearing without being too loose or too restrictive.

Performance

Here is where the rubber meets the road.  Imagine you’ve just rolled out of bed in your hotel and today is a day you’ve been looking forward to for years.  A bucket list round.  You look at your phone to check the weather and see the forecast calls for rain.  100%, it’s going to dump all day.  You’re not going to cancel the round, so you better have something to keep you dry.

Thankfully, Galvin Green’s rain gear delivers.  It does a great job of keeping water out, but it is also surprisingly breathable.  This is one of the greatest challenges facing designers and manufacturers.  It’s easy to just coat ourselves in waterproof plastic, but the problem is we end up cooking.  These pieces ensure you’ll stay as cool as possible during a summer shower.

Both the Alister jacket and Alpha pant feature GORE-TEX stretch fabric with C-KNIT backer.  According to the company, this is a premium ultra-lightweight Japanese-made fabric with a super-smooth hand feel that can easily ‘slide & glide’ over garments underneath.  Ease of movement is a key theme here, both in terms of wearing over existing clothing and also with stretching and flexing to accommodate the natural movements of the golf swing.

A small detail I appreciated about the pants is that they have fleece-lined pockets.  This is very nice when it’s cold out.  A thoughtful feature on the jacket are the adjustable tabs around the chest, which helps tailor the fit to the individual golfer’s body.

Rain gear is going to cost significantly more than normal golf clothing because of the materials and technology involved in producing it.  In this case, you’re looking at the very top-of-the-line offerings in the market.  The Alister jacket retails for $719 while the Alpha pant will set you back $619.

Conclusion

While these pieces are pricey, they absolutely deliver.  Only you can determine what represents good value for your money.  If your budget allows, these Galvin Green rain gear pieces would be at home in your golf wardrobe for years to come, ready and waiting to help salvage your rainy rounds when called upon.

Visit Galvin Green HERE

The post Galvin Green Golf Rain Gear Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

Introduction

Golf clothes are expensive, and, as more retail moves online, finding a place to try on a wide range of golf apparel is ever more challenging.  With all this in mind, we’re kicking off a new series that attempts to help you find the best golf apparel.  The first two installments will be head-to-head comparisons of some of the best pants and shirts in the game, but let us know in the comments section what you’d like to see next.

The Contenders

The two golf pants that we’re comparing for this first installment are the PXG Essential Golf Pants (black) and the Lululemon ABC Classic 5 Pocket Pant Warpstreme (blue).

Most people think of PXG as a golf club company, but they’ve been making superb golf apparel for several years, and their Essentials line is exactly what the name implies: the staples you build your wardrobe around [check out previous PXG apparel reviews HERE].  Lululemon has been around for a long time, but 2024 is their first big push into golf.

Fit & Sizes

The PXG Essential Golf Pants are offered in even waist sizes from 32″ to 40″.  I tested them at 34″ and found the waist to be true to size.  There is not an option for different lengths; I would judge the stock length to be a touch over 32″.

Lululemon’s ABC Classic 5 Pocket Pant Warpstreme are offered in every waist size from 26″ to 40″ and even sizes from 42″ to 48″.  Lengths of 28″, 30″, 32″, 34″, and 37″ are available, but not every waist size or length is offered in every color.

Both pants have a very comfortable fit that’s meant for movement.  There’s ample room in the crotch and thighs so that you can sit, stand, bend, and move without any uncomfortable pinching.  The biggest difference I noted is the taper in the lower leg.  The ABC Pants taper slightly more than the PXG Essentials.  Neither is jogger-tight around the calves, but the PXG has a looser, more airy fit.

Fabric

The PXG Essential Golf Pants are made from 100% Polyester.  The Lululemon ABC Pants 53% Elastomultiester and 47% Recycled Polyester.

PXG’s Essential Golf Pants feel lighter when I’m wearing them, despite being 0.5 ounces heavier than the ABC Pants.  That extra total weight could be a result of the longer length or heavier hardware.  Regardless, the PXG pants would be my choice for warmer temperatures.  The ABC Pants are medium-light in feel and would be fine in the summer but best in spring and fall.

Both pants are wrinkle resistant, but the added weight of the ABC Pants helps them to lay flatter.  I would also give the ABC Pants the nod for being slightly softer.

Performance

The most important criteria for golf pants is the way that they move.  Golfers need to be able to sit and stand, twist and bend without their pants bunching, pinching, or restricting their movement.

PXG’s Essential Golf Pants and Lululemon’s ABC Pants offer ample stretch for golf movements and beyond.  In both, I could go into a full squat, a deep lunge, or even a Camilo-style Spiderman pose (that reference is kind of dated now) without a hint of trouble.  When I stood up, neither required any rearranging.  Both of these pants get an A for movement.

Both pants feature the same pocket layout.  There are two pockets on the rear, with the right pocket featuring a zippered inner pocket.  They also have two pockets on the front with a coin pocket on the right side.  Since we’re getting into the details here, the rear pockets on the PXG Essential Golf Pants are larger – about 1/2″ wider and 1/4″ deeper.

Cost & Colors

The PXG Essential Golf Pants retail for $135 and come in black and grey.  Shop PXG HERE.

Lululemon’s ABC Classic 5 Pocket Pant Warpstreme cost $128 and are available in eleven shades of black, blue, grey, and brown.  Shop Lululemon HERE.

Both pants keep the branding very minimal.  The ABC Pants have a small tag on the back left hip with their logo.  The PXG logo appears on the button of the Essential Golf Pant and in a rubberized logo on the back right hip.

Conclusion

When it comes to performing well on the golf course, both the PXG Essential Golf Pants and the Lululemon ABC Pants are among the best that you can buy.  Lululemon has a decided edge in terms of options – both colors and sizes – but PXG gets the nod if you’re playing in warmer temperatures.

The post Best Golf Pants: PXG vs. Lululemon appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The johnnie-O Spring 2024 apparel collection offers an impressive variety of styles and fabrics.  West Coast vibe, geared towards the fitness minded.

Check out johnnie-O’s women’s apparel HERE

Introduction

While at the PGA Show in January, Matt and I had the pleasure of receiving an in-depth preview of many of the new products on the johnnie-O horizon.  We were amazed at the diversity and impressed with the details.   The variety of fabrics also captured our attention.  As it’s been a few years since we brought you a johnnie-O review, we thought it was a good time to revisit the brand.

Style

Whether you’re looking at their golf specific apparel, casual wear, or even something a bit more elevated, these pieces exude the laid back, west coast vibe johnnie-O is known for.  What I appreciate about the latest collection is the brighter colors, fun prints, and modern styles.  That’s not to say that you can’t find the 100% cottons or solids and simple stripes you may prefer, but that the choices are even more abundant.

A feature I’ve always liked about johnnie-O performance wear is that it looks stylish off the course.  The tropical drink print Briley is a great example.  Constructed entirely of synthetic fibers, it doesn’t appear shiny like so many performance polos.  And I’m a huge fan of the self-collar that adds to the top-shelf look.  The floral print Pederson polo adds a contrasting yoke and hidden buttons under the collar – exemplary details.

With hoodies being all the rage right now, I wasn’t surprised to see johnnie-O offer several.  And what could be more apropos than the ¼ zip hoodie named Nicklaus I tested.  Also trendy, the 5-pocket Osprey pants are on point.  Johnnie-O also offers plenty of stylish accessories like the multi-colored cotton stretch belt.

Fit

Going along with the west coast theme, the fit is best described as for the fit.  I’m not talking Muscle Beach ripped, but the clothes are cut for those that at least pretend to work out occasionally and try to eat healthily.  I’m 5’ 10” and around 165 lbs., and johnnie-O is a wonderful brand for me.  In my typical medium size, the polos have an overall pleasing look – no excess fabric in the body or arms.  The shoulder seams land right at my actual arm and shoulder intersections, while the sleeves cover my biceps.

I was happy to find that johnnie-O offers shorts and pants in my odd, 33”, size, and the fit at the waist was perfect.  Length wise, I had some issues.  The 8” length of the Jupiter shorts wasn’t truly an issue as much as a mental hurdle.  Most all my shorts across brands are 9” length, and that missing 1” made me feel darn right naked.  That said, I’m confident that there’s some comparatively shorter golfers out there that would find the length a blessing.

My issue with the Osprey pants is that they are only offered in one length – 34”.  For me that’s just too long to be wearable without alteration.  I did like the tapered legs and the polished look the pants offered.

Performance

Staying with the bottoms, both the shorts and pants had nice stretch.  They feature a performance driven 53% cotton/40% nylon/7% spandex blend that offers plenty of comfort and seasonal versatility.  As both are featured in the johnnie-O Golf Shop, I have to ding the buttons on both rear pockets.  Whether for yardage books or gloves, golfers need a button free slide in and out pocket.  And don’t be tricked by the close up photos on the johnnie-O website, the ones of the model wearing the shots are the accurate ones.

Speaking of stretch, both polos had plenty for my golf swing.  I haven’t reached truly hot weather yet, but the fabrics felt comfortable and breathable.  Johnnie-O designers know how to find the sweet spots of fabric blends.  While the Briley is a modern, all performance blend, the Pederson is cotton based at 63% cotton and 27% lyocell with a 10% spandex kicker.

Conclusion

I love the Emergency 9 hat shown above which captured the moment when the PIG crew had just enough time to squeeze in 9 before dinner after arriving at Fripp Island on a recent golf trip [check out the review HERE].  Johnnie-O truly has you covered from head to toe – and yes, they have shoes.  I’m thrilled with my new printed polos, which help me stand out in a sea of solids, and the hoodie has been great for cool mornings.  If you haven’t explored johnnie-O apparel, the Spring 2024 collection is a great place to start.  And if you have some older johnnie-O in the closet like me, it might be time for some fresh additions.

Visit johnnie-O HERE

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