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Golf Attire for Cold/Wet Weather

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Snow Hill Pond

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'm really going to get into the game this year and have my basic wardrobe set...basically chinos and polo shirts.

One area that I'd like to get squared away before fall hits are clothing options to keep me warm/dry. I need something that isn't bulky (to allow for a free swing) but is traditional in appearance. I like natural fibers. To keep me warm, I'm toying with the idea of cardigans...not the traditional argyle ones (which are too flashy for me), but simple cotton/cashmere blends like LLB sells (or did sell a year or two ago). Any other options on the sweater front? Perhaps a thin merino wool crewneck? But from whom?


To keep me dry, I'm open to any ideas that again are not bulky and are traditional.
 
#2 ·
I would look at wool (merino, cashmere, or shetland) sweaters from places like Lands' End, Bean, Orvis, Brooks - where ever you would normally buy them from. They'll be easy for motion and will layer well under rain gear. I have really appreciated my Ice Breakers and Ibex merino mid-layers which I wear as light sweaters fairly frequently. I stay away from cotton if it is cold out or if I may be sweating. It is far inferior to merino or polyester.

Now, with rain gear, when you say the items you want "are traditional," what do you mean? I'd think most traditional would just be a big umbrella. However, there is a time where you need to be pragmatic and buying foul weather gear is one of those times. Buy a Gore-tex or similar rain jacket. You can find plenty with back pleats for unrestricted movement that are golf-specific, but it doesn't matter all that much. When you're dry and warm you won't be wishing you had worn a more traditional rig.

There's a disconnect for me with people wanting clothes that are "most traditional" in sporting endeavors and yet using modern, technology-driven hard goods. I find it most in tennis, fly fishing, and golf (in that order). If you're using modern clubs and racquets, or the latest high-tech rod with a sophisticated sealed drag reel, why would you not apply that same technology and pragmatism toward the clothing you wear? The tech clothing (fleece, gore-tex, polypropylene, etc) sells because it works and it works much better than cotton of any kind or old plastic rain coats.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Tilton said:
I would look at wool (merino, cashmere, or shetland) sweaters from places like Lands' End, Bean, Orvis, Brooks - where ever you would normally buy them from. They'll be easy for motion and will layer well under rain gear. I have really appreciated my Ice Breakers and Ibex merino mid-layers which I wear as light sweaters fairly frequently. I stay away from cotton if it is cold out or if I may be sweating. It is far inferior to merino or polyester.

Now, with rain gear, when you say the items you want "are traditional," what do you mean? I'd think most traditional would just be a big umbrella. However, there is a time where you need to be pragmatic and buying foul weather gear is one of those times. Buy a Gore-tex or similar rain jacket. You can find plenty with back pleats for unrestricted movement that are golf-specific, but it doesn't matter all that much. When you're dry and warm you won't be wishing you had worn a more traditional rig.

There's a disconnect for me with people wanting clothes that are "most traditional" in sporting endeavors and yet using modern, technology-driven hard goods. I find it most in tennis, fly fishing, and golf (in that order). If you're using modern clubs and racquets, or the latest high-tech rod with a sophisticated sealed drag reel, why would you not apply that same technology and pragmatism toward the clothing you wear? The tech clothing (fleece, gore-tex, polypropylene, etc) sells because it works and it works much better than cotton of any kind or old plastic rain coats.
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Thanks for the suggestions.

You're right, there is a disconnect between wearing traditional clothing and using high tech equipment. Although I do prefer forged blades and use a small-headed driver, I have to admit that I'm not reticent at all about technology when it comes to golf equipment. So your point is well taken. My only explanation is that golf and perhaps fishing are two sports where one can be expected to go from the field of play directly to a "civilian" environment, eg, bar, restaurant, or clubhouse, where there would be non-sportsmen present. I think having traditional clothing makes the transition easier.

As a fashion point of reference, just to measure where I'm coming from, I think that POLO Golf is almost too edgy for me and POLO Golf RLX is definitely way too much. My beef with POLO Golf is that the logo is huge and cartoonish. My beef with RLX is that the styles are too modern as is the cut of the clothing. I much prefer run-of-the-mill PRL, the logo is still there but is relatively unobstrusive. I'll be on the lookout for items at the places you mentioned.

I would say my fashion ideal would be Ben Hogan (circa 1955)...a very dapper guy in the day. It's great that you mention cashmere as a lot of the oldtime pros would have a cashmere sweater or two for cold weather. Light and warm is a good combination. However, today, the cost would be a bit much for me to spend on "sporting wear". I've never worn a jacket or coat on the course, preferring a sweater or sweat shirt and as you say umbrella instead, but I would consider a goretex jacket if it fit the bill. I wonder what today's pros wear?
 
#4 ·
https://www.ralphlauren.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=1818178&view=all&omniselect=View_All99

I'm not really seeing the big logos. In fact, a fair amount of the shirts have no logo at all. The cardigan near the bottom seems like it would work for you, and it's on sale at a decent price, too. I've got a few of their small logo and logo free polos that I really like for golfing.

+1 for modern-ish rainwear. Even if you don't go with authentic Gore-tex, be sure to get something that is both waterproof AND breathable. There are a number of similar (and often cheaper) alternatives to Gore-tex with those properties. Non breathable = condensation = majorly uncomfortable and potentially very cold.

For me, and I assume for most of us on the trad forum, I really do like the old-school aesthetic and wish men would return to caring more about appearance, etc. However, advances in gear for outdoor activities are one change that really is for the better. When summer gets here, golf in cotton pants/shorts vs a tech fabric and I can guarantee more comfort in the latter. Plus, many of the dry-fit type fabrics are available in traditional cuts, designs, and colors that don't scream "spandex."
 
#5 ·
You might also look for traditional alpaca sweaters, either cardigan or crew neck. They have extremely good warmth to weight features and are the traditional Palmer etc. look. They would seem to fit your interest in transitioning into clubhouse attire,and would still be comfortable and stylish as they were back in the day.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
mjo_1 said:
https://www.ralphlauren.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=1818178&view=all&omniselect=View_All99

I'm not really seeing the big logos. In fact, a fair amount of the shirts have no logo at all. The cardigan near the bottom seems like it would work for you, and it's on sale at a decent price, too. I've got a few of their small logo and logo free polos that I really like for golfing.

+1 for modern-ish rainwear. Even if you don't go with authentic Gore-tex, be sure to get something that is both waterproof AND breathable. There are a number of similar (and often cheaper) alternatives to Gore-tex with those properties. Non breathable = condensation = majorly uncomfortable and potentially very cold.

For me, and I assume for most of us on the trad forum, I really do like the old-school aesthetic and wish men would return to caring more about appearance, etc. However, advances in gear for outdoor activities are one change that really is for the better. When summer gets here, golf in cotton pants/shorts vs a tech fabric and I can guarantee more comfort in the latter. Plus, many of the dry-fit type fabrics are available in traditional cuts, designs, and colors that don't scream "spandex."
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link and the suggestions.

Here are two examples of what I would consider a logo that is "too big". Admittedly, these aren't huge by Ralph Lauren Olympic or Wimbledon standards, but...
 

Attachments

Discussion starter · #7 ·
fishertw said:
You might also look for traditional alpaca sweaters, either cardigan or crew neck. They have extremely good warmth to weight features and are the traditional Palmer etc. look. They would seem to fit your interest in transitioning into clubhouse attire,and would still be comfortable and stylish as they were back in the day.
Click to expand...
Excellent suggestion. Alpaca is something I've never really considered.

Although not traditional, I've my eye on a fleece zip up vest as well (REI has a couple of cheap options). They're lightweight and warm and it wouldn't be the end of the world if it got diirty. Tilton's suggestion of an Ibex merino wool sweater or vest or pullover is something I've had my eye on as well for some time. I'm a big fan of merino wool.
 
#8 ·
Snow Hill Pond said:
Thanks for the suggestions.

You're right, there is a disconnect between wearing traditional clothing and using high tech equipment. Although I do prefer forged blades and use a small-headed driver, I have to admit that I'm not reticent at all about technology when it comes to golf equipment. So your point is well taken. My only explanation is that golf and perhaps fishing are two sports where one can be expected to go from the field of play directly to a "civilian" environment, eg, bar, restaurant, or clubhouse, where there would be non-sportsmen present. I think having traditional clothing makes the transition easier.

As a fashion point of reference, just to measure where I'm coming from, I think that POLO Golf is almost too edgy for me and POLO Golf RLX is definitely way too much. My beef with POLO Golf is that the logo is huge and cartoonish. My beef with RLX is that the styles are too modern as is the cut of the clothing. I much prefer run-of-the-mill PRL, the logo is still there but is relatively unobstrusive. I'll be on the lookout for items at the places you mentioned.

I would say my fashion ideal would be Ben Hogan (circa 1955)...a very dapper guy in the day. It's great that you mention cashmere as a lot of the oldtime pros would have a cashmere sweater or two for cold weather. Light and warm is a good combination. However, today, the cost would be a bit much for me to spend on "sporting wear". I've never worn a jacket or coat on the course, preferring a sweater or sweat shirt and as you say umbrella instead, but I would consider a goretex jacket if it fit the bill. I wonder what today's pros wear?
Click to expand...
Check out cashmere from places like TJ Maxx - they have some brand of cashmere sweaters which I cannot recall but they are $40 and go on sale for <$30. A few years ago I bought a crew neck cashmere from them for <$20 completely out of season and have worn it several times under a shell while fishing. May not be the greatest thing for daily wear, but as a dedicated piece of equipment, hard to beat for Target sweater money.

The pros undoubtedly wear Gore-Tex - probably something made of PacLite (Gore's thinnest, lightest waterpoof material) from a brand like Adidas, Nike, Foot-Joy, or Callaway. Something worth noting if you really want to stick to the look, is that they usually opt for hoodless jackets.

My rub with the transitioning to bar/dinner wear from the field is that is generally works just fine with tech fabrics. Country clubs are full of guys in Under Armour polyester chinos and polos topped with light fleece pullovers and the bars and restaurants I hit after mainlining my drug of choice (stripers and reds on the fly) aren't shoddy establishments but I still fit right in.

To give a bit of perspective, this is a typical fishing-attired day for me (and I actually own and wear all of these items):

Orvis Trout Bum 1/4 zip (this would be great for golf, too, IMO. Basically a light merino sweater with a wicking polyester liner)
Columbia Super Bonehead shirt
Patagonia Homewaters pants
Sperry Bluefish Topsiders

Image


Image
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
Thanks Tilton.

FisherTW, the Andover Shop is having a sale on their alpaca sweatshirt sweaters, and I almost took the plunge based on your recommendation for the fabric, but the long sleeves dissuaded me.

I just punched the "Buy" button on this at Ibex (on sale). No sleeves. Merino wool. It should be perfect.
 

Attachments

#11 ·
Snow Hill Pond said:
Thanks Tilton.

FisherTW, the Andover Shop is having a sale on their alpaca sweatshirt sweaters, and I almost took the plunge based on your recommendation for the fabric, but the long sleeves dissuaded me.

I just punched the "Buy" button on this at Ibex (on sale). No sleeves. Merino wool. It should be perfect.

View attachment 10317
Click to expand...
I have that (the Scout from Ibex) in jacket/sweater form. Well worth it.
 
#14 ·
I know you asked for traditional, but if you are looking for serious rain gear then you want Galvin Green. This is THE stuff used in the British Isles. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible to find in the US and costs a fortune but many pros rely on it. If you ever travel to Europe seek it out - a quality set is well worth it.

I don't like to wear sweaters or anything with sleeves when I play. I keep a LLBean polarfleece vest in my bag all the time - it does a great job of keeping me warm while not impeding my awful swing :)

I would also strongly suggest you get a pair of rain gloves (I use Footjoy) and keep them in your bag all the time. Even when there is some rain they help you keep your grip tremendously. And if you decide to play or even hit the range in the cold, I suggest a pair of cart mitts. They are like mittens but with an open end at the fingers. You wear them as mittens until you are ready to shoot, and then you can push them up your sleeves and take your shot (while they stay on your forearms) and then slide them back down again. It's a lot easier than removing gloves for each shot. Here is an example:
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
Dr. D said:
I know you asked for traditional, but if you are looking for serious rain gear then you want Galvin Green. This is THE stuff used in the British Isles. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible to find in the US and costs a fortune but many pros rely on it. If you ever travel to Europe seek it out - a quality set is well worth it.

I don't like to wear sweaters or anything with sleeves when I play. I keep a LLBean polarfleece vest in my bag all the time - it does a great job of keeping me warm while not impeding my awful swing :)

I would also strongly suggest you get a pair of rain gloves (I use Footjoy) and keep them in your bag all the time. Even when there is some rain they help you keep your grip tremendously. And if you decide to play or even hit the range in the cold, I suggest a pair of cart mitts. They are like mittens but with an open end at the fingers. You wear them as mittens until you are ready to shoot, and then you can push them up your sleeves and take your shot (while they stay on your forearms) and then slide them back down again. It's a lot easier than removing gloves for each shot. Here is an example:
Click to expand...
Good advice. I think you're right that a vest-type article of clothing is the way to go in golf.

The cart mitts are interesting. I like the concept. In a pinch, I think I could convert a pair of old wool socks with the business ends cut-off for this duty.
 
#16 ·
Snow Hill Pond said:
Good advice. I think you're right that a vest-type article of clothing is the way to go in golf.

The cart mitts are interesting. I like the concept. In a pinch, I think I could convert a pair of old wool socks with the business ends cut-off for this duty.
Click to expand...
HAHA! I would like to see that. If I wanted something similar on the cheap, I'd head to Walmart and buy a pair of $4 "convertible" fleece mittens and just cut the fingers out.
 
#19 ·
Andy said:
-- Andy at Monterey Country Club, Palm Desert. We're in the middle of winter here so it only got up to 82 degrees F.
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Just about a month from now I'll be playing the Dinah Shore course at Mission Hills, Shadow Ridge, and Desert Willow Firecliff. But last year in March the temps were in the high 50s and low 60s. Did make for fine hiking weather on the Art Smith, though.
 
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