If you are a child of the 70’s like I am, then you surely remember the iconic tube socks. Yup, the ones that went up to the knee and had three rings around the top. Money! I don’t know about you, but I would hike those puppies up just as far as they would go. Unfortunately, they must have been designed by a five year old as they were about the worst fitting socks imaginable (talk about one size fits none). Worse, they lost the elastic after about a week (which was not all bad because for the 1st few times you wore them you would have rings indented on your calves)

Being the primary apparel reviewer for Three Guys Golf, it is pretty hard to “wow” me simply because I get to see so much gear. The majority of the apparel I review I would categorize as “really good”, but every so often a brand sticks out as truly exceptional. J. Lindeberg falls into that category. For this review, I was able to try out a number of pieces including pants, shorts and polos (from both their cotton and tech line).

J. Lindeberg is a Swedish company that makes high end apparel that ranges from shoes to jeans to blazers to golf shirts. Because it is a Scandinavian company and is primary sold in retail locations and clubhouses, for many golfers it is not a household name. On tour, Camilo Villegas is the brand’s most noted ambassador, although they do have a number of other players on the PGA and European Tours (most notably Jamie Donaldson). 

If, however, you are one of those who is familiar with the brand, you likely think of the company as a way-too-hip Euro brand that is only suitable for super good looking athletic golfers. While it never hurts to have Camilo’s looks, I think brands like J. Lindeberg often get wrongly overlooked for this reason. The fact is, well designed apparel looks good on everyone.

Upon receiving the package from J. Lindeberg, my first impressions came by way of inspection of the fabric. In my opinion, this is where exceptional apparel stands out. Imagine doing a blind “feel test” where the only way you could judge a golf shirt or pair of trousers was based on touch. The fact is, most golf shirts feel the same because they are made with a very standard tech material. On the other hand, with the  J. Lindeberg apparel, I could immediately discern the level of quality.

As I mentioned, J. Lindeberg sent us a full complement of their golf apparel so I had to opportunity to get a thorough look at what they had to offer. Starting with the polos, since that is what most people focus on, I broke the shirts into two categories: cotton and polyester.

On the polyester side, I received the Gustov Fieldsensor. What makes this shirt different than your average golf polo is the combination of pattern, texture and cut. As you might imagine, the cut is fairly European (although sizing is standard). The sleeve length is short, the collar is small, and the tailoring athletic which gives the shirt a svelte look that complements a thinner player. With that said, they also sent us an XL polo for one of our larger bloggers and it looks great as well. The lesson is that athletic fit polos are also complementary to those with less than world class body shapes.

Beyond the tailoring, I really like the raised fabric on the Gustov. The addition of the over-sewn stripe give the polo a level of distinction that your average golf shirt lacks, and because the stripes are all at or above shoulder level, the shirt does not accentuate the gut area. Plus it is super easy to pair with either light or dark shorts. From a care standpoint, the polyester shirts are simple wash and dry. They look fine and hold up well with little additional care.

As much as I like the poly shirts, I absolutely love the cotton shirts. The three cotton J. Lindeberg shirts I received were the Wayatt Reg Lux Stripe Jersey, Travister Slip Jersy and M Marwin Jersey. The Wayatt and Travister are Lux cotton while the M Marwin is a 50/50 cotton poly, giving you the best of both worlds.

These three shirts have instantly become some of my very favorite. The Wayatt (show above) is made from some of the softest cotton I have worn and features wide green hued stripes. This is a cotton lover’s dream as it is just crazy soft, but not too heavy that you cannot wear it in the heat.

Like the Gustov, the Travister Slip Jersey utilize overstitched fabric to accentuate additional features. In this case,  striped taping has been added to the shoulders.

We see this feature again in the M Marwin,which has small colored blocking on the sleeve and taped ribbon in the placket. By simply adding a layer of detail, a common blue shirt now stands out from the crowd.

If you play in milder temperatures or simply prefer the look and feel of cotton versus tech fabrics, these J. Lindeberg polos are absolutely some to the best I have worn. For me, the slender cut works well for my body but I also think that guys who are larger will also appreciate the tailoring. Too often big guys wear over-sized shirt to try and hide a middle-aged belly when in fact they would be better served by wearing a solid colored cotton polo that actually fits properly. The reality is that with a smaller collar and shorter sleeves, the polo will draw attention to your chest and arms rather than your stomach.

The only downside to the cotton J. Lindeberg polos is that they are not super easy to care for. If you choose to wash them you need to make sure to iron while damp or steam them (do not put these shirts in the drier). So yes, these are high maintenance shirts which is a bit of a downer for me because I am super lazy about caring for my shirts. With that said, it is kinda worth the the hassle because they look so darn sharp. Each of these polos have become my “big match” polos as they absolutely blow away nearly every other shirt I have (and I have about 60).

Moving on to the shorts and trousers, J. Lindeberg sent me their M Troon pants and M Lawrence shorts. The fabric used in the trousers is called Micro stretch which basically means they are a light polyester. These pants are perfect for fall and spring, and for those of you who like to wear pants even in the summer, they are light enough to be comfortable. Fitting is very standard so no reason to worry about skinny euro leg sizes. I would classify these pants as absolutely tour appropriate.

The shorts are also made from 100% polyester but they have a silkier look and feel (almost a sheen). For me, this means they resist water (or spills) and clean up in a snap. Playing in humid weather is no issue with these shorts as they are completely chaff free. Pockets are deep and rather than buttons the back pockets utilize velcro.

What I really like about both the shorts and pants are the fact they are stupid easy to care for. Wash and dry and they look just the same as when you first got them. They are also made to look good on just about anyone. Heck the shorts even have cargo pockets (albeit not overley noticeable). My only nit-pick on the shorts is that they do not have any rubber tapping on the waist which helps in keeping you shirt tucked in.

Three years ago I stepped into the J. Lindeberg booth at the PGA show, but being a total newbie to the golf blogging world, I did not get the opportunity to really explore the brand. Fortunately, we have reached a point in which we are able to get a first hand look at this premier clothing line. While I wish the cotton polos were easier to care for, I am 100% impressed with their golf apparel and would highly recommend the brand to discriminating golfers.

You can see the entire line of golf and lifestyle apparel on the J. Lindeberg website.

One look at the Head n Home website and it is clear that these handmade hats are packed with more features than a mega-mall cinaplex. All products are Made in the USA, and the folks at Head’n Home are true artists of the trade. Head’n Home hats come from Freedom, CA. If you need to look at a map to find where that is, you’re not alone. After checking my Atlas, I realized Freedom is in a part of the country that I have a real soft spot for, the Santa Cruz area. Gary Watrous started this venture back in the 70’s and through years of experience and “the school of hard knocks”, their family-owned and family-run business now produces a stunning array of lids that range from the workingman’s everyday top to rock-n-roll extravaganzas. For example, their Steampunk line is frankly insane. While fellow-blogger Adam wanted to get me to try one of these contraptions, I think our golf club has rules about dials and copper pipes on your head (or at least they should). Who knows, they are, if nothing else, impressive so maybe I should have just asked for forgiveness after the fact!

Back to reality, I’ve tried some other wide-brimmed golf hats, and there are some really nice options out there these days, but of the ones we’ve tried, this Sol Air Cabana tops the charts for sure. It’s very clear that this family has done their research when it comes to golf hats. PGA Tour player Rory Sabbatini is featured on their website wearing one of their chapeaus and their caption is “the golf hat that gives you an edge.” I am not here to lie to you about how many strokes it will take off your score, but I’ve also played rounds with an ill-fitting hat, and I’m not looking to repeat those experiences.

I have tested the hat for a number of rounds and practice sessions now, and for my review, I am up out of my chair clapping loudly. The standout features are easy to see:

-The fit is excellent, and the hat stays on in the wind! What a relief to not be worrying about a large brim hat flying off every time a gust of wind comes up. Not only do they send you a hat made for your specific head measurement, they also have different soft inserts to make sure that the hat adjusts to fit your noggin securely. I measured my dome, picked the hat that was my size, and that was that—I didn’t even need to make any adjustments. You may need to order a size that is slightly larger than your measurement and then add some of their brilliant little inserts to find the perfect fit. Helpful instructions for measuring and fitting are on their website.

-The hat is foldable, and crushable. I have folded up this hat and squashed it, and the nylon/polyester blend jumps right back into shape with no effort at all. After simply folding the hat like a taco, it fits right in your suitcase or golf bag– ready to go wherever the golf sirens take you. It is remarkable how easily it regains its original form. I recently showed a friend on the golf course by popping it off, folding it up until it was as flat as a piece of cardboard, and instantly letting it spring back to shape. It truly is hard to believe until you see it. Most of my other experiences with hats that will fold up is that they continue to look like you folded them— while they go back on your head, they can look a bit like you’re wearing an unmade bed.

-The breathable weave is also lined on the dome and brim for a UPF of 50+, while the sides of the dome are just mesh. The sun is a formidable enemy of those of us that spend a lot of hours outdoors during the golf season. Since spreading or spraying sunblock in your hair really kind of sucks, it’s really nice to be able to have a lid that keeps the sun off while allowing breezes blow right through the sides. It’s really a no-brainer solution. Temperature-wise, this is one of the coolest hats I’ve ever tried. The way they’ve attached the lining to the inside of the hat is brilliant, and I’m amazed at the way it blocks the sun but not the wind—very cool.

-It is hand-washable and soakable. I have gotten the whole hat soaked prior to some 90 degree rounds, and once I let the excess water run off for a couple of minutes, the breeze blowing through the hat cooled me off even more. After the round, it is a snap to run the hat under some cool, clear water to wash the sweat out, and get the hat back to new.

-The hat just looks good. The cut, width of the brim, the thin headband and small medallion are all marks of the craftsmanship and vision that goes into their work. There are a number of colors available for this hat, and if you prefer a different style, there are a number of golf hats to choose from on their website www.headnhome.com. The SolAir line is the golf line, but these folks are busy, and their hats range from American Outback western wear to fantasy wear that Hollywood hasn’t touched. (NOTE, it still looks better on my student than me).

Skin cancer is no laughing matter, and neither is heat stroke. Where we live in North Carolina, these are both a concern during the summer months, and I’m really glad to have found the SolAir Cabana hat to keep me cool and shaded during the hottest months of the season. We think you’ll have a hard time browsing their website and not finding something that you will really want to have on your head. The Cabana sells for $64.95, and they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on fit and a lifetime guarantee on materials and workmanship. It’s true, they can’t help if you throw your hat into the middle of the lake on number 17 after you miss that breaking four-footer; but if that’s how you lose it, you’ll have to buy a new hat along with your next lesson.

BONUS: Sign up to WIN a brand new Head n’ Home Solair hat.

Check out all the hats on the Head’n Home website.

Earlier this year while walking the hallowed halls of the PGA Merchandise Show I came across so many eye catching and outstanding businesses it was hard to keep track of everything. Amongst all the chaos and complete disbelief of how grand a scale the show truly is there were a few standout apparel companies that I was able to retain.

One company that stayed fresh in my mind the longest might surprise you and not because of what they make but for who they make it for.

In 1996 Joe Silva, founded Garb Inc. on the belief that kids wanted a brand to call their own. A brand dedicated to the youth of the game that offers great styling and unrivaled quality. Garb has not only become a beloved brand, company and culture, but it created the junior golf apparel category and has been leading the pack ever since. What started in the basement of a home in Evergreen, Colorado has grown to become the USGA and PGA of America’s first choice in kid’s golf apparel.

While at the PGA Show I met with Tyler Silva, the Marketing Manager at Garb and was impressed with his passion for the clothing line. His excitement for the Junior Golf apparel business is remarkable and with each different piece he showed me I was more impressed. Not just with the clothes though, which are remarkable by the way, but also Tyler’s product knowledge in a segment of the golf apparel that’s not an easy sell.

Kid’s sizes change so fast because of their growing bodies. It seems like every month my daughters are in need of some new clothes be it shoes, shirt and or pants so I can see how a parent may be reluctant to spend some of their hard earned cash on clothes that may only be used for a brief time. To combat that possibility Garb created an amazing line of clothes that not only look fantastic on the course but can also be worn in everyday situations as well.

Garb agreed to send us some of their new pieces from their 2014 spring and summer line and having a Junior Golfer at home made this a review easier than ever to accept. I’ve been looking all over for some clothes my daughters can wear that are acceptable on the course. I just haven’t had any luck. Next time you’re in one of the big box golf retailers take a look at the Junior Golf section for apparel and you’ll understand where I’m coming from. Aside from a few pieces here and there it’s virtually nonexistent.

There are a lot of things to like about Garb but the one that stood out for this Dad is how they chose to list their sizes. With how rapidly kids change during their “growing” phases it can wreak havoc for parents, mainly clueless Dad’s like me, when it comes to guessing correct sizes for kids. Instead of the standard 3T, or 8 or 10 you find on 99% of kid’s clothes, Garb instead went with a more layman’s way of classification and used ages to define their sizing.

They’re broken down like this:

• Ages 5-6 (small)
• Ages 7-8 (medium)
• Ages 9-10 (large)
• Ages 11-12 (x-large)

Girls and Boys are both grouped the same so there isn’t a different configuration from gender to gender.

This makes it incredibly easy to choose sizes for your little golfer and takes the frustration out of ordering the wrong fit for your kids. An added touch that I like as well is how Garb uses kids’ names for all their product descriptions, girl names for their products of course and same goes for the boys.

Like I mentioned before I have a young daughter that is quickly falling in love with the game of golf. When the shipment from Garb showed up she let me know when I got home that another package had arrived for me . . . “more golf stuff isn’t it?”. Even at the young age of 8 she’s showing signs of jealously when it comes to the gear I get in for reviews. It’s rather funny.

Her agitation quickly reversed though when I asked her to help me open up the package and see what was inside. Much like Christmas morning her face lit up with enthusiasm as she flipped through the bags of clothes. “These are for me?” she said in a surprising tone. It was a priceless moment.

I find it awesome, as a Father, to see her face with so much joy on it. Now, anytime we go practice or just putt around in the backyard she’s quick to run to her room and throw on some of “her” golf clothes so she can look the part. We get to spend some quality time together when we’re practicing and playing. Now that she has some clothes that make her feel more involved in the experience I totally understand why Mr. Silva chose to start Garb. The subtlety of a golf polo or a golf dress has enhanced my daughter’s enjoyment in the game in a way I never thought possible.

The fact that there’s a golf clothing line for kids is great but to sweeten the pot even more the Garb clothes are fantastically made. The materials used are very high quality and they even include the small things like adjustable waist lines to make sure they fit properly. The fabrics used are top notch and are put together very well. In the several outings I’ve had with my daughter, not one time has she ever complained about the clothes being itchy, scratchy or simply uncomfortable. She loves wearing all the pieces. Comparing that to her soccer clothes, which she can’t get out of fast enough, is a testament to how well the clothes are made.

Aside from being well made, the fit of Garb pieces is equally impressive. My daughter is a bit on the dainty side and all the pieces look great on her. In my opinion Garb fully understands the children’s segment and has used their knowledge to create a well made, well designed and ultra performing clothing line that anyone would love to have their kids wearing.

Garb isn’t just about making top of the line junior golf apparel.

What sets them apart from other junior golf retailers is how they have gone above and beyond with their involvement in Junior Golf. They are now working with the Southern California and Northern Texas Sections of the PGA to sponsor different junior golf events and junior golf tours and they also sponsor their own tour which they call the “G-Tour”

For the G-Tour Garb travels around the country in a tricked out 2013 Jeep Wrangler stopping at all the country clubs that support Garb in a show of support for their junior golf program. The tour features all kinds of fun games for the kids to play and awesome prizes for them to win.

Garb is also the primary children’s apparel supplier to the U.S. Open golf tournament, PGA Championship and Ryder Cup since 2001, as well as the jersey supplier for new PGA Junior League Golf.

Now located in Denver, Colorado, Garb is committed to bringing junior golfers the best golf clothing out there. Garb listens to the kids and together has created a line of clothing that is not only high quality and technically advanced, it hits the fashion look the kids are demanding. The game is evolving. The youth are the future of the game.

You can visit the Garb Website to purchase the products showcased in the review or view their large selection and find the perfect combination for your junior golfer.

Comfort, function and style are the three pillars by which I measure golf apparel. Obviously, it has to be comfortable for me to even consider wearing out on the course. Nothing is more disconcerting than finding a great looking polo that just rubs you (literally) the wrong way. It also must to be functional. For example, it drives me crazy when you’re stuck with a tiny pocket that can’t even fit a tee or ball marker. Lastly, where the level of importance is debatable, it has to look sharp. Meet those three marks and we have a ballgame.

My evolution as a writer as well as a golfer has been an ongoing battle when it comes to style. Where in the past an off the rack pair of cargo pants and a clearance aisle polo from KOHL’s would suffice for a Sunday round, I’m now finding that there is a place for a little class in my wardrobe. With the addition of some new high quality threads from Dunning Golf’s new spring line, my status amongst the golfing public, without a doubt, has been elevated.

Dunning Golf is an apparel company that established itself back in 2001 and since then they have been making a name for themselves by putting out some amazing, functional clothes that are a perfect fit for today’s modern golfer. The clothes are incredibly well made and perform flawlessly on the course. In my opinion Dunning has nailed the simple yet classy style that most golfers I socialize wish they could pull off. Not to say my golfing buddies are slobs by any means, but there is no way they’d turn down a wardrobe upgrade like I received.

Where a good number of apparel companies look at style and appearance when designing a clothing line, I feel Dunning laid their foundation on performance. Utilizing some of the highest quality fabrics you can find and combining that with some unique tailoring, the performance of the Dunning clothes is hard to argue against. Having been very loyal to a single brand this past year, I’ve been snobbish when considering new clothes because I’ve yet to find anything that meets the performance, look and function of their gear. Much to my delight (and surprise), the Dunning apparel is on par at every level . So much in fact that lately I’ve been perplexed on which items to grab out of my closet when getting ready to hit the links.

Beyond the standard shorts, pants and polos, Dunning also has a well-crafted layering system that is unbelievably comfortable. While my excellent choice to reside in the desert southwest hasn’t allowed me to fully implement the base layering system (other than the superb boxer briefs that I wear all the time now), I did manage to wear the Long Sleeve Merino Dunning provided us one day when temperatures hit the unruly lower 50’s a few weeks ago.  Needless to say it was an amazing thermal and I’m looking forward to when the cooler temps return in the fall knowing I have this go to piece.

The two polo’s we received both have a tremendous feel to them. Lightweight fabrics are the new craze in golf, and while these are not the lightest you’ll ever put on, the comfort and performance again shined through. Not being the body type that likes to show off the six pack, mainly because it doesn’t exist, I enjoy a more relaxed fit with my shirts and the Dunning Polo’s were perfect.

The Heathered Stretch Pique Polo has a more traditional look and feel. It’s the type of shirt you can wear on and off the course so you won’t be limited just to golf to look outstanding. Made from 50% Luxury Polyester and 50% CD Polyester (I had to look that one up!) the polo has an amazing feel right out the bag and I had no doubt it was going to be an exceptional shirt before I even tried it on.

The Stretch Solid Jersey Polo is much more like the golf shirt you’re probably used to seeing. Made from 93% Technical Polyester and 7% Spandex it is heavier than the lightweight polo’s I spoke of earlier making this style polo designed for those players that prefer a denser feel to their shirts.

While the layering system and the polo’s were a surprise and highly exceeded my expectations, where Dunning really knocked it stiff was with their shorts.

The Players Fit Solid 4-Way Stretch Woven Shorts blew me away. Going back to my not so fit figure – when I unpacked the shorts from the bag and held them up my first thoughts were “There is no way these are going to fit.” With reluctance I stepped one foot then the other in the legs and began to pull up what has become arguably the best golf shorts I’ve ever owned.

The fit is outstanding and oh my goodness are these shorts comfortable. Direct from the Dunning site these words are what is used to describe the Players Fit Woven Shorts:

“Offering extraordinary playability, Dunning pants and shorts have repeatedly been identified as the best technical bottoms in golf.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself. Not only do the shorts look amazing but while playing in them I not only received a great look on the course but I also got great versatility while I was playing. The 4-Way Stretch design kept me out of those pesky situations where if you squat down just another inch you round and social life is over.

The shorts are available in a variety of color choices like, Black, Tan, Charcoal or White if you like to live life on the safer side. For the more stylish, Dunning also offers Dark Beige, Reef, Halo and Zephyr. You’ll have to visit their site to see the color pallet besides the Zephyr shorts pictured below.

I couldn’t have been happier with this order from Dunning, every piece they included not only looks outstanding and is superior when it comes to comfort but the playability was just phenomenal. I was easy for me to determine why players like Charles Howell III, Roberto Castro, Jim Furyk and Nicolas Colsaerts, to name a few, have been wearing Dunning as they make their way through the PGA season.

You can see all the products Dunning offers on their website.

Be prepared though – what I talked about here is just the tip of the iceberg. Jacket, Pullovers, Sweaters, Pants, Belts and so much more are available. It will be tough not wanting to pick up one of everything!

Here at Three Guys we love to discover smaller apparel brands that bring something cool to the table – brands that the average golfer may not be aware of unless we do our job. Most recently we have come across Devereux, tagline “Proper Threads”. That tagline was enough to get our attention, so we tried out a few shirts to see if Devereux can back it up.

The Devereux website provides the following basic description: “a contemporary new line of men’s apparel that gets it.” Seems like a bold claim for sure, since any one of us could have a different idea of exactly what “it” is, but if you take a step back and look at their entire line as a whole, you see what they mean. The company offers polo shirts and sweaters geared for golf and lifestyle, each piece combining golf performance sensibility with a bit of timeless classic. 

My apologies, but I want to quote their website one more time, as paraphrasing would not do it justice. Under the header “Here’s What We Know”:

1. You don’t have to sacrifice your masculinity (aka dignity) to be considered trendy or fashionably hip. It’s called a “trend” for a reason.
2.  A closet filled with big bright in-your-face colors and dizzying patterns that SCREAM will not transform you from dud to stud. Oftentimes, the reverse is true.
3. At the end of the day, men want proper threads that perform, provide effortless style, are as comfortable on the course as off – and fit their lifestyle to a tee.

If you’ve read any of my apparel reviews of yore, you will know that these guys are pretty much speaking my language. I have nothing against the guys who wear the trendy/screamy stuff, and in fact I think that look is often really cool; I just can’t wear it myself. I have a deep-seated fear of overhyping my golf game with my attire and inevitably going down in flames as I shank my way down the first fairway in 1988 Andre Agassi duds. So really, Devereux was fighting a downhill battle, as I was already stoked about the shirts when I ordered them – the well-placed (slightly asymmetrical) chest pockets, the fact that the shirts are primarily cotton, and the color offerings were all right up my alley (no royal blue or bright red, for example).

As we all know, the script can get flipped once you actually wear the clothing, but in the case of Devereux my fandom stayed intact. I ordered three polos: the Brunner in Sea Green (above) and the Windsor in Steel with See Green and White stripes, and the Oliver in White w/Navy. They all run in the $80 – $90 range, consistent with the rest of the line (sweaters are $145).

The Brunner is just a basic solid polo with a button down collar and a money little chest pocket, making the shirt 48 times cooler than one without. The fit and feel of the shirt is fantastic. You can feel a high quality shirt when you put it on, and this was certainly the case with the Brunner. I’m not much of a runway model, but my wife actually happened to glance over and catch me mid-mirror, and she immediately commented on how money it looked. It fits right, feels right, and the cut makes for the perfect hang off of the shoulders. Sizing seems standard –  I am typically a large, I ordered a large, and I looked insanely awesome in the large.

The Windsor was essentially more of the same, but with one small surprise that was initially a disappointment: the stripes are not just different colored cotton, they are actually made of a layer of plasticky material that sits atop the fabric. ‘Plasticky” is not really a fair or accurate description . . . I don’t know what you call it but it’s the same stuff that they used for numbers on your basketball or soccer jersey back in the glory days. Doesn’t sound so good, right? I thought the same thing, but my fears were put to rest when I wore the shirt and played 18 – no issue whatsoever, feels like a normal shirt and looks just fine.

I remained concerned, however, that this shirt wouldn’t be an easy wash/dry deal like the others, but again my concerns were appeased after the first run. The stripes stayed intact and seemed plenty durable. Made from 65% Pima cotton, 35% polyester, the Devereux polos get the best of both worlds. The cotton allows for a nice drape that hides a little bit of middle age weight while the spandex keeps it light and breathable. Additionally, it makes for easy care – simply wash, dry and hang with no ironing required.

The bottom line on Devereux shirts – they are simple and awesome, just what I’m always looking for in a cotton polo. They have all the requisite finer points – the logo on the back of the collar, button-down collars on the shirts that call for it and cut-away collars on those that don’t, and quality stitching and buttons all around. And don’t forget about the cut – Devereux has nailed my idea of a perfect cut, staying classic but adding some athletic euro for a dash of cool.

Cheesy but true: with the Devereux I felt like more of a stud than usual on the course and it provided a little extra hop in my step as I chased the ball around. These three shirts are at the top of the order in my sparse closet. No point in keeping any clunkers when I have these three money shirts ready to go every other week . . . man I wish I played more golf. But at least when I do, I’ll be looking good.

Check out the whole line of apparel on the Devereux website.

Interested but also a bit skeptical . . . that’s how I would describe my thoughts about trying out some Tommie Copper athletic wear, particularly with the golf swing in mind. I know, we have all seen the late-night commercials for the next amazing product with cosmic curing effects. Unfortunately, they usually have about as much appeal as a leftover pizza box the next morning!

For some history, I suffered a back injury a few years ago that makes my mornings a little slower and creeky-er than they used to be. Since I don’t like to take ibuprofen or other meds on a daily basis, I am always on the lookout for things that might help with mobility, soreness, and/or quicker recovery. When I read that the co-founder of Tommie Copper, Thomas Kallish, created the line of clothing in part to help with his own post-injury pain and soreness, I was hopeful for some actual results.

The claims of Tommie Copper are fairly extensive, and outlined in detail on their website at tommiecopper.com, so I won’t go into all that you can easily read there. Instead, I will focus on my actual experiences. I was interested in a compression shirt and compression shorts for walking the golf course as I have used calf compression sleeves in the past with good success and continue to use them to walk the course, as I find that my legs and feet are less tired and recover more quickly .

I have worn the Tommy Copper short-sleeve compression shirt and compression undershorts during a few rounds and several range sessions, and have felt the same recovery effects I get with calf sleeves (and they don’t look as dorky).  The fit is lightweight, extremely flexible and snug without being constricting at all. In the end, my back, glutes and thighs feel more supported during the round and have recovered faster after the round.

Some of their literature spoke to the core support and greater ease of the golf motions with compression wear and I have to agree. My core feels more compact and more able to coil and throw when I’m wearing the gear. And the lessening of the soreness I normally feel afterwards has impressed me.

Tommie Copper makes claims as to the benefits of the actual copper which is infused into the nylon yarn that they use in the fabric along with spandex. Some of the claims are related to decreased soreness, spf 30 sun protection and anti-bacterial qualities. All of these are great claims conceptually . . . and while I can’t pretend to know exactly or scientifically how much this is working for me, my experience has demonstrated that it washes and dries in a snap, doesn’t seem to trap odor the same way that some of my other similar gear does, and as I’ve said, seems to have affected my soreness.

I’ve also tried a long sleeve shirt and a great looking Tommy Copper zip-up jacket from their Active Fit line that incorporate the same material but in a non-compressing cut. It has quickly become my favorite combination to wear over the compression shirt for working out in the cooler and colder weather. It breathes really well, moves effortlessly with my movements, is sewn to be rugged and durable, and I’ve gotten a number of compliments on the looks. In terms of the golf swing, it does fit my body closely so that it doesn’t flop around, but it also never feels tight or constrictive.

My wife isn’t a golfer, and doesn’t usually have much use for many of the products I’ve reviewed, but she was very interested in getting some Tommie Copper for her closet as she’s gotten more familiar with it.

Pricing is moderate with a long sleeve Active Fit long sleeve shirt going for $64.50 and the short sleeve compression shirt going for $49.50 on the Tommy Copper website.

One of my new sayings since starting Three Guys Golf is “everything is better with a logo”. Seriously, anything you have, whether it be a headcover, golf bag, shirt, or hat is just a little cooler when it is has your logo on it. Every day we wear gear that has some company’s name on it so when you get the opportunity to put your own stamp down, the “it” factor goes up a notch.

For the past year or so, we have been looking for a great hat to put our stamp on and while I have seen a few that were ok, I never really found a brand I loved. When Antigua reached out to us about their new hat line it seemed like a perfect chance for us to test run our plan to overtake the world of golf hats.

As a prelude to this story, let me say that we have gotten many hats from various companies as part of our review process. I am always stunned when I get a hat that is so awkward I can only hope it came from the “not suitable for sale” bin. Seriously, who wears hats that rise 3 inches above your head or one with a seemingly 8″ brim?

Fan of the team and the man but the hat, not so much

The tough thing about choosing hats is that they all look very similar, so until you actually see them in person and put them on the old noggin, it is difficult to draw much of an opinion. Therefore, we punted on picking out one style and went with the “variety pack”.

Antiqua has about 20 new versions of their hats which can all incorporate a logo. In general, I would classify them as classic fit meaning they are not flat-brimmed or any of the other “alt” styles. Nope, these are styled like the ones we grew up with, a bill that can be bent and a cap that fits snug on the head.

So without boring you with every detail of every hat, I will summarize that the Antiqua hats come with your basic fitting options, i.e. fitted  or adjustable. In terms of material, they come in mesh, cotton and polyester.

Of the 8 versions we received, the two that are our favorites and get nearly daily wear are the black Par hat with green over-stiching (the one I wear) and the red Phase (Matt’s cap of choice).

In terms of quality and construction, I am very impressed with the embroidery as it is stitched clean and tight for easy reading. They also did a great job with matching colors to the existing trim of the hat.

I will resist bashing the flat-brimmed hats so loved by Hunter Mahan and use my age as an excuse for believing they look dumb on everyone (oh, did I just bash them?). Anyhoo, for each his own, but if you are like me and rightly think hats should fit snugly on your head, has a brim that is in proportion and can be bent to personal liking, and comes with basically zero branding that is not of your choosing, then Antigua may be in your future.

One note on the Antigua website. When checking out the styles be aware that they come in a ton of color choices so while the featured image may not be your cup of tea, dig a little deeper and you may find it was just the color you did not love and not the style.

For example, the Carolina blue Motion cap is a non-starter for me, but ta-da!, click it in white and I am all over it. So whether you need to outfit you golf team, baseball team, drinking club, whatever, I would definitely recommend the Antigua hat collection.

You can find all styles on the Antigua website.

PS: You can win one of these hats in our December give away- it’s easy and free

Let’s face it, not all of us have the physique to pull off some of the bold apparel that has become increasingly popular. As cool as Billy Horschel looked wearing “Octo-Pants”, I just don’t think most of us can pull them off (or even want to). Moreover, it seems that most of the “loud” patterns tend to be more lighthearted. Look, I’m no heathen and have been properly assimilated away from the cargo pants, but that does not mean I want to dress like every other Joe who shops at Golf Galaxy.

Two years ago, Adam reviewed Tattoo Golf, but seeing as though I have spent my fair share of time in the parlor chair, it seemed only fitting that I take a crack at checking out the new Clubhouse Collection.

The black Clubhouse Performance Polo is different than many of the Tattoo Golf patterns in that it is decidedly less “rough”; it is more traditional and features only one skull (as opposed many of the polos that have a virtual boneyard on the chest). Still, there is no way the Clubhouse Polo will go unnoticed or be confused for just another golf polo. Just to be sure, I put that theory to the test when I wore it to the uber exclusive Southern Highlands Golf Club.

Not only was I not thrown off of the course, I actually received a number of compliments from my playing partners. Without being overbearing, the shirt has just enough edge to clearly state “I will never hit 3 wood off of the tee”. Made from 100% polyester, the Tattoo Golf Clubhouse Polo is super soft and is perfect for the heat of Las Vegas.

To go along with the Clubhouse Collection, Tattoo Golf also offers the Performance Polo in white, as well as a white or black T-Shirt version of the polos. They also have a few variations of their hat line that matches the collection and adds a nice touch to the polo shirts.

If you’re looking to add a little edge to your appearance but haven’t been able to match a style to your personality, you may want to give Tattoo Golf a look. With a large variety of unique styles there’s a great chance you’ll find something to show off the next time you make your way around the course.

The Clubhouse Performance Polo’s sell for $59.99 and the Clubhouse Hat for $24.99, both of which can be purchased directly from the Tattoo Golf Website along with the many other products they offer.

Lyle & Scott may not be a household name in America, but they have been in the apparel business since 1874 and a staple in the European golf market. Headquartered in Scotland, Lyle & Scott sits in the heart of our sports historic birthplace.

I first discovered Lyle & Scott at the 2012 PGA show where I got to see firsthand the entire line of apparel. Unlike most of the American brands that focus on solid colors or blazing patterns, Lyle & Scott trends toward subtle tartans and argyle patterns that run across the trousers, shirts and sweaters. My fear was that while they look great on mannequins, average (or below) looking guys like myself would never be able to pull them off. What I found is that because of the color pallet and design, they are actually quite traditional (just a whole lot hipper).

When the  folks at Trendy Golf, who carry a wide range of progressive golf apparel, sent me the Club Pocket Polo, Check Trousers and Argyle Half Zip Jumper for review I will admit to being a bit more excited than usual. Since Lyle & Scott is not widely available in stores, I was very curious to see how they fit and performed. Since I am not alone in being new to the brand, I am going to give you a bit more detail on each piece as there a number design features I rarely see or are significantly different than most other golf apparel.

Lyle & Scott Club Pocket Polo Shirt

Nothing too fancy here, but I do like the cotton as I prefer this material if the weather permits. The added breast pocket is also a nice feature. I am honestly not sure what you put in the small pocket but it’s called a “ticket pocket” (still confused).  The big difference with the Lyle & Scott polo is the sleeve length. Without a measuring tape, I am sure they is an inch or so less than any other shirt I own. “Show them the Guns” could be their motto. Also note, the shirts run a tad small. The medium does fit me but I could have gone to a large.

Lyle & Scott Check Trousers:

Here is where it gets really good. Solid colored trousers are fine, but come with a pattern and you have raised the bar tenfold. Unfortunately, it can be a challenge to pull off most muli-colored pants. The Lyle & Scott Check Trousers are dark enough that they are not obnoxious but easily stand out. Plus pairing them with a black shirt is super easy. I also love the cut. Not super slim but slimmer than most American brands. They taper at the ankle and give you a real “player’s look”. Made from cotton, the Check Trousers are warm enough for cooler temps but also comfortable to wear in the low 70’s.

Detail abound in these beauties. Check out the slanted belt loops in the back. At first I thought it might be a manufacturing flaw, but no, it has been added on purpose. The buttons, snaps and zippers are robust and secure so you will not have to fear them breaking or getting snagged. All around I absolutly love these trousers!

Lyle &  Scott Argyle Half Zip Jumper

First off, how fun is it to go full snob and correct someone when they say “nice sweater” and you get to be all “Thanks but it’s actually a jumper”. Sweater or jumper, this is the real deal. I think it is fair to say the Scots know a thing or two about 45 degrees and overcast so when they make a sweater you know it is going to be quality.

Made from Pima Cotton, the Half Zip Jumper is super soft and comfortable. When the temperatures fall into the 50’s, a sweater is a perfect option to keep the chill away without going to a bulky jacket or pull-over. Additionally, I like the fact that it has elastic cuffs and waist that keeps it well fit and snug to your body.

I have always subscribed to the theory that where a company is based has a large effect on their design. With the prevailing low temperatures and generally nasty weather, Lyle & Scott have mastered clothing for fall and winter golf. My bottom line: I absolutely love this brand!

You can learn more about Lyle & Scott on their website. You can also purchase much of their apparel on the Trendy Golf Website.

Dunning Golf Apparel: With the golf apparel world exploding over the last few years, we are seeing companies differentiate themselves in all sorts of ways. From the wacky patterns of Loudmouth Golf, to the cool dude styling of Travis Mathew, to the companies prioritizing playability more than style, we at Three Guys have noticed that each firm will decide what is most important and then chase that mission down like a madman. This time around I was sent some apparel made by Dunning Golf, and without even reading up on their background I was able to quickly surmise their vibe: performance, performance, traditional good looks, and then some performance.

Around since 2001, Dunning Golf’s slogan is ‘Engineered for Athletes, Designed for Players’. Catchy for sure, but the takeaway is that Dunning leans more towards technical performance than it does style. That’s not to say you’ll be wearing a high-performance brown paper bag, but it is clear that their top priority is performance achieved through cutting-edge materials while maintaining the classic look. Supporting my theory is the fact that they are the first company I have seen to have a ‘Technology’ page on their website, wherein they describe the technical aspects of each garment (shorts, pants, shirts, sweaters, etc.). And to absolutely slam-dunk my theory into your cranium: Dunning does not mess around with many funky patterns or newfangled styles – their polos are either solid or striped, their shorts are either solid colors or have a subtle pattern on them, they only have one pair of pants on the shelves (solid colors of course), their sweaters are all solid colors, and all of their outerwear is solid colors only. That might sound a bit boring given all the funky stuff that is available these days, but I also think it means that they intend to let their performance do the talking.

Yes, the belts are solid too.

Dunning is currently worn on Tour by Charles Howell III, Russell Knox, Roberto Castro, and Kevin Foley. Dunning is also a staple in clubhouses around the world so it is fair to say they are playing in the big leagues. It is also clear that they make good stuff; I had a polo shirt, a sweater, a pair of pants, and a belt sent my way, and there was no mistaking that every item was well made. Here’s the quick scoop: the pants and sweater looked very business-like . . . well made and definitely performance fiber-y, but nothing to really grab the attention. The belt had a clean/classic look to it that seems simple but cannot be faked by lesser quality makes. Now the shirt, the shirt looked crisp, professional, and somehow stood out as kind of badass in some weird way I have not yet encountered in my travels.

I chose a basic pattern called Stretch Pique Double Chest Stripe Polo: navy blue (called ‘halo’) with one green (‘reef’) stripe and one white (‘white’) stripe across the chest – no big deal. But somehow, this shirt pops. The quality fabric jumps right out at you, and the collar is a bit more regal than most with kind of a starched, disciplined look to it.

Simply put, the feel of the shirt is player. As dumb as it sounds, the fabric and cut lent itself to my believing that my swing was akin to a touring professional. Whether or not I “did or did not” yank my first drive deep into the woods is not of any consequence. The point is I looked and felt like a pro. Cash money!

Taking a step back to be fair to the entire outfit, Dunning Golf has developed its lines with the idea of “layering” being key to achieving comfort without sacrificing playability. Instead of throwing a big fleece on when it gets chilly, just utilize a few thinner layers to achieve the same temperature without hindering the golf swing. It makes sense, just as it did 30 years ago when my mom explained it before I went sledding. So when it was time for me to put the sweater on, this concept held true, as there was no interference with my sweet swing whatsoever and I still looked good.

Now, if we are keeping it real here at Three Guys (like you know we do), I think one would be hard-pressed to find a sweater that actually did interfere with the golf swing, unless you hockeywrestled one off of Dr. Huxtable himself. So I can’t act like Dunning Golf invented the playable sweater, but I can say that their model is sharp looking, playable, and has a lighter feel that I can only attribute to some cool high-tech material that I don’t even know about.

With regards to cost, I feel that Dunning’s price points accurately reflect the high-caliber apparel that Dunning Golf brings to the table: shirts run between $80 and $95, shorts and pants are $80 to $99, outerwear (pullovers, thermals, vests, sweaters, windshirts) range from $90 to $145, and belts are at $90.

Bottom line on Dunning Golf: this is quality apparel with a performance bent and clean, classic styling. Your swing will feel great in these clothes. And while you may not bowl over the hipsters at your club with your fashion, you will look damn sharp . . . no matter what your taste, that’s probably the most important trend there is.

Visit the Dunning Golf website for more info at http://www.dunninggolf.com/

In the days when I worked in an office I kept a set of fresh golf clothes stashed in my car. That way I was always prepared to sneak out of work for a quick mid-day round. The funny thing is, I would change back into my work clothes before I got home. Whether it was the personal guilt or because I did not want my wife to know the extent of my golf problem, the whole exercise would have been a lot easier had I owned a few Vesti Ascendi shirts and ties.

Every weekend I play with a group of about 20 guys who by now understand my gig. Gone are the questions about how and why I get so much golf gear. Instead, I get good feedback from regular hardcore golfers. The day I strolled into the clubhouse wearing a blue Vesti Ascendi shirt and matching tie (called the Mulligan), I got a bunch of “Whoa, are you headed to church?” and “seriously, are you playing in a dress shirt?”

However, after the initial wave of flip comments, I got a number of compliments and the phrase most used was “that looks sharp”. Yup, the fact is, you wear a shirt and tie not because it is comfortable but because you look good (and chicks dig it). But what if a shirt and tie was actually comfortable? What if there was a dress shirt that was specifically designed for golf? This is the essence of Vesti Ascendi.

So yes, Vesti Ascendi is totally different than anything in the current golf apparel world. However, turn back the clock and Bobby Jones, and men of that generation, would scoff at the thought of wearing anything other than their Sunday best. So what changed? Well, we went all techno and realized there are better materials and flashier colors. Vesti Ascendi seeks to bring back the look of the golfing legends but with with material and design made specifically for golf.

Specifically, Vesti Ascendi shirt is made with a number of key design features that are not found in regular dress shirts. Including:

• Soft Pima cotton lining on the collar and cuffs
• Back expansion pleat to allow for the golf swing
• Cuffs that are easily turned up and stay firm throughout the round
• Tie rails that keep the tie in place so that it is never in your way or distracting

Obviously, playing golf requires a lot more exercise and motion than walking around the office, so having a Pima cotton collar is a wonderful and needed addition. This soft lining makes it so you will never have any chafing to your neck and the back pleat allows for a wide range of motion without inhibiting your swing.

However, the most dramatic design feature is the tie rail. Simply attach the elastic strip to the top button, run it through the 4 tie loops and then attach it to a button near the bottom. The tie will hang naturally but never move when you swing or get in your way when you putt. Kinda brilliant.

Getting down to brass tax, it is clear that this look is not for every temperature and for every golfer. One could argue that it is the perfect “office to the course” shirt, but that is not the reality. I would argue that the shirt is absolutely as suitable for non golfing activities as it is very well-tailored, comfortable and well made. However, wearing this to play golf requires a bit of a leap of faith in the same way fans of Loudmouth Golf can relate to.

Vesti Ascendi is a look, a feel, a vibe. How you dress on the course is a statement and reflection of your personality and game. There are times I just want to get in a quick nine holes and I grab the first shirt that gets in my way. Actually, I pick out a cheap one because it is a subconscious reminder that I am going out for a practice round. On the other hand, there are days that I am out to go low. For those days I want to look my best.

Choosing to wear Vesti Ascendi is more complicated than having a multi-purpose shirt. Whenever you choose to stray from the norm you are going to make a statement. While that statement is not universal for every person, it does convey a level of maturity and respect for the game. A classic look for a modern man.

Importantly, Vesti Ascendi is not owned by a large multi-national company. It is owned and operated by a very well respected golf blogger. For me, I am a huge believer in supporting small companies because I know the dedication it takes, and selfishly, it just feels good to support that cause.

Vesti Ascendi currently offers three shirt and tie combinations as well as a drivers cap and traditional baseball hat. Shirts run $150 and include the tie and custom wood hanger and can be purchased directly on the Vesti Ascendi website.

Let’s go ahead and call out the elephant in the room. Gang Green pants and shorts at first glance do indeed look like Loudmouth. The question is: if you like the idea of “crazy pattern pants”, why would you ever consider any company other than Loudmouth Golf?

Before addressing that issue, let’s be clear: Loudmouth Golf is crushing it. While I have no inside information, I have worked with Loudmouth enough to realize their business model is genius and they have cracked a market that is far bigger than anyone expected.

Clearly, I am not the only one to realize this fact and the obvious move to would be to try and break into the market. The trick of course is to cater to the same people but somehow offer an alternative (a presumably better option). This is exactly what Gang Green Golf is attempting to do.

When I was approached by Gang Green Golf about a review I was at first a bit hesitant because I personally believe Loudmouth does such a great job with their brand and I was frankly not sure much could be said about an apparent knock-off.

However, after speaking with company founder, Don Lang, I learned that he too is a Loudmouth fan and was in fact inspired to start Gang Green Golf because he felt there was an opportunity to improve on the material and cut (and to some extent their pattern selection). While you could argue that the Gang Green patterns are not significantly contrasting from Loudmouth, the cut and material are indeed quite different.

The three major element of any pants are pattern, material, and cut, with each one being critical to customer satisfaction. In the case of Gang Green Golf  pants, you get a much thinner and athletic cut which for some people is an improvement. Gang Green pants simply fit much tighter which ultimately changes how they look. Additionally, Gang Green pants utilize a lighter weight cotton than Loudmouth. The result is that they can be comfortably worn in warmer temperatures than pants that are made from thicker cloth.

Beyond the cut, Gang Green pants have a few other design details which I really like. Specifically, they have a vent cut on the cuff and feature a silicone waistband that helps to keep your shirt tucked in. The back pockets are also sewn closed to give a cleaner look although you can choose unsnip the thread to have pockets.

As mentioned, Gang Green runs tight, but not neccassily small. I ordered 34 x 32 which is my standard trouser size and they fit perfectly (although tightish). NOTE on care: I would suggest you do not tumble dry Gang Green pants or shorts in order to avoid any shrinking.

In the end it is going to be hard for any company to make significant inroads into the Loudmouth market, but economic forces dictate that because of large demand, companies will give it a shot. I applaud Gang Green for their effort as they have wisely tried to differentiate themselves with cut and design more so than pattern.

Gang Green Pants run about $109. They currently offer about 20 patterns including floral, paisley, geometric and Stripes. Pants and shorts can be purchased directly on the Gang Green Golf website.

So you are not a fan of big belt buckles? Fortunately, that does not mean you are stuck choosing between a 1982 braided belt or some other non-descript strap. Welcome to the world of exotic belts, where you can pick from the likes of crocodiles, alligators, osctriches, lizards and more.

Creepy? Maybe. Cool? Definitely. Look, I have nothing against your basic leather strap, but the unique texturing on exotic leather straps is a total game changer and is just not available with cow hide leather (maybe if it came from some Area 54 farmland). Plus it is literally one of a kind.

While not screaming loud, the white alligator strap is a gorgeous blend of natural beauty augmented by crafted stitching which ultimately sets it miles apart from a flat white leather belt. Oh, and when I say “texture”, I don’t mean embossed or some other process. Piedmont Leather straps are made from genuine exotic leather so lizard is lizard, croc is croc and ostrich is ostrich.

While not a golf specific belt, Piedmont Leather straps are at home on the course as well as a perfect complement to any outfit. For those who are more adventurous, Piedmont Leather offers many colors including pink and blue allowing you to bring even more notoriety to the strap.

All Piedmont straps come with a silver buckle. Nothing fancy here, just a clean functional buckle that will neither distract from the strap nor bring undue attention to your mid-section. Personally, I prefer a more substantial buckle but for most folks the understated look is welcomed. With that said, I would like to see a higher end buckle as I think the strap “deserves better”.

Piedmont Leather is located in my home state of North Carolina where for the past few years Jay Green has be crafting exotic belts, cash covers, yardage books and putter covers. For those of you who are putter geeks, you may know Jay from TP Mills (makers of insanely cool boutique putters), so it should be no surprise that Jay brings that same passion to Piedmont Leather.

In terms of sizing, make sure you follow the measuring instructions on the website. Since each strap is made to order (no, Jay is not just pulling these off the back shelf) you will want to get it right. As a quick hint, your size will not be your waist size but rather a few inches larger.

Piedmont Leather Belts run between $150 and $400 or so depending on the type of skin you get. Each one is custom made, and Jay is always getting in new skins so his selection changes regularly.

You can view and purchase on the Piedmont Leather website.