Think of golf clothes and a golf sweater, probably with an Argyle pattern, is most likely the first thing to spring to mind. Knitwear is synonymous with golf and as such there are a wide number of options to choose from. A great sweater is a much smarter option than a sporty fleece, it will last for years and styles are unlikely to date. They are also a great fashion item so if your golf outfit needs an instant fix why not update your look with one of this seasons on-trend colours?
Style option 1: Lined sweaters Lined sweaters fall into the practical category – generally they are designed to be worn as outerwear as they have a woven lining to help keep the wind out. If you are looking for a more elegant alternative to a fleece they are a good option as will keep you warm and snug whilst still looking smart. Often these styles have a turtle neck with a zip opening and some will have a Teflon coating to protect against drizzle too.
Style tip: Brighten up a practical lined sweater with a contrast coloured or patterned scarf. Zip neck styles work perfectly with scarves as you tuck them inside for a warm and on trend look.
Style option 2: The classic sweater You can’t beat a great mid weight sweater for versatility. This classic golfing item comes in patterned or plain versions and can be worn season after season. V-necks are more flattering if you have a larger bust and can be teamed with a polo shirt for a smarter look. A crew neck is more practical and warm and it’s a good idea to have a couple of each in your golfing wardrobe to suit all conditions and occasions. Also look out for sleeveless sweaters which are ideal for the summer months.
Patterns: The traditional Argyle pattern – made of diamonds in a diagonal checkerboard arrangement – is a golfing classic. Go for a smaller scale pattern if you are looking for a more elegant style or a bolder large scale if you like to make a statement. If the Argyle look is too bold for you then why not try a cable knit? This is a style that has a patterned stitch and adds texture to the surface of the sweater. Often these styles are one colour and are an easy way to add a subtle detail to your outfit. Stripes have a great sporty appeal. Again, horizontal stripes can make you look broader, so go for a softer tonal colourway if you want to avoid this. If you have small shoulders and want to add emphasis here then stripes are the perfect pattern for you. Spots and dots are a great choice for all body shapes and have a fun, feminine appeal, they do tend to be more trend lead though so you won’t find them every season. Style tip: Patterns that run in a vertical direction will elongate your figure, while those running horizontal or across the chest area can broaden it – so be careful that your selection will flatter your shape.
Style option 3: Cardigans Although cardigans are less popular than sweaters, they are still a good choice. Often golfing cardigans are zip through and have a sportier look rather than using buttons. They make a great choice in the spring and summer as you can easily layer up or down depending on the changeable weather.
Fabrics:
If you are looking for a season round option go for a wool, lambswool or wool mix style. If you are looking for luxury or a treat then cashmere or a cashmere blend can’t be beaten and can be worn all year round (perfect for chillier summer evenings). Wool has natural stretch and breathability and many performance wool items, often made from Merino wool, will move with your body for the ultimate comfort. They also help to keep you warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s warm thanks to their thermo regulatory properties. For the spring and summer you may prefer a lighter cotton or merino wool fabrication. Many of these styles are now machine washable which is a great practical advancement.
Style tip: If you have a pear shaped figure and want to draw attention away from your hips, then team dark bottoms with an eye-catching or contrast colour sweater.
Technology Like with many sports garments seamless technology has also been incorporated into knitwear. This means that an item is produced in one entire piece rather than consisting of separate parts and then stitched together. The advantage of seamless knits is that of superior comfort. By eliminating often bulky seams at the shoulders and sides you get a much better fit and the natural elasticity of the knitwear is not interfered with.
Still can’t decide? With so much choice around it is often difficult to choose – especially if you are looking for a gift. If you are unsure then opt for a good quality plain style. If you have paler colouring then softer colours tend to be more flattering – darker skin tones can take bolder, brighter shades. This season’s top shades Golf is a sport known for its vibrant colours and bold looks, so don’t feel like you need to be a shrinking violet when making your choices. A classic palette of navy and black can easily be updated with vibrant shades to suit the season. This winter look for deep reds, strong blues, chocolate browns and light greys alongside the golf classics of pale blue and power pink.
