Golf Streetwear: What It Is and Why It’s Rising in Popularity
Golf fashion is having a moment, and it’s not happening in the pro shop.
Once defined by tucked-in polo shirts and crisp golf attire, the game’s look is shifting. A new wave of players, designers, and cultural voices are reimagining what golf apparel can be, both on the golf course and beyond. The result? Golf streetwear.
This isn't just about dressing down. It’s about dressing differently. About gear that reflects how you actually play, practice, and live.
From relaxed layers at the range to vintage clubs paired with lifestyle caps, golf streetwear is shaping a new style standard that values self-expression just as much as swing mechanics.
So what is golf streetwear, really? And why is it rising in popularity? Let’s break it down.
First Off, What Is Golf Streetwear?
Golf streetwear lives in the space between performance and personality. It borrows just enough from traditional golf attire, like polo shirts or sweatshirts, but strips away the formality.
In its place? Relaxed fits, graphic prints, breathable fabrics, and details that work just as well off the course as on it.
At its core, it’s a blend of golf fashion and lifestyle wear. Think tees styled like skate merch, outerwear designed for late tee times and late nights, and accessories that feel more curated than corporate.
Golf streetwear is less about what’s expected, and more about what feels right for how people actually experience the game today.
Where traditional golf clothing for men might focus on course dress codes, streetwear is about flexibility. It’s about gear that’s ready for the range, the clubhouse, or your local café. It’s built around real players, not just professionals.
And for us here at Three Putt, it’s grounded in a lifestyle, not just a dress code.
Why Golf Streetwear Is Rising in Popularity
Golf streetwear didn’t appear overnight. It’s a response to real shifts in both the game and its audience. Here’s why it’s gaining momentum:
1. A market on the rise
Golf is booming, and it’s not just about tee times and tour events anymore. According to the USGA, participation in the U.S. hit 45 million players in 2023, a 9% jump from the previous year. Globally, the R&A reported 39.6 million players outside the U.S., marking the sport’s widest reach to date.
That growth isn’t just anecdotal. The global golf market, including apparel, equipment, coaching, and course fees, was valued at $88.3 billion in 2023, and is projected to top $103.8 billion by 2028.
What’s driving it? A younger, more diverse wave of players is stepping into the game,and they’re not bringing country club baggage with them. Instead, they’re showing up in graphic tees, relaxed-fit trousers, and street-ready sneakers.
2. New faces mean new Expectations
The future of golf is being shaped by younger players, and they’re bringing different priorities to the course.
According to industry data from Grand View Research and Lightspeed,, millennials and Gen Z now make up the fastest-growing demographic in golf, with nearly 74% of 18–34-year-olds planning to take up memberships in the upcoming season.
But this group isn’t showing up in traditional kit. For them, golf is part of a broader lifestyle, one that blends recreation with identity.
This shift is exactly what sparked the start of Three Putt. As a 31-year-old golfer, I didn’t see myself in stiff clothes or corporate logos. I wanted something that fit how I actually played, and lived.
Like others in this space, I wasn’t chasing performance alone. I wanted gear that felt honest, comfortable, and reflective of who I was, both on and off the course.
3. Influence of Media & Pop Culture
Golf isn’t just a sport anymore, it’s part of the cultural conversation. Collaborations like Malbon Golf x Nike, Jordan Brand’s golf-specific shoe drops, such as the Air Rev released in May 2025
Even superstars like Tiger Woods remain a style barometer, while players like Jason Day have made headlines (and ruffled dress codes) with bold Malbon sweater vests at major events like the Masters.
Meanwhile, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, have turned the golf course into a stage, with several influencers seeing their audiences skyrocket.
4. Nostalgia Is Cool Again
Retro might just be the freshest trend in golf streetwear.
These days, there's a resurgence in vintage clubs and 90s-inspired golf aesthetics. Nearly half of golfers aged 30–50 say they’re drawn to vintage clubs for their craftsmanship and nostalgic appeal.
Meanwhile, Metalwood Studio’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection leaned heavily on early‑2000s golf style (pleated trousers, heavyweight hoodies, camo vests) all redesigned for today’s player.
5. Lifestyle Over Strict Dress Codes
Golf today is becoming less about the country club rules and more about comfortable, casual play.
In fact, many public and urban courses are dropping dress codes altogether, a sign that inclusivity is gaining ground and streetwear-style golf attire is more than acceptable on the golf course.
Players want one wardrobe that can handle driver practice, walking the course, then heading to the café or grabbing a drink afterward.
The Key Players Leading the Shift
The rise of golf streetwear isn’t happening by accident, it’s being driven by golf clothing brands that understand the nuance between style, substance, and swing. Here’s a breakdown of the leading players, some of which I’ve already mentioned.
- Malbon Golf: From Nike collabs to capsule drops like the “Pretty Good” long-sleeve, Malbon has made fashion-forward golf apparel cool without losing credibility.
- Eastside Golf: With its iconic swinging chain logo and storytelling around representation, Eastside is pushing golf culture forward while making premium gear rooted in lifestyle, not legacy.
- Bogey Boys: Think velour track tops, script logos, and a full embrace of 70s and 80s golf fashion, remixed for now.
- Three Putt: Built in the UK, Three Putt exists for players who take the game seriously, but not themselves. The gear is breathable, unfussy, and ready for everything between the first tee and the 19th hole.
- adidas Golf: Recent releases blur the line between performance golfwear and athleisure, giving players modern options that still respect technical needs.
A New Look for a New Kind of Golfer
Golf streetwear brands aren’t a passing trend,it’s a response to how real golfers live, play, and dress.
The new era of golf fashion is about versatility and voice. Players want kit that works for twilight rounds, post-round hangouts, and everything in between. It’s not about dress codes, it’s about comfort, movement, and showing up in something that feels like you.
At Three Putt, that’s exactly what we make: relaxed tees, heavy blend hoodies, caps, and sweaters that fit your lifestyle as much as your swing. Gear that doesn’t try too hard, but still shows up with style.
So whether you're playing nine holes, hitting the simulator, or just kicking around the weekend, wear something that works off-course too.
The game’s evolving, and your wardrobe should keep up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Streetwear
What is golf streetwear, exactly?
Golf streetwear blends the style and comfort of everyday clothing and emerging streetwear style with the technical edge of modern golf gear. It’s what happens when you take elements like golf polo shirts, relaxed hoodies, and lifestyle caps, and design them to move with you on and off the course. Think less dress code, more self-expression.
How is golf streetwear different from traditional golf apparel?
Traditional golf apparel prioritises formality, like collars, neutral tones, conservative fits. Streetwear flips that script. It focuses on breathable fabrics, relaxed fits, bold graphics, and pieces you can wear beyond the golf course. It’s part of a wider shift toward a golf lifestyle that’s more inclusive and authentic.
Which brands are leading in golf streetwear?
Some of the most talked-about names include Three Putt, Students Golf, Malbon Golf, and Eastside Golf. Each offers its own take on golf fashion, from minimal staples to graphic-heavy drops. If you’re after understated gear with off-course versatility, Students Golf is worth a look. For bold, wearable attitude? Three Putt’s got you covered.
Can I wear golf streetwear on a traditional course?
That depends on the course. Most public and urban clubs welcome relaxed gear as long as it’s clean and functional. Private clubs may still expect golf polo shirts or more traditional pieces. If in doubt, check the dress code, but the landscape is changing fast.
What kind of golfer is golf streetwear designed for?
It's built for modern golf enthusiasts. Players who love the game but don’t feel the need to look like tour pros. Whether you're new to golf, returning after a break, or just more focused on social rounds than serious scoring, streetwear gives you gear that fits your rhythm.
Where can I find golf streetwear?
Most of these brands release limited collections or seasonal drops. Keep an eye on Instagram or brand newsletters. Many offer first-time buyer perks or exclusive drops. Just look for a “Shop Now” call to action on their homepages.
Why is golf streetwear becoming so popular?
Because it reflects the way golf is actually being played now, aka more casually, more socially, and with a greater mix of people. The new wave of golf lifestyle brands is tapping into that reality, offering clothing that’s less about impressing and more about feeling like yourself.
