Welcome to Fashion Revue, where our team looks at some golf fashion items that have recently made their way into their closets and repertoires.
This time out, Ryan Ballengee reviews three new pieces from adidas Golf, Loudmouth Golf and Beltology.
adidas Golf Go To Adapt quarter-zip jacket
I'm a quarter-zip guy. My wife refers to it as part of my work uniform because, well, I wear one a lot around the home office or the golf course or a brewery or...you get the idea. However, when it gets too chilly for a QZ, I usually find myself wearing a vest over top to add an additional layer.
Thanks to a new quarter-zip jacket from adidas Golf, I won't need that extra layer as often. adidas Golfers call this new jacket the Go To because it's something a golfer can wear pretty much every time out on the course in cooler weather and be comfortable. The multi-media nature of the jacket brings in a variety of materials in the right places for maximum effect.
The outer shell is water resistant with polyester twill on the tops of the sleeves and the shoulder area to prevent soaking. The collar features the same material, and it's designed to stand up for additional coverage of your neck. The hem at the bottom of the jacket gives a little extra length so there's no concern of it riding up while you swing.
The fleece-lined, polyester waffle-pattern knit throughout the rest of the jacket is light enough to not feel heavy but substantial enough to keep you warm when you do pretty much anything. The telescoped fleece cuffs prevent your hands from getting cold where your glove doesn't cover, and it feels comfortable while holding the club. The front pockets on the jacket are deep enough to fit your whole hand and a few golf items.
The fit is perfect for any golfer: a little wider than the more common form-fitting quarter-zip, which is perfect for an ideal layering piece.
Bottom line: You'll stay warm in this jacket, and you'll feel comfortable doing it whether it stays cool or the sun shines and suddenly jacks up the temperature.
The adidas Golf Go To Adapt is available in seven colorways for a reasonable $90.
Loudmouth Golf's latest patterns and fabrics
I love Loudmouth Golf. I do. John Daly has worn them forever, but, more importantly to me, one of my favorite darts players named Peter Wright wears their pants when he plays. Over the years, Loudmouth has come out with more patterns than they can probably themselves recall, but they're always thinking of new looks. The pants and shorts and great for making a fun fashion statement while being able to balance it all out with more muted looks. When done right, Loudmouth Golf gear works in nicely to a golf rotation.
The company was kind enough to send me a few pairs of new patterns, including the StretchTech shorts in the Makaha pattern and the pants in the Summer of Love pattern.
The StretchTech polyester is a huge upgrade over the company's original materials. They don't wrinkle, they move with your body while controlling moisture. They don't fade, and they don't shrink. It makes wearing the Loudmouth clothes so much more comfortable on the golf course, not having to compromise performance for a specific look. I'm personally more drawn to the Loudmouth shorts -- probably because I like shorts over pants in general.
The pockets are plenty deep, and the fit isn't baggy or too tight. The two-button closure is a bit dressy for my liking, but I know it's secure in there.
I also like that Loudmouth sizes for bigger guys, even bigger than me. Most companies crap out at 38-inch waists, throwing a few bones to the 40-inch crowd. Loudmouth goes up to size 46 in shorts and pants. The shorts go for just shy of $80, and the pants go for $110 per pair.
Beltology belts
Several years ago, I went away from a traditional belt. I would wear a belt down to the point the holes would rip and strain and eventually snap. Then I'd need a new belt. So I wanted to find a belt with a more custom fit each time out that would also wear better.
In that spirit, I've been taking Beltology's lineup for a test run. Beltology belts have a traditional buckle, but the special feature is a stretch, woven-style (or actually woven) material which creates scores more individual fitting points than a common belt. Just find a space to stick the buckle point through, and you've got a custom fit. The material -- again, woven or leather or wool or another special -- also stretches to conform to the wearer and the fit chosen.
If you're a belt geek, like I can be if I think about it long enough, then you'll love having a wide enough swath of options to work with any golf outfit as well a variety of traditional-looking options for any other function, including for work or out at a social event.
The Beltology belts range in price, but they generally retail for $95. Given how long they last and their versatility, you're getting a good value since you'd probably snap 3-4 traditional belts in the same time frame.
