I’m A Golf Style Expert. Here’s What Apparel To Buy This Christmas

Golf apparel has come a long way. The days of boxy polos and forgettable quarter-zips are mostly behind us, and there are now plenty of brands making golf clothes that actually look good both on and off the course. I spend a lot of time paying attention to what works, what doesn't and which pieces are actually worth the money. So, if you're shopping for a golfer this Christmas, these are the apparel picks I'd feel good putting under the tree.

1. B. Draddy Sheperd Striped Cotton Polo

B. Draddy has built a reputation for making absolutely excellent golf apparel. Their cotton polos are unmatched, and the Sheperd Striped Cotton Polo is one of my favorite B. Draddy polos.

As a bit of a traditionalist, I love cotton golf polos. Far too much golf apparel uses performance fabrics, and cotton offers better breathability, few to no microplastics, and an elevated nature. I love the color combination on the Shepherd's "Thor" colorway. You don't get too much purple in golf, and that purple/aqua stripe looks awesome. This is one of the sharpest looking polos I've seen in a long time.

If you're shopping for someone who appreciates classic style and good fabric, get this.

2. Johnnie-O Belfry Quilted Puffer Vest

The Johnnie-O Belfry is easily my favorite puffer vest. I bring mine with me everywhere. It's not often that something has a perfect weight, but Johnnie-O absolutely nailed it with the Belfry. It's just as perfect in moderately chilly weather as it is in pretty cold weather.

What makes the Belfry even better is how it looks. The quilting is very distinct, the fit is nice, and the color offerings are top-notch. I'm partial to the bluestone colorway but there's really not a bad choice here. This vest also layers really well over a sweater. I mean, that's pretty much what lightweight puffer vests were made for.

This is another piece I recommend from personal experience. I own it, I wear it all the time and I'd certainly buy it for someone on my Christmas list.

3. Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

Everyone automatically assumes cashmere has to be crazy expensive, but Quince has absolutely shattered that misconception. Their Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater is my favorite lightweight sweater on the market. I wear mine for golf, casual wear and just about everything else.

When I say I love this sweater, I mean every word of it. Ask my wife. I seriously pack one of these with me wherever I go. Summer, winter, spring and fall, I cannot tell you how many times I've been thankful I brought one along.

The Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck is $59.90. Cashmere sweaters are pretty much guaranteed to cost at least $100 elsewhere, and that's at the low end of the cashmere spectrum. I've owned cheap cashmere and expensive cashmere, and Quince's quality stacks up pretty darn well against sweaters that cost significantly more. If the golfer in your life prefers a V-neck, Quince offers one of those, too.

I say this with complete sincerity: this is a gift almost anyone would be happy to get. They seriously do not have to be a golfer. It's handsome, well-made, versatile, and happens to work extremely well for golf.

This sweater deserves a cult following.

4. tasc Performance Crest Jacquard Quarter Zip

One brand I've become obsessed with over the past year is tasc Performance. tasc is a New Orleans-based brand whose products are primarily made from recycled and/or natural fiber blends, with cotton playing a major role across the lineup. I'm all about that.

I also really like what tasc is doing on the sustainability and employee side. According to the brand, employees at its factory in India are paid 18 percent above the local average, receive free healthcare for themselves and their families, and have access to subsidized housing and meal programs. That makes tasc a very easy brand to stand behind.

Now, let's talk about the Crest Jacquard Quarter Zip. Golf apparel is generally missing texture, and the Crest Jacquard has LOADS of it. The jacquard knit gives this thing a look and feel that is very unique, and it gets compliments everywhere it goes. It deserves every single one.

This is a perfect gift for a golfer who wants to support an incredible brand, look great, and own a nicely textured piece they're not going to see on too many other people.

5. Holderness & Bourne Barker Belt

My, oh my… The Holderness & Bourne Barker Belt just might be the coolest thing I've ever seen.

Holderness & Bourne calls it a play on the classic gaucho belt, and they couldn't be more right. This is exactly the type of fun golf style desperately needs. The Barker Belt has loads of personality while still looking completely elegant. You do not need to look like you've just stepped out of a frat house in order to have some fun with what you wear on the golf course.

Like everything else on this list, this belt does not need to be golf-specific and shouldn't be. Pair it with an Oxford cloth shirt and chinos and you're looking like a million bucks.

An absolutely outstanding gift option. 10/10.

6. Heathlander Golf Shoes

I've already talked extensively about how much I love Heathlander golf shoes, so I won't rehash everything here. Just know this: they look incredible, they feel incredible and they're my favorite golf shoes on the market. It's not even close.

Like the tasc quarter zip, these get compliments everywhere I go. They have an absolutely striking look that you simply don't see from most of the big golf footwear brands, and that alone makes them a great gift for someone who wants something a little different. If Fay Wray was a golf shoe, she'd be Heathlander. That is a compliment of the highest order.

I also love the fact that not everyone has a pair. Golf style gets boring when everyone is wearing the same handful of brands, and Heathlander gives you something far more interesting and better-looking.

Another outstanding gift choice. I'd recommend these in a heartbeat.

7. Greyson Wolvestooth Short Sleeve Polo

Look, I'm not a performance fabric guy, but I'd be more than happy getting the Greyson Wolvestooth Polo.

I'll be the first to say Greyson has some of the most iconic collars in golf. Yes, plenty of brands use spread collars, but Greyson's are more aggressive. They look like a British heritage spread collar met F1 racing. They just do it differently, and somehow it still looks tasteful.

What I love most about the Wolvestooth is the modern play on traditional houndstooth. Even better is the color combination. Burgundy and navy have always belonged together, but you really don't see that pairing enough.

And, at the risk of sounding like Billy Mays, there's more. Greyson added micro striping to the collar, so this polo has a ton of visual texture. Yes, it's busy, but it's busy in a way that is genuinely pleasing to the eye.

If I'd be happy getting this for Christmas, I think plenty of style-forward golfers would be, too.

8. Fairway & Greene Mariner Jacket

There's a common misconception that athleisure is somehow a bad thing. It absolutely isn't, and the Fairway & Greene Mariner Jacket is major proof.

This is another seriously versatile piece. Wear it for a round, throw it on for a morning coffee run or pair it with chinos and sneakers. It works.

Call me crazy, but I actually think the Mariner Jacket is even better as a lifestyle piece than a golf piece. It screams pure, unadulterated sport. Contrast, athletic styling, and an athletic fit make this a cool, comfortable, and upscale pick.

You can practically smell Chanel Allure Homme Sport coming off this thing.

9. On Roger Clubhouse Sneakers

Look, I saw Adam Scott wearing these casually, and that should tell you all there is to know.

Nevertheless…

If you're anything like me, you hate wearing your golf shoes any longer than you need to. I'm the first one to wear sneakers to the course and either change into my golf shoes in the parking lot or the clubhouse. Usually the parking lot.

When I'm already dressed in my golf clothes, I want a pair of sneakers that looks every bit as good as the rest of the outfit. The On Roger Clubhouse is that shoe.

And honestly, the name almost feels prophetic. Yes, I know it's named after Roger Federer, but still. Clubhouse? Come on. This shoe was practically destined for golfers.

10. Jones A2 Backpack

Once again, you can ask my wife about this, but I'm obsessive about backpacks. I'm always on the hunt for the perfect one, and the Jones A2 is about as close as I've ever come.

At the moment, this is my favorite backpack on the market, both for its functionality and because of how good it looks. Versatility is important, and the A2 can be worn with just about anything and still look excellent.

It's functional, good-looking and extremely well-built. Have it embroidered with the recipient's name and it's chef's kiss.

There's a reason this backpack shows up in so many top-100 course pro shops. It looks the part.