Golf Apparel

Is Golf Apparel Too Expensive?

BY Connor Lindeman
Jul 25th 2024
Read all comments

Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Yes. And no.

Let me explain.

I’m no stranger to the finer side of golf apparel. I’ve been accused (and rightfully so) more than a handful of times of being boujee.

As much as I love premium brands and products, I’m also a big fan of saving money. Maybe it’s something I picked up from my wife but there’s just something about a good deal that gives me a thrill.

The problem is that finding a good deal (or a good value, rather) in golf apparel can be hard and is getting harder.

Golf apparel is too expensive. That’s not to say cheap golf apparel doesn’t exist. Anyone can go to Goodwill and pick up a three-dollar polo. The key is finding golf apparel that isn’t just “cheap.” The goal is to find stuff that’s a good value.

In my mind, value equals performance and price. If something costs a little but doesn’t perform, it’s not worth your cash. On the contrary, the best value products find a balance between the two. You can always find something “cheaper” but you may never find something that’s a better “value.”

The sooner you learn the difference, the sooner you’ll understand what I’m about to say.

You don’t actually want a $5 polo or $10 pair of shorts. You really want something that performs without breaking the bank. I review a lot of gear. A lot of it is pretty expensive. Yes, I’ve praised a pair of $110 shorts and $400 pants. But I’ve also reviewed $17 pants and $8 polos. I’ve even compared popular golf pants to their less-expensive dupes to see if quality can be faked.

A lot of the good stuff is worth the cash, if you have the cash to spare. But there’s also a good amount of high-quality, low-cost items that I’m a big fan of.

Do you think golf apparel is too expensive? Here are a few of my favorite value apparel items.

My favorite value polos

My favorite value bottoms

A few more words on golf apparel

I know I rambled on a bit. And it’s a lot coming from someone whose wife refers to him as a “brand snob.” But golf apparel is too expensive. I’m not sure of the solution but I do know that amid a myriad of super-cheap and overly pricey gear, the middle ground of value is wide open for the taking.

The brand(s) that can figure that out will reap bountiful rewards.

For You

News

Jun 16, 2026

adidas Celebrates World Cup With Messi Signature Golf Shoe

First Look

Jun 16, 2026

Is One Of The New Scotty Cameron Phantom Models Just Your Size?

News

Jun 16, 2026

Meet The Latest Legend: Todd Snyder x FootJoy Premiere Series

Connor Lindeman

Connor is MyGolfSpy's resident sneakerhead and the authority on all things golf shoe performance. He's tested over 150 different pairs (and counting). When he isn't scrolling Twitter to find his next golf shoe purchase, you can find him at the piano or trying a new dessert place with his wife and daughter. #Lefty

Connor Lindeman

Two Fast-Rising Golf Brands Team Up For A Shoe Release Nobody Saw Coming

Jun 17, 2026 | 2 Comments

adidas Celebrates World Cup With Messi Signature Golf Shoe

Jun 16, 2026 | 0 Comments

Meet The Latest Legend: Todd Snyder x FootJoy Premiere Series

Jun 16, 2026 | 0 Comments

This “Hall of Fame” Golf Travel Bag Just Got a Serious Upgrade

Jun 15, 2026 | 6 Comments

Connor Lindeman

Driver Callaway ELYTE Mini	Hybrid Cobra KING TEC
Irons Titleist T250	Wedges Titleist Vokey SM10
Putter PING Scottsdale Prime Tyne	Ball Bridgestone TOUR BX

Connor Lindeman

comments

Join The Discussion

Brad

2 years ago

I play a lot of small town good ol boy munis so cheap shorts and tshirts for me. Also for going out I do have some rather nice upper tier polos and shorts.

Paz Smith

2 years ago

I got sticker shock when I looked at replacing my golf attire after dropping some weight. I saw a nice FJ pullover at a golf shop and figured I would have to work a four hour shift at my part time job to pay for it.

Family members turned me on to the app Poshmark. I found clothes that fit and a place to sell the XLs and XXLs taking up closet space.

Locally, my golf buddies and I check out Ocean State Job Lot; $10-$15 for men’s shirts and shorts can be found.

Brian

2 years ago

My SIL bought me a polo from a Country Club in South Carolina and I’m sure she paid big bucks for it. I loved it and it was a Paragon, I now own at least 2 of every color. Excellent shirts for about $20.00.

SuperDave3673

2 years ago

My 1st stop for new shirts and shorts is Walmart. The Ben Hogan line is darn good quality and fit for $18-25 each usually. I’ve had several friends who would normally prefer the more expensive brands comment positively on my outfits. I still enjoy getting the course logo shirts when I travel, and expect to pay a premium for them, but at $50-75, they’re not any better.

TheFrugalGolfer

2 years ago

Yeah, many golf clothes are way overpriced. I won’t spend over $50 on a golf polo, and try to find deals for much less. I’ve become a fan of ThreeSixtySix polos, which depending on model list for $30 to $50. However, they frequently have sales for considerably less. I have a bunch of these, and really like the fabric, fit, and feel. And so far they’ve held up well to frequent washings. (Here’s a 15%-off coupon code: FRUGALGOLFER)

I bought a couple Walter Hagen polos at Dick’s Sporting Goods as a way to save money, but disliked the fabric and feel. They feel cheap to me, vs. the ThreeSixtySix polos which don’t despite the low price point.

I also watch for Under Armour polo deals, which seem to pop up on Amazon periodically. Another favorite shirt.

Shop for deals and you’ll be good, and still look good.

Steve

KJC

2 years ago

God bless Costco.

Eric MacKinnon

2 years ago

I have found that Proozy.com has good deals on name-brand apparel. I’ve found Addias polos for $10/ea. They run deals on Spyder, Eddie Bauer among others.

Michael Terrebonne

2 years ago

We have a Dillards clearance center in the New Orleans area.
You can get Roundtree and York, house brand but quality stuff. They have wicking shorts and shirts. When on sale I get shorts for $7 and shirts for $10.
Only issue is no returns but it’s a small issue for the cost savings!

Will

2 years ago

All apparel is overpriced. That’s why it’s constantly on sale for 70% off or more. It’s a dumb industry.

Mike

2 years ago

If read any of the MGS clothing articles, yes, everything advertised is ridiculously overpriced. But if you’re an educated consumer and know where to shop, you can get great brand names for a fraction of what you’re paying here.

mackdaddy9

2 years ago

I buy Good Good polos and they last forever. I wear Link Soul shorts and they last forever. The way I look at it. I never own more than 14 polos and 9 pair of shorts. I wear them everyday until I switch to pants Which are Nike 7 pairs. I expect quality and comfort for every wear. I know that $80 for a shirt is a lot. That said if I wear it for 10 years that’s $8 a year. I still own several Good Good polos from their first year and they are just a comfy today as the day I got them. Same goes for the Link Soul shorts and Nike pants. I wear comfortable at whatever the price.

Steve P

2 years ago

One wouldn’t necessarily think so at first, but Nike makes the best quality golf pants I’ve ever owned. They aren’t cheap but they last forever and the stretch is awesome.

David Modeer

2 years ago

I know of no one in the group of twenty or so golfers I play with 3-4 times a week who gives a crap about what anyone wears. If you are at a high end country club ok. But a midrange club or muny it means s—-

Mark Williams

2 years ago

Here in Australia. Everything Golf is Unfortunately Expensive. Apparel aswell. You need to pick up your gear on Sale to get yourself a reasonable price. Nike polos on Sale are $50. Caps $ 30 – 50 etc etc. I recently priced Malbon Attire but at $90+ for Caps/ Hats & Gear far beyond that. It’s just not viable to buy. Sure you can buy Cheaper Apparel but the Quality isn’t as good.

Mike Powers

2 years ago

If you can’t find low cost athletic apparel you are not trying or don’t want to. The availability of generic goods is almost endless. Name brand goes on sale.

My guess is somebody wants the prestige of Peter Millar and others but doesn’t want to pay premium price. I’ve never paid over $25 for Millar / Norman / Nike et al.

Frank

2 years ago

I do not see any reason not to shop at thrift stores for top quality polos that are normally $50 -60 and only pay $3-8. I have purchased Adidas, Antigua, Under Armor and Nike that are new with tags or like new. I also very rarely purchase clubs new but get pre-owned at Callaway Pre-owned on sale there also. My Apex dcb irons, Rogue st max driver and Apex superhybrids are from there. There is no way I am paying $50 or more for apparel because of a name. Those prices are absurd. I also own 5 pairs of Ecco shoes that I get at their outlet stores for as much as 70% off.

Barrio6

2 years ago

Best overall value for apparel for value is Sam’s or Costco, small selection name brand golf polos and shorts but you can’t beat the price and the no hassle return policy, (and stretchy pants :)

Pank

2 years ago

I just have a motto of never paying retail for anything, especially golf apparel. I watch for things on sale but I’ve recently retired so not buying golf apparel like I did when I was working. I have to admit I probably have at least 60 polos, 15 pair of golf pants, 20 pairs of shorts. I belong to a private club and have a number of those polos and hats. Bought Masters apparel when I went. On a recent trip to Pinehurst I bought Pinehurst apparel/hats/souvenirs but still only bought shirts in the $70-80 range, and yes they do exist. I have a lot of Adidas, some Callaway, some Puma. I’m also on the text list for ShortPar4 and GolfText and will occasionally buy one of their blind packages that appear to be a good value. Kinda of like Christmas. Never been disappointed with one of these packages. All in all, I’m never going to pay $100 or more for a golf polo, regardless of the brand.

Max Cardoza

2 years ago

I have been using Nautica clothes for golf a lot. Their polos and shorts and perfect for the game and if you can find them at an outlet store, you can’t beat the prices.

gregg

2 years ago

Other options: Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s name brand outlets. Can find G. Norman in Costco. $8 polos in Sam’s with decent quality. Not hard to find if you are a shopper. So many look good and can’t play a lick. You don’t see the fashionistas in my for $$ golf league.

Robert G

2 years ago

Yes, unfortunately much of it is very expensive and the crap they import from China (even with “name brands”) is often poorly made and sized incorrectly for American consumers.
While I enjoy being properly attired while on the golf course, I’m not willing to pay $75 to $ 95 for a polo shirt that’s just stupid and a waste of money, and I don’t give a damn whose brand name is on the shirt.

birdieboy

2 years ago

What isn’t wayyy too expensive??!! Polos shouldn’t be $100+, Shoes shouldn’t be $150+, Balls shouldn’t be $5/ea, Drivers shouldn’t be $600. The industry is pricing itself out of the market. As is the typical response to the popularity of golf, everybody gets greedy. People are aware of it and are getting tired of it. I predict we’ll soon see a downturn in the golf industry overall.

niceguy51

2 years ago

100%, the prices are getting out of hand.
I get it, it’s a popular sport, but wow. I haven’t been golfing that long, but I’ve noticed the drivers used to be $400 new and now easily $600 new and I’m sure we will see $700 new in 2025.

I guess on a positive note it gives resale companies more stock to work with.

Matt Smith

2 years ago

Bald head blues makes great polos and runs a sale every few months!

Anthony M

2 years ago

You should review Yatta Golf Polos, best value and great material

Tom Sampson

2 years ago

As you stated, the real question is value. The combination of price and performance and comfort. For me (and I admit to owning 15 year old shirts and 15 year old shorts) and my climate (western Washington) my go to shirts and shorts are Eddie Bauer and R.E.I. They are made for all sorts of athletic activities. Of course, I do my best to be only 100% cotton. Again a western Washington climate thing. A “hot” summer day is 83 degrees and 50% humidity.

Chuck Z

2 years ago

Clothing in general is expensive. I you want to dress nicely, expect to pay the price. Clothing regardless of the sport is expensive. Hunters spend thousands on clothing to ensure that a deer cannot see them when deer are colorblind. Clothing for work is outrageous unless you are working outdoors and you can wear jeans and tee shirts, but a good pair of work pants and good lasting tee shirts are not cheap. Face it, you need clothing and all depending on what you want, something that will last or something that looks like it came from Walmart. Life is about choices, and you can afford what you choose to afford. I like nice quality golf apparel and that is what I will wear and not complain. Where there is a will there is a way. Hakuna matata.

James Cross

2 years ago

Yes,they are.For the average consumer it is hard to justify paying $100.00 for a polo.Golf shoes are getting ridiculous.The elite brands are not for everybody .We always want to look good when we get the opportunity to play a nice course.Shop for markdowns and bargains,if you can find your size.

Max M. Houck

2 years ago

I buy a lot of my golf gear at Old Navy. Wears well, wicks well, light, comfy, and cheap (sales all the time).

Chuck Ludwig

2 years ago

The Major Golf Apparel Companies design their styles but job manufacturing out to the various Apparel manufactures in the world.
Adds costs to their product.
Bermuda Sands Golf & Lifestyle Apparel owns 100% of their business. They manufacture their Apparel in their Company owned Mills in Central America.
This is why their customers can sell their Men’s Polo shirts at an MSRP of $70. 4-Way Stretch Jersey Fabric equal in Performance, design & Quality to the finest Apparel Brands in the World.

Mick

2 years ago

Absolutely it’s way too expensive. I always look for deals on polos and shorts. I have gotten good deals on Greg Norman clothes at Sam’s club. Also bealls here in Florida has good deals at times. I’m not worried about being seen with certain logos or status though so I’m not as picky. I can honestly say I have never gotten up to the first tee and had anyone in any group I’ve ever played with, point anyone out and say, “OMG, where did you get that shirt?” Unless you pull up with jean shorts and a tank top, most likely nobody is even noticing what the hell you’re wearing. Why pay ridiculous prices for something most people only wear once in a while on the weekend.

Ted

2 years ago

Yes , Enough said . Next question

Mike

2 years ago

Best comment in the whole thread. If we

Eric

2 years ago

Bookmarking this article so I can come back to those links in the future!

Barry Schwartz

2 years ago

Yes, golf apparel is too expensive. The thing is, most of the shirts and shorts are made in Asia, in the same factories. If it’s a FJ logo, it’s $75. Put a Peter Millar logo, now it’s $100. Same stuff, different price points because people are status whores. Remember back in the day when the alligator was “the logo”.

Robert Nicholson

2 years ago

High quality name brand golf attire is available from vendors like Golf Warehouse, Carl’s Golfland, etc. at reasonable prices. Don’t like something you order? Send it back for refund/credit/exchange. Been buying from them for many years.

BirdieBro

2 years ago

Like everyone here, I am blown away at how expensive golf clothes are. I stumbled across a really unique golf apparel brand a while ago – Bomb Golf. I’ve bought a bunch of shirts from them. Love the quality and the colors for a reasonable price – most are under $40. bombgolf.net

Lanny C

2 years ago

Golf apparel is insanely out of control! I work at a golf course so I get access to all the latest apparel trends and I can tell you the “price vs. quality” is SO out of balance is disturbing. Especially when you see all the new DTC companies that have little overhead, own little-to-no warehousing, have no brick-and-mortar stores thus eliminating employees and STILL charge $200-$300 for joggers or 1/4 zips!!! Talk about garbage apparel and we can start with Travis Mathew. The abssolute lowlight as far as quality craftmanship. Their polos are the worst. Zero collar reenforcement, material that begins to pucker and fall apart after a few washes. While I like the fit and light material used for their shorts, I can see these things are made with material so thin it won’t last either… Primo, Rhoback, Lululemon, Straight Down, Peter Millar and others can go f*çk themselves…

Wally Detler

2 years ago

I wear the nicest and best clothing all the time when I golf. It feels great and the women love it. I get hit on all the time and the hot tight babes that work the course are always after me. Dressing great sure gets you noticed and the rewards are incredible. I’ve had so many women at the course and even banged the beer girls too.

Dress well guys and get a ton of action.

Lanny C

2 years ago

You’re a simple douche

Wally Wifebanger

2 years ago

Wally is so correct about dressing up and how women love a well dressed stud and how he bangs the cart girls. The best thing though is why he is spending tons of money for fancy clothes to get Women… I just wait for him to leave so I can hook up with his wife and it she doesn’t care what I wear because she immediately takes it off

Mike

2 years ago

Wake up, your fantasy dream is over. Loser post.

Andy Kenney

2 years ago

Ummmm…..pretty sure that was just an attempt to be humorous. Relax.

Hacker

2 years ago

Everything is too expensive, but I have and outlet for reasonable Priced items. I got a custom-made driver with a great shaft for $100. Slightly used golf ball for $20 for 50, Gloves for $6-7. I’m not poor but I like to save money. I got my irons off eBay, Mizuno MP 33 3-P for $150, I love them
look up B and E golf Winder GA

Monty

2 years ago

I like nice polos, Peter Millar is my preferred brand. For shorts I can find Greg Norman on sale and do very well. My wife bought me some Lulu Lemon pants for a present, they are nice but too expensive for me to buy. Shoes are getting expensive so I always watch for sales.

Les Jee

2 years ago

Personally, if it is great quality, then I don’t mind spending a little more. Usually, if I want a logo item from a “famous” place, I pay. But, if you just want functional apparel, you can get value by searching the Internet, especially for sale clothing. That being said, sometimes I want to be a “SNOB” and show off where I have been!

Peter S

2 years ago

Appreciated the value recommendations. Some very low prices and good sales.

Very disappointed that none of the three sites I tried shipped to Canada.

Mike O'Callaghan

2 years ago

Yes $100 is way too much to pay for a golf polo. I buy most of my stuff at Marshalls or TJ Maxx. I usually only wear the polos on the golf course. Pants are a little different. If they fit good and are comfortable, I’m willing to pay the money. I’m also going to get more use out of them. There are plenty of sites on the Internet to get discounted golf apparel. I take advantage of that.

Will

2 years ago

Golf apparel is expensive but then you go to a golf course and their polos are over $100. Automatic $30 markup to have their logo on it. I know it’s always been that way, but when the base price is already $70-80, just hits different.

SMIB Golfer

2 years ago

Connor, I appreciate you diving into both ends of the price spectrum and doing the comparisons. Very helpful info and the main reason I joined MyGolfSpy many years ago.
I’m ok with paying a bit for quality golf shirts and shorts but still look for sales and closeouts to get them. I’ve got some nice Puma and Travis Mathews shirts that I found for less than $50. As a veteran I take advantage of UA’s 40% sales from time to time.
I once waited over a year for a pair of FJ shoes I really liked to get discounted before pulling the trigger.

BH

2 years ago

Yes and yes. I watch for sale items in the winter time.

golfer guy64

2 years ago

Golf apparel is getting outrageous! Tiger’s new line Sunday Red is through the roof! I want quality apparel but $80-$120 for shorts is high.

Jerry

2 years ago

I agree that golf apparel is too high. I decent pair of Nike or Adidas golf shorts are $80 or more and Travis Mathew is higher than that. I used to buy a lot of my golf clothes at SteinMart. They had good quality stuff at good prices but the one near me shut down and I think that they all shut down.

Joseph Parent

2 years ago

No I will never spend $100 for a golf polo, nor will I spend $100 or more on a pair of shorts or pants. However there are lots of deals out there. My target for a quality polo, besides performance is fit! I don’t mind paying in the $30-40 range, and Callaway Golf Apparel has me on their frequent buyer list for sure. Even get great deals on shorts there. Some of the prices are off the planet and I’m sure that there are lots of people out there that wouldn’t bat an eyelash to buy some of the higher end clothes. If there weren’t, all of those brands would be doing 50% off sales all year long. I had a friend that worked in retail who once told me that we wouldn’t believe the mark-ups in clothing as to what they actually cost to make. I am a retired Old Man who likes to look good but is more than happy to do it on a limited budget.

Paul Dovishaw

2 years ago

I Have purchased Ben Hogan brand Shirts and shorts from Walmart for $16.98 very comfortable and good quality , the only down fall is shorts are a little small so go up a size for ample room, would where these any where.

Gary Fryman

2 years ago

Yes it’s too expensive. Will I still buy it? Yes. I’m becoming a Rhoback junkie (being an ambasssador helps… use GFRY15 to fuel my addiction). But their prices keep going up about $2-4 every couple months or so. Big brands like Nike and Puma are aware and their polos are going up about $10 each year. As long as folks will buy stuff at the price, they’ll continue to go up. I’m not buying some random generic brand polo off Amazon.

Joe

2 years ago

Polos should not be $100.

Gary Fryman

2 years ago

For sure, but as long as people will pay the premium prices they will continue to go up. I’m becoming a Rhoback snob, having an ambassador code helps (use GFRY15 for 15% off and help my addiction), but notice their shirts are going up $2-4 every six months or so. Also feel like the bigger brands Nike/Puma are aware and have adjusted their prices about $10+ each year.

Darryl Konter

2 years ago

There are great values out there if you know where to look. When Under Armor puts its golf shorts on sale (online or at outlet stores), I grab a few pair. Comfortable, stylish and durable. Likewise, I bought a couple of 32 Degree polos when they were on sale for $15 each. I’m willing to pay top dollar for socks and shoes, because it doesn’t pay to skimp on those. I watch for sales by Thorlo and end-of-season clearance sales from Foot Joy.

RC

2 years ago

You sent me down quite the rabbit hole when you mentioned Thorlo, a brand which I was not familiar with. So I looked them up and was shocked at some of the prices – a hundred bucks for one pair of socks? I did see some of their “low end” offerings of 3 pairs for around forty bucks, which is more in tune with my spending habits, but what makes these socks so special? I’m so tired of buying a pack of cheap socks that cannot survive normal washing in cold water. Bought a pack of 3 inexpensive socks (all the same color) in February. I decided to only wear one pair at a time, and as they got holes, I’d replace them one sock at a time as necessary. It’s late July and I’m down to 3 socks, not pairs, socks. So I’m interested in Thorlo if they last…

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.