How to maximize quality and value in golfwear

Whatever your handicap is on the links, Style Points do count when it comes to golf.

Even if you're one who believes in letting your game do the talking, just imagine how much livelier the conversation would be when lacing up two-color golf shoes to go with crisply creased slacks, a tightly woven cotton shirt, and perhaps a straw hat for good measure?

Tiger Woods, winner of 13 major championships (and counting) and most recently runner-up in the 2008 Masters, recognizes the significance of his clothing while competing. His signature red shirt on the final round is perhaps the sport's most recognizable sartorial statement.

Woods is hardly alone in having a signature look. The late Payne Stewart was well known for his caps and knickers, an homage to golf's early days. (If the modern-day crowd needs a visual, just think "The Legend of Bagger Vance.")

Choosing what to wear for the course is not difficult, but getting quality pieces can be as significant an investment as purchasing the right clubs. For starters, check out shops that sell golf equipment such as Dick's Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, Edwin Watts Golf, Golfsmith and Golfers' Warehouse. Develop some perspective on the clothing lines that are out there, and which ones fit you best. You'll also get an idea of how much you'd like to spend. Keep in mind that these stores have sale days throughout the year.

For those who are interested in "the good stuff," I'll cut right to the chase: The Bobby Jones line is solid. And, it turns out, its online store has markdowns on shirts for men and women. The Bobby Jones Collection of mercerized cotton shirts are comfortable and do not wrinkle easily.

Other reputable brands include the Reebok-owned Greg Norman Collection; Ashworth; Cutter & Buck; and Ralph Lauren's Polo Golf and RLX lines; and Nike.

Now that the clothing part is out of the way, you can get back to the game. Although your upgraded attire may not necessarily shave off strokes from your handicap, you certainly will have gained Style Points.

Capish?

The deal on denim

Since blue jeans were invented by Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss in 1873, the trousers' evolution from practical workwear to fitted fashion staple surely has been one to watch.

When I was growing up in upstate New York during the '70s, a local Army & Navy store advertised its inventory of Lee, Levi's and Wrangler jeans frequently in radio and TV spots. I pretty much wore any of those brands throughout grade school.


Then came the designer craze of the '80s, highlighted by the classic Calvin Klein ads featuring a teenage Brooke Shields. Competition was in full swing: Jordache, Gloria Vanderbilt, Guess? to name a few. Many women -- and men -- were wearing the designer du jour on their back pockets, and were willing to pay a premium for it.

Even I was willing to try out different brands, but was less willing to spend significantly more for them. I experimented with the relaxed fit of Guess? jeans in the '90s, and got them for at least half off at its factory outlet store at Franklin Mills Mall in Philadelphia. The jeans are quite durable; I still have them to this day.

Denim prices are coming down these days, but do they still make real deals like they used to? I can honestly say at this point, the answer would be yes -- though the jury's out on whether the Lucky Brand Jeans that I recently purchased from a Costco in Houston would last into the next decade.

That's right, Costco -- the wholesale shopping club where members can buy items in bulk. In the case of Lucky jeans, which retail from $88 to $150 for men, they cost $36.99 a pair at Costco. I wound up picking up two pair, which, even after the sales tax was added, still cost less than one pair of Luckys at the starting retail price.

So that's the deal, guys, while the gettin' is good.

White on the money

Tom Wolfe may be as well known for wearing white as the best-sellers he has written.

The esteemed author certainly wears it well; so can you and I. After a recent sweep of Houston area retailers, I have assembled a "recipe" for achieving the cool, breezy aesthetic that comes with wearing white, without compromising my wallet (rounded to nearest dollar, not including sales tax):

The White Stuff


Shirt: Polo Ralph Lauren, orig. $89.50 -- discounted price: $35 (Macy's)


Trousers: Polo Ralph Lauren Classics cargo pants, orig. $125 -- discounted price: $44 (Macy's)


Socks: Polo Ralph Lauren, reg. $12 -- $5 (Polo outlet at Katy Mills Mall)


Shoes: Puma, $50 (Puma store at Houston Premium Outlets)


For less than $150, I'm lounging at the beach or a waterfront restaurant. In these threads, I'd be happy to splurge on the meal.

The obvious caveat when it comes to wearing white: Try not to get dirty, and never let 'em see you sweat.

That means no one can step on your shoes, nor can you stub your toes. Do not lean against your car. Avoid ordering pasta. Not least, hope for no rainfall for the duration of wearing your outfit.

You gain mega-Style Points for stepping out in brand new whites, but you are subject to losing points should they become soiled in the slightest way. Even if others may not see stains, you will know where they are, and that self-conscious realization can challenge your cool exterior.

Of course, there's always the washer/dryer and the dry cleaners, so don't sweat it too much. Clothes are meant to be worn. So wear 'em well.