Materials in Golf Apparel

Clothing fabrics are an essential part of our everyday lives, and their diversity offers countless options in terms of style, comfort, and functionality. In this article, we take a closer look at the most common clothing fabrics—such as cotton, polyester, spandex, and their blends—evaluating their characteristics and suitability for golf apparel and sportswear in general. At Leoni Golf, we are continuously developing our collection, selecting only the best quality fabrics for our golf apparel to ensure comfort, performance, and long-lasting durability.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fiber known for its durability and color retention. It’s a strong, slightly stretchy material that dries quickly and repels moisture. Polyester garments typically hold their shape well and are resistant to wrinkling, making them ideal for travel and active lifestyles.

Polyester is especially popular in golf apparel due to its many functional benefits. It wicks moisture away from the skin and dries rapidly, helping keep the body cool and dry. Unlike cotton, polyester doesn't absorb moisture as easily, which means it dries quickly after sweating. This makes polyester particularly suitable for intense sports such as running, cycling, golf, and gym workouts where perspiration is common.

In terms of UV protection, polyester can offer some defense against harmful sun rays. Its tightly woven fibers help block UV rays, and many sports garments are treated with special UV-blocking finishes to further improve sun protection. However, while polyester provides some UV protection, it may not be as effective as garments specifically designed for sun protection. When spending extended time outdoors, it’s advisable to complement your outfit with sunscreen and other sun-protection methods.

In summary: Polyester is an excellent choice for golf apparel due to its durability, quick-drying properties, and moisture-wicking abilities.

Cotton

Cotton is one of the oldest and most widely used fabrics, valued for its natural feel, breathability, and comfort against the skin. Cotton fabrics are typically soft, durable, and easy to care for, making them ideal for a variety of garments such as t-shirts, jeans, and underwear. Cotton is also a good option for sensitive skin, as it rarely causes allergic reactions.

Known for its soft texture and breathability, cotton is a popular material for everyday clothing. However, it is not usually the first choice for sportswear. Cotton lacks the moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties of synthetic fibers like polyester or spandex. In sportswear, materials that can effectively wick sweat away from the skin and dry quickly are preferred to help keep the body cool and comfortable during exercise.

Although cotton feels pleasant on the skin, it tends to retain moisture when wet, slowing the drying process. This can lead to discomfort and even skin irritation during intense activity.

Blended Fabrics

Many modern garments are made from blends of different fabrics, combining the best features of each material. For example, jersey fabrics may include cotton, polyester, and spandex to provide breathability, durability, and stretch.

A blend of polyester and spandex is especially popular in golf apparel due to its versatile performance qualities. This combination merges polyester’s durability, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying properties with the stretch and flexibility of spandex. The result is comfortable, form-fitting, and high-performing golf wear.

Spandex enhances mobility and comfort, making garments suitable not just for golf, but also for running, yoga, and gym workouts. Meanwhile, polyester ensures shape retention and durability, helping the garments withstand frequent use over time. While blended fabrics offer some UV protection, we still recommend using additional sun protection when spending long hours outdoors.