Spandex Returns to Form in Today’s Golf Apparel

Golf is a game of tradition, where its roots can be traced to the 1890’s in the United States and even further across the pond. As with any business, certain elements fall into and out of style, based on public acceptance.

As many elements of golf are currently in transition, it’s not surprising that some sportswear components have found their way back into style on the golf course. One of those components is the use of Spandex fibers by leading manufacturers of lifestyle and golf apparel.

One of those manufacturers is the distinguished Antigua brand, which has incorporated Spandex in its 2017 Men’s Collection. “Almost every style has incorporated this fiber into the construction of fashion fabrics for both function and form, eliminating any garment resistance throughout the golf swing and offering an enhanced supple hand, smooth drape and renewed recovery with every use,” said Antigua Vice President Sean Gregg.

We recently tested a couple new styles from the 2017 Antigua Men’s Collection including the Men’s Array Golf Shirt, which features a 100% polyester Desert Dry moisture wicking fabric. It’s a solid geometric jacquard pattern polo with contrast taping at shoulder. We also tried the Men’s Survey Golf Shirt, which offers a 95% polyester/5% spandex Desert Dry moisture wicking fabric. This is an all over embossed geometric pattern jersey knit polo with solid jersey fabric collar and hem cuff detail.

By adding an abstract geometric all-over embossed interlock style, Antigua continues to embellish textured solids this season. The Survey style creates an optical effect of light and shadow that brings this solid style to life with a golfer’s every movement. It’s created using an unembossed solid self collar and cuff interlock making for a modern look that enhances its sophisticated fashion appeal.

Both shirts make renewed use of Spandex fabric. Spandex is a polyester-polyurethane copolymer that was invented in 1958 and is stronger and more durable than natural rubber. When introduced in 1962, it revolutionized many areas of the clothing industry.

Because of its elasticity and strength – it can stretch up to five times its length – Spandex has been incorporated into a wide range of garments, especially in skin-tight garments. A benefit of Spandex is its significant strength and elasticity, while returning to the original shape after stretching and faster drying than ordinary fabrics.

The Antigua Array shirt features a jacquard double knit fabric built for breath-ability and features an all-over, 45-degree-angled geometric mesh pattern. The combination of the material and geometric mesh pattern make this one of the coolest and most flexible shirts you’ll find. Like the Survey shirt, the Array washes well and retains its color sharpness and soft fabric even after multiple cycles.

In addition to greater durability, one of the primary benefits of Spandex in the 2017 Antigua Men’s collection is the elimination of resistance throughout the golf swing. Both the Survey and Array follow the body’s natural movements, allowing for an unimpeded backswing coil through the downswing and into the follow through. The fabric is the perfect counterpoint, adding balance throughout the flowing transition of the golf swing.

This flow is in stark contrast to the early days of golf when legends such as Bobby Jones would play the game wearing an oxford shirt and tie. Thankfully, breathable fabrics such a Spandex have allowed the form and function of the golf shirt to rhythmically match the movements of the golf swing. The result is on overall better experience for the golfer.