The Return of Texture: Cords, Knits, Terry, and the Rejection of Slick Poly

For years, golf style has been dominated by slick, synthetic fabrics—polyester blends engineered for performance but often void of personality. But there's a shift happening. Quietly at first, now louder. Texture is making a comeback.

You see it in the plush knits and piqué polos from Holderness & Bourne, in the soft terry layers and full-knit silhouettes from Khalhon, and in the brushed cottons and hybrid outerwear from Peter Millar. Radmor is taking it a step further—ditching polyester altogether in favor of organic cottons and natural blends with visible character. And of course, Ralph Lauren continues to lead with heritage-rich staples—corduroy overshirts, linen layers, and soft tailoring that feel timeless but fresh.

This is more than just a seasonal switch-up. It’s a rejection of the overly technical look—the sheen, the shine, the plasticky feel that defined golf apparel through the 2010s. And honestly? The polyester polo might be golf’s next white belt: once functional, now stylistically dated.

Today’s golfer is craving warmth, tactility, and a sense of lived-in ease. Texture delivers all of that. It softens a sharp silhouette. It brings contrast to tech-heavy bottoms. And more than anything, it creates depth—visually and emotionally—in a golf wardrobe that used to feel one-note.

As we head into spring and summer, this isn’t about abandoning performance. It’s about choosing pieces that feel better, wear better, and age with grace. From soft-washed cotton to subtle knits and breezy linen blends, texture is setting the tone.

On my radar this summer:

Holderness & Bourne

Structured cotton piqués, sweater-knit quarter-zips, and soft layering pieces define H&B’s elevated take on texture. It’s traditional tailoring reimagined for modern wear—refined but never rigid.

Peter Millar

A master of transition, Peter Millar blends brushed cottons, micro-textures, and knit-front layering that add warmth without weight. Their pieces bring a soft polish that feels more personal than performance-first.

Khalhon

This Japanese brand is rewriting the script with terry cloth polos and full-knit silhouettes that are purpose-built for movement and quiet comfort. Their texture-first approach offers a refreshing alternative to shiny synthetic styles.

Radmor

Radmor ditches plastic altogether in favor of organic cottons, Tencel, and slubbed blends that look and feel more lived-in. Their mission-driven design puts softness, sustainability, and texture at the center of every collection.

Polo Ralph Lauren

RL’s seasonal staples lean into vintage texture—corduroy overshirts, linen button-downs, and brushed cotton trousers that nod to heritage while remaining fully wearable today. Timeless, tactile, and unmistakably Ralph.