In South Korea, golf apparel trends are booming, with golfers spending an estimated $9 billion worldwide on golf clothing annually, and 45 percent of that spending coming from South Korea. The country’s golfers tend to favor youthful, trendy, and expensive styles, with luxury brands like TaylorMade, PXG, and A.P.C. becoming increasingly popular. Traditional brands like Titleist, Golden Bear, TaylorMade, and Callaway still have a strong presence in the market, while newer brands such as Master Bunny Edition, Pearly Gates, St. Andrews, and Amazing Cre are finding success with consumers in their 30s to 50s.
The pandemic has led to a surge in golf apparel activity and spending in South Korea, attracting millennials and Gen-Z golfers to the game. Trendy brands like G/FORE, Malbon, and PXG are gaining popularity, as younger golfers prefer to wear golf attire both on and off the course. This shift has blurred the lines between golf and fashion in South Korea, influencing even premium fashion brands like A.P.C., Lanvin, and Philipp Plein to launch golf apparel lines in the country. This change in consumer behavior has led to less traditional looks becoming more popular among golfers.
Nike Golf has a strong following in South Korea, with golfers appreciating the brand for its quality and reasonable prices. Athleisure wear is also popular among South Korean golfers, with local brands like XexyMix catering to a wide range of generations from X to Z. These brands offer apparel that is suitable for both work and leisure activities, reflecting the changing trends in golf attire in South Korea. The influence of South Korean golf fashion is now being felt beyond its borders, with the country potentially becoming a trendsetter in the global golf apparel market.
Overall, the golf apparel market in South Korea is dynamic and evolving, with a mix of traditional and trendy brands catering to a diverse range of consumers. The pandemic has accelerated changes in consumer behavior, leading to a surge in spending on golf apparel and a shift towards more fashionable and less traditional looks. As South Korea continues to lead the way in golf fashion trends, it is likely that these trends will spread to other markets globally, influencing the way golfers dress both on and off the course. With an emphasis on style, quality, and performance, South Korean golf apparel brands are set to make a significant impact on the industry in the coming years.
