Korean Golf Apparel Shifts from 'Uncle Golfwear' to Lifestyle and High-Performance Fashion
Creatrip Team
21 days ago
Department store golf apparel sales in Korea have rebounded this year, driven by wealth effects from a buoyant stock market, stronger department store performance, and brand strategy changes. Major retailers reported double-digit growth: Shinsegae’s golfwear up 12.4% (Jan–Jul), Lotte up about 10% (and 18% through Aug 20). High-end brands like G/FORE (지포어), Titleist, PXG, Malbon, and St. Andrews are leaning into premium, high-performance gear that appeals to committed golfers who spend more per round. At the same time, many brands are expanding into lifestyle and everyday wear—designing lightweight jumpers, denim, knitwear, and sneakers-like golf shoes so pieces work on the course and off it. Examples: Daks Golf (닥스골프) launched fall items earlier with muted colors and versatile silhouettes, boosting new-product sales ~27%; premium labels are hiring creative directors to blur lines between golfwear and street fashion; and True Linkswear is entering Korea with ultra-light, sneaker-style golf shoes. Industry players say the recovery isn’t from more golfers but from targeting affluent golfers and converting non-golfers by emphasizing fashion and daily usability.
