Malbon Golf Apparel Collection Review: Where Streetwear Meets the Fairway

Introduction: Redefining Golf Fashion

When Malbon Golf launched in 2017, founders Stephen and Erica Malbon had a clear vision: to inspire a new generation to embrace golf by creating apparel that bridges the gap between traditional golf culture and contemporary streetwear. Seven years later, their mission has been realized in a collection that has fundamentally changed how we think about golf fashion.

After testing multiple pieces from Malbon Golf's current collection, I can confirm that they've successfully created something unique in the golf apparel market. These aren't just golf clothes with trendy graphics—they're thoughtfully designed pieces that work equally well on the course and in everyday life, appealing to golfers who refuse to compromise on style.

The Malbon Philosophy: Style Meets Performance

What sets Malbon Golf apart from traditional golf brands is their approach to design. Rather than focusing solely on technical performance features, they prioritize style, aesthetics, and cultural relevance. This doesn't mean they ignore performance—far from it. But they understand that modern golfers, especially younger players, want apparel that looks good first and performs second.

The brand's small-batch production strategy means limited availability and exclusivity, which has helped build a dedicated following. Prices reflect this premium positioning, with polos ranging from $75 to $95, jackets from $120 to $160, and footwear from $150 to $180. While these prices place Malbon in the premium segment, the quality and design justify the investment for style-conscious golfers.

What's particularly impressive is how Malbon has maintained this philosophy while expanding their product range. Whether you're looking at a basic polo or a technical outerwear piece, the design language is consistent—contemporary, stylish, and unmistakably Malbon.

Malbon Golf's apparel seamlessly blends streetwear aesthetics with golf performance

Polos: The Foundation of the Collection

Malbon's polo shirts are the cornerstone of their apparel collection, and they represent everything the brand stands for. These aren't your grandfather's golf polos—they're contemporary pieces that feature modern cuts, unique colorways, and thoughtful design details.

The polos are crafted from quality materials that provide the moisture-wicking and breathability that golfers need, but the focus is clearly on style. The fits are more contemporary than traditional golf polos, with slimmer silhouettes that appeal to modern tastes. The color palette is diverse, ranging from classic neutrals to bold, statement-making hues.

What I particularly appreciate is the attention to detail. The buttons, collars, and stitching all reflect the brand's commitment to quality. The Malbon logo is typically subtle and well-placed, adding to the piece without overwhelming it. These polos work just as well with jeans off the course as they do with golf shorts on it.

During my testing, I found the polos to be comfortable for extended wear, whether playing 18 holes or spending a day in the city. The fabric breathes well even in humidity, and the fit is flattering without being restrictive. At $75 to $95, they're priced at a premium, but the quality and versatility justify the cost.

Jackets and Outerwear: Technical Meets Trendy

Malbon's outerwear collection is where the brand really shines. These pieces demonstrate that you don't have to sacrifice style for functionality. The jackets range from lightweight windbreakers to more substantial pieces designed for cooler weather, all featuring the brand's signature aesthetic.

The technical anorak is a standout piece. It's designed to withstand challenging weather conditions while maintaining the sleek, modern look that Malbon is known for. The materials are high-quality, providing protection from the elements without the bulk that plagues many technical outerwear pieces.

What sets Malbon's outerwear apart is how well it works off the course. These aren't golf-specific pieces that look out of place in everyday settings. They're versatile outerwear that happens to perform well on the golf course. This versatility is a key differentiator and one of the reasons the brand has gained such a following.

The construction is solid, with attention to detail evident in the zippers, seams, and overall finish. The fit is contemporary without being overly fashion-forward, making these pieces accessible to a wide range of golfers. At $120 to $160, they represent good value for the quality and versatility they provide.

Knitwear: Comfort and Style Combined

Malbon's knitwear collection has become one of their most popular categories, and it's easy to see why. These pieces combine comfort, style, and performance in a way that few golf brands have achieved. From sweaters to cardigans, the knitwear reflects the brand's commitment to creating pieces that work in multiple contexts.

The quality of the materials is evident from the first wear. The knits are soft, comfortable, and well-constructed. The designs are contemporary without being trendy, ensuring they'll remain stylish for seasons to come. The fit is flattering, and the pieces layer well with other Malbon items.

What's particularly impressive is how these pieces have been embraced by professional golfers. Jason Day's partnership with Malbon, including his appearance at the 2025 Masters wearing a bold sweater vest, demonstrates how the brand has gained acceptance at the highest levels of the sport.

The knitwear works well for both on-course and off-course wear, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. The price points reflect the quality and exclusivity, but for those who value both style and performance, the investment is justified.

Graphic Tees and Casual Pieces

Malbon's graphic tees and casual pieces demonstrate the brand's streetwear roots. These aren't typical golf-branded t-shirts—they're thoughtfully designed pieces that reflect contemporary culture while maintaining a connection to golf.

The graphics are well-executed, with attention to detail and quality printing. The designs range from subtle to bold, allowing you to choose pieces that match your personal style. The fits are contemporary, and the materials are comfortable for all-day wear.

What makes these pieces special is how they've helped expand golf's cultural reach. By creating apparel that appeals to people who might not traditionally be interested in golf, Malbon has helped bring new audiences to the sport. This cultural impact is as important as the products themselves.

Quality and Construction

One of the questions I'm often asked about Malbon is whether the quality matches the price. After testing multiple pieces, I can say that the construction and materials are generally good, though there have been some customer reports of quality issues with certain items.

The majority of pieces I tested were well-constructed, with attention to detail in stitching, seams, and finishing. The materials feel premium, and the overall construction suggests these pieces should last with proper care. However, it's worth noting that some customers have reported issues with buttons, zippers, and overall durability on certain items.

This inconsistency is something potential buyers should be aware of. While most pieces are well-made, there have been enough reports of quality issues to suggest that quality control could be improved. That said, when the quality is good, it's very good, and the design and style more than justify the price for many customers.

Fit and Sizing

Malbon's sizing runs relatively true to size, with a contemporary fit that's slimmer than traditional golf brands but not overly tight. The brand offers a range of sizes, though some customers have noted that plus sizes are limited or unavailable.

For those new to the brand, I'd recommend trying pieces on if possible, or ordering multiple sizes to find the best fit. The contemporary cuts mean that sizing can feel different from traditional golf brands, so it's worth taking the time to find the right fit.

Versatility: On-Course and Off-Course

One of Malbon's greatest strengths is the versatility of their pieces. These aren't golf-specific garments that look out of place when worn off the course. They're contemporary apparel that happens to work well for golf.

This versatility is a key selling point. When you invest in Malbon pieces, you're not just buying golf clothes—you're buying versatile wardrobe staples that work in multiple contexts. A Malbon polo looks just as good with jeans and sneakers as it does with golf shorts and golf shoes.

This approach has helped the brand appeal to a broader audience, including people who might not play golf regularly but appreciate the aesthetic. It's also made Malbon pieces popular among younger golfers who want their on-course style to reflect their off-course fashion sense.

Collaborations and Limited Editions

Malbon has become known for their collaborations, which have included partnerships with FootJoy, Adidas, Honma Golf, and even the Grateful Dead. These collaborations often produce some of the brand's most sought-after pieces, combining Malbon's design aesthetic with the expertise and heritage of their partners.

The limited-edition nature of many Malbon releases adds to the brand's appeal. Small-batch production means that certain pieces are only available for a limited time, creating a sense of exclusivity and urgency. This strategy has helped build a dedicated following and has made Malbon pieces highly collectible.

Customer Experience Considerations

While Malbon's products are generally well-received, it's important to note that some customers have reported challenges with customer service, shipping, and returns. International customers, in particular, have noted issues with unexpected duties and taxes, as well as difficulties with the return process.

These experiences suggest that while Malbon excels at product design and branding, there's room for improvement in customer service operations. Potential buyers, especially those outside the United States, should be aware of these potential challenges and review the brand's policies before making purchases.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unique design aesthetic that blends streetwear and golf
• Versatile pieces that work on and off the course
• High-quality materials and construction (on most pieces)
• Contemporary fits that appeal to modern golfers
• Strong brand identity and cultural relevance
• Exciting collaborations and limited editions
• Appeals to a new generation of golfers

Cons:

• Premium pricing may be prohibitive for some
• Some quality control inconsistencies reported
• Customer service issues reported by some customers
• Limited sizing options, especially plus sizes
• Small-batch production means limited availability
• International shipping and returns can be challenging

Final Verdict: A Brand That's Changing Golf Fashion

Malbon Golf has successfully created a unique position in the golf apparel market. They've proven that golf fashion doesn't have to be traditional or boring, and that style and performance can coexist. Their apparel collection offers something genuinely different for golfers who want to express their personal style on and off the course.

While there are areas for improvement, particularly in customer service and quality consistency, the brand's strengths far outweigh their weaknesses. The design aesthetic is fresh and appealing, the quality is generally good, and the versatility of the pieces makes them a worthwhile investment.

For golfers who value style as much as performance, and who want apparel that reflects contemporary culture while honoring golf's traditions, Malbon Golf is an excellent choice. The brand has helped make golf more accessible and appealing to a new generation, and that cultural impact is as valuable as the products themselves.

If you're looking for golf apparel that doesn't compromise on style, and you're willing to invest in pieces that work in multiple contexts, Malbon Golf should be at the top of your list. They've redefined what golf fashion can be, and the results speak for themselves.