Golf fashion has never been afraid to take a big swing and neither have we. Over the past 60+ years, Austad’s catalogs have featured everything from eye-catching plaid pants and generously collared polos to today’s lightweight, moisture-wicking gear. Some looks have aged like a fine wine. Others have us wondering if golfers in the ’70s were trying to intimidate the course with patterns alone.
As we flip through the Austad’s archives year by year, consider this a celebration of golf style, questionable fashion choices and a company that has grown right alongside the game. We’ve traded polyester for performance fabric and bold bell-bottoms for modern fits, but our love of golf has never gone out of style. And if you need an expert opinion on those vintage outfits, we have a feeling Dave may have a story or a defense, for a few of them.
We'll do a rating scale of golfer emojis (🏌️) out of 5 (1 being I might actually wear that to a 5 being I'm glad that's out of style and I'll never see it again)
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1981 Catalog - Men’s Banded Sleeve Shirt
The 1981 Men’s Banded Sleeve Shirt proves that a little contrast trim and a lot of confidence can go a long way. Paired with crisp white shorts, knee-high socks and a pose that says, “Yes, I absolutely meant to wear this,” it was peak golf style for its time. More than 40 years later, the shorts have gotten longer, the fabrics have gotten smarter and Austad’s has kept evolving, but we have to admit, that banded collar still has a little swagger.
Ugly Rating: 🏌️ 🏌️
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1981 Catalog - Unisex Warm-UP
Nothing says “ready for action” quite like this bright yellow 1981 Austad’s warm-up suit. With bold blue stripes, head-to-toe nylon and enough color to be spotted from three fairways away, it brought serious main-character energy to any workout. Our performance apparel may be lighter, quieter and more breathable today, but after 60+ years, we still appreciate an outfit that isn’t afraid to make a strong first impression.
Ugly Rating: 🏌️🏌️🏌️
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1985 Catalog - Argyle Vest
In 1985, this women’s argyle vest wasn’t just part of the outfit, it was *the* outfit. With its pastel diamonds, crisp white polo and perfectly coordinated pink skirt, this look had enough preppy confidence to handle the back nine and a country club lunch without missing a beat. Austad’s style has evolved quite a bit over the last 6 decades, but we’ll always respect the commitment it takes to match your wardrobe to an entire pack of fruit-flavored gum.
Ugly Rating: 🏌️ 🏌️ 🏌️ 🏌️
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1985 Catalog - Bold Striped Shirt
The 1985 Bold Striped Shirt lived up to its name and then some. Paired with fire-engine-red pants, a matching striped belt and the confidence of a man who has never questioned a fashion decision, this look was impossible to lose on the course. Austad’s has seen golf style evolve quite a bit over 60+ years, but we’ll always admire an outfit that boldly says, “My score may be unpredictable, but my color coordination is not.”
Ugly Rating: 🏌️ 🏌️
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1985 Catalog - Cotton Lisle Golf Shirt
The 1985 Cotton Lisle Golf Shirt had everything a golfer could want: a roomy fit, an extra-wide sleeve, a stay-tucked tail and a chest pocket ready to keep your scorecard pencil from interfering with your swing. Add the optional monogram and oversized collar, and you had a polo that meant business. We may have traded the pencil pocket for moisture-wicking fabric, but after 60+ years, Austad’s still knows how to help golfers dress the part, even if “the part” has changed a little.
Ugly Rating: 🏌️ 🏌️ 🏌️ 🏌️ 🏌️ - "The pocket placement is certainly a choice."
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1985 Holiday Catalog - Windowpane Sweater
The 1985 Windowpane Sweater was perfect for golfers who wanted their outfit to coordinate with both their playing partner and a very tasteful spreadsheet. With matching white V-necks, colorful grid lines and sunny yellow collars, this duo was ready to compare scorecards or pose for the most cheerful holiday card at the clubhouse. Austad’s has spent 60+ years watching golf fashion come full circle, so don’t be surprised if windowpane makes a comeback, hopefully one sweater at a time.
Ugly Rating: 🏌️ 🏌️ 🏌️
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1987 Summer Catalog - Mickey Mouse Crew Neck Sweater
In 1987, nothing said “serious golfer” quite like a crew-neck sweater featuring Mickey Mouse taking a divot roughly the size of Florida. With sporty sleeve stripes and a graphic big enough to provide swing instruction from across the fairway, this was golf apparel with zero interest in playing it safe. Austad’s style has evolved plenty over 60+ years, but we still believe the best golf outfits should perform well and never take the game too seriously.
Ugly Rating: 🏌️ 🏌️ 🏌️ 🏌️- "I'm sure we made Disney proud with this one."
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1995 Catalog - Painted Stripe Polo
Some golf shirts quietly complement an outfit. This 1995 Painted Stripe Polo chose to bring the whole color palette and we have to respect the confidence. Finished with roomy sleeves, pleated shorts and a visor that meant business, it’s the kind of look that could turn a routine tee time into a fashion event. We’ve refined our style over 60+ years, but helping golfers have a little fun with what they wear will never get old.
Ugly Rating: 🏌️ 🏌️ 🏌️ 🏌️
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1995 Catalog - Famous Course Hole Polo
Why settle for playing a famous golf hole when you could wear the entire landscape across your chest? This 1995 Famous Course Hole Polo turned a classic course scene into a full-coverage work of art, complete with water, trees and enough scenery to get lost in before your tee time. Add a straw hat and a grin that says, “Yes, the shirt is the conversation starter,” and the look is complete. Austad’s has come a long way in 60+ years, but our appreciation for golfers who proudly wear their love of the game hasn’t changed a bit.
Ugly Rating: 🏌️ 🏌️ 🏌️ 🏌️ - "Swiiiiiing and a miss."
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1995 Catalog - Austad's Trademark Polo
Subtle branding clearly wasn’t on the agenda when we created the Austad’s Trademark Polo in 1995. Featuring our swinging golfer in bright jewel tones and large enough to be recognized from the next hole, this shirt let everyone know exactly where you bought your golf gear. We’ve streamlined a few things over our 60+ years, including the size of our logos, but we still stand behind golf apparel that makes a confident first impression.
Ugly Rating: 🏌️ 🏌️ 🏌️
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From Fashion Mulligans to Fairway-Ready Style
After 60+ years of golf fashion, one thing is clear: every era has taken a few big swings and not all of them found the fairway. From bold stripes and oversized graphics to argyle, windowpane and more color than anyone reasonably needed, these shirts captured their moment with plenty of confidence.
Styles have changed, fabrics have improved and collars have thankfully gotten smaller, but Austad’s has continued evolving right alongside the game. We may laugh at these looks now, but give them another decade and they’ll probably be called “vintage” and show up on the first tee again.
Ready for a golf wardrobe that’s memorable for the right reasons? Explore today’s Austad’s apparel for modern fits, performance fabrics and course-ready styles designed to keep you looking sharp and feeling comfortable from the first tee to the clubhouse.
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