The Genius Blog

Ryder Cup Fashion Week

So it's game time at the Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club. And while Chicago may not be a fashion mecca like New York, Los Angeles, or Miami—one of the big story lines of this international event is the fashion statements.

So who better to turn to for fashion advice than our very own Genius Team of stylists. We asked our golf (and fashion) savvy fans their thoughts on the duds of the dudes competing.

Kate Keller (@katekgolfgirl): "Why are Team USA’s Ryder cup uniforms better? Two words: Ralph Lauren.

When outfitting a U.S. team (whether it’s the U.S. Olympic team or the U.S. Ryder Cup team), it’s easy to overplay the “Red, White and Blue” theme. But Ralph Lauren always gets it right. I absolutely love the red pants. They’re fun, loud, and perfectly appropriate for the atmosphere of the practice rounds. If nothing else, those pants got your attention (in a good way).

For the official uniform, I like the classic (and a bit more understated) approach of using mostly blue and white incorporating a few elements of flair—either with colors or patterns—just to keep it interesting.

I am a big fan of white pants in general, so I was glad to see the white technical twill pants paired with the blue RLX Team Solid Polo with the pop of red on the side underarm panels.   And once again, the simple yet bold red stripe used on Sunday’s RLX Team Stripe Polo certainly makes a statement.

It was also interesting to see that the logos were printed on the shirts and outerwear.  It makes all of the pieces appear cleaner and is more modern than traditional embroidery.

And of course, who doesn’t think the USA belt buckle is the ultimate accessory? Overall, I think the U.S. Team’s uniform is the perfect blend classic All-American style and modern use of graphic lines and fabrics. Let’s hear it for the Red, White and Blue!" (editor's note: Kate is not endorsed by Ralph Lauren)

Bill Cuebas (@wcuebas): For me I prefer the USA Ryder Cup Teams Style. Now I know people will say: "Oh, it’s because I am rooting for Team USA." They would be wrong. The colors are more appealing to me. I like the solid colors. I think the Red White and Blue make for a better coordination of colors. Even in plaid, the USA style is more appealing.

My favorite of the outfits is the white pants with Blue tops and blue headwear. Oh, and the white Adidas shoes! I like that outfit so much I would wear it and pretend I was playing in the Ryder Cup.

Well there you have it. I am all for Team USA's style! But more importantly, I am a fan of the Ryder Cup growing the game of golf!"

Jeff Day (@jday410): "It’s about time that both Ryder Cup teams lost the pleated pants and tacky golf shirts!

The Americans stick to their theme of Red, White and Blue regardless of who is picking out their uniforms. They look great in their RLX gear, which has given the team a timeless look with some comfortable performance materials. While Europe can go with the gold, blue and white theme, they never stick to it and wear all sorts of colors—including the orange they were wearing earlier this week and the tennis-ball green they’re sporting in Friday's matches. 

I’m disappointed that their Friday uniforms don’t have a little more flare, I like how the shirts, sweaters and vests are monochromatic with black trim goes with pants and hats the team is wearing. That being said, Ian Poulter put himself together well with shoes to match his top. Through one session, it’s advantage USA with their white front-pocket polos and navy and white window-pane trousers and red hats, but expect the Euros to look nothing but classy when they wear Seve’s signature navy-on-navy look on Sunday.

 Do you agree or disagree with our panel? Let us know by commenting below.

photos from GolfDigest.com. View full gallery