The Ryder Cup team uniforms have a checkered past. Literally. The storied biannual match play tournament, which pits a dozen of the USA’s best golfers against a dozen of Europe’s, is defined by intense rivalry. Think lots of flags, and plenty of chanting. And don’t forget the uniforms: each squad’s coordinating outfits supercharge the vibe, too. The Americans tend to prefer argyle sweater vests, patriotic polos, and, on several occasions, plaid trousers.
Tomorrow, the Europeans — who have had their own share of plaid moments — will take the course in Rome in something quite a bit more understated. Namely: white polos emblazoned with a reddish-brown stripe that signifies one of the biggest subtle flexes in menswear. The accent color will be most recognisable, in fact, to hardcore cashmere aficionados the world over as the signature shade of Italian hyper-luxury brand Loro Piana. Which means the Europeans are taking the course in what might be the most expensive athletic uniforms in history.
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Loro Piana is better known for its extraordinarily elevated casualwear than for performance gear. The brand is single-minded in its pursuit of the rarest natural fibres in the world, which it turns into stratospherically-priced wardrobe staples. It is, famously, the label of choice for plutocratic Succession scion Kendall Roy, played by Jeremy Strong, who himself became obsessed with the sixth-generation brand during research for his role. But apparently golfers like Rory McIlroy have a taste for Loro, too, and so Loro Piana has provided the European team with Ryder Cup uniforms since 2016.
“Since the partnership began in 2016, the quality of Loro Piana’s fabrics coupled with their specialist design and production knowledge have made them the ideal clothing partner for Team Europe,” said EU captain Luke Donald in a press release.
For each day of competition, plus three more practice days, each member of Team Europe gets polo shirts, quarter-zips and sweater vests combining technical material and superfine wool, tailored four-pocket trousers in “Rain System®-treated stretch wool,” waterproof jackets, vests, and pants, plus socks and a belt. Loro Piana also supplied the team with dark navy suits and loafers for official events, as well as sweatsuits for hanging out at their hotel — enough Loro to make a Roy’s cold heart race.
For those of us who didn’t make the team, the line also includes a special capsule collection of golf gear — smart white windbreakers, a beige leather golf bag—that is only available this weekend at the Loro Piana boutique in Rome.