Golfwear is getting an unexpected denim makeover as Tokyo streetwear label GDC teams up with Malbon Golf for a four-piece collection made for the course.
According to Hypebeast, every piece is made from 100% Japanese cotton denim chambray. It has the look of denim but comes in a much lighter fabric than the material you would normally expect from jeans or a jacket.
The collection keeps things fairly tight with two tops and two pairs of trousers, all available in Light Blue and Navy. Branding is kept restrained too, with embroidered “MALBON x GDC” logos joined by Malbon’s signature script.
For the tops, the Collegiate Long Sleeve is a quarter-zip pullover with a raised collar, zipped pockets and a side opening that makes layering easier. The short-sleeved Pine Windshirt goes a little sportier, adding ventilation at the back and an adjustable drawcord around the waist.
GDC and Malbon have also created two different trouser shapes. The Magnolia Pants use a relaxed straight cut with a traditional zip fly, giving them a cleaner look that should work away from the course too. Clubhouse Pants are more casual, with an elasticated waistband, adjustable drawstring and elasticated cuffs.
The collaboration also brings together two pretty different sides of fashion. Takashi Kumagai’s GDC comes from Tokyo streetwear, and Malbon has built its name around a more relaxed Los Angeles take on golf. Lightweight Japanese denim chambray gives them a natural middle ground without making anyone actually play 18 holes in a pair of jeans.
Prices range from ¥39,600 to ¥44,000, or roughly $249 to $276. Malbon gets the collection first on August 27, followed by GDC’s Daikanyama flagship and online store on August 29.
Denim probably is not the first thing you would reach for before a round of golf, but in lightweight chambray form, it starts to make a lot more sense.