It’s not just going to be 12 American golfers taking on 12 European golfers at the next week’s Ryder Cup, it’s also going to be Ralph Lauren versus Loro Piana — at least when it comes to determining the best-dressed team.
Both companies have long been the official outfitters of their respective teams, but Ralph Lauren was first to unveil its uniforms for the Americans at the end of August. Now Loro Piana has taken the wraps off what the Europeans will wear at the tournament, which tees off at Whistling Straits in Wisconson on September 24.
The uniforms, created in collaboration with European team captain Pádraig Harrington, will be worn by the players and the support team for all official engagements, both on and off the course.
For the first time, Loro Piana has designed waterproof items for inclement weather that will include a three-layer jacket that uses its Wind microfiber as an outer layer, Storm System as the central membrane and a thin, stretch jersey as the inner layer. All the seams are thermal-sealed, as are the zippers.
The European team wear collection will also include wool knitwear that has been elasticised for the first time this year to accommodate players’ movements. In addition, trousers in wool and silk, and polo shirts in technical, breathable jersey are also part of the assortment. In terms of colours, the palette will feature a mix of neutral tones with brighter colours running along the sides, sleeves, shoulders and collars.
“As captain, I want the players to feel as comfortable as possible throughout the week of the Ryder Cup, and the Loro Piana clothing is a key part of that,” said Harrington.
Steve Stricker’s US team will once again be kitted out in Ralph Lauren, with the collection going down the traditional patriotic route, with colour palettes of navy with touches of red, white and a few pops of gold.
On the first day the team will wear solid navy trousers with a red-striped navy polo shirt. A jacket that features a golf-inspired blue camo print with white stars and red details incorporated into the design it also part of the outfit if conditions turn chilly.
For day two, the US team will be in a full navy ensemble with the Mesh Camo Jacquard Polo over navy pinstripe trousers. Each shirt has the Ryder Cup Team logo at the chest, ‘USA printed on the back of the shoulder and ‘United We Stand’ printed on the back of the collar.
For Sunday’s singles matches, Team USA will be wearing a red, white and blue colour-blocked polo with matching navy trousers featuring a monochromatic micro-print Ryder Cup logo, trophy, the American flag. A sweater with an almost identical colour-block pattern is also available for the players to wear.
In case the US team has trouble remembering who each other is, each player is being given a sweater with his name written across the back.
A selection of the Team Europe uniforms are now available for sale in Loro Piana stores and from its online shop.