Starting a Golf Brand? Step-by-Step Guide to Your First Hit Product—Golf Shorts

Thinking of launching a golf apparel brand? Start smart with golf shorts—the ideal first product. Follow this expert guide to create high-performance, best-selling golf shorts that golfers love.

Introduction: Why Start Your Golf Brand with Shorts?

If you’re planning to start a golf brand, the first product you launch matters. A smart place to begin? Golf shorts.

Golf shorts offer a perfect blend of performance, style, and seasonality. They’re also less complex to produce than polos or outerwear—making them the best entry-level product for new golf apparel brands.

As a golf apparel expert with 12 years of industry experience, I’ve helped dozens of brands build from scratch. This guide will show you the step-by-step process—from concept to launch—to create a top-selling pair of golf shorts that resonate with your target audience.

Step 1: Research the Market and Define Your Niche

Before jumping into design, you need to understand the market.

Key Questions to Ask:

• What’s missing in today’s golf shorts market?
• Are competitors focusing more on classic style or athletic performance?
• Is there room for street-style golf wear?

Insight:

In recent years, we’ve seen rising demand for hybrid golf shorts—designed to transition seamlessly from the course to casual wear. Tapping into this demand can help you carve a niche and attract modern golfers.

Step 2: Choose the Right Fabric for Golf Shorts

The core of a successful golf short is performance fabric.

Must-Have Fabric Features:

• 4-way stretch for full mobility
• Moisture-wicking to keep golfers dry
• Breathability for hot weather play
• Lightweight & quick-drying
• UV protection

Pro Tip from the Field:

Many new brands select fabric based on feel. Instead, focus on how the fabric behaves during actual rounds—sweat absorption, shape retention, and comfort in motion matter most.

Ideal fabric blends include polyester/spandex or nylon/spandex with a soft hand feel and around 180–220 GSM.

Step 3: Functional and Stylish Golf Short Design

To stand out, your golf shorts need both functionality and modern aesthetics.

Key Functional Elements:

• Elastic waistband with silicone gripper
• Deep, angled front pockets
• Hidden zip or ball pocket
• Reinforced seams and durable stitching

On-Trend Style Elements:

• 7″ to 9″ inseam (above-the-knee modern look)
• Athletic fit (not baggy)
• Matte-finish hardware
• Neutral color palette: khaki, navy, charcoal, sage

Insider Insight:

The top-selling shorts in recent collections combine country-club legality with streetwear comfort. Golfers want options they can wear off-course too.

Step 4: Build a Detailed Tech Pack

A well-built tech pack is essential for manufacturing consistency and quality control.

Include in Your Tech Pack:

• Flat sketch and design specs
• Fabric type, GSM, and stretch level
• Construction details (stitching, seam types)
• Pocket measurements and placements
• Size spec sheet with tolerance
• Branding elements (labels, buttons, trims)

Manufacturing Insight:

70% of production errors I’ve seen come from vague or incomplete tech packs. Don’t leave room for interpretation—be precise.

Step 5: Find the Right Factory for Golf Shorts

Look for a manufacturer with experience in sportswear or golf apparel.

What to Look For:

• In-house pattern development
• Golf-specific samples or client references
• Strong QC process
• Willingness to do small batch (e.g., 300 pcs MOQ)

Bonus: Ask if they can help source trims like gripper tape or YKK zippers.

Step 6: Sample, Wear-Test, Improve

Don’t rush into full production. Start with 2–3 prototypes in different fabrics or fits. Then, test them in real golf conditions:

• 18-hole walks in hot weather
• Wash and wear for durability checks
• Movement tests (squats, swings, long drives)

Gather feedback from real golfers. Adjust sizing, pocket depth, waistband tension, or inseam as needed.

Step 7: Launch With a Strong, Focused Message

Marketing matters—especially for your first product.

🗣️ Brand Message Ideas:

• “The lightest golf shorts you’ll ever wear”
• “Performance shorts built for sweaty summer rounds”
• “Play-ready fit meets off-course style”

Use testimonials, UGC, and lifestyle shots to showcase real-world performance and style.

Step 8: Scale the Winning Style

Once your shorts prove successful, it’s time to:

• Bulk order your best-sellers
• Develop color variants
• Create matching polos or layering pieces
• Push into wholesale or pro shop placement

Final Thoughts: Shorts First, Legacy Next

Your first product can set the tone for your entire brand. Golf shorts are the perfect starting point—high-demand, high-margin, and high-versatility.

Industry Takeaway:

Brands like TravisMathew and Bad Birdie began with one strong product. Your golf shorts could be the product that puts your brand on the map—if you focus on comfort, fabric quality, and a defined message.

FAQs About Launching Golf Shorts

Q1: How much does it cost to produce golf shorts?
A: Expect to spend $8–$15 per unit depending on fabric and trims, plus sampling costs. Premium shorts may cost up to $25.

Q2: What’s a good MOQ for a first production run?
A: 300–500 units is ideal for testing demand without overcommitting.

Q3: What sizes should I start with?
A: Start with core waist sizes (30–38). Use customer surveys to plan extended sizing in later drops.

Q4: Can I use a dropshipping model for golf apparel?
A: Not recommended—performance apparel requires more quality control than dropshipping usually allows.