Roadtesting LATE NINE's new collection, and the case for golfwear done right
Taking the Swedish label's debut collection for a spin, from the English coastline to the local pub.
Seve, Hogan, Palmer. And in a more modern sense, Mitchell.
When I think about the worlds of golf and style co-existing, these are the names that immediately come to mind. Since the pandemic-era golf boom and more people playing than ever before, it’s been interesting to see so many brands enter the space with their own POV.
Unfortunately, I find many of these brands leaning too far one way in a fashion sense, with sloppy techie fabrics or slapping poorly designed logos on anything “golf related” that doesn’t pay homage to an age when golf had a truer sense of putting that shit on.
This is what has had me very excited to get my hands on the first and thoughtful line-up from LATE NINE.
Co-founded in Sweden by Maxim Lundh, a creative director with experience building other contemporary labels such as CQP, LATE NINE articulates a distinct perspective. They’ve also chosen the talented photographer, Milad Abedi, to shoot a lot of their stuff which always helps too.
Beckoning nostalgia from everything from the ’90s era Ryder Cups to Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf challenges to cozy post-round pints.
I’m a self-identified golf sicko (Maxim clearly is as well) and somewhat maniacal about how personal style can extend to the links. So I was enticed by the prospect of putting some of their gear to the test in one of England’s golf cathedrals along the coast, St. Enodoc’s Church Course.
Wearing it on the green
Ahead of the round, I picked up two of their products from their inaugural launch – a knit vest in brown americano and a quarter-zip windbreaker in a gorgeous taupe. With their stuff, every piece is rooted in golf but tailored for life off the course too.
Opting for premium natural fabrics crafted in well-respected European mills over synthetic materials. Which in my experience over two weeks in Cornwall consistently created an elevated feel. But back to the golf.
The Church course opens with a par five into the wind, and despite a light breeze and sun while warming up, it absolutely poured on us for the first two holes – welcome to Cornwall in October.
It was around 14 C (high 50’s) and I went with a polo, knit vest, and windbreaker for the day and felt comfortable throughout.
I was pleased with how much the garments moved with me through the tests and the many awkward stances of links golf. I liked the somewhat shorter sleeves and boxier fit of the windbreaker for this very reason.
Outerwear that doesn’t allow you to move at all is the worst, and I never felt inhibited by either the vest or the windbreaker going up and down the mountainous terrain carrying my bag. 20+ years playing this infuriating game and I’ve whiffed a lot on gear that doesn’t get the job done.
My biggest issue with the windbreaker, given the cost, was that it not a bit more water-proof (mind you, it clearly states it's a water-repellent cotton blend on the site). With the heavy rain on the first few holes, it held up for a bit, but then got quite wet in case you are looking for a do-it-all weather jacket.
When chatting with the team on this, they mentioned the preference to stick with more natural fibers to improve the feel of the garment – something I can’t argue with as a trade-off, as it really does feel luxurious.
On the bright side, the fabric did dry incredibly quickly, which came in handy as we trudged onto the dogleg third.
Another aspect in the windbreaker design I really enjoyed while playing were the pockets and collar. Many golf breakers or jackets have pockets on the front of the garment, and LATE NINE no doubt strategically placed them on the sides to allow for a free-flowing swing.
It requires a bit more maneuvering to access the pockets compared to when they’re on the front, but it’s minimal. Perfectly sized for some tees, a small towel, or, of course, hands.
Not to mention, I think their placement makes it much more functional as a versatile garment off the course, too, with a clean front.
The lack of branding on nearly all their stuff doesn’t hurt either. Regarding the collar – I loved how well it held up to the wind and its overall structure it maintained for a smart look versus folding over on itself.
Its overall durability to both zip and button it really stuck out to me while wearing.
St. Enodoc’s natural slopes mean you rarely have an even lie and it means a lot of putting on and taking off of layers throughout the round.
As we approached the short 38th, with the sun peeking out to give us a stunning view over Daymer Bay, I was down to the polo/vest combo.
From the jump, I noticed how soft and lived-in this garment feels. It’s a naturally breathable merino wool with thicker ribbing at the collar, allowing you to tuck a polo collar under or over easily.
Its relaxed and wider silhouette has it falling just outside the shoulder for a great vintage look.
As we walked up to the 18th green with the lovely balcony in the background, a Guinness was the perfect pair to this fit I will keep coming back to. Didn’t hurt I had one of my better rounds of the year…for the superstitious out there.
Suitable for the pub
I had decided before taking a family trip to Cornwall for a few weeks, it would be the perfect setting to get some wear using both items off the course too. Plenty of pubs, fishmongers, and high streets to frequent, layered up, navigating the ups and downs of Cornish weather in Autumn.
I found myself coming back to the look below with some light denim, a white tee, and cap quite a bit. That, paired with a waxed overcoat, was ideal for days out on the beach and nights at the pub. The vest continued to prove incredibly cozy while remaining light enough to never feel overly hot.
Something I feel like is a tough balance to strike with knitwear. It’s fairly wide and comfortable across the chest, then tapers to a normal waist, so it sits well with mid to high-rise trousers/denim.
Because it has a slightly deeper V, I find it to be more flattering, typically not only with different body types but also different types of clothing. I’m tempted with the idea of wearing with a tie for when the mood strikes and wearing under a blazer as the temps drop.
On the windbreaker front, I found it to be a useful option for weekends/after work, particularly in transitional seasons. I imagine LATE NINE envisions you to wear it as a lightweight shell for a little bit of warmth, while made in a boxy fit so it goes over everything from a polo to a knit or sweatshirt.
Something I played around with quite a bit, from long sleeve tees from Drake’s to a Merz B. Schwanen sweatshirt. Another thing that’s nice about the pullover is that you can cinch the bottom hem to create more of a blouson-type shape, too.
Even though the site says the windbreaker runs slightly oversized, I went with a Medium, but I think I could have done a Large if it wasn’t sold out. I’m a 40 jacket, 6'1 ", 180 pounds, for context, and I chose a Large in the knit per feedback from the team. I am glad I did.
Both garments are luxurious and practical – and while the price isn’t cheap, I think the quality exchange is evident.
*Also featured throughout the KERCHER Hogan trouser MTM in a deep brown. It’s their signature Japanese Tech Satin. The wrinkle resistance really stands out as you can literally toss them in a bag and pull them out no problem.
I’m a big fan of the ever-present single pleat and extended button fly. Of course, with it being MTM you can make your own adjustments as needed with Josh.
Other favourites with the drop:
All photos by Cody McKim