Introduction
Golf clothes are expensive, and, as more retail moves online, finding a place to try on a wide range of golf apparel is ever more challenging. With all this in mind, we’re kicking off a new series that attempts to help you find the best golf apparel. The first two installments will be head-to-head comparisons of some of the best pants and shirts in the game, but let us know in the comments section what you’d like to see next.
The Contenders
The two golf pants that we’re comparing for this first installment are the PXG Essential Golf Pants (black) and the Lululemon ABC Classic 5 Pocket Pant Warpstreme (blue).
Most people think of PXG as a golf club company, but they’ve been making superb golf apparel for several years, and their Essentials line is exactly what the name implies: the staples you build your wardrobe around [check out previous PXG apparel reviews HERE]. Lululemon has been around for a long time, but 2024 is their first big push into golf.
Fit & Sizes
The PXG Essential Golf Pants are offered in even waist sizes from 32″ to 40″. I tested them at 34″ and found the waist to be true to size. There is not an option for different lengths; I would judge the stock length to be a touch over 32″.
Lululemon’s ABC Classic 5 Pocket Pant Warpstreme are offered in every waist size from 26″ to 40″ and even sizes from 42″ to 48″. Lengths of 28″, 30″, 32″, 34″, and 37″ are available, but not every waist size or length is offered in every color.
Both pants have a very comfortable fit that’s meant for movement. There’s ample room in the crotch and thighs so that you can sit, stand, bend, and move without any uncomfortable pinching. The biggest difference I noted is the taper in the lower leg. The ABC Pants taper slightly more than the PXG Essentials. Neither is jogger-tight around the calves, but the PXG has a looser, more airy fit.
Fabric
The PXG Essential Golf Pants are made from 100% Polyester. The Lululemon ABC Pants 53% Elastomultiester and 47% Recycled Polyester.
PXG’s Essential Golf Pants feel lighter when I’m wearing them, despite being 0.5 ounces heavier than the ABC Pants. That extra total weight could be a result of the longer length or heavier hardware. Regardless, the PXG pants would be my choice for warmer temperatures. The ABC Pants are medium-light in feel and would be fine in the summer but best in spring and fall.
Both pants are wrinkle resistant, but the added weight of the ABC Pants helps them to lay flatter. I would also give the ABC Pants the nod for being slightly softer.
Performance
The most important criteria for golf pants is the way that they move. Golfers need to be able to sit and stand, twist and bend without their pants bunching, pinching, or restricting their movement.
PXG’s Essential Golf Pants and Lululemon’s ABC Pants offer ample stretch for golf movements and beyond. In both, I could go into a full squat, a deep lunge, or even a Camilo-style Spiderman pose (that reference is kind of dated now) without a hint of trouble. When I stood up, neither required any rearranging. Both of these pants get an A for movement.
Both pants feature the same pocket layout. There are two pockets on the rear, with the right pocket featuring a zippered inner pocket. They also have two pockets on the front with a coin pocket on the right side. Since we’re getting into the details here, the rear pockets on the PXG Essential Golf Pants are larger – about 1/2″ wider and 1/4″ deeper.
Cost & Colors
The PXG Essential Golf Pants retail for $135 and come in black and grey. Shop PXG HERE.
Lululemon’s ABC Classic 5 Pocket Pant Warpstreme cost $128 and are available in eleven shades of black, blue, grey, and brown. Shop Lululemon HERE.
Both pants keep the branding very minimal. The ABC Pants have a small tag on the back left hip with their logo. The PXG logo appears on the button of the Essential Golf Pant and in a rubberized logo on the back right hip.
Conclusion
When it comes to performing well on the golf course, both the PXG Essential Golf Pants and the Lululemon ABC Pants are among the best that you can buy. Lululemon has a decided edge in terms of options – both colors and sizes – but PXG gets the nod if you’re playing in warmer temperatures.
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
- Secrets of a Master Club Builder - October 10, 2024
- Mustard Golf App Review - October 9, 2024
- Podcast Episode 228 – In Depth with Titleist on the New GT Line - October 9, 2024
8 Comments
Please consider Bonobos for one of your reviews.
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this web site before but after browsing through a few of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m certainly pleased I
discovered it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!
Review of Greyson would be nice
Fabletics is a brand to consider also.
No cheap
I agree with the request for Bonobos. I have been a fan for a long time and like their fit.
I personally like the clothes to fit closer, while still allowing plenty of movement.
Big fan of the Lululemons – I have a bunch of them. Fits the best of any pants Ive worn.
Puma athletic 5 pocket fit me best. We’re all built differently, so it’s a matter of personal preference.