This morning Bonobos unveiled their latest collection – a capsule designed in collaboration with longtime partner Justin Rose. The Justin Rose Golf Collection consists of spring-like polos, pants and shorts that can be worn on and off the course.
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GOLF’s Emily Haas sat down with Justin to talk about his collection design experiences, personal style, favorite pieces, and more. This interview has been edited slightly for the sake of clarity.
Is this the first time you’ve got bonobos involved in the design process from start to finish?
Yes very. I mean, obviously I’ve been in my relationship with them for a couple of years, and I think everyone is getting more comfortable with it – me with the brand, the clothes, the style and the vibe, then obviously myself, just listening some of my feedback over the years. It’s a really fun project of dipping our toes in the water, and I’m so honored and flattered that they are ready to do it with me – you know, put this great brand next to mine, so it is very nice.
That’s great! Apart from the golf course, where did you get inspiration for this line?
I’ve relied heavily on the design team at Bonobos, although I’ve evolved over the past few years to push the boundaries of what I feel when I wear them. Bonobos has a really wide range of clothing and styles and prints and fabrics that have something for everyone, but because there’s that “out there” side I’ve ever experienced – some of the bold prints – I’ve really challenged myself adopt myself (these styles in my closet). Now I feel very, very comfortable in it too, that’s the most important thing. But it’s still my style – a pretty modern, classic vibe. I still love my navy blue. I still like to be conservative on certain occasions. As part of the capsule, I have the opportunity to have some fun with it, but also to take my golf very seriously and, of course, do work and performance on the golf course.
I can absolutely understand what you are saying about the printed shirts, and I know that bonobos have become very well known and loved for their prints. Do you have a favorite
To be honest, what I’m wearing now is very, very cool. Could it be tulips? I’m not sure you can take the full value for the rose here, but there is a (rose-print) shirt I’ll wear at Augusta on Sunday that is my favorite shirt. It’s a white shirt – so you know it’s very classic – but it has a very noticeable print. And you know, it’s Sunday in Augusta – I can’t be too clichéd when it comes to green, but obviously the rose logo has a bit of a green stem and it would go pretty well with the green jacket. I think really good style is all about accessories and layering. For me, I have the feeling that you can always dress much better in cold weather than in warm weather. So yeah, I have to pair it with a nice green jacket … that’s the plan.
Much luck! I’ll dig for you so we can see how this outfit comes together! So my understanding is that this line should be worn on and off the pitch. How does your off-duty look differ from your style on the court?
I’ve always had this measure – if I want to wear it to the golf course, I also have to comfortably wear it at Starbucks on the way home while sipping a coffee. There have definitely been some looks on the golf course throughout history that made people say, “Woah, what is this guy wearing ?!” when they entered a restaurant. For me this crossover is really very important. Bonobos has so many styles – for example, the Riviera shirts are a sloping, short-sleeved cotton button-down shirt. There’s such an overlap for a style like this. It is appropriate on or off the course. Fabric makes a big difference between what I wear to dinner and what I wear in the court. But the look and feel of the product can overlap. My off-course style is still a little conservative, a little classic. Especially when I’m here in the Bahamas, I like to wear white shorts with a navy blue or chambray-style linen shirt with white buttons. It’s classic but has a modern twist. My little girl is actually pretty funny. Whenever I wear white shorts with a black shirt – something very monochrome – she says, “Oh daddy, you look very modern today.” It’s pretty funny.
That’s very sweet. Bonobos has a good selection of golf-specific clothing and more lifestyle clothing so I think you can mix and match these categories well.
And that’s what I love about it. Since they obviously live in England and are experiencing slightly cooler weather, some of their layered pieces – outerwear, jackets, cable knit sweaters – are great statement pieces. There’s this Italian wool trench coat with five pockets that I have in England that almost makes me miss the cold. It’s nice to have the opportunity to be with a brand that can keep me on track from head to toe and of course.
That’s great! Are there certain properties like sun protection or breathability or stretch that you value most in your golf clothing?
Stretching is crucial. Bonobos pants are incredibly comfortable. Your cut is probably the most important thing. When you kneel down to read putts, you want that movement in the fabric without looking like you’re swimming in your pants. If pants are too loose, that’s not a cool look. You want them to be fit and athletic, and bonobos strike that balance perfectly. Known for their cut, they make pants for everyone, regardless of shape or comfort, so that they ultimately feel comfortable.
Shop Justin’s favorite printed polo shirts below and visit Bonobos.com/Justin-Rose-Pro-Shop to view the full capsule.
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Justin Rose performance polo shirt
$ 89
Navy blue polo with tulip print and embroidered JR logo on the neck.
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Justin Rose performance polo shirt
$ 89
White polo with all-over rose print and embroidered JR logo on the neck. Rose plans to wear this shirt at The Masters on Sunday.
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