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In a time of more colorful golf apparel, those two hues remain the most popular and versatile choice for players.

Many of today’s young golfers stand out for their powerful swings and attention-grabbing apparel. But bright fabrics aren’t for everyone, so it may or may not be a surprise that the basic tones of black and white continue to be golf’s top sellers.

Bright colors are here to stay but companies such as Nike, Cutter & Buck, Oakley, Bobby Jones, Tommy Bahama and Greg Norman recommend that buyers have an assortment of black and white garments because of the shelf life and ability to mix and match with most hues.

“One of the benefits of black and white is that they have a wider range of compatibility than other colors,” said Melisa Monarque, Oakley’s associate product line manager for golf apparel. “They also do well with a pop of color, be it on the placket or collar or other areas with details.”

Black and white options are also good for people who want to look sharp but not stand out too much.

“People don’t always like to be leading or trailing,” said Eric Schindler, Global Apparel Product director at Nike Golf, “and black and white are clean presentations and safe because they never go out of style.”

And in these days of high-profile exposure, apparel manufacturers are aware of when people are watching, such as major championships that, for these folks, are akin to a fashion runway.

“I think you’re going to see the next phase of players attired in all white,” Schindler said. “We have scripted Tiger (Woods), Rory (McIlroy) and Charl (Schwartzel) in an all black look, and I see the same coming in for the all white look.”

Black and white can also be blended into a light gray or dark charcoal tint.

“Black and white lends itself to a lot of heathers and textures you’re seeing these days,” Monarque said. “The meeting of the two produces another dimension of sophistication.”

Another trend is a colorful tweak that allows for multiple uses.

“Something we’re really zeroing in on is this idea of a transitional product,” Schindler said. “That includes hitting black and white with hints of color here and there. … There’s a trend toward more versatile on- and off-course types of product. We joke around here saying we don’t want someone to walk up to you and say, ‘What time do you tee off?’ You want to look like you carry your own personal style from off the golf course to on the golf course and vice versa. That’s best achieved using black and whites and grays with pops of color on collar plackets and facings on sleeve openings. Those are the things we’re paying more attention to rather than big, bold color prints.”