About Cutter and Buck – A History of Classic American Sportswear
Cutter and Buck is a Seattle-based clothing company that has been producing high-quality sportswear since 1989. Founded by Joel Freet and Joey Rodolfo, the brand started out making outerwear, shirts and sweaters aimed at golf pro shops. The company name came from the golf term "cut the buck", which means to hit the ball accurately.
From those modest beginnings over 30 years ago, Cutter and Buck has grown into a major brand that is distributed in pro shops, resorts, and specialty stores across the US, Canada, Europe and Asia. While golf apparel remains at the heart of what they do, Cutter and Buck has expanded its range over the years to offer a full assortment of men‘s and women‘s sportswear, outerwear, and business casual clothing.
One constant throughout the decades has been Cutter and Buck‘s commitment to producing classic, American-inspired clothing of exceptional quality. Their pieces combine timeless good looks with technical performance features – a signature aesthetic that has earned them a loyal following, especially among golfers.
Overview of Cutter and Buck Clothing
Cutter and Buck offers an extensive line of apparel and accessories for both men and women. Their collections include:
CB DryTec – This is Cutter and Buck‘s signature line of moisture-wicking golf shirts, polos, jackets and pants. CB DryTec fabrics are designed to draw sweat away from the body and dry quickly, keeping you cool and comfortable in warm weather.
Forge – Aimed at the modern traveler, the Forge collection features stylish, easy-care button-down shirts, quarter-zips, vests and jackets that look great and resist wrinkling.
Venture – Venture is Cutter and Buck‘s take on classic American outerwear like waxed cotton jackets, quilted vests and Harrington jackets. With a slightly trimmer fit, these pieces work well both on and off the golf course.
Annika – Developed in collaboration with LPGA star Annika Sorenstam, this women‘s line combines golf-ready performance with feminine, fashion-forward designs.
In terms of materials, Cutter and Buck is known for using high-quality fabrics like Pima cotton, Merino wool and technical polyester blends. Many items feature UPF 50+ sun protection, moisture-wicking, stretch and wrinkle-resistant properties.
Cutter and Buck is also one of the few golf brands that offers a wide selection of sizes, including tall, big & tall and plus size options up to 5XL. They have a casual, relaxed fit that tends to run a bit large – many customers recommend sizing down if you prefer a slimmer, more modern fit.
Review of Popular Cutter and Buck Products
Now let‘s take a closer look at some of Cutter and Buck‘s most popular products for men and women:
CB DryTec Northgate Polo
The Northgate is Cutter and Buck‘s bestselling men‘s polo shirt. Made from a lightweight polyester/spandex blend with CB DryTec moisture-wicking technology, it‘s designed to keep you cool and dry on the hottest days.
Other features include a three-button placket, rib-knit collar, open cuff sleeves and double-needle stitching. UPF 50+ protection helps block harmful UV rays. The Northgate has a relaxed, garment washed fit and comes in a huge range of colors, from classic white, navy and black to bright and pastel shades.
Customers rave about the Northgate polo, giving it an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Many golfers say it‘s their go-to shirt for staying comfortable during long, hot days on the course. Even people who don‘t play golf love the soft feel, roomy fit and quality construction.
The only drawbacks mentioned are that the fabric is a bit thin and clingy compared to 100% cotton polos, and the fit is very generous. Most advise buying a size down from your usual, especially if you like a leaner look.
Cutter and Buck Stride Jacket
For chilly fall days on the course or around town, the Cutter and Buck Stride jacket is a versatile piece that delivers style and warmth without excess bulk. The exterior is made from a stretchy, water-resistant dobby shell, with a super-soft brushed tricot lining.
The Stride has a modern, streamlined fit, with set-in sleeves, a chin guard on the zipper and zippered pockets to secure small essentials. It‘s available in classic colors like black, navy, charcoal and sage.
This jacket gets high marks from customers for its lightweight warmth and sleek, easy-to-layer fit. Many say the smooth lining makes it easy to slip on and off over other clothing. The outer fabric has a subtle sheen that adds a polished, dressier look compared to fleece.
The main complaint about the Stride jacket is that it has limited water resistance – the seams are not sealed, so it won‘t keep you dry in a heavy downpour. But for casual wear in dry, chilly conditions, it‘s an excellent choice that looks great.
Cutter and Buck Ladies‘ Annika Advantage Sleeveless Polo
From the Annika women‘s collection, this sleeveless polo is a top seller that combines classic golf style with innovative performance features. The silky fabric is a polyester/spandex blend with CB DryTec moisture wicking and UPF 50+ sun protection.
The design features a five-button placket, rib-knit collar, forward shoulder seams and a dropped back hem for additional coverage. Princess seams provide a flattering, tailored fit. Available colors include white, black, pink, navy and aqua.
This polo earns an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from customers. Women love the soft, stretchy fabric, tapered fit and longer back hem that stays tucked in. The wide armholes allow for full range of motion during the golf swing. Even in hot, humid weather, the fast-drying fabric keeps you feeling cool and fresh.
As with many Cutter and Buck styles, the fit is generous and some find this polo a bit long and boxy. If you prefer a trimmer, more body-skimming fit, it‘s best to size down. The thin fabric can also be quite clingy on the chest for larger busted women.
Quality, Materials and Construction
One thing that sets Cutter and Buck apart from many other golf brands is their exceptional quality. The company uses premium materials like long-staple Pima cotton, which is known for its softness, strength and resistance to pilling and fading.
Merino wool, used in their sweaters and insulating layers, is another high-end, natural performance fabric. It wicks moisture, regulates temperature, resists odors and is incredibly soft against the skin.
On their technical pieces, Cutter and Buck relies on polyester blends with performance features like CB DryTec moisture wicking, UPF sun protection and mechanical stretch. These fabrics have a luxurious hand feel while still delivering the quick-drying, easy-care properties required for activewear.
The company also takes pride in its quality control and attention to detail. Garments are inspected at every stage of production to ensure consistent sizing, accurate colors and precise stitching. Many pieces feature reinforced seams, rubber-coated zipper pulls and heavy-gauge rib-knit trims for enhanced durability.
While Cutter and Buck clothing is not cheap, you can see and feel the quality. The fabrics have a refined texture and drape, the finishes are clean and sturdy, and the designs are timeless and well thought out. With proper care, these pieces will last for many seasons.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
In recent years, Cutter and Buck has made significant strides towards reducing its environmental impact and supporting ethical manufacturing practices. By 2019, 70% of their products were made using sustainable materials and processes.
Some of their eco-friendly initiatives include:
- Using recycled polyester, organic cotton and Bluesign-certified fabrics
- Reducing water and energy consumption in their supply chain
- Using recycled and recyclable packaging materials
- Eliminating the use of harmful chemicals like PFCs
Cutter and Buck is also committed to ensuring safe, fair and humane working conditions in the factories that produce its clothing. The company has a strict supplier code of conduct and conducts regular audits to verify compliance with labor and human rights standards.
While there is still work to be done, Cutter and Buck is taking meaningful steps to become a more sustainable and socially responsible brand. This is good news for consumers who value environmental protection and ethical manufacturing.
Shipping, Returns and Customer Service
Cutter and Buck offers free standard shipping on all orders over $135. Expedited and overnight shipping are available for an additional fee. Most orders are processed within 1-2 business days and delivered within 3-7 business days, depending on your location.
The company has a generous return policy – you can return any unworn, unwashed item within 90 days of purchase for a full refund, even if you don‘t have the receipt or packing slip. Return shipping is free for all orders within the US.
If you receive a damaged or defective item, Cutter and Buck will send you a replacement free of charge. Their customer service team is available by phone or email to answer questions and resolve any issues promptly.
Overall, Cutter and Buck gets high marks for their simple, hassle-free shipping and returns process. They also have a strong reputation for standing behind the quality of their products and going above and beyond to keep customers happy.
Is Cutter and Buck Worth It?
So, is Cutter and Buck a good brand that‘s worth investing in? Based on our research and customer feedback, the answer is a resounding yes – with a few caveats.
There‘s no denying that Cutter and Buck clothing is expensive. You can easily spend $100 or more on a single polo shirt or jacket. For some people, that kind of price tag is simply out of reach.
However, if you‘re willing to spend more for top-notch quality, timeless style and performance features, Cutter and Buck is hard to beat. Their pieces are well-made from premium materials, with a fit and feel that is comfortable and flattering for a wide range of body types.
Cutter and Buck also stands out for their commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing, which is increasingly important to many consumers. While they‘re not perfect, they are making a genuine effort to reduce their environmental footprint and support workers‘ rights.
Another big selling point is the versatility of Cutter and Buck clothing. Although the brand is rooted in golf, their pieces are designed to transition seamlessly from the course to the office, restaurant or airplane. The classic, understated aesthetic works for a variety of occasions and never goes out of style.
Finally, Cutter and Buck‘s outstanding customer service and generous return policy make shopping with them a low-risk proposition. You can buy with confidence, knowing that you can easily exchange or return items if you‘re not satisfied.
All things considered, Cutter and Buck is an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates quality, style and performance in their clothing. While the prices are high, the long-term value and versatility of these pieces makes them a smart investment for your wardrobe. If you‘re a golfer, traveler or simply someone who likes to look sharp and put-together, Cutter and Buck is definitely a brand worth checking out.
