Imagine four friends from New York City growing up together, spending summers trash-talking each other on boardwalk mini golf courses. Someone misses an easy putt, and from the sidelines comes the chorus: “Read the green!” It’s part advice, part roast, and 100% love. Now picture those same four friends, over a decade later, turning that phrase into a whole fashion brand. That’s Read The Green — and if you think the origin story is charming, wait until you see the clothes.

Because here’s the thing: Read The Green isn’t just a catchy name slapped onto some hats. According to the founders, those three words represent a philosophy about life beyond the golf course — about taking obstacles in stride and letting adversity guide you to success. Which, okay, is a beautiful sentiment, but also… they shouted it at their buddy who missed the pin. So, it’s aspirational AND hilarious!

The brand offers gender-neutral hats, pullovers, crewnecks, and jackets that blend modern golf aesthetics with a streetwear sensibility. And unlike some of the bigger names in this space, Read The Green still has that scrappy, founder-run energy where you’ll actually hear from a real human (a real founder, in fact) if you email them with a question. In a world of chatbot customer service, that alone is worth a slow clap.

(Full disclosure: Read The Green sent LittlePinkTop the items featured in this article for review. All opinions, as always, are entirely my own!)

The ’97 Vintage Short Sleeve Pullover in Green

First up: The ’97 Vintage Short Sleeve Pullover in Green, and let me just say — the second I put this on, I understood the hype. The rich green color has this vintage depth to it, like something you’d find at a really well-curated thrift store, except brand new and made of buttery-smooth 100% nylon that you actually want against your skin. No scratchiness, no stiffness. Just… nice. (Technical fashion term.)

The rib-knit collar in a creamy off-white gives it an effortlessly preppy edge. My favorite detail? The adjustable drawstring at the waistline. You can cinch it for a more tailored look — I wore it slightly cinched with high-waisted jeans and sneakers and genuinely felt like the main character at my local coffee shop. Nobody there knew I can’t golf to save my life, and that’s the beauty of it!

The front features a “Read The Green Golf Club 1997” embroidered logo, and there’s a classic Read The Green logo on the back. It’s unisex and reviewers say it runs true to size, so check their sizing chart and grab whatever fits you — no borrowing from anyone required.

The Hat Situation

LittlePinkTop received caps from the brand, too. All of their caps feature premium 5-panel construction with a seamless front panel and full buckram (that’s the structured material behind the front panel that keeps everything looking crisp — you’re welcome for saving you a Google). They all have adjustable plastic snaps in the back, so they fit just about every head size. And they all come with a custom Read The Green interior tag and lining, which is the kind of detail that screams “we actually care about this product even in the places you can’t see.”

Founder’s Cap | Brownstone. This one is 100% corduroy, and it is plush. The warm brown tone gives it this instantly cozy, goes-with-everything quality. One of my favorite details on the Founder’s Caps is the little “4” embroidered on the side. Why four? Because four founders. Four friends. It’s such a small, personal touch that makes the hat feel less like a product and more like you’re in on the story.

Founder’s Cap | Cloud. A soft grey-and-black cotton cap that carries the same “4” side logo as the Brownstone and somehow feels both sporty and elegant at the same time. Important note: this colorway is currently sold out. So if you see it restock, channel your inner Shooter McGavin and go for it with confidence.

The Bigger Picture

What really sets Read The Green apart — beyond the quality, beyond the aesthetic — is that you can feel their philosophy in the details: the embroidered “4” on the Founder’s Caps, the surprise golf tees and foam ball tucked into your package (multiple customers raved about this little touch!), the fact that you’re one email away from an actual founder.

And honestly? The price point is refreshing. Many customers have pointed out that the quality holds up against brands charging two to three times as much. For a small brand run by four friends rather than a massive corporation, that kind of value speaks volumes.

Read The Green started with three words that one friend shouted at another on a boardwalk mini golf course. And now those three words are stitched into hats and pullovers that are showing up at country clubs, rooftop bars, pickleball courts, coffee shops, and — if my recent outfit choices are any indication — regular Tuesday errands.

So whether you’re an actual golfer or just someone who appreciates a really good hat and a really good story behind it, Read The Green is worth your attention. Just maybe don’t wait too long — their drops have a habit of selling out, and I’d hate for you to miss the green.

See what I did there?