It's A Man's World: Ian Poulter
Britain's best-dressed golfer on starting his own fashion line, shopping in Japan, David Beckham's style and why he's addicted to being clean
I've loved clothes ever since I can remember.
I was a fussy dresser when I was little, and very opinionated about what I wore. At an early age I'd go out and earn money so I could buy my own clothes. I wanted to get away from looking like my brother. I used to have to wear hand-me-downs - and I hate hand-me-downs.
Being fashionable gets you noticed.
I'd say I'm fashionable - I've always been a little bit different .
Clothes mean so much to me I've started my own fashion line.
It's called Ian Poulter Design and it began because I was never happy with what I wore on the golf course. I was bursting to get out of what I was in, and it just happened to flow very quickly into the concept of having my own brand. I think going into the design side of things might be a natural progression for me.
I have my own colour named after me.
Not surprisingly it's called Poulter Pink - and we design clothes in it. I love pink. I'll do any shade, even hot pink. I also have my own tartan. I designed some tartan trousers for my first collection as that's what I'm famous for. Everybody keeps telling me I should wear a kilt on the golf course - I'm not sure about that as it'd be a bit dodgy if it was very windy.
Every outfit should start with the trousers.
When I'm packing I lay out all my trousers then I pick the shirts to go with them. It sounds crazy but it works. I'm one of those people who is super organised when it comes to clothes; I work out what I'm going to wear on every day of a trip.
Japan is the best place in the world for a shopaholic.
The clothes there are awesome. They have an incredible fashion sense and the colour and cuts are very different. They'll try anything.
I wish my wardrobe was as big as David Beckham's.
He always looks cool no matter where he is - whether he's out with the kids at a basketball game or at an evening event. He always looks sharp.
I have so many clothes I have to clear out my wardrobe every six months.
My dad loves it as he's the same sizes as me so he gets all my clothes. I hate to throw stuff away so now my dad's the one getting the hand-me-downs.
You can't beat a bit of bling.
I can't wait to wear my Swarovski crystal belt - I will be donning it for The Masters. The crystals give it a bit of a classy look.
You don't have to spend a fortune to get good stuff.
There are stores - like Urban Outfitters in the US - which are great because you can walk in there, spend £50 and walk out with several outfits.
A waistband is supposed to be worn around the waist.
I'm not a fan of jeans that aren't pulled up - I like mine to be sit around my waist. I'd never wear a low-rise pair - it's not a good look.
You can't beat a shell-suit.
Back in the day I used to sell a load of them on my market stall, even the multi-coloured patched ones that were really nasty.
I'm addicted to being clean.
I love getting out of the shower and that just-washed feeling. I then slap on a load of Creme De La Mer moisturiser. It's very expensive - in fact it's too expensive.
Interview by Shelley Moulden
ianpoulterdesign.com
Bentley Continental GT (above)
I've got seven cars but I like the Bentley GT as it's a nice smart yet casual car.
Oakley Thump 2 MP3 sunglasses (above)
These are great as I can practise with my music on. My attention wanders at times, so I need something to help me focus.
Slingbox (above)
It allows me to watch my home TV when I'm away. It works through the internet and is so useful. It's essential for any traveller.
FootJoy bespoke golf shoes
They're a must. They hand-make them to go with my outfits.
Apple MacBook Air (above)
his is great for on the road but at home I prefer the bigger MacBook Pro.
Bootleg tartan trousers (right)
These are from the Ian Poulter Design collection, and I like the way the tailored leg end fits neatly over the shoes.
