Beginner's Guide to Golf Clothing: Tips for Men's and Women's Golfing Apparel

Not all golf clothing is built the same, but the style is pretty consistent wherever you travel. In general, the golfing community expects men and women to wear nice slacks or shorts. Skirts and skorts are allowed for women. Shirts must have a collar and stay tucked in. Shoes may have cleats, but many golf courses only allow soft cleats and many avoid wearing golf specific shoes. Winter dress can be less formal, with turtle necks, fleece vests, and rain wear also allowed. General clothing made with the same style might work for golf, but in my experience golf specific sports clothing often is more comfortable and cooler to wear during golf.

The real distinction in how golf clothing differs from other sports wear is in the length of shorts and skirts, usually at shortest mid thigh. Sleeveless is allowed if the shirt has a collar, but they can be frowned on due to perspiration, sunburn and cultural differences. Jeans, untailored sweats, ragged cutoffs, are usually not allowed anyplace except public courses. Winter golf clothing should expect a spattering of mud.

Shirts
Our experience is that the lightest weight, most breathable golf shirts are preferred. Lycra in a top is really nice since it helps you bend and reach with your drives. New polyester lycra fabrics breath well and feel cool to the skin, but beware snags that make them look ratty. Most golf stores and golf courses carry the lightest weight fabrics for a decent price.

Slacks
My husband and his father, and I favor cotton slacks or cotton ramie slacks since these tend to be coolest. Pants with built in sun protection are nice in sunny climates.

Skirts and Skorts
My favorite golf skirts and skorts have an elastic waistline and are made of cotton polyester. Most for sale right now have lots of lycra, button closure, and don't bend. Check that you can touch your toes, windmill your arms and sit before buying a golf skirt or skort. If you find a good one, they provide a neat and feminine image.

Shoes
I find most golf shoes constricting, painful to wear and don't wear them. Some golf courses require golf shoes. Many more golf courses these days don't allow cleats, or will only allow the soft cleats. Many times golf sandals are worn at public golf courses without limitation. I find I don't need them except on wet hilly areas where the possibility of slipping and falling is increased. In winter I wear a waterproof hiking boot instead to provide the traction. Summertime, I like the lightweight water tennis shoes or shoes with soft nylon to keep my feet cool. Make sure you try your golf shoes on with several sock weights.

Socks
Many wear golf socks that just cover the foot and without any fold at the ankle. This allows the most sun on your legs. A lightweight cotton sock helps keep your cool. Be sure to wear adequate sun protection.

Hats
Most have a mesh cap that keeps the sun off your head. Light weight, with a string to hold it on your head is ideal. Rain protection is also suggested. Often during winter golf, I use a fleece shirt with a hood to keep off rain.

Visors
These come in many styles with some built for men, usually with a thicker ridge. They help keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face, but not enough to forego using sun block. Nor do they keep the heat off your head so take care to stay cool during summer by staying in the shade. Some women put their ball markers on their visor. I tend to buy inexpensive ones because they get bent and dirty during travel.

Gloves
These come in many varieties and from a variety of manufacturers. Most are calfskin, soft, stretchable and fitted from the smallest to largest hand. A mesh backed glove is a favorite of mine for summer use since it breaths better and allows your hand to tan. I also prefer the rain gloves made of manmade materials during winter because of their improved grip and warmth. The winter gloves weren't really wam enough to warrant their use and I ended up taking them on and off.

Rain gear
Nylon pants often provide enough protection from the cold and rain, but I typically want more freedom of movement than what a coat provides. I typically buy several sizes too large because if I can't swing, my game really is affected. Most fleece is waterproof and adds the layer of warmth and freedom of movement. A vest layer over the top adds more warmth.