Guide to Choosing the Best Golf Apparel for Style and Comfort

We want to be sure we have the best clothing for the green, whether going for one hole or eighteen. Some golf clubs even have strict dress codes on the kind of shirts or pants that you can wear on their courses. You don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb against your fellow golfers. So how do you find the best fit for your next golf outing?

What does Golf Apparel Mean?

Golf apparel in definition is clothing that’s comfortable to golf in. Ideally they’re tight enough to prevent being caught on anything, but loose enough to move around. Golf apparel shouldn’t constrict your body because that will lead to irritation from continued movement. But if you wear something with loose sleeves, that could cause issues with your backswing!

Do I Need to Have a Specific Apparel Brand?

We know brands like Peter Millar have made names of themselves for their premium gear maximizing comfort and style. But they’re not the only shop you could go to. Many varieties of clothing brands dip their toes into golf apparel. Golf shirts don’t just make for great exercise gear either. Since most golf apparel consists of collared shirts and khakis, they also make for great casual business wear. All that does though is open the door for you to find the brand that works best for you!

What to Look For In Perfect Golfing Apparel

The Fit

Golf requires consistent and continuous movement through every swing of the golf club. On top of that, you will be bending down to grab your golf ball often as well as walking around the course. We recommend a golf shirt that is double stitched at the collar and sleeves, but still sits loose on you. Women’s golf shirts can also be worn sleeveless for particularly warmer weather.

The Material

You want to make sure whatever apparel you get can reduce any excess water you may have. Many different golf courses don’t include shady areas. Obviously this is great for your ball, but not for protection from the sun. Consistent sunlight combines with your continued movement on the course to make you sweat. A lot. And even more so if you decide to forego the golf cart to get to the next hole. Having clothes that absorb that extra sweat and moisture means you can focus much more on your game.

The Color

Most golf shirts tend to be a single color or limited colors. The solid pattern is simple and allows for more focus on the game. Golf being an outdoor sport means that you will be in the sun for a majority of the time, so choosing a solid color that is lighter will reflect more light. If you’re casually golfing though, don’t be afraid to have some interesting colors and patterns. My father goes golfing as regularly possible, and he loves to don a solid shirt with some patterned or plaid pants. He and his friends get a kick out of going the extra mile in golf fashion.

The Longevity

Again, you’re going to be outside on the course for many hours as you continue golfing. Whether casual or competitive, that’s a lot of movement! You want to be sure that your clothing won’t wear down and get torn from overuse. Something that has moisture-wicking, dri-fit, or cool-fit are all great choices when looking for apparel.

Extra Apparel To Remember

Golf Shoes and Socks

While we golf and walk for hours on end, we sometimes forget our feet need extra support through the day. Proper golf shoes give extra stability and balance to you. Some shoes also come with spikes that give traction to your feet as well. However, not all courses allow for spikes, so be sure to double check. Tennis shoes and running shoes can be fine for casual golfing as well! Just be sure they are also allowed at the course you’re planning to golf on.

Socks are the best way to accessorize your golf apparel. Most appropriate socks like tube socks or ankle socks come in a plethora of patterns. And most courses don’t have specifics on sock colors, so it’s your time to go crazy!

Golf Visors and Gloves

You’ll obviously want to protect yourself from the sun’s rays in more than one way. Headwear like baseball caps or bucket hats are acceptable to wear, but the most common wear is visors. They’re subtle while also protecting your face against the suns rays.

Golf gloves improve your grip on the clubs and also protect you from outer elements. Though not a necessity, most golfers use gloves and find them extremely comfortable. They usually come in colors like white or black, but there are a few variations!

Golf Outerwear

Golf isn’t necessarily a year round sport, but as you reach the end of the season it can get much cooler. Unfortunately, you can’t wear hoodies or sweatshirts without getting a few off looks. Instead, try to go for a windbreaker, a light sweater, or a vest. Whichever you choose, you still want to be sure that you can move around comfortably wearing them.