Golf clothing has two jobs: to meet the course's dress code and to let you play comfortably for several hours in any weather. This guide explains what usually applies to men and women, how to dress in layers, what to look for in rain gear and how to measure yourself for the right size.
Dress code: what applies at most courses
Every club sets its own dress rules, so they vary from course to course. Before you head to a new course, check its website or ask in advance. Tournaments tend to have stricter rules than everyday play.
| Item | Usually fine | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Tops – men | Polo shirt or collared shirt | Many courses now accept collarless golf shirts with a mock neck, but a plain T-shirt won't get you onto stricter courses. |
| Tops – women | Collared polo, with or without sleeves | A top that is both sleeveless and collarless won't pass at stricter courses. |
| Trousers | Golf trousers | Jeans, tracksuit bottoms and cargo trousers are not usually worn on the course. |
| Shorts | Knee-length golf shorts | Beach shorts, sports shorts and cargo shorts usually won't pass. |
| Women – skirts and shorts | Skirt, skort (a skirt with built-in shorts) or shorts of a reasonable length | The exact length is set by the club. |
| Headwear | Cap or hat on the course | Take it off in the clubhouse at traditional clubs. |
If you're unsure, a safe bet is a collared polo, golf trousers or knee-length shorts and golf shoes. Instead of trousers, women can choose a skirt or skort. A belt completes the outfit.
Layering: three thin layers instead of one warm one
An 18-hole round usually takes around four hours, and during that time both the weather and how warm you feel will change. It is often cool in the morning and warm at midday; you warm up while walking and cool down again while waiting on the tee. Thin layers can be taken off and put back on as you go. One thick jacket gives you no such option and also restricts your swing.
Base layer: moving sweat away
Next to your skin you want a fabric that wicks sweat away. Cotton soaks up sweat and dries slowly, so on cooler days it leaves you feeling cold. In warm weather a golf polo in a technical fabric is enough on its own; in the cold, add a long-sleeved thermal base layer underneath.
Mid layer: warmth that is easy to take off
Over your polo, wear a pullover, a fleece or a merino jumper. This layer keeps you warm and is easy to take off and stow in your bag during the round. When choosing sweatshirts and jumpers, make sure the sleeves don't pull when you swing. Gilets keep your torso warm and leave your arms completely free, which makes them a good choice for a chilly morning and for players who find that sleeves get in the way of their swing.
Outer layer: wind and rain
On top goes a wind and rain jacket. On a dry but windy day, a light wind jacket is enough. When rain is on the way, take a waterproof jacket with a membrane.
Before you take new clothes onto the course, do a practice swing at home: turn your shoulders as you would in your backswing and raise your arms above your head. The sleeves shouldn't pull, the polo shouldn't come untucked and the collar shouldn't feel tight. Stretch fabrics make movement easier.
What to wear for the weather
The forecast can change during a round, so always keep one extra layer in your bag. A rough guide:
| Weather | Clothing | Accessories and what to pack |
|---|---|---|
| Heat and sun | Lightweight, light-coloured polo, shorts or skirt, technical socks | Cap, sunglasses, sun cream |
| Changeable spring and autumn | Polo, sweatshirt or gilet, long trousers | Wind jacket, a hat for chilly mornings |
| Rain | Waterproof jacket and trousers, waterproof shoes | Rain gloves, umbrella, two towels, spare socks |
| Cold and winter | Thermal base layer, fleece or jumper, windproof jacket, warm trousers | Winter gloves, hat, warm socks |
Summer: protection from the sun
On the course you are out in the sun for hours, often with no shade. Light colours don't heat up as much, and lightweight technical fabrics dry quickly. Some golf clothing states its protection against UV radiation (UPF): the higher the number, the less radiation the fabric lets through. Protect your head with a cap or hat and your eyes with sunglasses.
Winter: a warm body and sensitive hands
In the cold, build on a thermal base layer, a warm mid layer and a windproof outer layer that stops the cold wind. Winter golf gloves keep your hands warm and a hat your head. Between shots, keep your hands in your pockets or in gloves, because numb fingers have less feel for the club.
Golf in the rain: how to choose waterproof clothing
In golf you walk, you sweat and you swing with your whole body on every shot. Rain gear therefore has to keep water out, let moisture escape and not restrict your movement. When choosing a waterproof jacket and trousers, look at these features:
- Hydrostatic head (water column) is given in millimetres and tells you how high a column of water the fabric can withstand before it starts to let water through. The higher the number, the more waterproof the garment; compare it between models where the manufacturer states it.
- Breathability decides how well sweat can escape. A jacket that doesn't breathe will soak you from the inside, even if not a single drop of rain gets through.
- A membrane is a thin layer that keeps water droplets out but lets water vapour escape. Alongside the well-known Gore-Tex, manufacturers also use their own membranes.
- Quiet, soft fabric doesn't rustle or restrict movement, so it won't distract you during your swing.
- Cut: the sleeves shouldn't pull or slide down over your wrists when you swing; adjustable cuffs help.
Waterproof trousers are usually pulled on over your normal golf trousers. Zips at the ankles are handy because they let you put them on even with your shoes on.
What else helps in the rain
- Rain gloves grip better when wet than ordinary leather gloves. They are sold individually and in pairs for both hands; check the pack contents before buying.
- A golf umbrella is bigger than a standard one. You can hang a towel from its ribs, where it stays dry.
- Two towels: one for your clubs and ball, the other kept dry for your hands and grips.
- Waterproof golf shoes keep your feet dry even on wet grass. Spare socks in your bag come in handy too.
Clothing size: how to measure yourself correctly
Sizes vary between brands, so don't rely only on the number on the label of clothes you already own. Measure yourself with a tape measure and compare the measurements with the size chart of the specific brand.
- Chest: at the widest point under your armpits, keeping the tape horizontal.
- Waist: measure on your body at the point specified in the manufacturer’s chart; keep the tape level without pulling it tight.
- Hips: at the widest point around your seat.
- Inside leg: from the crotch down the inside of your leg to where the trouser leg should end.
How to measure trousers
First check whether the brand’s chart lists body measurements or finished garment measurements. Take body measurements on yourself, following the manufacturer’s instructions. To compare garment measurements, fasten well-fitting trousers and lay them flat. Double the waistband width from edge to edge and measure the inside leg from the crotch seam to the hem. Do not confuse the garment’s circumference with your body measurement.
Golf trousers are often sold in inch sizes: W is the waist and L the inside leg. One inch is 2.54 cm, so W32 corresponds to a waist of roughly 81 cm and L34 to an inside leg of roughly 86 cm. However, the number on the label may not exactly match the actual measurement, so the brand's size chart is what counts.
Try on jackets and sweatshirts over the layers you'll wear underneath, and do a practice swing. If the size is wrong, we offer voluntary returns up to 100 days after receipt, subject to our terms. For the extended period, keep clothing unused and complete, in its original packaging with tags; this does not change the statutory right to withdraw during the first 14 days.
Shoes and socks
Golf shoes are part of the dress code and give you a stable stance during the swing. Depending on the sole, choose spiked or spikeless shoes: spikes grip better on wet grass and slopes, while spikeless shoes can also be worn off the course. Pair them with technical socks that wick sweat and protect against blisters, as you'll walk several kilometres during a round.
Summary
- The club sets the dress code, so check it in advance. A collared polo, golf trousers or knee-length shorts and golf shoes are a safe choice; jeans are not.
- Dress in layers: a technical base layer, a warm mid layer and an outer layer against wind and rain. Keep one extra layer in your bag.
- For rain gear, look at the hydrostatic head, breathability, quiet fabric and a cut that doesn't restrict your swing.
- In summer: light colours, UV protection, a cap and sunglasses. In winter: a thermal base layer, winter gloves and a hat.
- Choose your size using the brand's size chart. For trousers, W and L are in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm); try jackets on over your other layers.
When you're topping up your wardrobe for the season, take a look at our range of golf clothing and golf shoes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play golf in jeans?
Usually not. Wear golf trousers or knee-length shorts, and check the rules of the specific course in advance.
Does a golf shirt need a collar?
Traditionally, yes. Many courses now accept a collarless golf shirt with a mock neck, but at tournaments and traditional clubs you should expect to wear a collar.
What should I wear for golf in the rain?
A waterproof jacket and trousers over your normal clothes, waterproof shoes and rain gloves. Pack an umbrella and two towels in your bag so you have something to dry your hands and grips with.
How do I find my golf trouser size?
Measure your waist and inside leg as instructed by the brand. Distinguish body measurements from garment measurements and compare like with like. W and L are given in inches.
You’ll find more topics in the overview of our golf guides.