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What to Wear Golfing: Proper Golf Attire for Beginners

WriterAubrey McShan
12 min read
A man and woman in khakis and a polo shirt walk across the golf course with their golf bag on their shoulders

Ready to score a hole-in-one on your golf outfit? If you're new to golf and gearing up to step onto the course for the first time, it's important to prepare with the right outfit.

Golf clubs often have strict dress codes in place, and dressing appropriately is key to maintaining the spirit of the game. In this complete guide, we'll walk you through what to wear from head to toe, ensuring that you're well-prepared and stylish as you embark on your golfing journey.

Key Takeaways

What Is Proper Golf Attire for Men?

Graphic showing the different layers of proper golf attire for men

Proper golf attire for men is all about maintaining a classy and professional look on the course.

  • Collared polo shirts are a go-to choice, providing a sophisticated yet comfortable style.
  • Pair your polo with well-fitted khaki pants or shorts, ensuring a neat and presentable appearance.
  • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a visor or a cap, along with sunglasses to shield your eyes.
  • When it comes to footwear, wear proper golf shoes, which offer traction and stability during your swings and walks on the course.

What Is Proper Golf Attire for Women?

Graphic showing the different layers of proper golf attire for women

When it comes to proper golf attire for women, comfort, and style go hand in hand. Proper women's golf attire should allow for unrestricted movement during swings and walking.

  • Opt for collared shirts, dresses, skorts, or shorts that meet the dress code requirements of the golf club you're playing at.
  • Keep jewelry minimal to avoid any hindrance during your game.
  • Don't forget to wear proper golf shoes.
  • If the weather is a bit chilly, bring a sweater to stay warm.
  • Stick to neutral colors for a timeless and classic look on the greens.

What to Wear Golfing

What to Wear Golfing: Men & Women
Category Men’s Attire Women’s Attire Seasonal Considerations
Shirts
  • Collared polo or golf shirt
  • No T-shirts or tank tops
  • Sweaters, vests, or jackets
  • Collared polo or golf shirt (short-sleeved or sleeveless)
  • No T-shirts or tank tops
  • Sweaters, vests, or jackets
  • Light fabrics for summer
  • Thermal materials for winter
Bottoms
  • Tailored golf pants or shorts
  • Tailored golf pants, culottes, shorts, dresses, or skorts
  • Shorts for summer
  • Trousers for colder seasons
Footwear
  • Golf shoes and socks
  • Golf shoes and socks
  • Waterproof shoes for wet conditions
Headwear
  • Cap or visor
  • Cap or visor
  • Caps for summer
Accessories
  • Sunglasses, belt, minimal jewelry
  • Sunglasses, belt, minimal jewelry
  • Warm gloves for winter
  • UV-protective sunglasses for summer

When you step out onto the golf course, you want to look your best and dress with a sense of professionalism in mind. If you choose to ignore your golf club’s dress code requirements, they may ask you to leave. Knowing how to dress well ahead of time is super important!

Shirts to Wear for Golf

Golf Shirt for Men

BCG men's Tennis Stripe Polo Shirt
  • A collared polo shirt for men or a turtleneck is a classic and appropriate choice.
  • Opt for muted, neutral colors that blend well with the golfing environment or shirts with stripes.
  • Avoid shirts with big logos that can draw unnecessary attention.
  • Remember to tuck in your golf shirt, as they are typically longer than normal shirts, for a polished appearance on the course.

Golf Shirt for Women

BCG Women's Tennis Stripe Polo Shirt
  • Sleeveless or short-sleeved women’s collared shirts are ideal options.
  • Avoid tank tops, crop tops, halters, or any tops that are too revealing for the golf course.
  • If the weather is cool, you can always bring a layer such as a vest or light jacket to keep you warm.
  • Women should also choose shirts in muted colors and avoid busy patterns or large logos.

Bottoms to Wear Golfing

Golf Pants for Men

Under Armour Men's UA Tech Pants
  • Men should avoid gym shorts or sweatpants since they are not considered appropriate attire.
  • Opt for shorts that are of an appropriate length, typically Bermuda length or slightly above the knee.
  • Golf pants like Khakis or chinos are excellent choices for a professional look on the course.

Golf Pants for Women

BCG Women's Tapered Club Golf Pants
  • Women should avoid any bottoms that appear unprofessional or casual (e.g. gym shorts, sweat pants, etc.)
  • Choose from any of the most popular options: skorts, skirts, dresses, culottes (wide-legged capris), pants, or shorts are all suitable choices.
  • Make sure that the shorts are not too short in length to maintain a modest and professional appearance.

Can You Wear Leggings to Golf?

In general, yes! Women can be permitted to wear leggings to a golf course with a more relaxed dress code.

Whether or not you can wear leggings to golf largely depends on the dress code of the specific golf course. Municipal golf courses, country clubs, private courses, and golf tournaments each have their own policies with which you should be familiar.

  • Dress code variation: Golf courses have different dress codes: some are more traditional/formal, while others are more relaxed/casual.
  • Leggings acceptance: Some golf courses permit leggings, but there may be specific requirements regarding length, material, or style.
  • Pair with appropriate tops: Even if leggings are allowed, choose suitable tops such as collared shirts or golf-specific tops to maintain a traditional golf look.
  • Respect the dress code: Adhere to the dress code rules of the golf course. When in doubt, it's better to err on the side of caution and choose more traditional golf attire.

Footwear for Golf

FootJoy Men's FJ Flex Spikeless Golf Shoes
  • Proper Golf Shoes: Popular brands like Nike offer a range of golf shoes specifically designed for the sport. These golf shoes feature cushioning and traction to enhance your performance on the course. They also come with soft spikes that provide grip and stability.
  • Sneakers: If you don't have golf shoes yet, you can temporarily wear regular sneakers. However, keep in mind that golf shoes are specifically engineered to optimize your golfing experience, so investing in a pair can help you look the part and play better.
  • Socks: You should wear low or no-show socks with your golf shoes to provide a comfortable fit. Avoid wearing shoes with heels or spiked soles as they can potentially damage the golf course and affect your balance. Flip-flops are not suitable for golfing.

Headwear for Golf

Nike Men's Dri-FIT Legacy91 Tech Golf Cap
  • Proper Hats: Baseball hats, worn facing forward, are a popular choice for both men and women. Bucket hats are also a stylish and functional option to shield yourself from the sun. Cowboy hats or wide-brimmed hats can provide sun protection and add a touch of fun to your golf outfit.
  • Inappropriate Hats: Avoid wearing sombreros, fedoras, or any other oversized or novelty hats that may distract other players. These types of hats are not appropriate for golfing.
  • Cold Weather Hats: In colder weather, wearing a hat is not only fashionable but also helps to keep you warm. Opt for a hat that provides insulation and covers your ears to protect them from the chilly wind.

Accessories for Golf

Graphic depicting golf gloves and sunglasses to wear while golfing
  • Golf Accessories: Golfing gloves are a popular accessory, providing a better grip on the club and added comfort during your swing. Belts are also commonly worn to add a polished look and ensure your pants don’t hang too low. You can also opt for sunglasses to protect your eyes.
  • Flashy Accessories: You’ll want to avoid wearing flashy jewelry. Excessive accessories can be distracting and may interfere with your swing. Instead, opt for minimal and understated pieces that won't interfere with your game.

What to Wear to a Golf Course: Tips and Tricks

  • Don’t Go Too Casual: You’ll want to dress to impress so always choose khakis over jeans. Be sure to tuck in your shirt and make sure it’s wrinkle-free before hitting the course.
  • Pay Attention to Length: Make sure your shorts hit just above your kneecap and aren’t too short. Stick with Bermuda–length shorts.
  • Read the Golf Course Dress Code and Restrictions: Visit your local golf course’s website and review their dress code guidelines before you go. Golf courses tend to enforce specific dress codes to maintain a level of decorum. Most courses won’t permit golfers to wear sneakers, tennis shoes, or cargo shorts out on the course.
  • Pay Attention to Fit: You’ll want to maintain a neat and presentable appearance. Avoid wearing oversized shirts, baggy clothing, or garments with busy patterns as they can be distracting. Choose a size that hugs your body without being too tight. Use a belt to ensure a proper fit.
  • Protect Your Eyes from the Sun: Baseball caps, bucket hats, and visors are all suitable choices to shield yourself from the sun while adding a touch of style. Sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays so you can swing your club with ease.
  • Check the Weather Ahead of Time: Check the weather to make sure it’s not lightning or thundering beforehand. Wear a lightweight pullover or vest if it’s chilly outside. You can bundle up with a scarf. If it’s raining, bring an umbrella.
Man and woman wearing proper golf attire carry golf club bags towards the course on a sunny day

Have Fun Out There!

Ready to hit the green wearing the proper golfing attire? Gear up for a day of swinging and putting by exploring our impressive collection of men's and women's golf clothing. From sleek polo shirts to comfortable skorts, we offer a range of apparel designed to help you achieve effortless swings while maintaining a sharp and classy look.