Picture this: it’s a beautiful spring day without a cloud in sight. This can only mean one thing. Golf season is in full swing. What better way to spend a sunny afternoon than with a round of 18 at your local golf course? You have all the gear you need for a successful game: clubs, balls, tees and a bag. What you may not realize is having the right outfit can be just as important. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a bit of a duffer, we’ll make sure your men’s golf attire is up to par.
History of Men’s Golf Attire
No other sport feels quite as stately and storied as golf. The duds are dapper, the movements are graceful and the lawns are perfectly manicured and vibrantly green. It’s truly the gentleman’s game—with a rich history in both fashion and tradition that has lasted five centuries. So, where did it all begin? Let’s take a trip to yesteryear. Golf originated on the damp moors of Scotland in the 15th century. The chilly Scottish climate was the determining factor in early men’s golf attire. Heavy tweed was the base material of most golf outfits to protect from the cold. The original golf uniform included caps, jackets and knickerbockers, complete with starched collars and sturdy shoes. Safe to say, golf fashion has come a long way since those first initial swings in Scotland.
Decoding The Golf Club Dress Code
Just about every golf course will have preferred men’s golf attire that you’ll want to adhere to. No need for the term dress code to scare you away from the sport. If you’re a beginner or heading to a new club, it never hurts to do your research. Some places will have stricter dress codes than others, so it’s always smart to be in the know. Give the clubhouse a call and ask about their preferred attire. When in doubt, err on the side of more polished than casual. A great fitting pair of chinos and a tucked-in polo shirt are golfing wardrobe basics. Complete the outfit by matching your belt and your shoes, and you’ll look the part at nearly any course. As a general rule of thumb, steer clear of jeans, baggy clothing and collarless shirts.
Casual Golf Attire for Men
The good news for golf beginners? Casual men’s golf attire is acceptable at many driving ranges and modern golf clubs. Comfort is key to ensure you’ll be on top of your game. Shorts are a safe bet, as long as they aren’t too short or too long. Just above the knee is the sweet spot for comfort and ease of movement while swinging those clubs. For an easygoing golf setting, experiment with a mock neck or blade collar shirt in a breathable knit material. Even if you go with a more informal shirt, remember to always keep it tucked in.
Head to Toe Golfwear Essentials
The world of golf attire for men can often be a sea of pleats, patterns and argyle socks. With that aside, there are few other sports that give players as much freedom to express themselves as golf. You’ll need the right gear to play your best and stay comfortable on the links. If you find yourself wondering: what is the proper attire for golf? You’ve come to the right place. We’re breaking down the head-to-toe essentials for what to wear golfing, so you stay perfectly aligned with the spring 2022 trends.
Men’s Golf Attire: Hats and Sunglasses
Let’s take it from the teeing ground, shall we? A round of golf likely means you’ll be spending a long day under the sun’s rays. Nothing kills the buzz of a great day on the green than coming home with a painful sunburn. Come prepared. A quality sunscreen is a must-have in your golf bag, but for extra protection, grab a pair of sunglasses. Polarized glasses are your best option since they’ll stop light glare from hitting you directly in the eye. This is helpful when looking toward the sun, so you won’t lose track of the ball after making your swing.
While hats are not required in men’s golf attire, it’s a smart idea to wear one for added sun protection. A baseball cap has become the most popular style among pro golfers. Be sure that it’s clean and fits well, and never wear it backward. Other options include trendy bucket styles, straw caps or visors. Hats off to you for nailing what to wear golfing.
Men’s Golf Attire: Shirts
Nothing screams I’m ready for a round of golf than a classic polo shirt. These sporty, yet sophisticated shirts have become the main staple of men’s golf attire. Have you ever wondered why golfers wear polos? They’re a blend of functionality and style. Polo shirts are comfortable and provide necessary mobility when driving the ball off the tee while staying light and breathable. If you’re an avid golfer, it’s best to have a few in your rotation. Ralph Lauren makes timeless golf polos that balance capability with class. A roomy fit and stretch jersey fabric offer sweat-wicking and UPF protection. Spending time on the back nine on a Sunday? Take a note from Tiger Woods and participate in red shirt Sundays. Who knows, maybe this power color is the boost you needed to go from bogey to birdie. Now go get ‘em, Tiger.
Men’s Golf Attire: Layers
Not every golf day is a walk in the sunshine. Check the weather before heading to the course to ensure you have everything you need. There’s no need to cancel your plans because of a cold or wet forecast. Layering is key. Vests, sweaters or quarter-zip pullovers are perfectly acceptable on a cooler day of hitting the links. Keep your collar tucked into your sweater and make sure it’s closely fitted to the body. Any excess material will get in the way of your swing. If there’s a chance of rain for your golf outing, a packable waterproof jacket is a necessity.
Men’s Golf Attire: Pants
Hybrid pants are the name of the game for men’s golf attire. Look for trousers made of performance fabrications with technical properties designed to keep you cool, dry and warm. When deciding what to wear golfing, stick with neutral colors—think khaki, grey and black. Bear in mind they need to have belt loops, no drawstring or elastic waistbands. Stay on top of your game and pick pants with stretch and deep pockets to hold a scorecard and tees. Insert golf clap here.
Men’s Golf Attire: Shorts
Dress shorts are a prime pick for warm days on the course. Many beginners will opt for shorts since they allow for more ease of movement than pants. It’s important to find a pair that is well-fitted and comfy to ensure they don’t interfere with your golf game. Similar to golf pants, your shorts should stay within the neutral color zone and have belt loops. Go with a tailored pair of khaki shorts and leave your drawstring and cargo styles at home. And remember, they should never hit more than three inches above the knee.
Men’s Golf Attire: Socks and Shoes
We’ve arrived at the final green of our men’s golf attire essentials list. Last but not least, we need to discuss the correct socks and shoes to wear golfing. If you’re serious about upping your golf game, it’s a good idea to invest in golf shoes. Nowadays, most metal spiked shoes are banned from golf courses because they dig up the playing surface. You have two options: soft spikes or spikeless. Soft spikes have short rubber dimples that still give a great grip when twisting on the grass. Spikeless golf shoes have small rubber studs and tend to be more comfortable with less pressure on the foot. On a more casual golf course, you can get away with sneakers with good treads to provide balance and traction.
Socks are a must-have while playing golf. Go with a moisture-wicking pair to ensure your feet stay cool and dry after a long day. Ankle-length athletic socks in light colors are ideal when wearing shorts. If you choose to wear golf pants or trousers, select socks that match the color of your pants. Now it’s time to put your best foot forward and crush your next round of golf.
Transcending the Seasons in Men’s Golf Attire
Although golf season typically lasts from April through September, it’s one of the sports that is played throughout the year. The PGA Season lasts about twelve months. The tour moves to warmer states like Hawaii, California, Florida and Arizona during the colder months. Why not take a cue from the pros and improve on your golf game year-round? If you’re looking for tips on what to wear golfing for each season, you’re in luck. Let us be your caddie and share our top styles that are sure to be a hole in one.
What To Wear For A Round of 18 in the Spring and Summer
Spring and summer are the ideal seasons for playing golf. While golfing may not be the most strenuous sport, you’ll likely work up a sweat when walking the spacious course. Pick lightweight, breathable fabrics with moisture-wicking properties to keep you comfortable and confident. Shorts are a must for golfing on a hot day. Lighter colors like white, beige and tan are your best bets. Avoid wearing black or anything too dark, as these colors will absorb the most heat. Stay cool, and keep it in the fairway.
Fall Golf Attire for Men
When the sun sets early and frost first touches the grass, many golfers will pack up their clubs until spring. Little do they know, playing golf into the fall months can still be enjoyable. You’ll often find the courses less crowded, and you might even score a deal on a round in the off-season. If you’re questioning what to wear golfing in the fall, we’re here to help.
Golf pants will provide protection from the elements when putting in the fall. Looking for a men’s golf attire staple? A safe bet is sleek black golf slacks. Trust us, you’ll look like a pro at your local course. While layering is key, you don’t want to bundle up to the point of not being able to make a good, full swing. On a crisp fall day, opt for a long sleeve thermal shirt as a base layer. Then, add on a long-sleeve polo. Finish with a quarter-zip or lightweight jacket, you can always shed this layer as you start to warm up. Swap out your baseball cap for a beanie, and enjoy a beautiful fall day spent golfing with the guys.
Expert Tip: When playing golf in cold weather, consider walking the course instead of riding in a golf cart. This can help warm your body up so you’ll stay looser and your swing won’t suffer.
What to Wear Golfing if You Don’t Have Golf Clothes
Golf is a quirky game in many ways. The concept of a dress code while playing a sport can be off-putting. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to know there’s really nothing complicated about dressing for a day on the green. We’re happy to share that you don’t need to splurge on fancy golf clothes. If you’re asking, what do I wear to golf if I don’t have golf clothes? Odds are, you likely already have appropriate men’s golf attire in your closet. Tailored bottoms with a tucked-in polo shirt and belt are all you need. Don a pair of athletic sneakers with a good grip in place of golf shoes. And there you have it. No need to feel intimidated by golf dress codes. Think of it as a set of rules that mean everyone is respectfully dressed and as comfortable as can be.
Is your golf attire in need of a refresh? Take your style quiz, order a Fix and let your style expert know you are looking for fresh golf duds. We’ll send five pieces for you to try on at home. Or, head over to your curated Stitch Fix Freestyle™ shop to instantly buy clothes catered to your fit and style. Only pay for what you keep. Don’t forget shipping, exchanges and returns are always free.
