What to Wear Golfing (The Do’s and Don’ts Guide)

Your golf experts: Jordan Fuller & John Marshall.
Updated June 27, 2023. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.

Today’s golfing apparel allows you to express your personality through various colors and exciting designs. And before you reach the first tee, you would want to look your best as you reach for that driver.

But all golf clubs have proper attire standards and dress code that they expect members and guests to follow during their rounds.

From collared polo shirt to shorts that look pressed and professional, here’s a guide for what you should wear on the golf course.

Sources researched
15
Sources researched
Customer reviews
17,650
Customer reviews
Hours spent testing
12
Hours spent testing
Products tested
17
Products tested
Thumbnail
Amazon Essentials Men's Slim-Fit Quick-Dry Golf Polo Shirt - Discontinued Colors, Red, Small
Amazon Essentials Men's Classic-Fit Stretch Golf Short (Available in Big & Tall), Olive, 34
PGA TOUR Men's Flat Front Golf Pant with Expandable Waistband, Black Iris, 36W x 32L
Our Grade
Rating 98 / 100
Rating 98 / 100
Rating 97 / 100
Feature 1
SPF protection embedded in lightweight material
Moisture-wicking material offers high breathability and ability to stay cool on course
Excellent moisture absorption for a dry and cool experience
Feature 2
Moisture-wicking material keeps skin cool and dry
Deep pockets help carry golf balls and tees without affecting swing
Polyester material wears comfortably with plenty of give and breathability
Best Golf Shirt
Thumbnail
Amazon Essentials Men's Slim-Fit Quick-Dry Golf Polo Shirt - Discontinued Colors, Red, Small
Our Grade
Rating 98 / 100
Feature 1
SPF protection embedded in lightweight material
Feature 2
Moisture-wicking material keeps skin cool and dry
Custom Button
Best Golf Short
Thumbnail
Amazon Essentials Men's Classic-Fit Stretch Golf Short (Available in Big & Tall), Olive, 34
Our Grade
Rating 98 / 100
Feature 1
Moisture-wicking material offers high breathability and ability to stay cool on course
Feature 2
Deep pockets help carry golf balls and tees without affecting swing
Custom Button
Best Golf Pant
Thumbnail
PGA TOUR Men's Flat Front Golf Pant with Expandable Waistband, Black Iris, 36W x 32L
Our Grade
Rating 97 / 100
Feature 1
Excellent moisture absorption for a dry and cool experience
Feature 2
Polyester material wears comfortably with plenty of give and breathability
Custom Button

Last updated on 2024-10-02. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.

What To Wear Golfing

Every golf club has rules about golfing attire. Most clubs want golfers to present a clean and proper look for their time on the grounds. 

Here’s a few items that will help you achieve that look.

Shirts

When looking for a shirt that will meet most clubs’ requirements, you are looking for a clean collared polo shirt that is lightweight while maintaining a crisp and sporty look.

Here are our top recommended golf shirts:

1. Amazon Essentials Golf Shirt

Amazon Essentials Men's Slim-Fit Quick-Dry Golf Polo Shirt - Discontinued Colors, Red, Small
Check Price on Amazon

The Amazon Essentials Golf Shirt delivers long-lasting performance in a very affordable package. This 100% polyester shirt provides the collared look that most clubs require for players and gives you great moisture-wicking properties and dozens of colors to choose from.


2. Under Armour Performance 2.0 Golf Shirt

Under Armour Men's UA Performance Polo Textured LG Gray
Check Price on Amazon

The Under Armour Performance 2.0 Golf Shirt is another fantastic golf shirt from the highly-regarded company.

Featuring 4-way stretch material, quick-dry fabric, UPF 30 protection from the sun, and a snag-free material that lasts for several years makes it hard to find a negative with this shirt.


3. Under Armour Playoff 2.0 Golf Shirt

Under Armour UA Playoff 2.0 XXL Academy
Check Price on Amazon

The Under Armour Playoff 2.0 Golf Shirt provides the golfer with a fabulous experience when they put the shirt on their upper body. This shirt looks incredible, but it also offers the best performance of any shirt on this list.


4. Three Sixty Six Golf Shirt

Three Sixty Six Golf Shirts for Men - Dry Fit Short-Sleeve Polo, Athletic Casual Collared T-Shirt Orange
Check Price on Amazon

The Three Sixty Six Golf Shirt gives you a sophisticated look with a host of excellent features. From anti-odor technology to outstanding flexibility, this shirt provides wonderful comfort for your day on the links.


Shorts

While not every golf club will let you wear golf shorts, if you can, then look for shorts that work well with your body. The three shorts on this list all provide flexibility with your swing while providing outstanding durability and a wide range of colors.

1. Amazon Essentials Stretch Golf Short

Amazon Essentials Men's Classic-Fit Stretch Golf Short (Available in Big & Tall), Olive, 34
Check Price on Amazon

Amazon’s Essentials line has produced another quality product with its golf shorts. The shorts feature moisture-wicking material in a classic or slim fit to keep you cool and dry on the hottest days on the golf course.


2. adidas Ultimate 365 Golf Short

adidas Golf Ultimate 365 Short, Black, 36'
Check Price on Amazon

The adidas Ultimate 365 Golf Short measures high in several categories by offering you outstanding stretch, breathability, and water-resistance.

One of the best features of these golf shorts is the shirt gripper that lines the inside of the waistband. The gripper, made from silicone, grabs the shirt and keeps it from moving during your shots.


3. PUMA Jackpot Golf Short

PUMA Men's Jackpot Short
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf

The PUMA Jackpot Golf Short offers top-tier performance with a roomy fit. Everything about these shorts screams comfort as the material and fit allow for plenty of movement.

The shorts’ best feature is the stretch waistband. Not only does the waistband flex and move with your swing, but the internal silicone gripper also keeps your shirt tucked and against the body.


Pants

If you are looking for a reliable, yet highly functional, pair of golf pants, the three models that made our list provide breathability and fantastic movement with your body. All three won’t restrict your swing and allow you to hit the golf courses in style comfortably.

1. PGA Tour Flat Front Golf Pant

PGA TOUR Men's Flat Front Golf Pant with Expandable Waistband, Black Iris, 36W x 32L
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore

The PGA Tour Flat Front Golf Pants offer a classic fit with a range of great colors to help you look your best on the golf courses.

The 100% polyester pants provide plenty of room for walking the links. They are also stylish enough to qualify as appropriate to enjoy a post-round meal in the dining room.


2. Amazon Essentials Stretch Golf Pants

Amazon Essentials Men's Classic-Fit Stretch Golf Pant (Available in Big & Tall), Navy, 38W x 29L
Check Price on Amazon

The Amazon Essentials Stretch Golf Pants offer golfers a highly affordable option with impressive performance. These pants stretch and give with the movement of your body, but they wick moisture away from the skin with proficiency.

The pants feature a 98% polyester blend with a smidge of spandex. These pants are durable and can handle machine washing without losing their shape or look.


3. Nike Flex Hybrid Golf Pants

NIKE Men's Flex Hybrid Golf Pants, Charcoal Heather/Dark Grey, Size 40/32
Check Price on Amazon

The Nike Flex Hybrid Golf Pants offer marvelous durability in a first-rate package. Not only do these pants provide excellent flex and water-resistance, but the fit promotes athletic movement.

Everything you expect from Nike apparel exists with the Flex Hybrid pants. From moisture-wicking material to flexible fabric that works with all aspects of the swing, these Nike pants are among the best if you are looking for proper golf attire for your next round.


Golf Shoes

A clean pair of golf shoes that offer outstanding function while working well with your ensemble can put you ahead of your playing partners.

The New Balance Minimus SL Golf Shoes offer outstanding waterproof protection with a comfortable sole that works very well with your foot.

Regardless of whether you like walking or riding on the golf course, the Minimus SL golf shoes deliver an outstanding experience that will keep your feet fresh all day.


Belt and Socks

When it comes to a belt you want something that moves with your lower body as you swing.

We recommend the Under Armour Webbing Belt 2.0. Not only does the belt offer a metal clamp that keeps the belt in place, but the polyester build offers just enough stretch. 

For socks, the Footjoy ProDry Sports Socks provide the comfortable, moisture-wicking protection that you would expect from a golf shoes manufacturer. The socks offer premium flexibility that allows the foot to spread without restriction.


Golf Glove

Maintaining a crisp golf glove is important to playing well and looking your best on the links.

The FootJoy WeatherSof Golf Glove is a terrific choice, offering a clean white material and excellent playability. The vented fabric keeps your hand cool and dry throughout your round, even in the hottest weather.


Hat or Cap

A great golf hat keeps the sun out of your face while wicking away sweat from your brow.

The Titleist Tour Performance Mesh Hat offers the stylish look so many PGA golfers love on the course with outstanding breathability. The snapback hat will customize the fit for ideal comfort.


Cold-Weather Golf Clothes

To keep the cold out while golfing, you need a garment that keeps the body warm while offering the flexibility to move while swinging the golf club.

A great product for accomplishing both of these demands is the Under Armour Storm SweaterFleece Pullover. Available in a variety of colors, the pullover won’t leave you shivering on the tee box.

We made a Checklist of Cold Weather Golf Gear for Men and Women.


Rain-Weather Golf Clothes

When you are golfing in the rain, it is vital to find waterproof clothing that keeps the water away from your skin.

Our choice for excellent golfing rain gear is the adidas Climastorm Rain Pant. With an elastic waistband and cuffed enclosures around the ankles, these pants leave you dry throughout your rainy round.


What Not to Wear When Playing Golf

What you should not wear on the golf course should be relatively obvious for most golfers. Tee shirts, athletic shorts, and ripped garments are usually frowned upon by golf course management.

Most clubs ask that golfers wear a collared polo shirt and either shorts or pants depending on the season.


Conclusion

There are many wonderful options for finding the best shirt, shorts, golf shoes and pants for your day at the golf course.

We chose Amazon Essentials’ wonderful shirt and stretch shorts plus the PGA Tour Flat Front Pants as the best option in each category.

Each product offers affordability along with outstanding playability and comfort on the golf course.