WHAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING GOLF CLOTHING

When it comes to choosing golf clothing, there’s a good chance you’ll hear many different things from all sorts of players and enthusiasts. Some might prefer long sleeves and pullovers, or they might tell you a microfiber blend is superior to straight polyester. And, to make it even more confusing, specific attire and dress codes are often required by many courses.

Golf is unique in that it’s a sport with no true uniform, as there are no traditional “teams”, as we see in other sports like baseball, football or basketball. In lieu of this, golf has an established level of ‘formality’ and ‘class’, much in part to its rich history of being played by royalty, and in more recent developments, its association with the corporate world.

On top of that, the outdoor setting of golf brings even more challenges to new players, when unpredictable weather has the chance to play a role in your game. For these reasons, there’s plenty to consider when choosing golf clothing, and below are some general considerations, as well as some less common suggestions for you to keep in mind, so you can have fun, fit the part, and play your best possible game.

GOLF COURSE ATTIRE

Dress codes have a large role to play when choosing appropriate golf course attire. While not all courses have a dress code, a majority of them do, and it’s important to be aware of what is and is not acceptable to wear during your round.

Some standard attire expectations for men include:

• Shirts must have a collar, mock collar, or sleeves
• Shirts must be tucked into either knee-length shorts or trousers (no denim)
• Golf shoes are often required, no sneakers, sandals, flip flops
• T-shirts, basketball shorts, sports jerseys, and bathing suits, are not appropriate

Proper golf attire for women includes:

• Shirts must have a collar or mock collar
• Shorts and skirts just above the knee are appropriate
• No sneakers, sandals, flip flops
• No crop tops, and denim trousers

TIPS FOR BUYING GOLF APPAREL

Any avid golfer should know that following a dress code and choosing proper golf attire is only half the battle. When it comes to various styles, color combos, and technologies, the options greaten significantly. Here are some general tips for buying golf apparel to help you get started:

• Dress For Success - Looking the part during a round is one thing, but being comfortable and unrestricted by clothing is essential to any golfer’s game. Khaki shorts or golf slacks, collared polo shirts, golf skirts, and comfortable golf shoes are all easy ways to feel free on every swing, and look stylish at the same time.
  
  
• Colors Are Important - Having a nicely matched outfit is another easy way to look great during your round. For pants, shorts, and skirts, consider beige, tan, cream, khaki, or gray, and avoid white (as this tends to look a bit tacky). For tops, go with solid colors or sleek designs with blue, red, green, orange, and pair them accordingly with your bottoms.
  
  
• Keep Material in Mind - Depending on where you play, choosing golf clothing with the right material can be make or break. For shirts, cotton is great for moderate climates, and synthetic materials are good for warmer temperatures as they will let sweat evaporate to keep you cool and dry. 
  
  
• Weather-Regulating Technologies - Various clothing companies produce proper golf attire that help you champion the weather. Moisture wicking pieces can help move sweat away from the body to keep you cool, while stretchable fabrics can help with breathability. Waterproof and water-repellent technologies are great if you wish to play a round in the rain, and UV protection can help you from the sun’s harmful rays. Other technologies to consider include wind repellent, warm, dry cooling, and even more advanced technologies meant to keep your body at an ideal core temperature.

Enjoy the game of golf at whatever level, pace, leisure, and style you desire, and take these tips into consideration when choosing golf clothing so you can not only look the part, but play at your absolute best.