Golf is played in all conditions, from blazing summer afternoons in Arizona to horizontal rain on a Scottish links course. Wearing the right clothes affects more than comfort. It affects your swing. Restrictive layers, cold hands or a soaked shirt will cost you strokes. Here's how to dress for any forecast.
The golf layering system
Serious golfers dress in layers that can be added or removed hole by hole:
- Base: a moisture-wicking polo or, in cold weather, a thin thermal top underneath.
- Mid: quarter-zip pullover, merino sweater, lightweight vest (gilet) or soft fleece.
- Outer: windproof or fully waterproof jacket, cut for a free swing.
The golden rule: nothing should restrict your shoulders or arms. Try the swing motion in the shop before you buy any golf layer.
Hot weather golf
- Polo: lightweight, moisture-wicking, with UV protection; white and light colours reflect heat.
- Shorts or light trousers: tailored golf shorts where allowed, or ultra-light stretch trousers.
- Hat: a breathable cap, visor or wide-brim golf hat to protect your face and neck.
- Socks: thin cushioned low-cut golf socks that wick sweat and prevent blisters.
- Extras: sunglasses designed for golf (they improve contrast on greens), sunscreen, cooling towel, spare glove.
Sweaty hands ruin your grip. Carry two or three gloves and rotate them every few holes so each one has time to dry.
Spring and autumn golf
This is the golden season, but mornings can be cold and afternoons warm. A classic combination:
- Long-sleeve polo or short-sleeve polo with a quarter-zip
- Tailored stretch trousers in navy, grey or olive
- A lightweight padded or knitted vest (gilet), which keeps the core warm and leaves the arms free
- Waterproof spikeless shoes, because morning dew soaks through non-waterproof shoes quickly
Rain golf
If there's a chance of rain, carry a proper waterproof suit in your bag.
| Item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Rain jacket | Fully waterproof, breathable, taped seams, quiet fabric (no rustle during your swing), short cut |
| Rain trousers | Waterproof, with ankle zips so you can pull them on over golf shoes |
| Shoes | Waterproof golf shoes with a warranty |
| Rain gloves | Special gloves that grip better when wet. Buy a pair |
| Hat | Waterproof bucket hat or cap |
| Accessories | Umbrella, several towels, rain cover for the bag |
Windy golf
Wind makes you cold faster than temperature suggests. A windproof shell or a wind-resistant pullover is enough in most cases. Choose close-fitting layers. Loose fabric flaps in the wind and can distract you when you're over the ball. A beanie or a cap with ear coverage helps a lot on exposed links courses.
Cold weather golf
- Thermal base layer in merino or a synthetic wicking fabric
- Thermal golf trousers with a brushed lining, or a thin base layer under normal trousers
- Insulated mid-layer: a fleece, a thick merino or a padded jacket with stretch side panels
- Winter mittens or hand warmers between shots, plus cold-weather gloves
- Warm socks in merino wool
- Beanie, since you lose a lot of heat through the head
Remember that golf balls fly shorter in the cold, so dress warm enough that your muscles stay loose.
Golf outfit colours
Classic golf style is built on navy, white, grey, stone and black, with seasonal colour from polos and knitwear. Good combinations include navy polo and stone trousers, white polo and navy trousers, and a grey quarter-zip over a light blue polo with charcoal trousers. Bold prints are more common now, but keep one bold piece per outfit.
After the round
Clubhouses often have stricter rules than the course. Bring clean shoes and, at traditional clubs, a blazer or sweater to wear for lunch or drinks. For the full rulebook, read our golf dress code guide. Casual outfits that look good both on and off the course are also covered in our sport-classic style guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to golf in cold weather?
Use layers: a thermal base layer, a polo, an insulated mid-layer like a fleece or padded vest, thermal trousers, warm socks, winter gloves and a beanie.
Are golf rain jackets worth it?
Yes. A golf-specific rain jacket is waterproof, breathable, quiet and cut for a full swing, which an ordinary rain jacket often isn't.
What color polo is best for hot weather golf?
White and light colours reflect the sun and help keep you cooler.
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