Golf
Golf Dress Code for Men: What You Can and Can't Wear on the Course
The complete men's golf dress code: collars, trousers, shorts, shoes, hats and socks, plus the unwritten rules and how dress codes differ between clubs.
Style Guide
What to Wear to Play Golf
Men's golf attire explained: dress code rules, the right polo, trousers and shoes, and what to wear for every kind of weather on the course.
Golf: all guides
2 in-depth articles in this section.
Golf
Men's Golf Outfits for Every Weather: Heat, Rain, Wind & Cold
What to wear for golf in hot sun, rain, wind and cold: layering systems, fabrics, waterproofs and outfit ideas so you play comfortably all year.
Golf has its own dress code
Few sports have clothing rules as specific as golf. Many private clubs still require collared shirts, tucked-in hems and tailored trousers, and some ban denim entirely. Public courses are more relaxed, but the classic golf look is also simply practical. It lets you move freely, handles sun and rain, and looks good in the clubhouse afterwards.
The essential golf wardrobe
| Item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Golf polo | Technical piqué or jersey with some stretch, moisture-wicking, a collar that holds its shape |
| Trousers | Tailored, lightweight, four-way stretch; stone, navy, grey or black |
| Shorts | Tailored, just above the knee, where the club allows them |
| Mid-layer | Quarter-zip pullover, fine merino or a lightweight vest |
| Outer layer | Waterproof, breathable rain jacket that doesn't make noise when you swing |
| Shoes | Spikeless or soft-spike golf shoes, waterproof |
| Accessories | Belt, cap or visor, golf glove, low-cut or crew golf socks |
Read the golf guides
Start with our golf dress code guide, which explains the rules and how to stay on the right side of them. Then see golf outfits for every weather, from summer heat to a windy November round.
Call ahead
If you're playing a new club as a guest, ask the pro shop or your host about the dress code before you go. Rules on shorts, hats indoors, denim and even sock length vary a lot.