Golf isn’t the “show up in your sweatpants'' type of game. It’s the Chanel of sports, where sophistication is expected of each player, whether they are a seasoned pro or a passionate rookie. And while golf fashion for women has certainly come a long way, there are still certain standards to uphold on the green, making it a challenge to put together the right outfit.
But don’t fret—we’re here to help you swing (and win) in style. After all, what you wear golfing is just as important as how well you swing. The right golfing outfit can give you the confidence you need to ace your game—and potentially even score a birdie, eagle, or double-eagle! So, if you’re new to the sport, get ready to tee off in style with our go-to guide.
What should women wear when playing golf?
The easiest way to figure out what to wear golfing is to read up on your golf course's dress code—this should give you an idea of what is and isn't allowed on the green. Fortunately, today’s dress codes are a bit more relaxed, as opposed to old policies that were meant to create a sense of exclusivity for country club members. But that doesn’t mean you can wear whatever you want.
To ensure your outfit is up to par (pun intended), double-check if your golf course has rules on what you can and can’t wear. The last thing you want is to be turned away after taking the time to put together the perfect outfit.
If you’ve read and reread your course’s rules but you still can’t decide on what to wear golfing, we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a checklist of what to wear to the golf course, considering factors such as the dress code, weather, and practicality.
A collared golf top that offers maximum comfort
Generally, golf polos—whether they’re short-sleeved, long-sleeved, or sleeveless—are the way to go. But if your golf club isn’t too strict, you may be able to get away with wearing any shirt style as long as it isn’t too revealing (sorry, crop tops!).
When choosing what to wear golfing for the first time, ladies should lean toward breathable fabrics that sit comfortably on the body while allowing for a full range of movement. You’ll also want to look for materials that can wick away sweat so you stay cool and dry even on scorching days. Your best bets are cotton, polyester, and spandex.
Color-wise, you’re free to add a playful flair to your outfit by wearing a punchy tee, or be timelessly chic in classic colors like black, navy, and white. And it goes without saying, but please don’t wear a shirt with inappropriate prints or language—take it from us, they won’t let you in!
A practical pair of golf pants
This uncomplicated piece of clothing is a must-have in any woman’s closet. Not only are pants easy to pair with anything, but they’re also smart and streamlined, so they’re bound to get a thumbs up from most—if not all—country clubs. Pants result in an aesthetic that’s reminiscent of classic golf attire, making them perfect for women who want to stay true to tradition.
If you want to know what pants to wear golfing, you’ve got plenty of options, from ankle-length to full-length, and plain to printed. The key is to pick a pair of breathable pants that move with you so you can putt without any restrictions. And remember, you’ll be walking for anywhere between 2 to 5 hours, so choose a comfy pair that won’t weigh you down.
What about leggings, you ask? Leggings are fine, but be sure to wear them under a skirt or skort—most clubs consider them too laid-back for the course.
Golf skorts you can count on for full coverage
On sunny days, you may want to swap out your pants for a stylish pair of skorts. The lovechild of skirts and shorts, they feature built-in shorts so you won’t have to worry about flashing your fellow golfers as you tee up, swing, or grab your golf ball. They’re the perfect option if you want something fun, feminine, and flirty, but at the same time built for play.
Today’s dress codes aren’t as strict as they once were, so you’re free to wear shorter skorts on the course. But while there is no minimum length, the Ladies Professional Golfer Association (LPGA) says it must be long enough to fully cover your bottom when you bend over. So when choosing what to wear golfing, don’t forget to do the bend test to see if it's dress code-approved! (If your skirt doesn’t pass the test, don’t sweat it—you can always get a longer-length skort).
One more thing—make sure your skort comes with pockets for carrying your scorecard, golf tee, sunscreen, and other on-course essentials. Pockets may seem like a small detail, but they can be a total game-changer! Check out our collection of skorts with side pockets, to carry all your extra golf items.
A well-fitted jacket for cool days on the course
Wondering what to wear golfing when it’s cold? When it gets windy or teeth-chatteringly chilly, you’ll want to throw on a jacket to continue enjoying your game. With that said, it's a good idea to pack a lightweight, versatile, "go-anywhere" jacket in your bag just in case of unfavorable weather.
Aim for well-fitted, non-bulky outerwear that won’t get in the way of your swing, while also keeping you warm and comfortable. And if the weather forecaster says there’ll be rain showers during the day, just pack a water-resistant jacket and you’re good to go
A golf hat to shield your eyes from the sun
When playing golf, the last thing you want is to be blinded by the sun as you aim your swing. That’s why you always see pro golfers wearing one on-course essential: a good golf hat. You see, it doesn’t just add pizzazz to your outfit—it also shields your eyes from the sun and protects your face from harmful UV rays.
When it comes to choosing what to wear golfing, look for hats made of moisture-wicking materials to keep sweat away from your forehead. And if you’re a fan of ponytails, visors are a great choice as they won’t mess up your ‘do.
Extra tips for choosing what to wear when golfing
Before you head out for a fun day at the country club, here are a few more considerations when choosing what to wear golfing:
Protect your skin with UPF clothing
Your long-sleeved shirt may offer some sun protection, but it can’t beat the UV-blocking capabilities of a sun-protective shirt. This type of top has a built-in Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) that limits the amount of UV that penetrates the fabric, so you can stay sunburn-free.
Show off your style on the course
Women’s golf wear is no longer as conservative as it once was. You’re now free to dress a bit boldly and express your personal style with patterned skorts, printed pants, and vibrant tops. Or if you’d rather stick to classic styles, that’s all good, too!
When in doubt, wear what your fave player would wear
A foolproof way to nail women’s golf fashion is to wear what professional golfers wear. They’ve mastered what to wear golfing for women, so it’s only logical to turn to them for pro-approved inspo. Take cues from their outfits so you can make sure that yours is not only in style, but also practical and country club-approved.
Ready to swing in style?
Style should follow you wherever you go, even when you’re on the green. That’s why we’ve curated a vast collection of women’s golf wear, including tops, skorts, pants, and accessories, designed to be the perfect blend of form and function.
Get ready to bid goodbye (or good riddance!) to wardrobe dilemmas. With our wide range of women’s golf wear, you’ll never have to wonder what to wear golfing again. Shop our women's apparel today for fashion-forward yet practical pieces that will make a statement on and off the course, and more importantly, take you to victory!