How to Dress for Golf

Following Traditional Golfing Etiquette

Call the golf club and ask about the dress code. Get the phone number to the club that you want to attend and ask them if there is a dress code. Usually, the employees will be more than happy to explain the attire that’s expected at their club. Sometimes, you can also find this information on the club’s website. Traditional golf clubs may have a more conservative dress code.

Wear a collared shirt. Short-sleeved polos or shirts with a collar are appropriate on most golf courses. Don’t wear T-shirts, tube tops, or sleeveless shirts because they are not typically not allowed on the course. If it is colder out, a turtleneck style collar and long sleeved shirts are also allowed on most courses. It’s etiquette to tuck in your shirt.

Pair your shirt with dress pants or a golf skirt. Long polyester or cotton pants are typically acceptable on all golf courses. If it’s hotter out, capris, golf skirts, and dress shorts with pleated or flat fronts are also acceptable. Most private courses do not allow people to wear jeans, mini-skirts, or running shorts while golfing. If you are wearing a skirt, make sure that the bottom of the skirt doesn't rise above your knee.

Select clothes that breathe well and don't restrict your movement. Golfing can be physically demanding and you’ll want clothing that isn’t overly hot. Look for loose but form-fitting clothing that won’t restrict your movement. Purchase shirts that are made of cotton or polyester microfiber. Avoid fibers that retain heat like wool and leather, especially if it’s hot where you're golfing.

Get golf shoes with soft spikes to improve your game. Golf shoes with soft spikes will actually help you stabilize on the course and could improve your golf game. Purchase a pair at a golf shop or online. Golf shoes come in a variety of styles and it’s usually worth investing in a pair. Most clubs ban shoes with hard cleats because it destroys the green.

Wear comfortable sneakers as an alternative to golf shoes. Most contemporary golf courses allow players to wear regular sneakers. Buy a pair of comfortable athletic shoes because there’s a good chance you’ll be walking a lot. Check with your specific club on whether you can wear sneakers before you wear them to golf.

Put on golf socks that match the rest of your outfit. Purchase golf-specific socks online or at a golfing store. There’s an unspoken rule in golfing that your socks should match the rest of your outfit. You can choose between ankle socks or tube socks, as most clubs don’t have restrictions on the type of socks you can wear. The fibers in golf socks soak up sweat and prevent dampness. If you can't find golf-specific socks, you can buy sports socks or any moisture-wicking socks.

Use a hat to block the sun from your eyes. Hats and golfing typically go hand-in-hand. Wear a baseball cap, visor, or Ben Hogan cap. Cowboy hats, beanies, and fedoras are typically not acceptable on the course. Baseball caps should be worn facing forward, not backward.

Developing Your Own Style

Wear traditional golf clothes if you prefer to be formal. If you like dressing formally, wear dress pants, tube socks, and a Ben Hogan hat. Go with solid-colored or striped polos or button-down shirts with brown or black dress pants or a dark-colored golf skirt. This will give you a refined and traditional look. Look at golf magazines and professional tournaments to get more ideas for your outfit.

Aim for comfort if you like dressing casually. If you’re the type to dress more casually, purchase pleated shorts or a golf skirt, a solid-colored polo, and a baseball cap. Pick clothes that you can be active in and that breathe well.

Choose vibrant colors if you have a loud personality. You can choose clothes that are colorful while still following basic golf etiquette. Pick clothes in bright colors or patterns, like an orange polo and yellow-and-black plaid pants. If you’re wearing a golf skirt, you can choose one that’s a loud color or fun pattern, like a solid pink skirt or one with green checkers. This will help reflect your personality in your golf outfit. You could also mix-and-match patterns, such as by choosing an argyle vest and plaid pants. Make sure that the pieces of your outfit match with each other. For example, polka dotted pants and a striped polo shirt may clash with each other. Experiment with different colors to see which combinations are the best.

Wear durable, tighter fitting jewelry. Don't wear any jewelry that hangs down because it could get caught on something. If you want to wear bracelets, watches, or necklaces, make sure they are durable pieces because they can get damaged as you play. Avoid wearing more expensive pieces because of the wear and tear that occurs as you golf. Find jewlery that matches with the rest of your golf outfit. You can find golf-specific watches, bracelets, and necklaces online or at a golf club.