Golf clothing has evolved a lot in recent years, especially for female golfers. Some of the founders of the game are likely rolling around in their graves if they saw what’s “acceptable” to wear on the golf course now.
Its becoming the norm for golfers to wear hoodies, and men to wear leggings. But it’s allowing more people to get into the game since 2020 and grow the sport like never before.
In the past, golfers wore knickers, shirt/tie and even a jacket. Now, it’s hard to get men to even wear a collared shirt and golf pants or shorts. But women’s golf clothing and golf gear is a different story.
There are different rules for what women and men can wear on the golf course. Let’s get into what women wear while playing golf and what to avoid wearing on the links.
Women’s Golf Clothes (Golf Attire for Women)
Are women required to wear collared shirts while playing golf? Does golfing require female golfers to dress the same as men? What is proper women’s golf attire?
If you’re new to the game, chances are you’ve asked yourself some of these questions before. Golf unfortunately has a lot of rules for the game, not to mention etiquette such as what you’re allowed (or not allowed) to wear.
Before getting into the right clothes to buy for golf, it’s important to remember that each golf club varies in terms of dress code. Older clubs will have a different dress code than local municipal courses. While we’ll provide tons of information about the subject, just remember that it does change from course to course.
Now, let’s get into what’s acceptable golf attire and some things you should avoid wearing on the golf course.
Golf Shirts (Polo Shirt)
The collared shirt or lack thereof is the biggest difference between women and mens golf attire. For most courses, men must wear poloshirts with a collar (or mock-collar) to comply with the dress code. But it’s a different story for women.
While women can wear a collared shirt, it’s usually not required at most golf courses. Plus, it’s okay for women to wear sleeveless shirts too. For men, that’s not the case.
Golf Shirts
Women dont have to wear polo shirts. They can wear a mock collar golf shirt or a tee shirt, but no tank tops. With non-polo shirts make sure they don’t have any words/sayings and avoid cleavage.
On cold days it’s a good idea to layer up with a golf vest, wind shirt, jacket, and even a golf hoodie (which has become more common for both men and women).
Golf pants
Pants can be worn by both men or women. They are the most commonly worn piece of clothing on the golf course. The only advice is to make sure they don’t have any cargo pockets or are very loose fitting. Capris are another great option, especially for mild temperatures.
What about jeans?
It all depends on where you are playing. Some colder climate courses won’t mind if men or women wear jeans but in general, denim isn’t the most popular choice for golf.
Skirts/Skorts
If you don’t want to wear pants or you’re playing in good weather, women can wear skirts too. Just make sure they’re long enough and not too short. It’s a good way to repurpose your tennis gear for golf too.
Golf Dresses
If the weather permits, women can also wear dresses.
Golf shorts
Shorts are permitted, provided the weather permits it. However, you must be careful about the length. Shorts that are too long can be a problem for women who golf.
The general rule is that women’s shorts should be longer than a ruler and a few inches above the knees. Any shorter and I’d avoid wearing it as it might break a dress code.
Yoga Pants (Leggings/Athletic Pants).
You might be tempted to think that “Can I wear leggings to golf?” It’s a good question as so many women prefer wearing them for more than just yoga. It’s a little bit of a gray area in the golf world.
Despite the fact that there are tons of women who wear them on social media TopGolf or the driving range, it’s a mixed bag on the golf course. While some courses are fine with them, private country clubs have a problem.
For information on wearing leggings while playing on the golf course, call the club or go to the website. If you are allowed, a neutral colour like black or navy will be the best.
Belt (Optional)
Belts that match the shirts or shoes of men almost always match the belts they wear. Belts are not always worn by women, as not all outfits (such as a skort), have loops. If you’re wearing a pair of shorts or pants with belt loops you can opt for one as well.
Headwear
On the golf course, both men and women will wear a visor or hat. Hats help keep the sun from your eyes, and are synonymous with golf. Even though they’ve changed styles since the old days, hats are still extremely popular.
If you don’t want to wear a traditional baseball hat, opt for a visor or straw hats instead. It’s also a good idea to wear golf sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays since golf takes 4-5 hours.
If it’s a cold day on the golf course, a beanie is proper golf attire as well.
Golf Glove
Also, don’t forget about golf gloves too. Some women golfers have the option of pink gloves.
Women’s Golf Shoes
Lastly, don’t forget about proper golf shoes too. Golf shoes for women are available in the same styles as for men. Women should avoid sandals because they dont provide the necessary traction.
What not to wear when golfing
There are many options for women on the golf course, but there are some things you should avoid.
First, avoid wearing shorts or skirts that are shorter than required. Also, make sure they don’t have cargo pockets either. Most golf courses prohibit jeans.
Next, avoid wearing shirts with cleavage or baggy tops. Tank tops are fine for casual driving ranges, but not for golf course. To avoid any issues with dress code, avoid leggings, cutoffs, and gym shorts (at least for private clubs).
FAQs about Golf Attire for Ladies
Do you have more questions about women’s golf attire and golf dress code in general? Continue scrolling to find out more.
What should a lady wear to play golf?
Women have a lot more options for golf attire than men. Men usually wear Bermuda-length shorts or pants with a polo. Women can wear shirts with either skorts, shorts, or pants (or leggings if they are playing on a golf course).
Remember, the more beautiful the course, the better you should dress. It’s always a good idea to look at their website ahead of time to make sure you don’t break the dress code rules.
What do professional female golfers wear to the course?
While they wear many of the same outfits as above, it can vary slightly. The LPGA Tour and professional golfers tend to wear more conservative outfits.
They often wear pants, skorts, or a collared shirts, and layer on cold days. This allows them to keep their hands free and swing at high speeds.
What is a good golf outfit?
When it comes to the dress code you can’t go wrong with a classic golf polo (with or without sleeves) for a top. Pair it with capris, capris, shorts or pants for a great look.
Can you wear hoodies while playing on the golf course
This was a common answer in the past. But, things have changed. Now, more and more golf companies are making hoodies and they’re being worn on the PGA and LPGA Tour.
So yes, a lot of golf courses have no problem with hoodies but make sure they’re golf specific. Don’t wear baggy, loose fitting hoodies as they don’t look the best on a golf course and will impact your full swing too.
Can women wear leggings for golf?
In the past I would’ve answered no but things have changed. Golf attire has changed as more people have started to play since 2020.
Most public courses allow leggings, but it is not allowed at private country clubs. For female golfers, a pair black leggings and a nice shirt with a hat or visor are a good choice.
What should women wear to a round of golf?
Tops should be avoided by women. Bottoms: Women should avoid jeans, cargo shorts, or very short skirts. Baggy sweatshirts should be avoided by women on cold days.
Are women required to wear collared shirts for golf?
Most golf courses dont require women to wear collared shirt while playing. While some country clubs may have this rule, generally collared shirts are more appropriate for men than for women.
Check out our top golf clothing brands by clicking here
Final Thoughts about Golf Clothing for Women
Golf fashion has changed over the years but one rule hasn’t in my opinion; if you look good, you’re more likely to play well. Of course, that’s not a hard and fast rule but it’s one I’ve used for 20+ years to guide my golf fashion choices. If you look like Tiger, you’re more likely to play like Tiger I think.
Golf attire is important and women golfers are more conservative than men.
Don’t forget, dress codes each between golf clubs so plan in advance. If you have questions about what to wear to the golf course, visit the website or call ahead.
Country clubs are more strict than municipal courses in terms of dress code. And driving ranges that aren’t at a golf course rarely have a dress code at all so a sleeveless shirt or more casual outfits should be fine.
