Of all the sports out there, golf is one of the most fashionable. While most team sports require a uniform and other sports have regulations governing the clothing styles, golf has always been a gentleman and woman’s game, not only in play but in fashion.
When it comes to how to stay fashionable and comfortable on the golf course, you can truly get creative. As long as you remain within the regulations relating to appropriate golf attire, you can have a bit of fun with your clothing. There’s no need to look or feel boring!
Whatever colors, patterns, and accessories you like, you can deck yourself out in them. Within reason, of course, but typically, your athletic wear isn’t likely to impact your performance on the golf course as long as it allows you a good range of motion.
If you’re looking for ideas to stay both fashionable and comfortable, here’s what we suggest.
Make Sure You Wear Proper Golf Attire
This should be your first step, whether you’re a guest at a public golf club or playing a professional tournament.
Golf clubs have rules and regulations about attire. Typically, each club will have its own rules, and some may be more lenient than others. But there are a few general rules that preside.
For example, you can’t arrive for your round wearing a pair of jeans, or you’ll be politely asked to leave. No matter how stylish your denim are!
It's wise to check up on the particular golf course’s regulations before you head there for around. But here’s a quick rundown on appropriate golfing attire in general:
Shirts
You can’t go wrong with a collared shirt. Some clubs may accept a more casual collarless shirt style, but typically, t-shirts are out.
It’s best to avoid shirts with large pictures on them or clever sayings. In other words, plain or patterned are a-okay but don’t go overboard. Also, tuck it in!
Pants
When in doubt, wear chinos. Shorts are usually acceptable as long as they’re knee-length and smart. However, club rules differ on what socks must be worn with shorts. Some clubs require knee-length socks (which can be a lot of fashion fun), while others don’t mind short socks.
For the ladies, smart skirts are usually acceptable. Alternatively, smart trousers, shorts, or skorts can be worn.
Shoes
Regular trainers are a no-go. You’ll need a pair of proper golf shoes, although modern golf shoes come in a wide range of styles. Most golf courses don’t allow spikes, though, so keep that in mind.
Figure Out Your Needs
Are you the type of person who can’t stand buttons and prefers zippers? Or do you love having multiple pockets to carry around your bits and pieces (especially on the golf course… tees, ball markers, etc)?
Decide what type of needs your clothes should fulfill practically, not just fashionably. Perhaps you love jackets but you overheat easily. Consider your comfort and your ease of use on the course.
Get Creative With Colors
Once you’ve made sure you’re wearing appropriate golf attire and you’ve decided on the aspects of your clothing that you want or need, you can start getting creative.
There’s no need for dull, neutral, or boring colors on the golf course! Although the course scenery itself is usually bright green and picturesque, there’s no reason you can’t be bright and eye-catching as well.
Don’t just throw on random shades, though. Pick your matches carefully. Try not to look like a rainbow on the course. You can pick a color theme, like blue and yellow, and stick to that across all your apparel. You might choose a bright blue shirt, white pants, light blue socks, and a yellow hat.
Or you can go black, white, and gray, with a pop of bright color here and there in your accessories. For example, a brightly colored hat, scarf, glove, or belt will stand out and look stylish amongst the contrasting black and white apparel.
Wear Some Patterns
Patterns can be just as eye-catching as colors if used smartly and in moderation. If you’re confident, go for a patterned shirt or pants.
You can pair it with another pattern (the same or different) on a smaller piece of apparel on the opposite end of your body.
For example, a patterned shirt and similarly or differently patterned socks, or a patterned pair of pants with a patterned necktie.
On the other hand, you could choose just a single piece of apparel and make it a feature. A shirt or pants can be a large feature, or go more subtle and choose a stand-out belt, belt buckle, or hat instead.
Dress for the Weather
Don’t let the weather get you down! You can go for shorts, funky socks, or an attention-grabbing hat when it's warm out.
But when it’s cold, don’t let the weather ruin your round. This is where golf meets style in the most fashionable of ways. Of course, be sure to stay within golf course rules at all times, but you can have fun with layers.
Pullovers are a smart addition and you can layer up with a patterned outer over a plain shirt, or the other way around. Sporty hoodies can also work well, but make sure it’s not considered too casual by the course.
Neckties, scarves, gloves, and sunglasses are all excellent cold-weather accessories to keep you warm, stylish, and comfortable on the course.
Conclusion
It’s not difficult to learn how to stay fashionable and comfortable on the golf course. Ultimately, it’s about respecting the game enough to follow the rules and regulations, but allowing your personality to shine through!
Have fun with it. As long as you’re sticking to the course rules, being respectful, and aren’t inhibited by your own clothes, then you can truly get creative and stand out on the course for your fashion.
Golf may be a gentleman’s and gentlewoman’s game, but you sure don’t need to be old-fashioned or a bore. Next time you’re on the course, throw in some color, sport a funky pattern, and change it up a little.
There’s no reason you can’t be known for your fashion sense as well as your swing!
About the Author
Jordan Fuller has been playing golf since he was in his teens, and understands the appeal of being well-dressed but the necessity of being comfortable on the course. When he’s not swinging his clubs or mentoring others, he writes for his website, Golf Influence.
