A Ladies’ Guide to Golf Apparel: Hit the Court in Comfort and Style

 

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Golf fashion has evolved significantly over time. From the highly modest and completely-impractical fashion of long corseted skirts and high-necked dresses to high-waisted trousers, jackets, and eventually more fitted pants and shorts.

While finding women's golf clothing was practically impossible, nowadays, things are different. Golf fashion is becoming more enjoyable for female golfers. However, there are still concerns with dress codes, playability, and other issues. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what women should wear to golf, whether or not they're correctly clothed, and how to select clothes that truly feel good while playing. 

What Should Girls Wear to Golf?

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Golf is a sport recognised for its dress code. Some golf courts, particularly the more expensive and prestigious ones, have strict dress codes, which help to maintain appearances and tradition and eliminate distractions for other players on the course. Casual golf courses often don't have a rigorous dress code. However, they demand players to dress appropriately when on the golf course.

Women golfers have more freedom with their dress code than men players. Collared shirts (or non-collared shirts with sleeves), proper-length shorts, skirts or skorts, golf shoes, hats and outerwear are golf attire essentials. Unfortunately, the ample variety complicates the process of dressing for golf. Here’s everything you need to know whether you’re an amateur looking to buy a golf skort for your first swing on the greens, or a pro checking on the latest guidelines.

Golf Shirts

A golf shirt, often known as a polo, is a collared shirt with short sleeves, a placket neckline, and a few buttons on top. They're usually constructed of a soft, moisture-wicking fabric like cotton or polyester, which helps you stay cool and does not interfere with your swing. Though golf shirts are available in many colours, the usual rule is to select a neutral, not too distracting colour on the course.

Most golf courses require female golfers to wear a suitable collared shirt or a shirt with no colour and sleeves. What does that mean? Your T-shirts and tank tops most likely aren't acceptable but wearing a short-sleeved golf shirt that complements your skorts or pants is. If you've been playing golf for a long time, you probably understand what "appropriate" means. For new players, stick with collared shirts. Cling to the basic attire until you learn what is acceptable on the course. 

Golf Pants, Shorts and Skirts

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There are also many different styles of golf pants and shorts. Whatever you choose should be comfortable and allow you to move freely, enabling you to maintain appropriate posture and perform at your peak ability. Women can wear slacks or shorts, an athletic skirt or dress.

Shorts should hit just above the kneecap, while skirts and dresses shouldn’t be more than 5 cm above the kneecap. Avoid streetwear bottoms like denim and basketball shorts, and opt for a looser fit over yoga pants or bike shorts. Colours such as khaki, black, and white are appropriate for golf apparel. 

Saying "appropriate length" can make you feel like the middle school dress code has returned. Some courses can be like this; you may be requested to change if you wear too-short bottoms. The good news is that the idea that women had to wear Bermuda-length shorts has disappeared. Shorts ranging in length from 12-18 cm are now appropriate. Remember that your height and build might make shorts and skirts appear longer or shorter. Before the training, check your outfit to ensure it seems proper. 

Golf Skorts

Skorts, which got their name after the combination of skirts and shorts, were fashion clothes popular in the 1960s but have recently been embraced in sportswear to meet the needs of female athletes. They resemble skirts but include useful 'bike' shorts below to maintain modesty and comfort. The skort is both comfortable and useful while keeping the skirt fashionable. While many golfers still choose to wear shorts or three-quarter pants in the summer, the skort has grown in favour as skirt lengths shorten.

When browsing online to buy a golf skort, you’ll notice many styles, fabrics, lengths, and colours to select from, but our best advice is to find a style that fits you, your body shape, and your demands. 

• Ruffled Skort. The ruffled skort made fashionable on the tennis court, creates a lovely and feminine appearance. Layers are flattering and conceal the tailored built-in shorts.
• Flip Skort. Double-layered skort with a lovely flip bottom portion. Flattering design that smoothes down with the upper layer and provides a gorgeous 'flip' bottom.
• Pleated Skort. These can be box pleats, accordion pleats, or sewn-down pleats, but they all give the skirt a feminine appeal while keeping it sporty.
• Straight Skort. The classic skort that every girl should own. These might be long or short, with or without slits down the sides.

If you want to look amazing while feeling sporty and feminine, the skort is an excellent choice for stepping out in style on the golf course. Be brave and try one of the more imaginative styles, such as the ruffle or flip skort, and you might be surprised at how comfortable it is to wear. 

Golf Shoes and Socks

Though it may appear to be a small issue, wearing good golf shoes can help enhance your game by providing stability and balance. Some golf shoes contain soft spikes or metal spikes that improve traction but double-check the golf course dress code to ensure this shoe style is permitted on the green. Metal spikes, in particular, are progressively being prohibited.

Sweaters and Jackets

In the cooler months, bring an extra layer to help keep you warm as you move from hole to hole. A loose-fitting, neutral-coloured windbreaker is an excellent option on windy or cold days. A warm crewneck sweater or vest is a professional alternative for showing off your golf shirt's collar. Streetwear clothes like sweatshirts and hoodies are generally not considered appropriate golf apparel. Whatever layer you choose, ensure that it offers enough movement to not interfere with your swing.

Golf Hats and Visors

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Spending time on the golf course means you'll be in the sun for a significant portion of the day. Wearing a golf hat helps keep the sun out of your eyes and protects your skin. Baseball caps, bucket hats, and visors are all acceptable golf gear, but avoid statement-making hats such as cowboy or floppy sun hats.

Golf Gloves

Golf gloves are optional, but many golfers like to wear them on the course. Gloves can help you grip your golf clubs better while protecting your skin from the elements.