Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
As a female golfer who has been playing golf for nearly 30 years, I’ve seen my fair share of fashion trends. In fact, I remember a time, a long time ago, when finding clothes for women golfers was nearly impossible.
Today, things are different. Golf fashion is actually starting to become kind of fun for women golfers.
However, there are still issues with dress codes, playability, and more. I’m going to give you a full in-depth guide on what women wear to golf, whether or not they are appropriately dressed, and how to find clothes that actually feel good when you play.
What Do Women Wear To Golf?
Women golfers should wear:
- Collared shirts (or non-collared shirts with sleeves)
- Appropriate length shorts or skirts
- Golf shoes
- Sun protection and accessories
Women golfers get a bit more leeway in the dress code than male golfers. Unfortunately, this tends to make the process of getting dressed for golf a bit more complicated.
I’ll break down each of the categories of women’s golf attire and fill you in on any of the gray areas about what you can and can’t wear on the course.
Shirts
Most golf courses require women golfers to wear an appropriate collared shirt or a shirt with no color that has sleeves.
What does this really mean?
Leave the T-shirts and tank tops at home. If you have a nice short sleeve shirt that is golf appropriate and matches perfectly with your skort or pants, that is acceptable. If you have been around the game of golf a long time, chances are you understand what appropriate is.
For new players, stick to the collared shirt.
Until you get a feel for what is acceptable on the course, go with the basic dress code.
Shirts for men have to remain tucked in at all times; some clubs allow women golfers to keep their shirts untucked. I suggest finding something that allows for the shirt to tuck in, it’s a neater look, and the shirt won’t get in your way when you swing.
Bottoms
There are basically three options for women golfers when it comes to bottoms:
- Appropriate length shorts
- Appropriate length skirts (or skorts)
- Pants
I know I keep saying this “appropriate length,” and it may make you feel like the middle school dress code has returned. Some courses can be a bit like this, and if you go too short on your bottoms, you may be asked to change.
The good news here is that the concept that women had to wear Bermuda length shorts has gone away. It’s now appropriate to wear shorts that are in that 5 to 7-inch range. Remember that your height and build can make shorts or skirts look longer or shorter.
Take a look at your outfit before you head to the course, and make sure you feel it looks appropriate.
If you stick with companies like Adidas or Under Armour and their sporting lines for women, you should have no trouble finding the proper length.
Dresses
Golf dresses are appropriate. Women golfers that want to wear golf dresses will find the dresses are usually cut just above the knee, and they often have built-in shorts to help make playing a sport a bit more convenient!
When choosing a dress for a round of golf, I would stick with companies that make dresses specifically for golfers. There are plenty of collared dresses out there that are not exactly designed for a woman golfer, although they may work fine for a cocktail at the country club after golf.
Hats and Outerwear
Hats are smart to wear on the course. You have some room to be creative with a hat if you prefer a wider-brim sun hat or a traditional baseball-style cap. Hats should be worn forward-facing, and most clubs do not require women to take the hat off when they walk into the clubhouse.
This is a great benefit considering what a round of golf can do to your hair.
I like to stick with hats that are white, navy, or even pink. Choose something that can match several of your outfits so that you always have sun protection but look pulled together at the same time.
What Should Women NOT Wear To Golf?
Women should not wear:
- Denim
- Short shorts
- Tank tops or sleeveless tops
- Gym attire
There is a fine line right now in women’s golf about leggings on the golf course. Leggings are so convenient because we can wear them to the gym, to get the kids from school, to spend time around the house, or head to the grocery store.
In fact, leggings can even be dressed up to be worn out.
However, there are many golf courses that are still considering this gym or workout attire, and they DO NOT want you wearing it out on the course.
I suggest looking into a pair of pants that fits like a legging but is clearly more like golf pants. Something like the Willit Women’s Golf Stretch Pants is a good lower-priced option that does a good job of mixing traditional pants with pull-on style pants.
Stay away from denim altogether; many clubhouses don’t even want you wearing denim when you head into the club for dinner.
As I said earlier, spend your first year as a golfer wearing more traditional women’s golf clothes from golf manufacturers, and you should not run into too many issues. Once you have a handle on the courses you play, it becomes much easier to wear the right attire.
Country Club Dress Code For Women
The dress code for women will change from one club to another. This is the problem.
What works at your home course may not be acceptable at a course you are playing as a guest. Again, conservative and traditional is your way to go here, and you will be just fine.
I have put together a few things that I think can be helpful from a dress code for women’s standpoint. These are options for women when it comes to getting dressed for golf, and I think it helps you clearly see what is acceptable and what is not going to cut it.
Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to a country club prior to playing to make sure your clothes are appropriate for that day.
What should women wear for first-time golfing?
If it’s your first time out on the golf course, make sure to wear a collared golf shirt. In addition, wearing standard khaki shorts or a skort that is below the mid-thigh is a great idea.
The first time you play golf, you also want to make sure you are comfortable. So much of what women wear to golf is about dress code; not enough of a focus is placed on playability and comfort.
Men’s golf shirts are made with extra room in the shoulders and chest so as not to restrict movements. Sticking with golf-specific clothing and attire will ensure this happens for women golfers as well.
I’ve played many rounds of golf with golf clothes that are just plain uncomfortable to be in. If something is restricting my swing, it will impact my club head speed and my ability to score that day.
Some Of My Favorites
This is not an extensive list of my favorite golf clothing for women. As time goes on and I test clothing on the golf course to see how it really performs, I will continue to update this list. For now, I’m leaving you with two options that I have personally tested, and feel as though they have earned a spot on this list.
- Soft and breathable fabric wicks moisture away from your skin, breathes freely and dries quickly for cool comfort
The first is the TBMPOY Women’s Short Sleeve Polo. I bought this one because I tend to ruin white golf shirts rather quickly in the summer heat. However, I love having a white to pair with a unique belt or skort.
This shirt holds up well, fits nicely (a little generous), and is really fairly priced.
- CLASSIC SHEP SHIRT – The vineyard vines Sankaty Shep Shirt Pullover for women features our tried and true Shep shirt fit – it’s our favorite lived-in layer.
Another option I stand behind is the Vineyard Vines Shep Shirt. I use this for spring and fall golf, and I wear it off the course a lot as well. This has truly become one of my favorite pieces, and although it’s not a specific golf shirt, it has plenty of room for you to swing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few of the more commonly asked questions concerning what women wear to golf.
Can women wear leggings to golf?
Some public golf courses will allow women to wear leggings to play, but most private clubs will not. Leggings on the golf course is still a developing issue. You may see more leggings allowed at practice facilities and for certain days of play on the course.
Do ladies have to wear a collared shirt for golf?
Some ladies’ shirts have a more basic collar or a V Neck design, but a collared shirt is generally recommended.
How do you dress stylishly for golf?
To dress stylishly for golf, don’t be afraid to wear patterns and bright colors. Golfers have always gotten away with wearing something that stands out a bit. I suggest buying some solid color tops and bottoms. Then you can match with a variety of things. Throw in a few patterns and you are set.
Is there a dress code for watching golf?
Most PGA Tour, Korn Ferry, LPGA, and LIV events do not have a dress code for spectators. However, most people will wear golf attire. In addition, find something that is at least comfortable to move around the golf course all day. You can walk several miles when watching a golf tournament.
What should a young girl wear to golf?
Golf attire for young girls can be limited. However, the same dress code that is followed for women must also be followed for young girls. Look for a collared shirt, and a skirt or shorts that are used for school uniforms. Finding ways to repurpose the wardrobe is always a win!
Can women wear jeans to golf?
Women cannot wear jeans to golf. Even with leggings starting to come up as acceptable at some golf courses, jeans are still not approved attire.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been a golfer for close to 30 years and have seen the trends in women’s fashion. However, having a great collared shirt in a performance fabric and some classic khaki-style shorts will almost always work.
If you are on the fence about whether or not an outfit is acceptable, try to stick with golf clothing manufacturers. In addition, call the golf shop ahead of time and make sure there are no unusual or specific requirements they may have.
The good news is that once you get comfortable on the golf course, you will also get comfortable with the style and be able to change things up a bit.
