Written by Hannah VanDerLaan
Most new golfers have wondered if they can play golf in jeans. The short answer is no, you can't play golf in jeans at 99% of golf courses.
In this article we will discuss the do’s and don’ts when it comes to dressing for the course, and hopefully make it easy for you to be able to be comfortable while still wearing the proper attire!
Golf Dress Code Explained
Although the Golf dress code remains similar universally, it’s first important to understand what kind of course you are attending!
Municipal Golf Courses or courses owned by the city typically have the most relaxed dress codes. They usually allow clothing that can’t be worn anywhere else, such as jeans, cargo shorts, non-collared tank tops and t-shirts, yoga pants/biker shorts, and a wider variety of footwear like open toed shoes or boots.
Public Golf Courses or courses owned privately but open to the public are a little more strict on clothing choices than municipal courses, but not as strict as private country clubs. Every public and private course is allowed to create whatever dress code they deem fit, and most of the time that usually includes no cargo shorts, open-toed shoes, denim, t-shirts without collars, tank tops, cropped tops, yoga pants/biker shorts, or too short or revealing bottoms. Golf shoes are usually not required.
Private Clubs or courses privately-owned and only members or guests of members allowed often have the most strict dress code. For women this often includes shorts, skorts, and golf skirts that may not be shorter than fingertip length or a certain length above the knee. Women must also usually wear collared shirts, designer collarless golf shirts (both covering midriff), or a collared golf dress of appropriate length (fingertip length or certain length above the knee). For men this includes a fitted polo/collared shirt and appropriate length golf shorts or pants.
What To Wear To Play Golf Instead Of Jeans
There is an abundance of different things men and women can wear to play golf instead of blue jeans! Preferably you want to wear something that isn’t too big on you to where It looks sloppy, but fits you comfortably enough so it doesn't restrict your movement and allows you to concentrate on your game. Below we will discuss a variety of good options for you to be able to do that!
What Should Women Wear To Play Golf?
Women have a wide variety of clothing to choose from, so before you go it's always a good idea to check which type of course you are playing at. From there you can decide what the appropriate thing to wear is! You can always look back at the explanation above of the different course dress code “requirements” if you’re unsure. Below is a list of golf clothes that are safe and comfortable to wear to any course!
Shirts:
- Short Sleeve with Collar (Polo Shirt)
- Sleeveless Golf Shirt with Collar
- Long Sleeve Zip Up Shirts with or without Defined Collar
- Short Sleeve Shirts with Mock Collar
- Collared Button Down Shirt
- TurtleNecks
- Crew-Neck Sweaters
- Golf Dress of Appropriate Length (fingertip or just above the knee)
A good rule of thumb for any golf course- If it has sleeves you may not need a collar, but if it's sleeveless, ALWAYS have a collar!
Bottoms:
- Capri Pants (with belt)
- Full Length Golf Pants (with belt)
- Golf Skirts or Skorts of Appropriate Length (fingertip or just above the knee to be safe)
- Golf Shorts of Appropriate Length (with belt)
- Khakis of All Kinds
Golf shoes aren’t necessary, but closed-toed shoes are a must and also the only practical thing to wear, but women should feel free to use any type of sneaker on the course before going out and buying a real pair of golf shoes. Keep other accessories to a minimum as they will just become a distraction, although all hats and visors are welcome!
What Should Men Wear To Play Golf?
Men have less of a variety of clothing to choose from, so it's usually easier to pick an outfit for the course. However, to avoid any problems at the course whether it breaks dress code for proper golf attire, or simply restricts your movement while playing, you should stick to the items on the list below!
- Short or Long Sleeve Collared Polo Shirts
- Crew Neck Sweaters/Vests/or Jackets
- Fitted Golf Pants (with belt)
- Fitted golf shorts or khakis (with belt)
- Collared Full or Half Zip Jackets
To avoid restricting your movement when playing, it’s recommended that you wear well fitted clothing instead of anything too oversized or skin tight. As for shorts, you should always wear shorts that sit right above the knee for the same reason. Any shorts that sit below the knee run the risk of not allowing you to have full control over your swing. The only accessories that are recommended (and welcome) at any golf course for men are hats/visors, but be sure to remove them while in the clubhouse.
Also, always pack a rain jacket and rain hat in your golf bag in case it rains.
Golf shoes are always recommended, but just like women, if you don't want to make an investment in a new pair, any sneakers with a good amount of tread on them will work!
What Else Should You Not Wear To Play Golf?
Other than jeans, there are other clothing items that you should not wear when going to the course. Either these items are not practical, or not even allowed!
- Open toed shoes or flip flops
- boots of any kind
- Tank tops or tee shirts
- Cargo shorts or gym shorts
- Yoga pants or biker shorts
- Cropped tops or low cut shirts
Also, leave the heels at home and pick up a pair of golf shoes or even sneakers if you don't want to buy a new pair of shoes. But remember no metal spikes, they tear up the grass!
Can You Wear Jeans To The Driving Range?
Just like golf courses, driving ranges have different rules depending on which one you are attending. If you are going to a public driving range, it may be different than if you were going to one in a private club.
Private and most public courses with a driving range won’t allow you to wear any type of denim as they prefer to keep their dress code on all parts of the course. The best idea would be to dress exactly as you would if you were going out to play if you are attending any golf courses driving range.
If you are at the driving range to take a lesson, always dress as if you are going to the golf course to play.
Wearing jeans to public driving ranges or any company that is solely a driving range (like a Top Golf) is completely different. Even though it's always recommended to wear clothing that won’t alter the way you swing and give you a complete range of motion - something jeans don’t do - these driving ranges allow you to wear whatever you like. This includes any type of denim, yoga pants, shirts, pants, and shoes.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it's safe to say that the next time you choose to go golfing you should leave your jeans at home. Other than the fact that most golf courses won't allow you to wear them, they aren’t practical for the course.
Golfing in denim or any other fabric type that restricts your motion will only make it harder to play. Instead, wear lightweight and breathable fabric that allows you to obtain a full range of motion while swinging. Just make sure it follows the course's dress code and maintains that “clean and tidy” look!
Now that you have more insight into appropriate clothing to wear, hopefully you can have fun and comfortably play without any problems or distractions at your next golf outing!
