Selecting what to wear for your first day on the links can be tough. You want to dress appropriately, but you also want to be comfortable enough to take an athletic swing. With the right pieces in your wardrobe and some planning for the weather, you can look and play your best at the same time. Here’s a quick guide on what to wear golfing for beginners.
Basic Golf Attire
To get started, you will want to have some standard pieces of golf clothing available:
- Golf shirt. Collared shirts are the standard in golf, and they are required at many private clubs and upscale public courses. To beat the heat and to help make your swing more comfortable, seek out a collared shirt made with synthetic materials. By shopping at a golf-specific store, you’ll find collared shirts that are designed to be comfortable while taking a golf swing.
- Golf pants or shorts. Depending on the weather, you will want to wear either a nice pair of pants or golf shorts. Regular dress slacks or shorts can work, but golf slacks and shorts made with synthetic materials (not cotton) can really help you to stay cool and will often have more stretch to make your swing more comfortable.
- Socks. It’s easy to overlook the importance of socks, but remember: you are going to be on your feet all day. Wear comfortable and supportive socks, and toss an extra pair in your bag just in case you need to change later in the day.
- Golf shoes. Golf shoes feature wider soles, lower cut ankles, and spikes that are all meant to help with your swing. Compared to tennis shoes or loafers, golf shoes will help you keep your footing during the swing, and they will also provide the support you need while walking around the course.
Additional Items To Consider
The list above makes up your primary golf attire, but there are other items that you may want to have on hand:
- Hat. For many golfers, a comfortable hat is non-negotiable. It will shield your face from both sun and rain, and it can help keep sweat from running down your brow, as well.
- Rain gear. If you plan to play in the rain, you will want to invest in a quality set of rain gear. This will likely consist of a jacket or poncho that you can wear over your shirt, and rain pants that can be slipped on over your regular golf pants or shorts.
- Long-sleeve undershirt. On cooler days, wearing a long-sleeve undershirt beneath your golf shirt can help to keep you warm.
Check The Forecast
As your scheduled round of golf draws closer, be sure to monitor the weather forecast so you can dress appropriately. Remember, a round of golf often takes four hours or more to complete, and weather conditions can easily change multiple times from the first tee to the last green—especially in the summer (think pop-up thunderstorms).
Keep flexibility in mind as you pick out your clothes, especially on a day with an uncertain forecast. For instance, you might not need to wear your rain gear to start the round, but keep it in your bag if there is any chance of showers moving in later. Also, on chilly days, dressing in layers is a good idea so that you can add or remove layers as the temperature fluctuates.
Check The Dress Code
In addition to watching the forecast, take a moment to review the dress code of the course where you plan to play (usually available on the course’s website). It’s better to do this homework ahead of time, rather than arriving at the course only to be told that you’ll have to change.
Try It On The Range
Before you wear a new outfit for a full round of golf, consider testing your clothes on the range. Golf might not be as physically demanding as some other sports, but it still requires an athletic movement that can be restricted by ill-fitting clothing.
One specific point to check is the way the shoulders of your shirt feel as you take a swing. You need freedom of movement in your arms, so any shirt that feels tight through the shoulders and chest should be left for non-golfing occasions.
Smell As Good As You Look!
Some, if not most, of your golf apparel will likely be made from synthetic materials. These materials can be difficult to clean with regular detergents, which are often designed to treat cotton. If you’ve had difficulty removing sweat or odor from your golf clothing, you could be using the wrong detergent.
To care for your golf apparel and other activewear, order a bottle of WIN Activewear Detergent today. Our detergent is specifically designed to take the stink out of synthetic fibers. You are sure to notice the difference after your very first load!