If you’re a beginner golfer and wondering what to wear, this guide is for you. Golf attire for beginners should focus on comfort, protection, and style. Whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors, wearing the right golf clothing ensures you’re ready for the game and looking your best.

Golf Clothing Requirements

Men’s Attire

Proper Men’s Attire:

  • A collared golf shirt with sleeves.
  • Shorts or pants (shorts should be no higher than 2 inches above or below the knee).
  • Golf shoes with soft spikes (must wear socks).

Improper Men’s Attire:

  • T-shirts, tank tops, denim fabrics, jeans, sports shorts or pants, tennis shorts, beach shorts, capris, steel-spiked shoes, casual shoes, sandals, tennis shoes, or running shoes.

Women’s Attire

Proper Women’s Attire:

  • A collared golf shirt with sleeves.
  • Long pants, skirts, or shorts (skirts and shorts should be no longer than 6 inches above the knee).
  • Golf shoes with soft spikes (must wear socks).

Improper Women’s Attire:

  • T-shirts, tank tops, tight tops, jeans, mini skirts, tennis skirts or pants, beach shorts, steel-spiked shoes, casual shoes, sandals, tennis shoes, or running shoes.

What to Wear for Golf

1. Wear Sports Underwear

Women should always wear sports bras to avoid discomfort and pain from movement during play. A sports bra also helps prevent sagging. Avoid bras with underwires, as they can press on the chest and negatively affect breast health during physical activity.

2. Wear a Golf Shirt

Comfortable, lightweight, and fitted shirts are key when choosing golf attire. Cotton fabric that is sweat-absorbent and breathable is recommended. If possible, opt for fabrics with UV protection. Since golf isn’t a high-intensity sport, quick-drying materials aren’t mandatory.

3. Wear Proper Golf Shoes

When playing 18 holes, players walk for hours, making proper golf shoes essential. Shoes come in both leather and synthetic materials, with options for breathable, waterproof, lightweight, and durable designs. The most important components are the spikes and the screws that secure them. When purchasing, ensure the screws and fittings are secure, as improperly installed spikes can damage the shoes and lead to foot discomfort or injury.
Golf shoes should be lightweight, breathable, and waterproof to maximize comfort during long sessions.

4. Wear a Golf Cap

Golf is an outdoor sport with high UV exposure and bright sunlight. A cap with a wide brim helps protect the eyes and shields the face from sunburn.

5. Wear Sunglasses

If the sun is particularly bright, sunglasses are essential to protect your eyes. They will also help improve focus when aiming and swinging.

6. Wear Gloves

Golf gloves help prevent sunburns and calluses from the golf club. High-quality gloves also protect the wrists. Gloves enhance grip and make it easier to control the direction of the swing.
Golf gloves are typically made from leather or non-woven fabric, with composite materials being ideal. The palm area should be made from cowhide, while the back should be breathable and waterproof. The wrist area should feature wrist protection to absorb sweat and provide support.
When choosing gloves, select a slightly larger size, ensuring the fingers are able to move freely and the gloves fit snugly against the skin.

7. Wear Cotton Golf Socks

Cotton socks with thick soles, good breathability, and elasticity are ideal for protecting the feet. The socks should cover the ankle to offer maximum protection.

8. Wear Arm Sleeves

Don’t think arm sleeves are only for women. In hot weather, the skin is highly susceptible to damage from prolonged sun exposure. You can choose long sleeves, but arm sleeves are much more convenient—they are easy to wear during play and can be easily washed after use and packed into your bag.