Golf Fashion and What to Wear This Weekend

Almost everyone knows the names Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer—two icons synonymous with the sport. If you were to ask what a golfer wears, well, the answers may vary from “hoodies” and “trousers” to “I have no idea.”

Unless you play the sport, it can be mysterious and a little intimidating. Why do golfers wear polos? Are sweater vests still a thing? And, most importantly, what are the actual rules to dressing for golf? Though this won’t be an in-depth article about golf itself, we will talk about fashion history and maybe you’ll have a little more clarity on what to wear on the green the next time your boss invites the staff to play.

When did golf fashion start?

Originating in Scotland, modern golf can be traced back to as early as the 1400s. For centuries, golf attire stayed fairly formal (think collared shirts, ties, and wool trousers)  regardless of the weather. It wasn’t until after WWII in 1945 that there was a real shift in what golfers chose to wear. Players began opting for more comfortable leisurewear, and that shift marked the unofficial birth of golf fashion as we know it today.

What are modern people wearing for golf?

We have long moved past the formal collared button-ups and wool trousers. Flexibility and breathability are the key components of golf wear today, with most pieces built using performance fabrics like nylon and spandex - especially helpful since weather on the course can change at any given moment. Below is a breakdown of the modern golf wardrobe, piece by piece.

So, to answer the question: are sweater vests still a thing? Not really. That doesn't mean you can't wear one-just don't be surprised if you find yourself a little too warm come summer. Instead, toss on a polo, slip into a pair of khaki shorts, grab your hat, and show up to that work golf outing looking like you know exactly what you're doing.