Golf Clothing for Men: What to Look For

Golf gear has come a long way from stiff collars and oversized polos.

Today, what you wear on the course (and off it) says as much about your game as your swing does. And while performance still matters, so does style, comfort, and whether your gear fits the kind of player you actually are.

This isn’t about dressing like a tour pro. It’s about knowing what works when you’re grinding through 18 holes… and what still looks sharp when you’re heading to the pub after.

In this guide, I’ll break down what to look for in proper on-course clothing, and where things get more casual with off-course streetwear you’ll actually want to wear. 

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• On-course gear needs to move, breathe, and handle real conditions: Look for moisture-wicking fabrics, stretch, and smart layering.
• Off-course style is all about comfort and personality: Golf-inspired streetwear you’d actually wear to the pub.
• Fit matters more than logos: Especially for big and tall golfers. Prioritise function over flash.
• Three Putt brings modern golf style off the course: Designed by golfers, made for life between rounds.

On-Course Golf Clothing – What Actually Matters

If you’ve ever walked 18 in muggy conditions, played through a squall, or taken a full swing in a jacket that fought back, you know this already: proper golf clothing isn’t optional. It’s part of your game.

Forget fashion for a second. Good golf gear should help you move better, focus longer, and adapt to the weather, not distract you with stiff sleeves or sweaty seams.

Here’s what to pay attention to when choosing on-course gear:

1. Fit over flash

The biggest mistake most golfers make? Chasing trends over tailoring. That oversized “athlete cut” polo might look fine in the mirror, but when you’re mid-backswing and it bunches under your arms? Game over.

• You want clothing that’s been pattern-cut for golfers. That means:
• A slightly longer back hem (so it stays tucked when you swing, even when you’re still carrying a little holiday weight like I have been for 5 years…).
  
• Sleeves that don’t restrict your shoulder turn.
• Enough room across the chest and upper back for a full coil, without drowning your frame.
• Look for athletic or tapered fits with stretch. 

2. Fabric is everything

Sweat-wicking. UV-protective. Anti-microbial. These aren’t gimmicks, they’re performance essentials.

Modern golf fabrics are engineered to handle heat, moisture, and repetitive movement. Here’s what to prioritise:

• Polyester blends: Lightweight, durable, often used in performance polos.
• Elastane/Spandex: Built-in stretch for full-range motion.
• Mesh panels or laser-cut vents: For airflow in high-heat zones (like the back panel of your shirt or underarms).

Bonus points for fast-drying materials, ideal for sudden rain or humid rounds.

3. Layering makes or breaks your round

My best rounds happen when I’m comfortable and focused, not freezing by the fifth or soaked by the twelfth. Smart layering solves this.

Think of your setup like a modular system:

• Base layer: Moisture-wicking, snug, temperature-regulating.
• Mid layer: Lightweight fleece or stretch-knit quarter zip, warmth without bulk.
• Outer layer: Windproof, waterproof, and breathable. Look for sealed seams, adjustable cuffs, and storm flaps.

4. Built for weather, not just looks

Courses aren’t catwalks. The best golf outerwear is engineered, not just designed.

When testing jackets or rain gear, I like to ask myself these questions:

• Is it rated for waterproofing (not just water-resistant)?
• Does it restrict my swing when zipped?
• Can I pack it down into a bag or pocket when the sun comes back?

Also worth noting: proper golf rainwear often uses GORE-TEX or similar breathable membranes that release heat while blocking wind and water. That tech matters when you’re three hours into a soggy round, believe me.

My top picks for on-course wear:

• Galvin Green: Tour-level layering systems and serious weather protection
• Nike Golf: Athletic, innovation-led, and full of smart design touches
• Adidas Golf: Great balance of tech, fit, and sustainability
• FootJoy: Quietly excellent in performance polos and rain gear

Click here to learn about some of the best golf brands to consider when building your wardrobe.

Off-Course Golf Clothing – Where Style Takes the Lead

Of course, golf isn’t just about on-course clothing. You also need to factor in those stylish numbers that catch the eye at the range, or perfectly compliment having a few drinks and swinging hard on the local trackman.

Not every round starts on the first tee, and not every piece of golf clothing needs to scream "I play."

Off-course golf streetwear style is where function meets personality. It’s the hoodie you throw on for the range, the cap that lives in your car, the polo that works just as well for a coffee run as it does for a cheeky nine. 

And it matters. 

Because for most golfers, life happens between rounds, and we want gear that fits both.

Here’s what to look for when building a casual, golf-inspired wardrobe:

1. Golf DNA, not dress code

Off-course gear should nod to the game, not cosplay it. Subtlety goes further than script logos or heritage crests. Look for clean silhouettes, unique influences, and garments that move with you. On the putting green, yes, but also on a park bench or in a pint queue.

The best pieces feel effortless. Like you didn’t try, but you still look sharp.

2. Fabrics you can live in

Comfort is the brief here. Think brushed cottons, soft-hand blends, lightweight knits. The kind of fabrics you’d choose on a lazy Sunday, but with enough shape and construction that you could still walk into a clubhouse or bar without changing.

And just like on-course gear, breathability and stretch still matter. No one wants a clingy sweatpatch tee after a late-afternoon bucket of balls.

3. Fit that flatters

Casual golf clothing should land somewhere between athletic and streetwear. Slightly relaxed, but not sloppy. Tailored enough to show intent, but roomy enough to feel lived in.

That’s where brands like Three Putt come in.

Built for golfers who take the game seriously (but not themselves) Three Putt leans into clean, modern fits, breathable fabrics, and designs that work just as well at your local as they do at the range. No fake heritage. No overdesigned patterns. Just honest, well-made gear with a bit of edge.

It's not built for the back tees. It’s built for everything else.

4. Style that lasts longer than a trend cycle

Off-course golf style isn’t about chasing what’s hot, it’s about finding pieces you actually want to wear. Look for:

• Hoodies with thoughtful cuts (not boxy gym leftovers)
• Tees with subtle prints or tonal branding
• A cap that bridges the gap between course performance and streetwear style.

How to Build a Well-Rounded Golf Wardrobe

You don’t need fifty polos and a wardrobe full of zip-ups. You need a few key pieces that work, on the course, off it, and everywhere in between.

Start with what you actually do. Are you playing twice a week rain or shine? Are you mostly hitting the range, followed by a pint? Do you sneak in twilight nines or spend more time in the simulator than on the fairway?

Build around that. Not trends.

Here’s the move:

• For the course: get yourself two or three high-quality polos in neutral tones, a pair of tapered trousers that stretch like joggers but look sharp, and one solid outer layer that shrugs off wind and rain. Rotate, layer, repeat.
• Off the course: this is where you let your personality show. A clean hoodie. A cap that’s low-key but says “I play.” A tee that works whether you’re grabbing a coffee or trying to fix your slice at the range.
  
• Don’t overcomplicate it. One good base layer beats five mediocre ones. A versatile jacket beats a drawer full of gear that doesn’t fit right. Quality and fit beat logo and quantity every time.

Final Thoughts

On the course, your gear should support your swing, not fight it. It should breathe when you’re grinding through the back nine and move like it belongs in your routine. 

Off the course? It’s about expression. Feeling good in what you wear, even if you’re not chasing birdies that day. That’s where golf merges with streetwear, and where brands like Three Putt come into play. Not to be loud, but to be honest. To wear golf like it’s part of your life, not just your handicap.

So if you’re building a golf wardrobe, start simple. Start smart. Fit, fabric, function, and a little attitude. Whether you’re teeing it up or just talking trash over a putting contest, your gear should keep up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Clothing for Men

What makes good golf apparel different from regular activewear?

Golf apparel is built with the swing in mind. That means fabrics that stretch without warping, seams that don’t chafe mid-rotation, and silhouettes that hold shape across a four-hour round. Regular gym gear might breathe, but it’s not cut for every swing, or the walk between shots.

Why does moisture-wicking technology matter?

Because golf isn’t played in a vacuum. It’s played in heat, drizzle, and the kind of humidity that makes your glove feel like a sponge. Moisture-wicking technology pulls sweat away from the skin and helps it evaporate fast, keeping you dry, focused, and ready for your next shot.

What should I wear on the course vs off the course?

On the course, go for performance-driven pieces: polos with stretch, breathable layers, and trousers that offer mobility without sloppiness.

Off the course, lean into comfort and modern-day details, clean hoodies, casual caps, and streetwear staples that still nod to the game. That’s where brands like Three Putt come in.

Is there good golf apparel for Big & Tall sizes

Yes,but you have to know where to look. More brands are finally offering Big & Tall options that don’t just size up the same cut. Look for specific mentions of “big & tall sizes,” and check whether the fit is actually adapted (longer torso, wider shoulder seams, adjusted rise) rather than just scaled.

How should golf clothing fit?

Golf clothing should let you move. That means fitted shirts, flexible trousers that don’t restrict your hips, and outerwear you can swing in. Avoid anything too boxy or overly snug. A well-cut fit not only improves movement, it looks better and performs better.

What are “modern-day details” in golf apparel?

We’re talking bonded seams, laser-cut ventilation, hidden zip pockets, and technical blends that feel more “engineered” than stitched. These updates keep your gear lightweight, functional, and futureproofed, without shouting “tech” from the rooftops.

Do I really need special clothing just to play golf?

Technically? No. But if you play regularly, proper golf apparel makes a difference. It keeps you cool, dry, and unrestricted through every swing. It also helps you feel like you’re showing up to play, not just jogging past the tee box on your way to brunch.

Where can I find an exclusive offer on golf clothing?

Many brands offer first-time customer discounts or email-exclusive deals, Three Putt included. Always check the site (or scroll to the footer) for pop-up offers or subscriber perks. Quality gear is an investment, but you don’t need to pay full price if you’re smart about when you buy.

What’s the best golf brand for off-course wear?

If you want streetwear style with a golf soul, Three Putt is one to watch. Built by golfers who care about comfort, culture, and not taking themselves too seriously, it’s made for the range, the pub, and everything in between. You won’t find performance polos, but you will find gear you actually want to wear.