Table of Contents
- Appropriate Women's Golf Attire
- Golf Course Dress Codes For Women
- Creating A Cohesive Outfit
- The History Of Women's Golfing Clothes
- FAQs
Appropriate Women's Golf Attire
So what is considered appropriate women's golf attire? While the definition of this may differ from club to club, women are typically encouraged to wear collared shirts paired with pants or a skirt/skort that reaches at least the mid-thigh. Let's have a look at some of the options in more detail.
Golf shirts
Collared golf shirts, like polo shirts, are the most common and acceptable type of shirt found on golf courses around the world. No matter the dress code, wearing a collared shirt is a safe and respectable option. Women can usually also wear non-collared shirts with sleeves.
Golf pants
Long pants, like slacks with belt loops, are a comfortable option for women playing golf. If the weather is a bit warmer, you could always wear Bermuda-length shorts or proper golf shorts. Another great option is pedal pushers, which end just below the knee.
The types of pants you want to avoid are:
-
Yoga pants
-
Short shorts
-
Tight leggings
-
Jeans
-
Pants with cargo pockets
Skorts and skirts
In recent years, golf skirts and skorts have become increasingly popular and provide a great way to add a feminine flair to your outfit. While more and more clubs are including these items in their golf dress code, just make sure your skirts and skorts are an appropriate length.
Golf dresses
Golf dresses are one of the trendiest pieces of women's golf attire currently available. Known for being very comfortable, golf dresses allow you to embrace your feminine side while playing golf. While they should be an appropriate length, golf dresses are accepted by many golf courses around the world.
Golf shoes
Women's golf shoes are very similar to men's golf shoes but usually come in a few different colours. Golf shoes provide the right traction and stability needed to hit balls and walk comfortably around the course. If you are just starting out, you can usually get away with wearing running shoes.
Outerwear
During the colder months, you have quite a few outerwear options available, including windproof jackets, lined sweaters, and padded jackets. Check the weather before you head to the golf course to ensure you're prepared to face the elements.
Sun protection
Golf is a sport that requires you to be outdoors for hours on end, so it's essential that you take sun protection seriously. Hats form an integral part of golfing attire for both men and women so don't forget to wear a peak, cap, or wide-brimmed hat when spending a day on the golf course.
Other sun protection comes in the form of sunscreen, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing items.
Golf Course Dress Codes For WomenRemember that different golf courses and clubs have different rules when it comes to their dress codes. Be sure to read their specific guidelines before arriving to play a round of golf. Municipal golf coursesMunicipal golf courses typically have the most laidback dress code. Both women and men are usually allowed to wear workout gear and more casual clothing. These golf courses are owned and maintained by the local authorities and do not require a membership. Public golf coursesPublic golf courses can be privately owned or funded by local authorities. Either way, anyone is welcome to play if they pay a fee and abide by the rules. The dress code for these courses should be easy to find and you should be able to get away with slightly more casual attire. Private golf coursesPrivate golf courses are usually owned by the members of the club. Dress codes can differ from club to club but you'll be expected to wear proper women's golf attire, even if you are just playing as a visitor. You should ask for advice from one of the members before putting an outfit together. Standalone driving rangeIn most cases, you should wear normal golf attire and spikeless golf shoes when visiting a driving range. However, driving ranges are becoming more and more lenient with their dress codes, so it really depends on the specific driving range you're visiting. Country clubsAfter a round of golf, most people like to enjoy a refreshing drink and a meal at the clubhouse. In most cases, the clubhouse dress code will be similar to that of the golf course dress code, although sometimes, smart casual attire should be adhered to. Hats and caps are not typically allowed inside the clubhouse. In most cases, you should avoid jeans, flip-flops, running shoes, and gym shirts. If you are uncertain, you can always call the clubhouse ahead of time to determine their dress code and ask for advice. |
Creating A Cohesive Outfit
Whether you want to make a statement with bold patterns and prints or you prefer a more subtle look, golf provides the perfect opportunity to show off your personal style. Many people take golf fashion quite seriously, so you may want to give your outfit some thought.
The main ingredient of a fashionable golfing outfit is a cohesive colour palette. Clashing colours and patterns can be very distracting, so try to wear colours that work well together. Another factor to consider is your silhouette and the shape the various clothing items create when paired together.
At the end of the day, it is completely up to you how you want to dress as a woman golfer. If you're looking for inspiration, have a look at some of the outfits worn by female golfing icons like Charley Hull and Annabel Dimmock.
Remember that you should always prioritise function over fashion.
The History Of Women's Golfing Clothes
It's no secret that golf is a male-dominated sport, and has been for centuries. In fact, it wasn't so long ago that women weren't even allowed to play golf! Fortunately, times have changed and women's golf is now a much-celebrated sport.
Mary Queen of Scots is thought to be one of the first women golfers to exist and was known for wearing detailed Victorian golf dresses, which women golfers wore throughout the 1800s. The early 1900s brought about slimmer skirts, but it was only in 1933 that a woman (Gloria Minoprio) wore pants on a golf course for the first time.
Over the past few decades, ladies' golf fashion has come a long way. What was previously traditional has now become quite forward-thinking. Nowadays, women can wear pants without issue, as well as skorts and mid-thigh skirts. Just look at some of the female golfing icons, such as Charley Hull, Annabel Dimmock, and Jin Young Ko, who are all at the forefront of ladies' golf fashion.
FAQsCan women wear pants to play golf?Yes. While traditional women's golf attire demanded that women wear long skirts, plenty of female golfers wear pants these days. Pants are often seen as the more comfortable and practical option. What should a woman wear to play golf for the first time?If you are trying golf for the first time and don't want to spend an unnecessary amount of money on golf-specific attire, you should be safe with wearing a collared shirt and slacks or a skirt that comes to around the mid-thigh or longer. Neutral tones like khaki, white, grey, and light blue offer a classic look. If you don't have proper golf shoes, you can wear normal running shoes. As your interest in golf increases, you can start building up your golf wardrobe piece by piece. What clothing is considered inappropriate for playing golf?Some of the clothing items that are considered inappropriate by most golf courses include:
Remember that each golf course will have a different dress code so make sure you familiarise yourself with the guidelines before you choose your outfit. What do spectators wear to watch golf tournaments?Golf competitions, such as the PGA tour, don't have dress codes for spectators. However, most people coming to watch the event still wear golf clothes. What should a young girl wear to play golf?Unfortunately, there aren't too many options when it comes to golf clothes for young girls. In most cases, they can wear whatever is appropriate for women golfers, such as collared shirts, skorts, and long pants. School uniforms are also usually acceptable for children to wear when golfing. Why do golf clubs have dress codes?Most golf clubs have dress codes to generate a professional atmosphere and create a sense of camaraderie among players. Another reason for dress codes is to preserve the sport's heritage as well as pay homage to tradition. What happens if I break a golf club's dress code?Depending on the club's protocol, you may be asked to leave if you are not adhering to the dress code rules. In some cases, you may be given the opportunity to go home and change and come back. Most golf clubs also have a small onsite clothing shop, where you can buy the appropriate clothing to change into. Where can I buy golfing attire?While there are plenty of options for buying golf clothes in the UK, Glenmuir is a tried and tested name that has been around since 1891 but has still progressed with the times. Glenmuir provides a comprehensive range of both men's and women's golf wear, including golf shirts, skorts, outerwear, and more. |