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A Complete Summer Golf Clothing Guide
Playing golf in hot weather presents a unique challenge. You need clothing that keeps you comfortable through four or more hours outdoors while still allowing you to move freely, manage sweat, and protect yourself from the sun.
The best clothing for hot-weather golf is lightweight, breathable, moisture-managing, and designed for unrestricted movement. A lightweight performance polo, breathable golf shorts, and sun-protective apparel can help you stay more comfortable as temperatures rise.
Here is what to consider when dressing for a hot day on the golf course.
Start With a Lightweight Performance Golf Polo
Your golf polo is the foundation of a summer golf outfit. Look for a lightweight performance fabric that allows heat and moisture to move away from the body rather than trapping them against your skin.
Features worth considering include:
- Lightweight construction
- Breathable fabric
- Moisture management
- Built-in stretch
- UPF-rated sun protection
- A comfortable fit through the shoulders and torso
Fit matters as well. A polo that is too tight may feel restrictive as you swing and can reduce airflow around the body, while an excessively loose shirt can become distracting during play. The ideal fit should provide enough room for a full golf swing without excess fabric getting in the way.
Choose Lightweight Golf Shorts
For particularly hot rounds, golf shorts are often the most comfortable option. Lightweight performance shorts can provide airflow while giving you the stretch needed for walking, bending over, and swinging.
Look for fabrics that dry relatively quickly and resist holding excessive moisture. A comfortable waistband with some degree of stretch can also make a noticeable difference during a long round.
For courses or situations where pants are preferred, choose lightweight performance pants made from breathable fabric rather than heavier traditional materials.
Consider Sun-Protective Clothing
As golfers, we can spend several consecutive hours exposed to the sun, often during periods when UV intensity is high. Clothing with a UPF rating can provide an additional layer of sun protection for covered areas of the body.
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. A garment rated UPF 50 allows approximately 1/50th of UV radiation to pass through the fabric, providing a high level of protection for covered skin.
Long sleeves may sound uncomfortable in hot weather, but lightweight sun-protective garments can sometimes be a practical option when designed with breathable fabrics and a light construction.
Sun-protective clothing does not eliminate the need for sunscreen on exposed skin, but it can form an important part of a broader sun protection strategy.
Wear Light, Breathable Layers When Conditions May Change
Even in summer, early morning tee times can begin in cooler conditions before temperatures rise significantly. Wind can also make exposed areas of the course feel cooler than expected.
A lightweight layer like a quarter-zip, vest, or hoodie gives you flexibility without adding unnecessary bulk. The best summer golf layers are easy to remove and store once temperatures increase.
Avoid carrying a heavy insulated layer unless the forecast genuinely calls for one. For most summer rounds, lightweight versatility is more useful than maximum warmth.
Do Not Ignore Rain Protection
Hot weather and rain are not mutually exclusive. Summer rounds can bring passing showers and sudden storms.
A lightweight golf rain jacket can be a lifesaver when there is a realistic chance of rain, but breathability becomes especially important in warm temperatures. A heavy waterproof jacket may protect you from rainfall while causing you to overheat from within.
For summer golf, look for rainwear that balances protection, breathability, mobility, and low weight.
Wear a Hat and Protect Exposed Skin
A golf hat can help provide shade for the face and head. Sunscreen should be applied to exposed skin, paying attention to commonly missed areas such as the ears, neck, and backs of the hands.
Sunglasses designed for outdoor use can also help improve comfort in bright conditions.
Consider Color, But Focus More on Fabric
Light-colored clothing can absorb less solar energy than darker clothing under some conditions, but color should not be the only factor guiding your golf wardrobe.
Fabric construction, weight, breathability, moisture management, fit, and sun protection can have a much greater effect on how comfortable a garment feels during a long summer round.
A lightweight dark polo may be far more comfortable than a heavy light-colored shirt made from a less breathable material.
What Should You Avoid Wearing for Hot-Weather Golf?
In high temperatures, try to avoid:
- Heavy, thick fabrics
- Clothing that restricts your swing
- Materials that remain saturated with perspiration
- Excessive layering
- Non-breathable outerwear when it is not needed
- Clothing that feels uncomfortable before the round even begins
Comfort becomes increasingly important as the temperature rises. Small irritations at the first tee can become significant distractions after several hours outdoors.
The Best Hot-Weather Golf Outfit
For most hot summer rounds, a practical golf outfit consists of a lightweight performance polo, breathable golf shorts, comfortable golf shoes, a hat, and appropriate sun protection.
For changing conditions, add a lightweight layer or packable rain jacket that can be easily carried in your golf bag.
The goal is not simply to wear as little as possible. The better approach is to choose technical golf apparel that helps manage heat, moisture, sun exposure, and movement throughout the round.
With the right clothing, you can spend less time thinking about the temperature and more time focusing on your game.