Can You Golf in Jeans? (Golf Apparel Questions Answered)

Can you golf in jeans? Although golf has always been a conservative game, golfers have begun a debate about acceptable golf attire. Essentially, golf is changing, and what you can wear on the golf course is also evolving. Although not every course or golf club will allow blue jeans, some facilities are changing local rules so players can golf in jeans.

While the rules of golf are followed and enforced (for the most part) on every golf course, each golf course or club has its own set of dress code rules, commonly known as the local rules.

Over the years, golf fashion has become increasingly casual. Even in the last ten years or so, what the average golfer and professional golfer wears has changed.

Golfing in Jeans

Although golfers at some courses wear jeans to play and practice in, many upscale facilities, such as a country club, continue to require dress shorts or pants as part of their dress code for golf clothes. However, modern golf pants and shorts have evolved and become lightweight and cooler during the hot months.

Still, some golfers would prefer to wear jeans. If you’re one of these golfers, I recommend calling the golf course you’re planning to practice or play at beforehand because every course is different; some may allow jeans, while others will not. It’s best to confirm a course’s dress code ahead of time to save yourself a trip and potentially money if you’re forced to purchase pants or shorts from the pro shop.

Then and Now

From knickers starting in the 1800s to bell-bottom plaid pants in the 70s and loose cotton shirts in the 80s and 90s, golf apparel has continued to progress.

Nowadays, you would be hard-pressed to find serious golfers not wearing some breathable, lightweight, synthetic material designed for performance, sweat, and sun protection. This is especially true in professional golf.

Male vs. Female Attire

If you’re a male golfer, generally, the rule is to wear a collared shirt. Women golfers, on the other hand, have a more comprehensive array of options depending on a golf course or club’s local rules.

To grow the game and entice more females to play golf, the dress code for lady golfers is broader and less restrictive than that of their male counterparts. For instance, females do not necessarily have to wear a collared golf shirt. I have played golf and worked at courses where females were only required to have a collar if they wore a sleeveless shirt, and if not, they did not need a collar. This compromise allows ladies a more comprehensive array of acceptable attire for golfing and takes golf style to a new level.

Additionally, there are various options available to ladies to go with their golf shirts, including skirts and different types of golf shorts. Ladies can even wear a golf dress if they desire. What a course considers proper golf attire for females is wide-ranged, allowing for plenty of options.

Although males are still required to wear a collared shirt, the golf brands and options for attire have grown considerably in recent years; from fabric to patterns and styles, golf shirts are now a great way for players to express themselves.

Affordable Clothes to Wear Golfing

Proper golf attire, including collared shirts and dress shorts or trousers, is required at most facilities; however, that does not mean you have to spend a ton of money on golf clothes. There are many options for finding affordable clothes that meet the golf dress code standards set by facilities and workarounds to equip yourself to play the game adequately.

So, if you’re wondering what to wear golfing if you don’t have golf clothes, know there are several ways to save money on attire while still looking good and playing the game well.

One way to save money on clothes is to wear tennis shoes or sneakers instead of golf shoes. Although this advice goes against what some will tell you in golf circles, after playing the game for over two decades and working in the industry as a golf professional, I honestly believe the difference, if any, is minimal in performance for most golfers. If you’re a beginner golfer, the difference is pretty much nonexistent, and you should focus on other aspects of your game.

There is also no reason to focus on having a golf-specific shirt; instead, focus on wearing a collared shirt that is not logo-heavy and cool enough to wear when the weather is warm. Later, after you have saved money and improved your golf game, you can purchase more golf-specific clothing.

Focus on the Game

Although looking and feeling your best while out on the links is essential, it’s equally important to realize that there are more important things when it comes to playing and enjoying golf.

Getting on a good practice schedule and improving at the game will significantly enhance your enjoyment of golf, which is why I recommend focusing on the parts of your game you can control. Try not to focus on things out of your control, such as unaffordable clothing and buying the latest and greatest equipment. Although these things are important in the long term, if you’re still a beginner golfer or already have the equipment, for instance, suitable enough for your game, then your time can be better spent elsewhere—like practicing your short game.

For more information on golf apparel, check out my article comparing golf shirts and polo shirts.