How to Choose a Golf Dress That Fits and Works on the Course
A good golf dress has a collar or mock neck, built-in or separate shorts, at least one pocket that holds a golf ball, stretch fabric, and a waist that sits at your natural waist. Get the torso length and the length from waist to hem right, and a golf dress is the easiest outfit you will ever wear: one piece, dress-code friendly, and comfortable for every swing.
Golf dresses have become one of the most popular items in women's golf. Here is what separates a dress that works on the course from one that only looks good in the photo.
What makes a golf dress different from a regular dress
A golf dress is designed for the swing and for dress codes. Nearly all of them have a collar or mock neck, a fabric that wicks sweat and stretches, and shorts underneath — either attached inside the dress or sold with it as a separate pair.
A sundress or a tennis dress may look similar but often lacks a collar, pockets or enough length for a golf club's rules. Our guide on wearing tennis clothes for golf explains where the line usually falls.
The six features to check
- Neckline: a collar or mock neck keeps the dress acceptable at almost every course. Zip collars let you adjust for heat.
- Shorts: built-in shorts are the most convenient. Separate shorts let you choose your own length, but check that they are included.
- Pockets: you need somewhere for a ball, tee and marker. Some dresses put pockets in the shorts; others have hidden side pockets in the skirt.
- Stretch: fabrics with spandex let you rotate without the dress pulling across the shoulders or riding up.
- Armholes: on sleeveless dresses, armholes should be cut high enough to cover a sports bra but roomy enough not to dig in at the top of the backswing.
- Length: most golf dresses fall at mid-thigh to just above the knee. Check the stated length, especially for strict clubs.
Getting the fit right
Fit matters more with a golf dress than with separates, because one garment has to fit your bust, waist, hips and torso length at the same time.
Torso length is the most overlooked measurement. Measure from the top of your shoulder, over the bust, down to your natural waist. If you are long-waisted, a standard dress can pull upward and sit too short; if you are short-waisted, the waist seam can land on your hips. Our size charts and fit guide shows how to take this measurement.
A few more fit checks:
- Size for your largest measurement among bust and hips, then consider whether the waist can be loose. A dress that is tight at the bust will pull when you swing.
- Do a practice swing. Raise your arms as if at the top of the backswing. If the hem climbs more than an inch or two, try the next size or a different cut.
- Petite or tall? Dresses are where petite and tall golfers notice proportion problems most. See our petite golf clothes guide.
Sleeveless, cap sleeve or long sleeve?
| Style | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeveless | Hot weather, full freedom of movement | Shoulders need sunscreen; check armhole height |
| Cap sleeve | Warm days with a little shoulder coverage | Sleeves should not bind when you lift your arms |
| Long sleeve or with a layer | Cool mornings, autumn golf, sun protection | Look for stretch across the back |
In cooler weather, a sleeveless golf dress over a long-sleeve base layer, or under a vest or quarter-zip, extends its season. See golf vests.
Fabric and print
Performance knits are the most common golf dress fabric: they dry quickly, resist wrinkles and pack well. Some dresses are made with UPF-rated fabric for sun protection, a plus on long summer rounds.
Prints hide sweat and grass marks better than solid pale colors. Solid dark dresses look polished and pair easily with layers. If you play in heat, a lighter color in a breathable knit feels coolest.
How to style a golf dress
A golf dress is already an outfit, so keep additions simple: a visor or cap, a belt if the dress has loops, golf shoes and a light layer for the morning. White sneaker-style golf shoes suit almost any dress. For cooler days, add a cropped quarter-zip or a vest in a color pulled from the print.
Browse golf dresses, and for the bottoms debate, read skort vs skirt vs shorts.
Frequently asked questions
Do golf dresses have shorts underneath?
Most do. Many golf dresses have built-in shorts attached inside, and others come with a matching pair of separate shorts. A few are sold without, expecting you to wear your own. Check the product details for "built-in shorts" or "includes shorts" before choosing, because it makes a big difference on the course.
What length should a golf dress be?
Most golf dresses fall between mid-thigh and just above the knee, which suits the majority of dress codes. If you play at a strict private club, choose a longer length. Remember that the dress will rise slightly when you swing, so check the length with your arms raised as well as standing.
Can I wear a golf dress if the course requires collars?
Yes, as long as the dress has a collar or mock neck, which nearly all golf dresses do. That is one of the main features that makes a golf dress acceptable where sundresses or tennis dresses may not be. If yours is collarless, check with the course before playing.
How should a golf dress fit across the shoulders?
Comfortably, with room to rotate. The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder, and the fabric shouldn't pull across your back when you reach forward. If the dress tightens or the hem rises when you take a practice swing, it is too small or the cut doesn't suit your build.
When the neckline, shorts, pockets and torso length are right, a golf dress is the fastest way to look put together on the first tee — and you'll stop thinking about it after the first hole.
