How to Wash Golf Clothes So They Last: A Care Guide for Performance Fabrics
Wash golf clothes inside out in cold or cool water on a gentle cycle, use a small amount of regular detergent, skip the fabric softener, and hang them to dry or tumble on low. That routine protects the stretch and moisture-wicking finish that make performance fabrics worth having. Treat grass and sunscreen stains before washing, and always check the care label first.
Most women's golf clothes are made from polyester, nylon and spandex blends. They are tough on the course but surprisingly easy to wear out in the laundry. Here is how to keep them looking new.
Always start with the care label
The care label is the manufacturer's instructions for that exact fabric, so follow it over any general advice. Golf brands use different blends, prints and finishes, and a few pieces — knits, printed skirts, technical jackets — have specific needs.
If the label is missing or faded, treat the item as a delicate performance garment: cold wash, gentle cycle, air dry.
Why cold water and gentle cycles
Heat is the main enemy of stretch fabrics. Spandex (also called elastane) gives golf clothes their stretch, and high temperatures in the washer or dryer can weaken it over time, leaving waistbands and skorts baggy.
- Turn items inside out. This protects prints and the outer surface from rubbing against other clothes.
- Close zips and fasten hooks so they don't snag knits and mesh.
- Wash with similar fabrics. Towels and jeans are abrasive and shed lint onto performance fabrics.
- Use a mesh laundry bag for delicate items such as sun sleeves and lightweight tops.
Skip the fabric softener
Fabric softener coats fibers, and on technical fabrics that coating can stop them wicking sweat and breathing properly. The fabric softener entry on Wikipedia notes that softener can make wicking, breathable and waterproof technical fabrics perform worse. Dryer sheets have the same effect.
Use a normal amount of detergent, or slightly less than you think. Too much detergent can also build up in synthetic fabrics and trap odor. Sport detergents designed for synthetics are an option if your clothes hold on to smells.
Drying: air dry or low heat
Hang golf clothes to dry or use the lowest dryer setting. Performance fabrics dry quickly on a hanger, often within a couple of hours indoors, so the dryer is rarely necessary.
- Dry tops on a hanger or flat to keep collars and shoulders in shape.
- Keep printed items out of strong direct sun for long periods, which can fade colors.
- Remove items from the dryer promptly to avoid creases.
Most polyester golf polos come out of the wash nearly wrinkle-free. If you need to iron, use a low setting and press on the reverse side, never directly on a printed or heat-transferred logo.
Removing the stains golfers get most
Treat stains as soon as you can, and avoid hot water and the dryer until the stain is gone, because heat can set it.
| Stain | What to do |
|---|---|
| Grass | Rub a little liquid detergent into the stain, leave for 15–30 minutes, then wash in cool water. Repeat before drying if it is still visible. |
| Sunscreen (yellow marks on collars) | Rub liquid detergent or a stain remover into the area, let it sit, then wash. Avoid chlorine bleach on sunscreen stains. |
| Sweat and odor | Wash promptly instead of leaving clothes in the bag. A pre-soak in cool water with detergent helps with lingering smells. |
| Mud and sand | Let it dry, brush off as much as possible, then pre-treat and wash. |
| Ballpoint from a scorecard pen | Dab with a stain remover suitable for ink, testing on a hidden area first. |
Check the care label before using any bleach. White performance tops can usually take an oxygen-based brightener, but chlorine bleach can yellow some synthetics and damage spandex.
Caring for skorts, knits and outerwear
Skorts and shorts: wash inside out so the inner shorts and outer layer don't rub. Hang by the waistband to dry so elastic isn't stretched by the weight of wet fabric.
Sweaters and merino layers: use a wool or delicate cycle in cold water, or hand wash, and dry flat. Hanging a wet knit stretches it.
Wind and rain jackets: close all zips, wash gently with a detergent suitable for technical outerwear, and skip softener. Waterproof jackets often have a water-repellent coating that wears off; many manufacturers recommend a low tumble or a reproofing spray to refresh it. Follow the label.
Golf gloves: leather gloves shouldn't go in the washer. Let them air dry flat after a round, away from heat, and keep a spare in the bag.
Storing golf clothes between seasons
Make sure everything is completely clean and dry before storing it; leftover sweat and sunscreen can discolor fabrics over the months. Fold knits rather than hanging them, keep clothes out of direct sunlight, and store them somewhere cool and dry. A quick wash before the new season freshens anything that has been packed away.
Want to see what is worth caring for? Browse golf tops, golf skorts and golf outerwear, or read our outfit guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put golf clothes in the dryer?
Usually yes, on the lowest heat setting, but air drying is better for the stretch fabric. High heat can weaken spandex over time and fade prints. Performance fabrics dry quickly on a hanger, so many golfers skip the dryer entirely. Always check the care label first, because some pieces say no tumble drying.
Why do my golf shirts still smell after washing?
Synthetic fabrics can trap body oils and detergent residue, which holds odor. Wash soon after playing, use a little less detergent, skip fabric softener, and try a cool pre-soak or a sport detergent made for synthetics. Leaving damp clothes in your golf bag makes odor much harder to remove.
How do I get sunscreen stains out of a white golf shirt?
Rub liquid detergent or a stain remover into the yellowed area, let it sit for a while, then wash in cool water. Avoid chlorine bleach, which can react with some sunscreen ingredients and make the mark worse. Repeat before drying if the stain is still visible.
Should I wash golf clothes after every round?
Tops and base layers, yes; sweat and sunscreen are easier to remove when fresh. Skorts, pants and outerwear can often be worn more than once if they are not visibly dirty. Air them out after the round instead of leaving them folded in the bag.
Cold water, no softener, low heat. Those three habits do more for the life of your golf clothes than any special product.
