Last July I stood on the first tee in Georgia. The humidity was already eighty percent. My heavy cotton polo felt like a wet blanket. By the fourth hole my clothes were heavy. My swing felt restricted. I was tired from the heat. That day changed how I dress for summer golf.
Summer golf is a challenge for your wardrobe. June brings the start of the humidity. July and August bring the peak sun. You need clothes that breathe. You need fabrics that move with your body. You also want to look sharp for the post round lunch.
In my experience the right outfit improves your game. You stay cool. You focus on the putt instead of your sticky shirt. I have spent three years testing different brands. I have tried every cooling technology on the market.
This guide covers eighteen specific outfit ideas. These choices will help you survive the mid summer heat. Each one focuses on performance and style. These are the pieces I wear when the temperature hits ninety degrees.
1. The Ice Fil Sleeveless Polo and Perforated Skort
Ice Fil technology is a game changer for August golf. The fabric actually lowers your skin temperature by several degrees. It works by converting sweat into a cooling energy. I wore this combo during a tournament in Arizona. The sun was intense. This sleeveless top felt cool against my skin all day.
Sleeveless designs are best for range of motion. You do not have sleeves catching on your shoulders during the backswing. Pair it with a perforated skort. Look for tiny laser cut holes in the fabric. These holes allow air to flow directly to your legs. It feels like a built in fan.
Choose a light color like mint or lavender. Darker colors absorb the sun. Light colors reflect the heat. This outfit is functional and modern. It looks professional on the course. It keeps you dry in the clubhouse.
2. The Moisture Wicking Racerback Dress
Golf dresses are the easiest way to get ready. You put on one piece and you are done. Racerback designs are my favorite for summer. They show off your shoulders. They also provide total freedom for your golf swing.
I once tried a cheap cotton dress for a quick nine holes. It was a mistake. The fabric soaked up sweat and became heavy. Now I only wear technical polyester blends. These fabrics pull moisture away from your body. They dry in minutes.
Many modern dresses include separate undershorts. Look for shorts with pockets for your extra ball and tee. A white dress with navy trim is a classic look. It feels like a tennis outfit but with a golf collar. It is chic and effortless.
3. UV Protective Long Sleeve Cooling Wraps
It sounds counterintuitive to wear long sleeves in July. However the sun can drain your energy. Sunburns also make you feel hotter. I started wearing cooling sun shirts two years ago. I noticed I felt less fatigued after eighteen holes.
These shirts use ultra thin mesh under the arms. The fabric has an SPF rating of fifty or higher. You stay protected from harmful rays. You also stay cool because the fabric is thinner than most polos.
I prefer a quarter zip style. You can unzip it for more airflow when walking the fairway. Wear this with a simple solid skort. It is a sleek look that pros often use. It saves you from reapplying sunscreen every three holes.
4. High Waisted Tech Shorts and Cropped Polo
High waisted shorts are very popular right now. They offer a secure fit that does not slide down during your swing. Look for shorts made from four way stretch fabric. This allows you to bend down to read a putt without restriction.
Pair these with a slightly cropped performance polo. The hem should meet the top of your shorts. This prevents excess fabric from bunching up around your waist. I see this look often at the driving range. It feels more like athletic wear than traditional golf gear.
Choose a neutral khaki or black for the shorts. Add a pop of color with the top. Bright pink or electric blue looks great against the green grass. This outfit is youthful and very comfortable for walking rounds.
5. The Seersucker Skort and White Tank
Seersucker is a classic summer fabric. The puckered texture keeps the fabric away from your skin. This creates more airflow. Traditional seersucker is cotton but golf brands now make tech versions. These tech versions stretch and wick moisture.
I love a blue and white striped seersucker skort. It looks fresh and preppy. Combine it with a crisp white racerback tank. Make sure the tank has a collar to meet course dress codes.
I wore this look to a resort course last June. I received several compliments. It felt very country club chic. It is a timeless style that never goes out of fashion. It is perfect for the hottest days in August.
6. The Aerated Pleated Skirt and Mock Neck Top
Pleated skirts move beautifully when you swing the club. Modern pleats are lightweight and do not require ironing. Look for skirts with a mesh waistband. This is where most people sweat the most.
Mock neck tops are a modern alternative to collars. They look sleek and sporty. They also offer a bit more sun protection for your neck. I find that mock necks feel less restrictive than traditional collars.
Try a monochrome look. Wear a navy skirt with a navy top. This creates a long and lean silhouette. It looks very professional. I have seen many LPGA players adopting this style recently. It is high performance fashion.
7. Pastel Gingham Prints and Performance Knits
Gingham is the quintessential summer pattern. A small scale gingham print in light pink or pale yellow looks lovely. It feels very feminine and bright. I like to wear a gingham skort with a lightweight knit polo.
Performance knits are different from regular sweaters. They are very thin and breathable. They have a luxury feel that elevated your look. I have noticed these knits hold their shape better than basic polyester.
This outfit works well for a morning tee time. It looks polished for the early hours. As the sun gets hot the fabric continues to breathe. It is a great balance of texture and pattern.
8. The Hybrid Golf Jogger and Sleeveless Top
Some golfers prefer pants even in the summer. Joggers are a great solution. They are made from thin parachute like material. They are much cooler than traditional chinos. The elastic cuff keeps them out of the way.
I wear joggers when the grass is long or if there are bugs. They protect your legs without making you sweat. Pair them with a fitted sleeveless top to balance the loose fit of the pants.
This is a very trendy look in the golf world. It bridges the gap between the gym and the course. Choose joggers in a dark grey or olive green. It looks rugged yet refined.
9. Scalloped Edge Skirts and Patterned Polos
Scalloped hems add a soft detail to your outfit. It is a small touch that makes the skirt look expensive. I have a white scalloped skirt that I pair with almost everything.
Try a bold floral or geometric print on top. Summer is the time to experiment with loud patterns. Tropical prints are especially fun for July golf.
I’ve noticed that busy patterns hide sweat marks well. If you are a person who sweats a lot look for prints. Solid light colors can show moisture quickly. A busy floral print stays looking fresh all day.
10. The All White Power Look
Nothing beats an all white outfit in the sun. White reflects all wavelengths of light. This keeps you as cool as possible. I call this the power look because it stands out on the green.
Wear a white tech skort with a white sleeveless polo. Add a white visor and white shoes. It looks incredibly clean. Just be careful where you sit. Grass stains are the only downside to this style.
I suggest keeping a stain pen in your bag. In my experience this is the coolest outfit for a hundred degree day. It feels light and airy.
11. Open Back Polos and High Tech Skorts
Some brands now offer polos with an open back or mesh back. This allows heat to escape from your core. It is like having a vent on your back.
I tried an open back top last August during a heat wave. The difference was noticeable. Every time a breeze blew I could feel it. It was very refreshing.
Pair this with a high tech skort that has plenty of pockets. You want to keep your accessories organized so you do not have to carry extra gear. This outfit is for the serious golfer who wants every advantage.
12. Tie Dye Performance Polos and Solid Shorts
Tie dye has made a comeback in golf fashion. It adds a relaxed and fun vibe to the game. Look for performance fabrics with a subtle tie dye wash. This keeps it looking professional rather than messy.
Wear this with simple solid shorts. Navy or black shorts work best to ground the look. This is a great outfit for a casual round with friends.
It feels youthful and energetic. I noticed these tops are very popular with younger golfers. It brings a bit of personality to the fairway.
13. The Geometric Print Dress
Geometric prints are sharp and modern. They provide a more athletic look than florals. A dress with a small diamond or chevron pattern is very flattering.
The print helps camouflage any lines from your undergarments. It also stays looking crisp even after hours of play. I find that geometric dresses look great in photos.
Make sure the dress has a zippered pocket. You need a place for your phone or scorecard. This is a practical and stylish choice for mid summer.
14. Neon Accents and Neutral Bases
Neon colors are very visible in the bright summer sun. Use them as accents rather than the main color. A grey skort with neon yellow piping is a great example.
Add a matching neon hat or socks. It looks coordinated and energetic. This style is inspired by modern running gear.
I have seen this work well for team events. It is easy to spot your partner across the fairway. It adds a bit of fun to a hot day.
15. The Wide Brim Straw Hat and Linen Blend Skort
Your outfit is not just about clothes. Your hat is vital in the summer. A wide brim straw hat offers more protection than a baseball cap. It shades your ears and neck.
Look for straw hats designed specifically for golf. They have a chin strap so they do not fly off during your swing. Pair this with a linen blend skort.
Linen is very breathable but usually wrinkles. A linen blend with polyester stays smooth. This outfit has a very classic and elegant feel. It is perfect for a high end golf resort.
16. Mesh Inset Leggings and Oversized Polos
On cooler June mornings leggings are a good choice. Look for pairs with large mesh panels along the calves. This provides ventilation while keeping your legs covered.
An oversized polo creates a relaxed silhouette. It allows air to circulate around your torso. This is a very comfortable outfit for a long practice session at the range.
I often wear this when I am working on my swing. The leggings offer great support for your muscles. The loose top keeps you from overheating.
17. The Nautical Navy and Red Combo
Navy and red is a classic color pairing. It feels very nautical and appropriate for summer. A navy skort with red trim looks great with a white top.
This color scheme is very popular in the Northeast. It feels traditional and sporty. I’ve noticed this look never goes out of style.
Use a red belt to pull the look together. It adds a nice focal point to your waist. This is a very safe and stylish choice for any course.
18. Sustainable Fabrics and Earth Tones
Many golfers are moving toward sustainable clothing. Look for items made from recycled plastic or bamboo. Bamboo is naturally cooling and antimicrobial.
Earth tones like sage green and tan look beautiful in the summer. They blend in with the natural environment. These colors also do not show dirt or dust as much as white.
I tried a recycled polyester skort recently. It felt exactly like my expensive tech gear. It is a great way to look good and feel good about your purchase.
Essential Summer Golf Brands and Tools
Finding the right gear requires knowing where to shop. Not all golf clothes are created equal. In my experience these brands lead the way in summer technology.
Lululemon offers incredible stretch and moisture management. Their skirts are famous for a reason. Nike remains a leader in Dri FIT technology. It is reliable and easy to find.
Byrdie Golf Social Wear makes beautiful traditional styles with modern fabrics. Peter Millar is the place for high end knits and elegant patterns. Callaway Apparel often uses cooling tech that is very effective.
For accessories look at FootJoy for breathable gloves. A sweaty hand can ruin your grip. I recommend keeping two gloves in your bag. Switch them every six holes to let them dry.
Bushnell rangefinders are a must for any serious player. Knowing your distance helps you play faster. Playing faster means spending less time in the direct sun.
Pros and Cons of Summer Golf Fabrics
Choosing the right fabric is a science. You have to balance comfort with durability.
Polyester blends are the gold standard. They are durable and wick sweat perfectly. However they can sometimes retain odors. Look for brands that add antimicrobial treatments to solve this.
Nylon is very lightweight and cool. It feels like nothing on your skin. The downside is that it can be less breathable than polyester if it is woven too tightly.
Cotton is comfortable and natural. It is great for low humidity days. But in the heat of July cotton is a liability. It holds water and becomes heavy. Avoid pure cotton for long rounds.
Spandex or Elastane is necessary for your swing. You need at least five to ten percent for proper movement. Too much spandex can make the garment feel thick and hot.
Summer Golf Outfit Comparison Table
| Style Type | Best For | Cooling Level | Style Vibe |
| Ice Fil Polos | High Humidity | Maximum | Sporty |
| Golf Dresses | Ease of Use | High | Chic |
| Sun Wraps | Sun Protection | Medium | Professional |
| Tech Shorts | Casual Rounds | High | Athletic |
| Seersucker | Classic Style | Medium | Preppy |
| Joggers | Bug Protection | Low | Trendy |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best color to wear for golf in the heat?
White and light pastels are the best choices. These colors reflect sunlight away from your body. Dark colors like black and navy absorb heat and make you feel warmer. In my experience a white outfit can feel five degrees cooler than a dark one.
Are sleeveless shirts allowed at all golf courses?
Most modern courses and public courses allow sleeveless shirts for women. However some very traditional private clubs require a collar and sleeves. Always check the club website before you go. If you are unsure a cap sleeve polo is a safe middle ground.
How do I prevent sweat stains on my golf clothes?
Choose fabrics with moisture wicking properties. These are designed to move sweat to the surface where it evaporates. Patterns and prints also hide moisture much better than solid colors. I have noticed that light grey is the worst color for showing sweat.
What should I look for in a summer golf skort?
Look for a lightweight undershort that does not ride up. Mesh waistbands and perforated fabrics are great for extra airflow. Pockets are also essential. You need at least one pocket for your glove and one for your balls.
Can I wear tennis clothes for golf?
Tennis skirts are often shorter than golf skorts. Some golf courses have length requirements. Tennis tops also frequently lack collars. If your course has a relaxed dress code tennis gear works well. For nicer courses stick to golf specific brands.
Should I wear socks with golf shoes in the summer?
Yes you should wear socks to prevent blisters. Look for low cut performance socks made from synthetic fibers. Cotton socks will stay wet and cause friction. Look for socks with a cushioned tab at the heel to protect your skin.
Final Thoughts on Summer Golf Style
Dressing for summer golf is about being smart. You want to look good for your photos and your friends. But you must prioritize your health and comfort. The heat can be dangerous if you are not prepared.
I have learned that investing in high quality fabrics is worth the cost. Cheap clothes will fail you when the sun is at its peak. Look for pieces that offer UV protection and active cooling.
Try a new style this season. Maybe swap your shorts for a golf dress. Or try a long sleeve cooling shirt for the first time. You might be surprised at how much better you feel.
When you feel comfortable you play better. Your swing is smoother. Your mind is clearer. Enjoy the long days of June July and August. With the right outfit the heat will not stop you from chasing that birdie.
Jenna Carter is the Senior Style Editor at Her Golf Outfit and a lifelong golfer turned certified personal stylist. With a background in retail buying for major athletic brands, she leads our brand reviews and lookbook curation, spotting the pieces worth your money and decoding country-club dress codes so you never second-guess what to wear to the clubhouse.
