What to Wear Golfing: The Men's Golf Dress Code, Explained

Few things humble a man faster than pulling into a beautiful club, grabbing his bag, and getting politely stopped at the pro shop because his shirt has no collar. The course doesn't care how far you hit your driver. It does care what you're wearing.

Golf dress codes exist for a reason. Part of it is tradition, and part of it is that golf is one of the few sports where you're expected to look like you meant to be there. The good news: getting it right is easy, and once you've got the basics down, you'll never think about it again.

Here's exactly what to wear golfing, piece by piece, from someone who has watched plenty of friends get sent back to the car.

The golf shirt: collar or bust

This is the one rule nearly every course agrees on. You need a collar. A golf polo is the standard, and it's the standard for a reason: it looks sharp, it breathes, and it doesn't fight you on the backswing.

What most clubs won't let you wear:

• T-shirts, even the expensive ones
• Tank tops or anything sleeveless
• Jerseys, hoodies as a main layer, or gym shirts
• Shirts with big graphics or slogans

Some newer courses and public tracks have relaxed this, and mock necks are slowly becoming accepted. But a polo works everywhere, from a Tuesday muni round to a member-guest. If you're only going to own one category of golf clothing, make it this one.

What makes a good golf polo

Not every polo is built for four and a half hours in the sun. Look for:

• Moisture-wicking fabric that pulls sweat away instead of soaking it up like a beach towel
• Stretch, so the shirt moves when you turn through the ball
• UV protection, because your shoulders will thank you on the back nine
• Wrinkle resistance, so it survives being stuffed in a golf bag

Every one of our printed golf polos for men checks all four boxes. If you're wondering how that's different from the cotton polo already in your closet, we broke it down in Golf Polo vs. Regular Polo. Playing in summer heat? Here are the best golf shirts for hot weather.

Pants and shorts: tailored, not tired

Your bottom half has more rules than you'd think. The safe bet is tailored golf pants or chino-style shorts in neutral colors: navy, khaki, grey, stone, or white if you're feeling confident.

• Denim is out at most clubs. Even your nicest jeans.
• No athletic shorts, basketball shorts or cargo shorts with six pockets of mystery.
• Shorts length matters. Many private clubs want them around knee length. Short-shorts are a bold choice and the starter may tell you so.

A simple formula that never fails: patterned or colored polo, solid neutral bottoms. Let the shirt do the talking.

Dune Stripe$79.99 · Pairs with navy Riviera$79.99 · Pairs with khaki Laurel Camo$79.99 · Pairs with stone

Every Doubtless polo is $79.99 in sizes S to 2XL, and unworn polos with tags can be returned within 30 days, so you can try the look at home first.

Tuck it in (yes, really)

Most traditional courses expect your shirt tucked in. It looks cleaner, it keeps the shirt out of your swing, and it's the fastest way to look like you know what you're doing before you've hit a shot.

Pair it with a belt. A simple leather or woven belt is plenty. Nobody is checking your buckle, but someone might notice if it's missing.

Golf shoes: the spikes question

Metal spikes have been banned at the vast majority of courses for years because they chew up greens. Today you've got two good options:

• Soft-spike golf shoes with plastic cleats, the most grip
• Spikeless golf shoes, which look more like sneakers and work fine on and off the course

Regular running shoes are allowed at plenty of public courses, but you'll slide around on wet grass and some clubs don't allow them at all. Socks should be clean and, ideally, not the ones from your gym bag.

Hats, layers and the little things

Hats: A cap or visor is welcome. Wear it facing forward on the course and take it off when you walk into the clubhouse or dining room. It's an old-school rule, but it's still a rule at many clubs.

Layers: On cool mornings, a quarter-zip pullover or vest over your polo is the move. Hoodies are still frowned upon at a lot of private clubs, so save it for the range.

Sunglasses and a glove: Both totally fine. Just don't leave your glove on at lunch.

Public course vs. private club: how strict is it?

Every course sets its own rules, so the smartest move is a 30-second look at the course's website or a quick call to the pro shop. If you're a guest at a private club, ask your host. They'd much rather answer a question than explain why you're changing in the parking lot.

The no-stress golf outfit formula

1. A performance golf polo with a little character
2. Solid tailored pants or shorts, no denim
3. A belt, shirt tucked
4. Soft-spike or spikeless golf shoes
5. Cap forward on the course, off in the clubhouse

That's it. Follow that and you'll fit in at almost any course in the country. And with the right polo, you'll walk off the 18th green and straight into dinner without anyone guessing you just played. That's the whole idea behind Doubtless.

Shop printed golf polos for men