Women’s Golf Shorts A Style Guide To The Perfect Outfit

Struggling to find the perfect golf shorts? It’s a common challenge for many women on the course.

Women’s golf shorts are athletic bottoms designed for the sport, but finding a pair that’s stylish, comfortable, and course-approved can be frustrating. You’re looking for that perfect balance between performance and fashion.

The perfect women’s golf outfit balances style, comfort, and dress code. It starts with high-performance shorts made from stretch, moisture-wicking fabric and pairs them with a collared top. This guide will show you exactly how to build flattering, confident looks for any course.

Struggling to Find Golf Shorts That Are Stylish, Comfortable, AND Course-Approved?

You’ve spent hours searching online and in stores, but the options for women’s golf shorts often feel like a compromise. Some are comfortable but look frumpy. Others are stylish but feel restrictive during your swing. And then there’s the constant worry: “Are these shorts long enough for the club’s dress code?” It’s a frustrating search that can leave you feeling uninspired and self-conscious on the first tee.

This isn’t just about clothes; it’s about confidence. The right golf outfit allows you to focus on your game, not on pulling down your shorts or wondering if you look the part. You need flattering golf shorts made from performance fabrics that move with you, paired with tops and accessories that reflect your personal style while respecting golf attire etiquette. This guide is your definitive solution to end that frustrating search and build a functional, fashionable golf wardrobe you love.

9 Perfect Golf Outfits Featuring Shorts for Every Style

Ready for some inspiration? We’ve curated nine complete, shoppable golf outfits designed to make you look and feel your best on the course. Think of this as your personal lookbook for ladies’ golf fashion. Whether your style is classic and traditional or sporty and modern, you’ll find a perfect golf outfit idea here that you can easily recreate for your next round. Let’s find your signature look.

1. The Classic Clubhouse Look

Pin this timeless golf look to your ‘Golf Style’ board!

Outfit Pieces:

• Navy Golf Shorts: Look for a pair with a 7-inch inseam and a classic flat-front design in a high-quality stretch woven fabric.
• White Sleeveless Polo: A crisp, collared sleeveless top in a moisture-wicking material.
• Brown Leather Belt: A slim, classic leather belt to complete the polished look.
• White Golf Shoes: Traditional-style white golf shoes.
• Navy Visor: A simple navy visor to match the shorts.

Styling Tips:

1. Start with the navy shorts as your versatile base. The 7-inch inseam is a universally flattering and course-approved length.
2. Pair with the crisp white polo, making sure to tuck it in neatly for a clean silhouette.
3. Thread the leather belt through the loops. This small detail instantly elevates the entire outfit.
4. This look is perfect for club tournaments, corporate golf outings, or any day you want to feel polished and professional on the course.

Pro-Tip: Look for shorts with a silicone “gripper” strip inside the waistband. It’s a game-changing detail that keeps your polo perfectly tucked in through every swing.

2. The Sporty & Modern Vibe

Save this fresh and sporty golf outfit idea!

Outfit Pieces:

• Black Pull-On Shorts: A 5-inch inseam short made from a four-way stretch knit fabric with a wide, comfortable waistband.
• Brightly Colored Top: A moisture-wicking, athletic-fit top in a fun color like coral, turquoise, or lime green.
• White Visor: A clean white visor to shield from the sun.
• Sneaker-Style Golf Shoes: Modern, spikeless golf shoes that look and feel like athletic trainers.

Styling Tips:

1. The pull-on shorts are the hero piece for comfort. The wide, flat waistband creates a smooth line under your top.
2. Let the top be the pop of color. Pairing a bright hue with black shorts creates a balanced, energetic look.
3. Leave the top untucked for a more relaxed, modern aesthetic that’s perfect for this style.
4. This outfit is ideal for golfers who prioritize comfort and freedom of movement above all else.

Lesson Learned: Pull-on shorts with a high spandex content (10-15%) offer incredible comfort and won’t restrict your swing, making them a favorite for long days on the course.

3. The Bold Print Power Player

Pin this bold and beautiful golf look!

Outfit Pieces:

• Printed Golf Shorts: Choose a pair with a fun, vibrant pattern—like floral, geometric, or tropical—in a comfortable stretch fabric.
• Solid-Colored Top: A simple, solid-colored golf polo or sleeveless top that pulls one of the accent colors from the shorts’ print.
• White Belt: A clean white woven or leather belt.
• Neutral Golf Shoes: White or navy golf shoes that don’t compete with the print.

Styling Tips:

1. Let the shorts be the star of the show. When wearing a bold print on your bottom half, keep everything else simple and solid.
2. Identify a primary or secondary color in the print (e.g., navy blue in a green tropical print) and match your top to that color. This creates a cohesive, intentional look.
3. A simple white belt can break up the pattern and define your waistline.
4. This is the perfect outfit for a ladies’ league day, a vacation round, or anytime you want to bring a little extra personality to the fairway.

Pro-Tip: When buying printed shorts online, look for product photos that show the pattern scale on a model. This helps you judge how large or small the print will appear in real life.

4. The Preppy & Polished Ensemble

Save this perfectly preppy golf style inspiration!

Outfit Pieces:

• Khaki Bermuda Shorts: A well-fitting pair of Bermuda shorts with a 9 to 11-inch inseam.
• Striped Polo Shirt: A classic polo in a preppy color combination like pink/white or navy/green.
• Cable-Knit Sweater: A lightweight sweater in a coordinating pastel or neutral color to drape over the shoulders.
• Woven Belt: A navy or white woven fabric belt.
• Classic Kiltie Golf Shoes: Traditional golf shoes with a kiltie fringe for an authentic preppy touch.

Styling Tips:

1. The longer inseam of the Bermuda shorts provides a conservative yet stylish foundation for this look.
2. Tuck in the striped polo and add the woven belt to accentuate your waist.
3. The key accessory is the sweater draped over your shoulders, which adds a layer of effortless polish.
4. Finish with classic accessories like a simple watch or pearl stud earrings. This outfit transitions perfectly from the course to a post-round drink on the patio.

Pro-Tip: Ensure your Bermuda shorts have a tailored, not baggy, fit. A slim or straight-leg cut prevents the longer length from looking frumpy and keeps the silhouette sharp.

5. The All-Day Comfort Outfit

Pin this look for ultimate on-course comfort!

Outfit Pieces:

• Knit Golf Shorts: Shorts made from a soft, breathable knit fabric similar to high-end loungewear, with a comfortable elastic waistband.
• UPF 50+ Sun Shirt: A long-sleeved, feather-light sun shirt with built-in sun protection and cooling technology.
• Spikeless Knit Golf Shoes: Golf shoes with a flexible, sock-like knit upper for maximum comfort.
• Baseball Cap: A lightweight, breathable cap.

Styling Tips:

1. This outfit is all about the fabric. The soft knit shorts and silky sun shirt feel incredible against the skin.
2. Choose a sun shirt in a light pastel color to reflect heat.
3. The long sleeves provide superior sun protection for your arms, often keeping you cooler than a short-sleeve top by blocking direct rays.
4. This look is perfect for the golfer who walks 18 holes and wants to feel as comfortable on the last green as they did on the first tee.

Lesson Learned: Don’t be afraid of long sleeves in the heat! Modern UPF sun shirts are incredibly thin, breathable, and often have cooling properties that make them more comfortable than short sleeves.

6. The Hot Weather Pro

Save this genius idea for staying cool on the course!

Outfit Pieces:

• Lightweight White Shorts: Look for shorts made from ultra-light, perforated, or seersucker-style fabric designed for maximum airflow.
• Mesh-Paneled Sleeveless Polo: A sleeveless top with strategically placed mesh panels (underarms, back) for ventilation.
• Wide-Brim Visor: A visor with a wider brim for enhanced sun protection for the face.
• Breathable Golf Shoes: Shoes with mesh uppers for better airflow to your feet.
• Cooling Towel: An essential accessory for hot days.

Styling Tips:

1. In hot weather, color choice matters. Light colors like white reflect sunlight and keep you cooler.
2. Seek out apparel with ventilation technology. Perforated fabrics and mesh panels make a significant difference in comfort.
3. A sleeveless top is a must for maximizing airflow.
4. Don’t forget a cooling towel—wet it, wring it, and snap it to activate, then place it on the back of your neck between shots.

Pro-Tip: Some brands offer fabric with “cooling yarn technology” that feels cool to the touch. It’s a premium feature worth seeking out if you frequently play in high heat.

7. The Neutral Tones Minimalist

Pin this chic and minimalist golf outfit inspiration.

Outfit Pieces:

• Pleated High-Waisted Shorts: A pair of tailored, pleated shorts in a neutral color like beige, stone, or olive green.
• Fitted Mock Neck Top: A sleek, short-sleeve mock neck top in black or white.
• Black Woven Belt: A simple black belt to complement the top.
• Black Spikeless Golf Shoes: Modern black golf shoes to tie the look together.
• Minimalist Jewelry: Simple silver or gold jewelry.

Styling Tips:

1. This look is about clean lines and a perfect fit. The high-waisted shorts create a flattering silhouette, especially when paired with a tucked-in, fitted top.
2. Sticking to a palette of black, white, and beige creates an effortlessly chic and expensive-looking ensemble.
3. The mock neck top is a modern, sophisticated alternative to a traditional polo collar.
4. This outfit demonstrates that you don’t need bright colors or bold prints to make a style statement on the course.

Pro-Tip: Investing in high-quality neutral basics like these is the secret to a “capsule wardrobe” for golf. One pair of beige shorts can be styled in countless ways.

8. The Tournament-Ready Pro Look

Save this pro-level look for your next competition!

Outfit Pieces:

• Premium Brand White Shorts: White shorts from a top golf apparel brand known for its performance technology (e.g., Nike, Adidas, Callaway).
• Coordinating Brand Polo: A high-performance polo in a bold, confident color from the same brand.
• Matching Branded Hat or Visor: A hat or visor that matches the apparel brand.
• Tour-Level Golf Shoes: High-performance, cleated golf shoes designed for stability.
• Performance Golf Glove: A high-quality leather or synthetic glove.

Styling Tips:

1. A head-to-toe branded look creates a cohesive, professional appearance, similar to what you see on the LPGA tour.
2. Choose a powerful color for the top, like royal blue, red, or black, to pair with crisp white shorts.
3. This outfit is less about fashion trends and more about showcasing the best in performance fabric and athletic fit.
4. Tucking in the shirt and wearing a hat are non-negotiable for this look, signaling a focus on the game and respect for its traditions.

Pro-Tip: For tournaments, ensure your shorts have deep, secure pockets. You’ll need easy access to a spare ball, tees, and your ball marker without worrying about anything falling out under pressure.

9. The Versatile ’19th Hole’ Style

Pin this perfect on-and-off the course outfit!

Outfit Pieces:

• Tailored Charcoal Shorts: Choose shorts with a clean, flat-front design in a versatile color like charcoal gray, made from a technical fabric that looks like chino.
• Striped Short-Sleeve Top: A high-quality, non-collared top like a striped boatneck or crewneck tee in a breathable fabric. (Note: check club rules on collars).
• Denim Jacket: A classic denim jacket to throw on afterward.
• Lifestyle Spikeless Shoes: Spikeless golf shoes that look like fashionable sneakers or boat shoes.
• Stylish Sunglasses: A pair of classic aviator or wayfarer sunglasses.

Styling Tips:

1. The key is choosing golf shorts that don’t look like golf shorts. Avoid overt branding and opt for a tailored fit and versatile color.
2. Pairing the shorts with a classic striped top instead of a polo instantly makes the outfit feel more casual and chic.
3. The spikeless shoes are crucial; they provide grip on the course but look perfectly normal on the street.
4. Simply add the denim jacket and sunglasses after your round, and you’re ready for anything.

Lesson Learned: Many modern golf brands are now designing “crossover” apparel specifically for this purpose. Look for collections labeled “on and off the course” for the best options.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Perfect Golf Shorts

• Prioritize Fit & Fabric: The best shorts offer four-way stretch for movement and moisture-wicking properties for comfort. Always perform a “swing and squat” test.
• Know Your Inseam: A 5 to 7-inch inseam is the most popular and widely accepted length. Longer Bermuda styles (9″+) offer a more traditional, conservative look.
• Check the Dress Code: If you play at private or semi-private clubs, always verify their dress code rules on short length and style before you play. When in doubt, go longer.
• Build Outfits Around Neutrals: Start your golf wardrobe with shorts in versatile, neutral colors like navy, khaki, black, and white to maximize your outfit combinations.
• Function is Key: Don’t overlook practical features. Look for streamlined pockets that are deep enough for essentials and consider a gripper waistband to keep your top neatly tucked.

People Also Ask About Women’s Golf Shorts

What is the proper length for women’s golf shorts?

The proper length for women’s golf shorts is typically between a 5-inch and 9-inch inseam. This range is considered appropriate by most golf clubs. A simple guideline is the “fingertip test”: the hem of your shorts should extend to or beyond your fingertips when your arms are resting at your sides. If you’re playing a private course for the first time, it’s always safest to opt for a longer inseam (7 inches or more).

What is the difference between golf shorts and regular athletic shorts?

Golf shorts are specifically engineered for the sport, while regular athletic shorts are not. Golf shorts feature tailored designs, belt loops, and discreet pockets appropriate for a course setting. They are made from stretch-woven performance fabrics that allow for a full range of motion in the golf swing. Regular athletic shorts, like running shorts, are often too short, made of shiny materials, and lack the structure required by most golf course dress codes.

Can I wear leggings under my golf shorts?

Yes, wearing leggings under golf shorts is a modern, stylish, and acceptable look in golf, especially in cooler weather. This layered style provides extra warmth and sun protection while maintaining a sporty aesthetic. Ensure the leggings are a solid, neutral color and that the shorts are a standard golf style to keep the look polished and course-appropriate.

Are more expensive golf shorts worth the investment?

Often, yes. More expensive golf shorts are typically worth it due to superior fabric technology, construction, and fit. Premium shorts use more durable, comfortable, and higher-performing materials with features like enhanced moisture-wicking, UPF 50+ sun protection, and a better stretch-recovery. They also tend to have a more flattering, precision-engineered fit that holds its shape wash after wash, making them a good long-term investment for a serious golfer.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect golf shorts is about much more than just following a dress code. It’s about discovering that sweet spot where personal style meets performance-driven function. The right outfit—built around a great pair of shorts—can truly boost your confidence, allowing you to step onto the tee box feeling powerful, polished, and ready to play your best game.

Now you have the ultimate style guide at your fingertips. Which outfit look is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below

Last update on 2025-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API