There’s a new wave of fashion on the fairways.
There was a time when golf fashion meant plaid, polos and predictability. You’d walk into a pro shop and see neat rows of collared shirts, pressed trousers and a single rack labelled “Women’s”, tucked politely in the corner with outrageous colours and prints. It wasn’t that long ago, either. For decades, golf fashion was less about self-expression and more about predictability, a uniform of conformity.
But that’s changing. In fact, it’s already changed. Golf fashion has undergone one of the most exciting transformations in sport, blending performance, personality and power-dressing in a way that reflects what’s really happening on the fairways: women showing up, taking space and rewriting the dress code entirely. We’re making no apologies for how we’re dressing.
Scroll through Instagram or step onto a modern golf range and you’ll see it, cropped tops, bold prints, pleated skorts, boxy polos and even dresses designed to move and make a statement. Brands like Fore All, Malbon and J.Lindeberg are redefining what golf attire can look like. Even heritage labels like adidas, FootJoy, and Ralph Lauren are leaning into fashion-forward cuts and more inclusive designs.
Women’s golf fashion today isn’t about blending in. It’s about standing out and not just in neon or metallics (though there’s room for that, too). It’s about finding the sweet spot between function and flair. As my playing partners recently told me, “I want to dress like myself, feel confident and look like I belong.”
The best part? There’s no single aesthetic anymore. Some women love the clean, country-club chic of a white quarter-zip and neutral skort. Others channel sport-luxe minimalism in matching sets, or preppy nostalgia with argyle vests and vintage visors. Then there’s the bold crowd – think bright hues, prints, cut-out details and streetwear crossover pieces that wouldn’t look out of place at brunch after a round.
Freedom of expression (and the female advantage)
Unlike men, who still navigate traditional dress codes requiring collared shirts, tailored shorts and belts, women’s golf fashion exists in a far freer space. There are guidelines, sure, but rarely rigidity. And that flexibility has become a gateway for creativity.
We’ve seen the rise of brands intentionally designing with women’s bodies, lifestyles and comfort in mind, rather than simply “shrinking and pinking” the men’s line. Today’s female golfer doesn’t want to feel restricted, literally or stylistically. She might play nine holes, grab lunch, then hit the Pilates studio, all in the same outfit. Golfwear has become lifestyle wear, and that’s where its true power lies – the way it makes you feel.
As golf’s younger generation steps in, often from fitness or fashion backgrounds, the culture of what’s considered “appropriate” is evolving with them. Crop tops, performance skirts and sleeveless polos are no longer acts of rebellion; they’re just reality. And while the men debate whether joggers belong on course, the women have already moved on.
Beyond the pro shop walls
Let’s be honest, most pro shops still have a long way to go. For every wall of men’s gear, there’s often one small corner of women’s clothing. Usually it’s safe, neutral and two seasons behind. But here’s the thing: that doesn’t matter as much anymore.
Female golfers aren’t waiting for the industry to catch up. They’re finding inspiration and their outfits elsewhere. Activewear labels, resort designers and even streetwear brands are filling the gap with pieces that transition seamlessly from course to café. Think Lululemon skirts, Alo Yoga polos or even a cheeky Zara find. The rise of social-media creators, many of whom blend athletic and everyday fashion, has also pushed golf apparel into mainstream consciousness.
That accessibility has broken down the barriers of entry for new players. When you can feel stylish and comfortable, you’re more likely to pick up a club. Golf is no longer reserved for those who fit a mould, and neither is the wardrobe. It certainly should not be the barrier to entry, especially as we still need more female participation in the sport.
The cultural shift
This resurgence in golf fashion isn’t just aesthetic; it’s cultural. For years, the sport has struggled with perceptions of exclusivity. But when you see diverse, stylish, confident women turning up to play, from the driving range to the tour, it changes the image of golf itself.
Fashion has become one of the sport’s most powerful forms of advocacy. It tells young girls: this is a space for you. It says to new players: you belong here. And for those who’ve played for decades, it gives permission to evolve, to swap tradition for something that feels more like them.
Even the pros are leading the charge. From Nelly Korda’s cool, athletic polish and feature in the new Nike x Skims collection, to Steph Kyriacou wearing cool-kid Aussie brand Walker Golf on the LPGA Tour. The women’s game is setting the tone for what’s next. Brands are finally listening, realising that golfwear doesn’t have to look one way to be taken seriously.
Confidence is key
Ask any woman what makes her feel good on the golf course, and it’s rarely just the outfit. It’s what the outfit allows her to do – to move, to swing, to feel strong and confident. Modern golf fashion is designed with that in mind, pieces that stretch where they should, breathe where they need to and still photograph beautifully at golden hour.
That’s not vanity; it’s self-expression. And self-expression breeds confidence which, in turn, improves performance. When you feel like yourself, you play at your best.
One look around today’s golf scene and it’s clear the dress code has loosened, but the standard of style has never been higher.
The future of golf fashion
What’s next? Expect to see even bolder collaborations between designers, athletes and influencers. Expect golfwear to continue blurring the lines with activewear and resortwear. And expect more inclusivity (finally!) in sizing, in colour, in representation.
As golf grows more diverse, so too will its style. It’s an exciting time to be part of that shift, whether you’re a scratch golfer or someone just learning to grip the club.
For women, golf fashion isn’t about permission anymore. It’s about personality and showing up your authentic self. Sometimes our hardest critic is ourselves, but you also need to be your biggest hype girl.
The new era of golf fashion celebrates individuality over conformity. It’s proof that women can take a sport steeped in tradition and make it modern, expressive, and undeniably stylish. The collared-shirt debate? Irrelevant. The rules? Rewritten.
What matters now is confidence, creativity and community. The clothes are simply the canvas. Golf may be a game of precision, but fashion is where we play freely. And right now, women are absolutely owning the look.
Women’s brands to watch
Mila Range
The new girl on the block making a bold statement. Mila is all about elevated classics with golf heritage at its heart. This female-founded Aussie brand at its core blends innovation and style with elevated pieces that go beyond fairways. Shorts made to move with you and polos and skirts to carry you through the weekend. With a matching scarf in the classic heritage collection style it as your own: neck scarf, hairband or upgrade your golf bag.
Druids
If you are starting your golf wardrobe from scratch or wanting an overhaul, look no further. Druids has absolutely everything a golfer needs in their closet from head to toe. Founded in the heart of Scotland, Druids set out to ensure quality golf gear doesn’t break the bank. Every golfer can find their style to take on all conditions, no matter what the elements throw at you.
Soneven
If you want to give off main-character vibes, this is the brand for you. Soneven is for the daring players that aren’t afraid to show off their personality. With performance fabrics and fun silhouettes, get ready to introduce a new outfit to the rotation that is for the feel-good days where what you wear injects the fun into your day, letting your best swings follow.
adidas
Originals x golf continues to serve looks with this latest adidas drop. Pleated skorts, shorts and polos with the trefoil logo has you going from the course to café with an effortless, cool-girl aesthetic. The latest drop of adidas golf shoes is a must-have with versatile spikeless Gazelle and lilac is the spring/summer colour of the season. Every piece is on-trend and the building blocks of your fashion forward golf wardrobe. You’ll be reaching for these pieces every round.
TravisMathew
The cool golf guys undoubtably would have some TravisMathew pieces in their closet. But now the California-inspired surf-meets-street brand’s women’s range is a must-have with elevated basics that every golfer needs. These pieces are the base of great golf style that’s effortless and versatile.
Ecco
For style and comfort you can trust, Ecco is the go-to shoe. For decades the brand has cemented itself as a leader in making great golf shoes with fresh tech, fits that keep you comfy all day long and a range where you can find your unique style.
Golfbox
Find a new favourite piece with a huge range of brands, including cool kids on the block Malbon, Walker Golf and Calvin Klein. From base layers to outer layers, stock up on everything you need to hit the course in style this summer.
