Dressing for golf can be quite tricky. On the one hand, you want to be comfortable and look nice, but on the other hand, there’s a dress code you have to follow.
So, can you wear leggings to golf?
You can wear leggings to golf in casual, less strict environments, like a public golf course. However, in more traditional country clubs and private courses, leggings can be less preferable or outright banned. So, it’s best to check with the venue for their dress code before going.
In case the place you want to play at doesn’t allow leggings, you probably should explore the different options you have for cute and practical golf outfits. But first, why are leggings banned from some golf courses?
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Why Are Leggings Considered Inappropriate Golf Attire?
Golf is an old sport that dates back to 15th-century Scotland, and for most of its history, it was restricted to only male players. Women joined in in the early 19th century, and formal societies for women golfers only formed in the late 1800s.
This explains the very strict rules that were put in place to regulate proper golf etiquette. After all, they say that golf is built on two pillars; tradition and decorum.
Golf clubs began attracting female membership in the second half of the 20th century, and soon after, dress codes for women started to appear.
The standard became a short sleeve or sleeveless collared T-shirt with a skirt or skort (skirt and shorts combination). As time went by, options for women’s golf attire became much more varied, including pants and longer, Bermuda-type shorts.
However, just recently, the LPGA released its dress code for professional women golfers. It completely banned athleisure wear of any sort, only allowing leggings under skirts or skorts.
Now, some can argue that this is an old, misogynistic set of rules to limit women’s freedom to wear what they want. Some are also worried about the possibility of using this to “gatekeep” the sport to prevent lower-income individuals from joining. But proponents of dress codes have a different viewpoint.
They say that choosing to keep a dress code for women in established clubs is just to maintain a less-distracting environment for players. However, it’s usually older female players who call out dress code violations, not male players who are supposed to be facing the distraction.
That said, leggings are accepted in many more courses and clubs nowadays. And in case you weren’t 100% sure, just call the establishment beforehand and find out whether leggings are okay.
What Can You Wear to Golf Other Than Leggings?
Giving up leggings can be disappointing, especially if it’s your first time going golfing and you wanted to be comfortable. However, there are some options you can go for that are both cute and easy to play in.
1. Dress
One of the nicest things about being a woman is the ability to wear a dress and not have to worry about mixing and matching a million clothing items. Aside from looking pretty, they’re also practical when it comes to movement, especially if they’re not too short.
Dresses can be made of breathable materials, such as cotton and linen, which wick moisture away from the body and keep you cool. There are several styles out there that are perfect for golf, like plain polo shirt dresses, pleated dresses, or a style that combines the two.
One thing to consider, though, is the sleeve style. Some golf courses ban racerback, halterneck, or low-cut dresses as part of their dress code. So, check the venue’s website before picking your next outfit.
2. Skirt
Skirts are a classic choice for golf. If anything, they’re the closest thing to kilts worn by the men who first practiced golf in Scotland 500 years ago!
In order to be both stylish and comfortable, opt for a skirt that’s not too long and not too short. Aim for something about 2 inches above the knee to maintain your range of motion and stay covered even while bending over to place a ball.
Skirts come in thousands of styles that fit every taste; just try to keep it a bit discreet if you’re in an old, stiff-upper-lip country club. Neutral colors like white, gray, beige, khaki, or black are your friends. And the best part is: you’ll be able to match them with whatever color top you like!
3. Skorts
Just like skirts, skorts are a stellar choice for golfing bottoms. They combine the elegance of a skirt with the practicality of shorts.
They might not be your first choice, mainly because they’re the punchline of multiple stand-up jokes, but they’re really comfortable and can be very adorable.
They also save you the trouble of finding a matching pair of shorts to go with your short skirt or dress. Win-win!
4. Slacks
Although they weren’t allowed for women at some point in the past, slacks are perfect golfing wear! They provide warmth in the cooler months of the season and can support the same range of motion that leggings do. What’s not to like?!
5. Bermuda Shorts
Just like slacks, Bermudas are super easy to move in and can be styled to look fashionable and cute. Going for a pattern like gingham or tartan will give your look a timeless vibe, and they’ll keep you cool in the summer months, especially if they’re made of a breathable fabric.
Conclusion
Can you wear leggings to golf?
Well, as much as we’d like to wear leggings everywhere, some private golf courses and country clubs ban them. This seems to be a common issue in old establishments that want to maintain a sense of formality, so athleisure doesn’t fit within the image of the place.
That said, there are many different alternatives to leggings that can be both comfortable and cute. You can opt for the classics; dresses or skirts, or go for the more practical skorts, shorts, or slacks.
Whatever you choose, though, stay away from denim! But that’s a whole other topic to discuss.
