How To Wear a Golf Vest

Apparel is more important in golf than you might think. It's easy to get fixated on what kind of clubs to use, how you can improve your technique, and how often you manage to practice. But what you wear to play is just as important.

The golf apparel you choose determines how your body will feel on the green and how good you'll feel in it. Here is why a good golf vest is as crucial a piece of gear as anything else.

What Is a Golf Vest?

At first glance, it doesn't seem like there are any meaningful distinctions between a standard vest and a good golf vest - but there are. 

Vests made specifically for the game of golf target critical movements that golfers make, and they're precision engineered to assist in those movements. From breathability and moisture wicking to core warmth and style, a good golf vest can play a pivotal role in how well you perform out on the green.

4 Benefits of Wearing a Golf Vest

Shopping for the perfect golf vest doesn't come down to merely style. It impacts your performance as a golfer. The four biggest benefits of wearing a golf vest are:

Keeps your core temperature warm

Whether it's hot or cool outside, it's important to keep your core temperature consistently warm. In hot conditions, we exude sweat so that we experience a cooling sensation when it evaporates. That sensation is a signal that our body is regulating the temperature of our core.

Wearing a breathable vest can help keep you cool in the summer but also help insulate you in the wintertime.

Perfect for stylish layering

Let's face it: golf is incredibly fashion-forward. Basketball, baseball, and football all require uniforms. Though the khakis, polo, and visor are something of a uniform on the green, golfers are freer to mix up their fashion choices.

A vest is great for layering over a polo or t-shirt to mix up your style. It won't add too much bulk either, so you can still perform at the highest level.

Doesn't restrict movement

When it's cold outside, you might be tempted to put on a sweater to keep warm. But sweaters can restrict your movement and interfere with your achieving the perfect swing. 

It's been proven that golf is good exercise, whether or not you rely on a golf cart to get around. But you won't be able to get around as easily if you're stuffed into a tight sweater. Vests keep your core warm but leave your arms totally unencumbered. They're a great alternative to tight, scratchy sweaters.

Stay up to course dress standards

A lot of golf courses have dress standards. You can't show up in gym shorts, ratty shoes, and an old tank top. People pay monthly dues to belong to golf clubs, and they want to don't want tacky dressers blighting their sight while out on the fairway.

Stay up to the standards of your club's dress code by throwing on a stylish vest.

What To Look For in a Golf Vest

Not all golf vests are made equal. There are certain qualities you'll want to look for when you go vest shopping. The most important include:

• - Lightweight and breathable: Down vests, wool vests, and anything bulky or overly warm should be immediately filtered out of your search. When shopping for golf vests, keep your eyes on lightweight and breathable items.
• - Moisture-wicking technology: You're going to work up a sweat while golfing, whether you like it or not. You're likely going to sweat through your first layer too, whether it be a t-shirt or polo. That means the sweat is going to reach your vest, so it's important that it have moisture-wicking technology to diffuse that sweat.
• - Soft touch: You're going to want a soft vest, even if it isn't going to directly touch your skin like a shirt or polo. You'll feel it every time you swing, as your arms will sidle up against your stomach. Make sure it feels soft to the touch.
• - 4-way stretch: The more flexible your vest, the better. Golf requires a lot of fluid upper body movement. You want to be able to move as freely as possible, which means you'll have the best luck buying a vest made of 4-way stretch fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Layer a Vest for Golf?

You can layer a vest for golf in a number of ways. You can slip it over a t-shirt or polo for a classic look, or rock it under a light seersucker blazer for that PGA pro-style. It's a versatile garment that can be worn in any season.

Looking for a Classic Vest? Shop Stitch Golf!

Check out the lightweight, breathable, soft, and stretchy vests at Stitch Golf. Our GT Vest is designed for comfort and performance. It's both breathable and durable, meaning you can wear it under all conditions and have it perfectly suit your golfing needs.