Golf Attire for the Plus-Size Woman – What is Acceptable, What is Not Acceptable

Most golf attire is made and designed for smaller women. I am a plus-size woman who is passionate about golfing; but I’ve had trouble finding suitable outfits to golf in. When playing at the local municipal course, I simply throw on a pair of athletic pants and a tee shirt and I’m ready to go. This attire however is not acceptable at a resort or private golf club. Although the requirements may vary at different clubs, there is a somewhat universally accepted dress code.

Not Acceptable:
1. No denim of any type is acceptable. This includes colored and dressy jeans as well as denim shirts.

2. No really short shorts or skorts. That may sound funny as this is being written for plus-size women, but I don’t want to assume anything. Most clubs ask that women’s shorts or skorts be just above or below the knee.

3. No tee shirts. When playing an extremely casual golf course, you may get by with a tee shirt, but it’s a no-no at more upscale courses.

4. No sweats or athletic pants. I will oftentimes wear a pair of nice drawstring athletic pants, a tee shirt and matching jacket on my municipal course. Even though these may be well coordinated and really cute, this is not viewed as acceptable golf attire.

Acceptable:
1. A nice pair of slacks (like Dockers). Great for a size 8, but Dockers aren’t always a comfortable fit for a plus-size woman. In lieu of Dockers, I typically go with a pair of classic-fit (more like men’s trousers) stretch slacks or a pair of crepe or linen/rayon pants. This choice is both acceptable and comfortable for a fuller-figured woman.

2. A nice pair of shorts, skorts/skirts or capris. As a plus-size woman, you’ll never catch these big thighs in a pair of skorts. Capris can also be unattractive for women with larger calves. That said, a pair of Bermuda style shorts are standardly a great choice for a plus-sized woman. Longer skirts are also both functional and attractive. Be sure to choose a fabric that is comfortable and non-restrictive (and remember denim or sweatshirt type material are not acceptable).

3. Collared shirts. A golf (polo) shirt or women’s dress shirt (made out of cotton) is acceptable. You can layer shirts by wearing a sleeveless or short sleeve polo under a long sleeve sport or dress shirt. It’s also acceptable to wear a pullover shirt (with or without a collar) over a collared golf shirt.

4. Golf Dresses. It’s unusual to see a woman on the course in a dress, nonetheless, it is acceptable as well as comfortable. An appropriate golf dress would be straight (you don’t want the wind blowing your dress), knee length (or slightly longer) and made of breathable and flexible material such as stretch-cotton. One of my favorites is a jersey polo or shirt style dress. Some women may wear a pair of bike style shorts under their dress for more assurance.

5. Wind shirts, vests, jackets or golf sweater. Because the weather can quickly change on the course, it’s best to dress in layers. Fleece pullovers, cardigan sweaters and wind shirts are great for those cool days on the course.

Additionally, plus-size women have a tendency to wear somewhat baggy clothes. Too tight or too loose clothing can adversely affect your game. Instead, choose clothing that is a close, but comfortable fit. When considering whether an outfit is acceptable or not, I typically think about whether it can be worn in the clubhouse or restaurant.