The best golf pants are year-round staples for cool mornings on the course, and they’re required by more traditional clubs, even in summer. Still, the last thing you want is to feel restricted or sweaty. After hours of hands-on testing a variety of options and speaking with golf pros around the country, we picked Bonobos’ Performance Link Pants as the best golf pants for men overall since they’re lightweight, stretchy and perform well in all weather.Under Armour’s Infrared Tapered Pants came in a very close second, and are the most comfortable.
Our tester is an avid golfer based in Massachusetts, where the outside temperatures can be unforgiving, and he also plays indoor at a golf simulator space. Taking all these variables into account, other winners emerged during our testing process as well, which might work best for your specific needs. G/Fore’s Tour 5 Pocket Stretch Pant were the highest quality pair, for example, while Peter Millar’s Surge Performance Trousers were the most stylish for dressier clubs. Ahead, all the best golf pants that we highly recommend for your next round.
The best golf pants are comfortable, breathable and stylish to wear, on and off the course.
Sizes: 28 to 46W, 28 to 36L | Materials: 100% recycled polyester | Colors: 13 total
What’s notable: These stylish pants are lightweight and have built-in stretch for comfort.
What could be better: They’re not 100% wrinkle-proof, so they may show creasing by the end of your round.
Breathable for all-season wear, Bonobos’ Performance Link Pants are cut from a quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabric that’s also rated for UPF protection. This pair comes in five fits (tailored, athletic, slim tapered) and many colors, in addition to being easy to clean (toss them in the washing machine on cold and tumble dry). Just keep in mind that they’re not entirely wrinkle-resistant and might require some ironing.
What our tester says: These pants are “great looking, great feeling, lightweight, stretchy in the right places, and great for hot or cold weather. They’re durable to wear out on the golf course or an indoor simulator, and you can feel confident to walk 18 holes or ride in a cart all day long in these.” The only con, according to our tester, is that they “seem to attract water. [If you] rest a drink on them for a millisecond, it’s going to leave a water ring for a few holes.”
Best Versatile Golf Pants
Under Armour: Designed To Move With You
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Tapered Pants
Sizes: 28 to 44W, 30 to 34L | Materials: 91% polyester, 9% elastane | Colors: 2 total
What’s notable: They have a fluorine-free water repellent coating to keep you dry, and the internal waistband grip helps keep your shirt tucked in.
What could be better: The back pocket has a snap closure, not a zipper, and they’re only available in two dark colors.
While these are technically designed for cold weather, our tester found they performed well all conditions, with a stylish look that means you can wear them while golfing but also in everyday life. The water-resistant, poly stretch fabric also offers wind protection, so if you encounter some bad weather, the elements won’t affect your comfort level.
What our tester says: These golf pants have “a great feel, with a waistband that stays on your hips while moving around. They’re also waterproof, so water rolls off, and dust or dirt wipes away easy.” Our tester also noted that “the overall quality is exceptional. I washed these pants several times, and they still look and feel brand new.” In terms of negatives, our tester said, “I didn’t find any cons with these pants. They’re an overall winner for me.”
Best Quality Golf Pants
G/Fore: Designed By Golfers For Top-Notch Performance
G/FORE
G/Fore Tour 5 Pocket 4-Way Stretch Pant
Sizes: 30 to 42W, 30 to 34L | Materials: 100% polyester | Colors: 6 total
What’s notable: These feature a stylish, slim-straight fit for dressier golf situations and the fabric quality is excellent.
What could be better: The more tailored fit may not work for all, and some reviewers note inseam length inaccuracies.
With a modern fit that’s sleek and stylish, the G/Fore’s Tour 5 is made from a stretch warp knit fabric that’s moisture-wicking to keep you dry and comfortable during play, as well as when you’re getting in and out of the cart and hitting tricky shots. Professional golfers were involved in the design process, and it shows—this pair is lightweight, easy-wearing and built to perform.
What our tester says: “The quality here is great. These are your tournament outing golf pants. They’re professional-looking, and the type of pants to impress your father-in-law before slicing it into the woods. They’re silky smooth, and make you feel as confident as prime Tiger Woods coming down 18 back in 2004.” The only drawbacks are that these are not best for cold weather—“they’re a summer style, lightweight and cooling”—and are “almost too nice where you’re going to be mad if you spill ketchup on them at the turn.” Overall, our tester found these “multi-use pants give me the confidence of screaming, ‘I’ll par the next hole!’”
Best Stylish Golf Pants
Peter Millar: A Golf Pro Favorite
Peter Millar
Peter Millar Crown Crafted Surge Performance Trouser
Sizes: 30 t0 44W, 30 to 34L | Materials: 100% polyester | Colors: 6 total
What’s notable: The modern, minimalist design makes these a stylish choice for a long day on the course, and they’re stain- and wrinkle-resistant.
What could be better: These run small so you may want to consider sizing up.
The Surge Performance Trouser has a flat front, darted back and a slim cut from knee to ankle—the leg opening is 15 inches—that creates a polished, ultra-streamlined look. They’re a lightweight pant designed with comfort in mind, but they also have a professional look that easily transitions to the office or an after-game drink.
What our tester says: “These are the best-looking golf pants I tested. The quality and colors are exceptional.” But, keep in mind these are “slim fit golf pants. So slim, you can forget about putting a bunch of tees in your pocket,” and our tested also noted the pockets are narrow: “It almost seems like they’re not made to have anything in your pockets.”
Best Golf Joggers
Greyson: Comfortable Yet Polished And Club-Appropriate
Sak's Fifth Avenue
Greyson Montauk Joggers
Sizes: 31 to 38 | Materials: Polyester/spandex | Colors: 3 total
What’s notable: This ultra-comfortable pair fits especially well if you have larger glutes and calves, and it features a stylish tab closure at waist
What could be better: The sizing and colors are somewhat limited.
Made with an 8-way stretch Italian performance fabric, the Greyson Montauk jogger is like your favorite pair of sweatpants, but they’re fancy enough to meet dress code requirements. With their antimicrobial, quick-drying, moisture-wicking and UV-protecting properties, they’re also made to perform. Perforated pockets keep the air flowing and the flat-front waist elevates the look.
What our tester says: “These are the highest rated jogger I tested, for sure, and the second most comfortable on the list after the Under Armour pair. The quality feels good enough for the golf course but also for a night out on the town. This would be the pair I would want to wear if I’m walking 18 holes of golf.” Our tester liked the double-locking waistband buttons for extra security but still found it best to keep his shirt tucked in, though. Otherwise, “you might not be as confident to bend over and pick up that tee without going full plumber-under-the-sink.”
Best Golf Pants For Big Guys
Callaway: Active Waistband Moves With Your Every Swing
Callaway
Callaway Big & Tall Stretch Lightweight Classic Pant with Active Waistband
Sizes: 36 to 56W, 30 to 38L | Materials: 95% polyester, 5% spandex | Colors: 5 total
What’s notable: The grippy inner waistband helps keep your shirt in place and the moisture-wicking poly-blend fabric keeps you from over heating.
What could be better: The more traditional look of this pant might not appeal to all, and some reviewers note that there can be sizing inconsistencies.
Callaway’s Stretch Lightweight Classic Pant has a 20-inch size range and an active waistband that comfortably moves with your body, plus UV protection for sunnier days. This pair also wicks moisture away and stays stretchy, dry and comfortable while retaining its shape.
What our tester says: “You can definitely tell these pants have been designed by a golf company. Golf first, style points later. They're freeing because you don't feel constricted by a slimmer fit. They have non-slip bands on the waistband that keep them securely in place.” On the downside, though, the pants “fit great around the waist but then just go straight down to your feet.” The overall style is a bit more traditional, too.
Best Affordable Golf Pants
Soothfeel: Ultra-Stretchy For All-Day Comfort
Amazon
Soothfeel Slim-Fit Stretch Golf Pant
Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: 82% polyester, 18% spandex | Colors: 20 total
What’s notable: This 5-pocket design features a comfortable elastic waistband and has a hidden zippered pocket for securing essentials.
What could be better: The back pocket can snap open easily and some say the front pockets aren’t deep enough.
These Soothfeel pants are like a mix between a jogger and a trouser, giving off a stylish look while maintaining a stretchy comfort. The slim fit highlights most body types and while there’s a traditional zippered fly, there’s a sleek elastic waist, allowing for extended movement and flexibility. They also come in an impressive range of 20 colors.
What our tester says: “I’d recommend these for those on a budget and the weekend-warrior golfer who wants to be comfortable while playing golf with some buddies. They have a silk-like feel that’s lightweight and very comfy.” But our tester found that they’re not waterproof or as high quality as others on our list so they might wear out eventually: “Over time the washing machine is going to win the battle with these ones.”
The below golf pants were mentioned by the golf pros we spoke with as popular picks on both public courses as well as on some of the most exclusive courses in the world. So whether you're on the local links or you're lucky enough to play courses like Cypress Point or Augusta, you may want to give these a look.
Lululemon: A Dress-Up, Dress-Down Pair
Lululemon
Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Trouser
Sizes: 28 to 40W, 28 to 37L | Materials: 53% elastomultiester, 47% recycled polyester | Colors: 11 total
What’s notable: The pants easily transition from the course to work to dinner, making them a versatile, easy-wear staple.
What could be better: These can be too roomy in the leg for some, so opt for the slim fit if you prefer your golf pants fitted closer to the leg.
Although our tester didn’t love this pair as much as others, many of the other amateur players we spoke to recommended Lululemon’s classic fit trouser. The pants have a streamlined fit and are made with the brand’s four-way stretch Warpstreme fabric—which is breathable, quick drying and wrinkle-resistant—so you’ll be comfortable on the course. Back pockets have hidden snap closures, and there’s a zippered pocket on the side seam for storing things like cash and credit cards. Just note that the fit is on the slim side, which is true for most of Lululemon’s pants.
Ralph Lauren RLX Golf: Simple And Streamlined
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren RLX Golf Classic Fit Performance Twill Pant
Sizes: 28 to 42W, 30 to 34L | Materials: 100% recycled polyester | Colors: 6 total
What’s notable: This pair is machine washable and doesn’t require ironing or dry cleaning like khakis or slacks.
What could be better: The 14-inch leg opening is too narrow for some.
A mainstay in many club pro shops, this classic five-pocket style is a favorite across generations of golfers. It’s a medium-weight pant, so it’s not as thin and clingy as some others, and it’s moisture wicking and has a nice drape.
Johnnie O: Performance Fabric That Looks Polished
Johnnie O
Johnnie O Cross Country Performance Pant
Sizes: 30 to 42W, 30 to 34L | Materials: 100% polyester warp knit | Colors: 5 total
What’s notable: The fabric is a nice weight, so it drapes well and doesn’t look thin. Reviewers also say the fit is true to size.
What could be better: These can wrinkle if you don’t take them out of the dryer promptly.
Johnnie O’s classic-but-relaxed sensibility rings true with the design of these pants: This stretchy five-pocket pair looks like a dressed-up chino but feels like something you’d happily lounge around in.
Rhone: Bespoke Tailoring For A Precise Fit
Rhone
Rhone Commuter Pant
Sizes: 28 to 40W, 26 to 33L | Materials: Flex-Knit fabric | Colors: 10 total
What’s notable: This pant comes in inseams for every inch of length from 26 to 33 inches, so you won’t have to take an extra trip to the tailor to have your pants shortened or let out.
What could be better: Some don’t love that this pant has a slight sheen in certain colors.
When you need a do-it-all pant for the course, the office and really anything in between, Rhone’s Commuter style is a popular pick. This straight-leg pant is available in a classic, slim, skinny or five-pocket style, which basically means you can find precisely the style what you want depending on your body type and style aesthetic.
State & Liberty: Stretchy Tech Fabric For Guys With Athletic Legs
State and Liberty Clothing Company
State And Liberty Athletic Stretch Chino
Sizes: 29 to 40W, 30 to 36L | Materials: 88% nylon, 12% spandex | Colors: 11 total
What’s notable: This pant comes with extra length in the hem so you can take them up or down for a more precise fit.
What could be better: Full disclosure, these are a tapered fit, so if you don’t love that look you should move on.
This pant is a winner for guys with athletic legs, and it’s a moves-with-you all star due to its breathable, moisture-wicking fabric and four-way stretch. The design also features a media pocket and hidden back zipper pocket to keep valuables secure.
How We Chose The Best Golf Pants For Men
To find the best golf pants, we tapped the expertise of our fashion team who has reported on everything from the best golf polos to the best golf shorts. We started by considering top-rated pants from both well-known and emerging golf brands, evaluating the contenders for their comfort, technical features, fit, versatility and value for the price. Once we had narrowed down the potential picks, we had our tester—an avid golfer who lives in Sturbridge, Massachusetts—try out all the pants while playing for hours, over multiple weeks, providing feedback on the pros and cons of each pair. We interviewed several top golf professionals as well, including PGA professional Joe Connerton, former PGA tour player and golf instructor David Lutterus, and golf professional Michael Harmon. Only the options that earned the highest marks landed on our list of the best golf pants. This story was most recently updated in March 2024.
What To Consider When Shopping For Best Golf Pants
Factors like your body type, comfort needs and golfing conditions come into play when picking out the best pair for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop:
Fit: You’ll be moving a lot during a golf game, so you’ll want a fit that comfortably accommodates your shape. “Even though the most popular silhouette today is slimmer and fitted, you still have to find the right pant for your body type,” says golf professional Michael Harmon, director emeritus at Secession Golf Club. If you have a more muscular build, a super slim pair of golf pants might feel restricting. Likewise, a slim body type might find that a super loose style just gets in the way of their overall form and swing. While golf pants used to be cut much fuller through the leg (and were pleated), in general today’s golf pants have a flat front and a streamlined, fitted straight leg or even a straight tapered leg. Alternatively, there are jogger-style pants like Greyson’s Montauk Joggers, but these are seen less often on conservative, old school club courses.
Fabric & Care: Most modern golf pants are made from technical polyester fabrics with some element of stretch for comfort and mobility, such as G/Fore’s Tour 5 Pocket 4-Way Stretch Pant and UnderArmour’s ColdGear Infrared Tapered Pants. Look for designs that are sweat-wicking, so they draw moisture away from the body whether you’re getting warm on the course or you get stuck in a brief bit of drizzle. You can wear a traditional khaki on the golf course, just bear in mind they will take more time to dry if they get wet, and they tend to wrinkle more easily than a technical fabric. “Ideally you want to look for something that’s machine washable—not a straight cotton you’d have to iron or something you’d have to dry clean,” says PGA professional Joe Connerton. “If you don’t have to put an iron to something, it’s a win. The beauty of a performance pant is that you can put it in the dryer or hang it after washing and you’re ready to go.”
Length: Many companies offer pants in various inseams—for instance, Peter Millar and G/Fore both offer 30-, 32- and 34-inch inseams. Some brands, like Bonobos and Rhone, have extended inseam lengths from 26 to 36 inches. If you’re an in-between size, though—for example, you’re a true 31 and the pant only comes in a 30- or 32-inch inseam—go with the longer inseam and have it hemmed at your tailor. You’ll be grateful to have the right fit over the long term. “Many men who plays morning golf will recognize that having pants slightly shorter or properly hemmed will avoid the back of their pants getting totally soaked from dewy grass,” says Connerton.
Pockets: In general, you’ll see men’s golf pants with side slash pockets on the hips and inset pockets in back, or you’ll see a five-pocket design pant with front pockets that load from the top and patch pockets in back. “Usually there’s a mini built in pocket that’s for a golf ball marker and tees,” says former PGA tour player and golf instructor David Lutterus. “Most golfers opt to put their glove in one of their back pockets.” Consider where you like to keep belongings such as tees, your wallet and your phone when on the course, as this may determine which type of pant will work best for you. While five-pocket designs are popular for their style both on and off the course, they don’t always hold belongings as well because the pockets in front are usually shallower, and in back there is no button closure on the patch pocket.
Technical Features: From weather protection—think water-resistant coatings, windproof fabric weaves and body heat-absorbing linings—to waistbands that hold your shirt in place, you can find a lot of impressive hidden details that make certain golf pants stand out, all of which we took into consideration when determining the top picks on our list.
Cost: While good lower priced options exist—like Soothfeel’s Slim-Fit Stretch Golf Pant—there are times it may be worth investing in golf pants that cost upwards of $100. “Higher quality pants in durable fabrics with well-sewn seams, nicely-placed pockets, and quality zippers or button closures will last you much longer,” says Harmon
Which Golf Pants Are Most Comfortable?
This depends on personal preference. “Golf pants used to be all cotton with no flex, so when you would bend down to line up a putt it was really uncomfortable,” says Lutterus. “The best golf pants today have stretch and move with you, they’re sweat- or moisture-wicking so they dry quickly, and they’re comfortable but look like a proper, dressy-ish golf pant,” he says, noting that Peter Millar and Holderness and Bourne are two of his favorite golf clothing brands. Consider your body type to find the best fit for you. If you have an athletic build, you may want to consider Bonobos’ Performance Link Pant in an athletic cut. If you have a slimmer build, you may prefer the G/Fore Tour 5 Pocket 4-Way Stretch Pant.
What Golf Pants Do The Pros Wear?
That depends on which brand (or brands) sponsors them. Top players Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, for instance, wear Nike because they are sponsored by the brand. In terms of the brands mentioned above, Justin Thomas is a brand ambassador for Greyson, and Cameron Young is sponsored by Peter Millar.
Can I Wear Regular Pants, Like Khakis, For Golf?
You can, but you may not be as comfortable in them as you would be in a performance fabric, and they typically require more involved care—including ironing. Another issue is that cotton chino or khaki fabrics absorb water and become heavy when wet, whereas polyester performance blends may be moisture-wicking and they dry quickly.
Are Golf Pants Waterproof?
Many golf pants are water-resistant and are made from durable water repellant (DWR) coated fabrics, but they won’t keep you completely dry in steady rain over several hours. If you’ll be playing in unusually wet conditions—think Scotland in a steady sideways-rain—you’ll want a set of dedicated rain gear, like Peter Millar’s Crown Sport Shield Pull-On Rain Pant to keep you dry.
Are Golf Pants Business Casual?
In many cases, yes, but the specific dress code in your office is really what determines if a golf pant will be appropriate. In addition to our top pick, Bonobos Performance Link Pants, others like Rhone’s Commuter Pant, Lululemon’s ABC Classic-Fit Trouser and Johnnie O’s Cross Country Performance Pant all cross over well from the office to the golf course, and vice versa. In general, if you’re wearing a five-pocket pant on the golf course, those that have metal rivets—like those you’ll often see on denim jeans—are discouraged as they are considered too casual.
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