Golf pants aren’t mandatory for recreational golfers like they are on the PGA tour, but they do more than just make you look good on the links. A high-quality pair of pants can protect you from the sun, rain, and tall grass and is essential attire for cold weather rounds. I’m an avid golfer, and I’ve worn pants from Adidas, Bonobos, and Peter Millar on courses across the country. Most of my rounds take place in Texas, where warm temperatures and unexpected rainstorms mean I prize technical features like breathability and moisture-wicking fabrics.
To find the best options for all users, we tested a variety of pants across a range of brands and styles, evaluating each pair for fit, comfort, and design features. We walked fairways, rode in carts, searched for balls in the rough, blasted out of sand traps, sipped drinks at the 19th hole, and otherwise put each pair to the test in real-world conditions. Our favorites are comfortable, breathable, and can withstand a little rain. These are the best of the bunch, from brands like Adidas, Bonobos, Callaway, and Under Armour.
Adidas Men’s Ultimate 365 Golf Pants scored top marks across a range of categories, but we kept coming back for their overall comfort and lightweight feel—they’re among the most comfortable golf pants we’ve ever worn. They held up well during multiple rounds played in Des Moines, Iowa, proving breathable and staying sweat-free even in temperatures reaching the mid-80s. The pants fit true to size, they are neither too loose nor too tight, and the durable stretch twill fabric never felt restrictive during movement.
The large front pockets are perfect for storing golf balls, tees, and markers, and we never had any trouble accessing these accessories on the course. The back pockets work well for holding a scorecard or stashing your glove, if you prefer to putt without it. We washed and dried these pants with other dark colored items, and they came out looking as good as new. Considering the quality and comfort, we expect to get years’ worth of rounds out of these Adidas golf pants.
The Details: Size 28-36 x 30-34 | Polyester and elastane | Water-repellent
Bonobos got its start making better-fitting pants, and that trend continues with the Highland Tour Golf Pants. I tested the athletic fit, but they’re also available in slim, tailored, and straight fits. I wore these pants several times during 18-hole rounds in Dallas and also around town—they look just like regular pants, so you won’t look out of place wearing these into your local coffee shop.
The pants are soft and comfortable, with ample stretch, which is great when walking, swinging, and crouching to read putts. When I played, the temperature was in the high-70s to mid-80s. The pants seem to breathe well, so I never felt too hot or sweaty. The pockets provide ample room for tees and balls in one pocket and my phone in the other. There’s also an internal coin pocket that is perfect for ball markers. One interesting feature is the shirt-gripping gel waistband, which helped my shirt stay tucked in throughout the round. The athletic-fit pants offer more room in the seat and thighs, as expected, and then taper slightly down the leg. But I do wish they tapered more—the lower leg feels a bit baggier than necessary.
The Details: Size 28-46 x 28-36 | Polyester and elastane | Water-repellent
Peter Millar’s extensive lineup of golf wear outfits players from head to toe. The brand’s Performance Five-pocket Pant is a staple that’s available in more than a dozen colors and a wide range of sizes. The two-way stretch fabric is flexible when moving on the course, and we felt no restrictions while walking, swinging, or bending down. It’s lightweight and breathable, which helped us stay cool on the course, and the material feels soft against the skin.
We liked the stylish and practical five-pocket design. The slim, athletic look presents a polished appearance on the course and in the clubhouse, and the front and back pockets are roomy enough to hold extra balls, tees, and a ball marker. The pants wick moisture and effectively manage sweat, especially in the waistband where heat tends to build up, so we finished our round without visible sweat marks. These are high-quality pants that should hold up well after multiple wears and washes.
The Details: Size 30-44 x 30-34 | Polyester
Under Armour puts athlete-friendly features into these golf pants, including four-way stretch to keep you moving comfortably, and UA Storm technology to repel water without sacrificing breathability. We wore these pants during a couple of rounds in Pennsylvania, noting the fabric’s lightweight feel, flexibility, and airflow. They stayed put while playing, never riding up in the waist or bunching up around the knees. And when we started to sweat, the pants dried quickly in the golf cart-created breeze.
The straight-leg fit is just as described. We usually prefer more form-fitting pants when playing golf, but if you like the fit to be looser around the calf and ankle, then these are a great choice. The pants have a high-quality feel and even stitching lines, and they came out of the washer without any changes to the color or fabric.
The Details: Size 28-46 x 30-36 | Polyester and elastane | Water-repellent
Zero Restriction promises waterproof, windproof golf pants that are easy to pack, and they deliver on that promise. The pants are roomy, without being too baggy, and the lightweight shell with fully sealed seams keeps water out. There are even ankle snaps to keep the pants tight around your ankles, so water doesn’t get into your shoes.
We played three rainy rounds in these pants, and they kept us dry each time. The pants themselves don’t retain water and were fully dry after the seven-minute drive from our local club to our house. Given the high-quality waterproof fabric, we probably wouldn’t wear these pants on a hot day, but when it’s rainy or windy, you won’t find anything as comfortable. These pants are on the pricier side, but after wearing them for several rounds of golf, getting rained on multiple times, and experiencing the high-quality construction and unrestricted movement they provide, we expect them to last a long time and think they are worth the investment in the end.
The Details: Size S-3XL, 30-32-inch inseam | Polyester | Waterproof
You can’t test golf pants without considering a pair from the PGA Tour Superstore. So we pulled on these 27-inch women’s stretch ankle pants and wore them more than a dozen times, including during several nine-hole rounds, at the driving range, at work, and while traveling on planes and in the car. The fit is comfortable and flattering, with ample room in the thighs and hips without feeling baggy; plus, it features built-in shapewear that doesn’t restrict movement. They feel almost like a second skin, offering flexibility and seamless movement for all golf activities, without sacrificing style or practicality.
The fabric is lightweight, yet durable, striking the perfect balance between comfort and performance. They maintain their shape well, even after multiple wears, and the breathability and moisture-wicking properties show a high level of thoughtful design. There aren’t any zippers or buttons, so they’re more minimal than some other pairs we tested, but we like the minimal design and how easy it is to slip these pants on and go. The only thing we’d change is to offer a bit of adjustment in the waist. We needed to pull the pants up occasionally, but sizing down should offer a more secure fit.
The Details: Size XS-XXL | Polyester and elastane
You can wear Puma’s Everyday Golf Pants for a round of golf and won’t rush to take them off afterward. They are very comfortable, with a high-waist design and some stretch. There’s a zipper at the side waist to adjust the fit, but the waistband is not elastic. We typically prefer a more tailored look, so we wish these pants were a bit more fitted through the hips and legs, but golfers who prefer a relaxed look will love this style.
The fabric is slightly thicker than some golf pants. It feels durable ,but is still breathable and moisture-wicking, and the fabric offers UPF40 sun protection. These pants performed well on the golf course, giving us full range of motion at all times, even when squatting down, and the pockets are easily accessible and roomy. The pants were easy to clean when we got a smudge on them, and they held up well in the washing machine, too.
The Details: Size XXS-XXL | Polyester and elastane
Callaway makes more than clubs and golf balls—the brand could be used to outfit your whole game, from your bag to your body. The TrueSculpt golf pants are some of the most comfortable we’ve ever worn. They fit really well and offer tons of stretch, so they feel fitted, but not tight. We wore these pants while playing multiple early-evening rounds in Seattle, but they’re so comfortable and flattering that we also wore them to work all day first.
The fabric is soft and thick, but it never made us feel too hot or sweaty during the 75-degree weather. We enjoyed full range of motion on the golf course and throughout the day. The pants have four good pockets—two in front and two in back. The front pockets have plenty of room for extra balls, tees, a divot repair tool, and other essentials, while the back pockets are pretty slim, but still handy for ball markers or a folded scorecard.
The Details: Size XS-XXL, 29-32 inch inseam | Viscose, nylon, and elastane
We wore these joggers during casual rounds, both walking and riding in the cart, and found them to fit true to size. The stretchy fabric is fitted, but not too tight and features elastic at the waist and ankles, so we moved around freely and unrestricted. They’re breathable, so we didn’t get too hot or sweaty, and we liked that we could wear these pants over a full round of golf or simply all day long, even off the course.
The designers paid attention to the little details, adding front pockets and zippered back pockets that are convenient for holding golf essentials and valuables. There’s a subtle logo above the back pocket, and the silicon gel waistband grips tucked-in shirts. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, but thick enough to be opaque, and it showed zero signs of wear and tear after testing. The pants also cleaned very easily after getting smudged with dirt.
The Details: Size XS-XL, short, regular, and long inseams | Performance polyester and spandex
After testing these golf pants during full rounds and also on the driving range and putting green, we found a lot to like. The pants are very comfortable, and the lightweight fabric drapes nicely to allow air flow and mobility. We could bend, squat, kneel, climb hills, and swing clubs with ease. These pants are well designed for golfers and feature a little extra stretch at the waist, belt loops, roomy front pockets, and durable double stitching and reinforcement in the areas that receive more wear and tear.
The pants do an excellent job repelling water. We wore them on the course and on a rainy neighborhood walk, and the pants kept us dry without absorbing any moisture. After washing, the pants air-dried in just a few hours, and they came out wrinkle-free with no loss of color or shrinking.
The Details: Size 0-16 | Polyester and elastane | Water-resistant
Our Testing Process
To find the best golf pants for men and women, we tested dozens of brands and styles while golfing at clubs, at ranges, and throughout our daily lives. We wore each pair multiple times and during at least two full rounds of golf, evaluating the pants for fit, comfort, performance, construction, and design features. We noted how well the pants moved with us when walking, swinging, squatting to read putts, and bending over to place tees in the ground.
We stuffed pockets, tested zippers, and graded for breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities. We also evaluated how these golf pants held up after multiple wears and washes. The best options were selected for this guide, and we’ll continue to make updates as we test more golf pants.
Tips for Buying Golf Pants
Think about rainy conditions
Serious rain will derail your round, but don’t let a little light rain keep you off the course. Many golf pants feature water-resistent or waterproof fabrics, so consider these options if you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain—or if you simply want to be prepared for wet conditions. Depending on the exact pants, you may sacrifice some breathability in exchange for waterproofing, but many are still lightweight enough to wear during warmer weather.
Check size guides
Just like non-golfing attire, sizes vary considerably across brands and styles, so it’s always best to consult size charts on manufacturer and retailer websites. Note how pants fit in the waist—are they a simple button closure, elastic, or somewhere in between? Most golf pants offer some stretch, but it varies across materials and by brand. Pants can be slim, straight, or relaxed, and fit loose or snug at the ankles. Many brands offer pants in multiple lengths, while others come in just one inseam. There’s no magic combination, but the best fitting pants are those that work best for your body.
Prioritize comfort and breathability
When deciding which golf pants to buy, comfort and breathability should be at the top of your checklist, especially if you’re walking the course or playing in warm or humid conditions. The most comfortable golf pants are made with lightweight, stretchy materials that allow full range of motion. And the most breathable golf pants are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and may even include ventilation holes or strategic mesh lining to promote airflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the best fabric for golf pants?
Golf pants are available in multiple fabrics, though a couple materials—namely polyester and elastane—show up often. Polyester is moisture-wicking, breathable, lightweight, and wrinkle-resistant, and elastane offers the stretch that golfers need when bombing drives down the fairway and crouching down to read putts. Nylon is durable and quick drying, and technical fabrics like performance twill offer stretch, moisture control, and sometimes even UV protection. Cotton is comfortable and breathable, but it’s not moisture-wicking, so rain or sweat will cling to the clothing. In other words, leave your khakis at home.
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What makes golf pants different?
Depending on the brand and style, golf pants may look exclusively like sporting attire, or they may double as casual pants you can wear off the course. The primary differentiators are fabric and features. Golf pants typically come in performance fabrics that offer ample stretch and moisture-wicking properties or UV protection. Golf-related features may include air vents, lots of functional pockets for balls, tees, and scorecards, and silicon shirt grippers built into the waistband.
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What is the proper length of golf pants?
Golf pants traditionally cover the ankles and touch the tops of your shoes, but many modern golf pants are jogger-style or feature purposely short, cropped hems that hit above the ankle. The proper length is more personal preference than codified rule, but it’s worth noting if the club you’re playing has any dress code guidelines. Most golf courses allow golf shorts and skirts, which are often preferable in warm conditions. But shorts and skirts do not offer the same sun protection as pants or shield your legs from tall grass and bugs—common annoyances if, like us, you regularly find yourself searching for balls in the rough.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Kevin Gray is an avid golfer and has nearly 15 years of experience writing about style and gear. He personally tested the Bonobos Highland Tour Golf Pants, and he’s worn other brands on this list, including Adidas and Peter Millar. Kevin also consulted on-course insights from T+L testers, who wore every pair of golf pants on this list over multiple rounds and reported their findings.
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