Luke is an avid weekend-warrior golfer from the East Coast who plays golf more than he cares to admit.
There are few joys that are greater than completing an impressive round of golf in the sunshine, surrounded by your buddies.
Except, perhaps, completing an impressive round of golf, in the sunshine, surrounded by your buddies, in a pair of the best golf pants that are not only comfortable but stylish too.
Golf pants are either something that you care about a lot or don’t give a second thought to, however, finding the right pair of pants to wear on the green can really help you to up your game.
When you look good, you feel more confident, and when you feel more confident, you play at your best level. It’s all in the pants.
The world of golf pants is extensive and can be overwhelming. This is particularly true if you are not fond of shopping. However, we have put together a complete guide to make it easy for you.
Below are our top picks for golf pants that will make you look and feel great at every tee time. We have also included a handy buyer’s guide at the end to help you make the best purchase that suits your needs every time.
Nike Flex
The first pair of golf pants on our list come from Nike. Not only are these pants made by a trusted and popular brand that you have likely used before, but they also offer a lot in the style department.
The Nike Flex pants boast a tailored, European look with a tapered cut. In addition to their stylish, professional look, these pants come in a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric that provides comfort as well as mobility.
These pants are made with 5 pockets that are capable of holding anything you need them to, thanks to the stretchy material.
With these pants, you won’t have to worry about where you are going to put your tees, ball marks, or score card.
These pants are also very easy to care for, simply throw them in the washer with the rest of your laundry and they will be clean and fresh ready for your next tee time.
Pros
- Moisture-wicking material
- Stretch material for comfort and mobility
- Multiple pockets
- Stylish and professional look
Cons
- Length runs long in the leg
Adidas Ultimate 365
Our second pair of pants also comes from a well-known sports brand that you can trust. The Adidas Ultimate 365 golf pants are a great all-rounder that can do it all.
Not only are these pants made from moisture-wicking material, but they also offer an impressive level of UV protection which is great if you golf in a very sunny climate.
The Adidas Ultimate 365 pants also feature a silicone strip around the waistband which is designed to help keep your shirt tucked in.
Not only does this help keep you looking stylish and professional, but also no one wants to be distracted from a shot because their shirt keeps coming untucked.
Pros
- Moisture-wicking material
- High UV protection
- Silicone band to keep shirt tucked in
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Some users report pilling of the material
- Different materials from the 365 shorts
Puma Golf Jackpot
As with the pants that we have already looked at, the Puma jackpot pants are made with moisture-wicking material, stretchy fabric, and a tapered design.
These pants also feature a sticky, silicone band inside the waistband similar to the 365 pants. However, a couple of things that earned the Puma Jackpot pants their own place on this list come down to style.
These pants are available in a huge variety of colors, eighteen, in fact. That’s one for every hole if you wanted.
No matter whether you prefer bright or neutral colors, there is an option for you in the Jackpot line. The other style aspect of these pants is a little more hidden.
The pocket lining of these pants features a floral-inspired design to provide a secret flash of color and pattern. They also contain a handy side pocket that has been designed specifically to hold your ball marker.
Pros
- Plenty of colors to choose from
- Silicone grip band
- Stretchy, comfortable material
- Purpose-built ball marker pocket
Cons
- Pockets are small and tight
- Some colors may fade in the wash
Under Armour Showdown
One of the main standout features of the Under Armour Showdown golf pants is the straight leg cut rather than a tapered design.
This provides you with a more professional appearance that makes it look like you could have come straight from the office, or be heading straight to a meeting after your round.
This is a great option for the golfer that wants to present a casual approach to their game.
However, the stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric allows for sporty, athletic movement and lets you be at the top of your game every time.
Featuring four pockets, these pants offer convenient storage for the things you need close to hand during a round such as your tees, score card, and ball markers.
Under Armour themselves describe the comfort level of these pants as “insane” and the care required with them is very low maintenance.
They can be put in the washer with the rest of your laundry and they don’t shrink in the dryer which is always a bonus.
Pros
- Straight leg, professional style
- Stretch and moisture-wicking
- “Insane” comfort
- Easy care instructions
Cons
- A looser fit than other golf pants, may not fit people’s preference
Under Armour Drive
These golf pants are a great lightweight option for the golfer that plays in a hot or humid climate.
The UA micro thread material used to make these pants is moisture-wicking, fast-drying, anti-chafe, stretchy, and doesn’t absorb your sweat meaning that you will look and feel fresh for the entire 18 holes.
Although these pants are made with a tapered cut, they are not too tight around the ankles and will not feel constrictive or uncomfortable, nor will they make you feel like you are wearing leggings as opposed to golf pants.
Pros
- Stylish tapered fit
- Anti-chafe
- Moisture-wicking
- Stretchy material
Cons
- Some of the colors look different in real life than online
Travis Mathew Right On Time
One of the main selling points of these golf pants is their versatility.
Out of all of the pants in this list, the Travis Mathew, Right On Time pants are the ones that would look least out of place in the clubhouse, in the office, or out on the town. Not to mention that they also look great on the course.
These pants are made with 4-way stretch capabilities which allow for complete freedom of movement. Your swing will not be compromised in these pants.
They are also wrinkle resistant which not only makes the washing and drying of these pants easier, but also means that the only iron you need to use with them is a club.
Due to the ease of care with these pants, you can travel with these pants and still turn up at your tee time looking classy with minimal effort.
Pros
- Easy care instructions
- Versatile style
- Classy look
- 4-way stretch
Cons
- Limited range of colors
Callaway Lightweight Tech
The Callaway Lightweight Tech golf pants are a great option for golfers in hot and humid climates.
They are made with Opti-Dry technology which actively draws sweat and moisture away from your skin, leaving you feeling fresh and dry for the entirety of your round, no matter how high the thermostat climbs.
These pants also feature an incredible level of UV protection which will keep you protected from the sun’s rays even during midday tee times.
These pants come in a range of four colors that would be better described as shades. The range of colors is understated and subtle, providing you with a professional and classic look out on the green.
They also feature four reasonably sized pockets, two in the front and two in the back.
Pros
- High level of UV protection
- Subtle, classy colors
- Features Opti-Dry technology
- Lightweight material
Cons
- Sizing can run a little big
Adidas Go-to 5-pocket pants
One of the best aspects of these Adidas Go-to 5-pocket pants is their waistband. Featuring extra stretch for complete freedom of movement in your swing, they also keep your shirt firmly in place with their silicone gripper tape.
The moisture-wicking fabric which has become a standard of golf pants is really effective at keeping you feeling dry and fresh from the tee to the final hole.
The 5-pocket design is great for providing storage for all of your golfing paraphernalia including your ball markers, score card, tees, and more.
Adidas is also a great brand to purchase sustainable clothing from and these golf pants fit into that perfectly.
The Go-to golf pants are made from a high-performance fabric they call Primegreen which is made from recycled materials. These pants are the ones for you if you are looking for style and function with a conscience.
Pros
- Eco-friendly material
- Extra stretch in the waistband
- Silicone gripper tape to secure your shirt
- Moisture-wicking material
Cons
- Not suitable for playing during colder months
Buyer’s Guide
Now that we have taken a look at some of the best golf pants on the market, it is important to understand what it is that you should be looking for in order to purchase the pants that are right for you.
In this handy buyer’s guide, we will look at all of the most important factors to consider when purchasing your next pair of golf pants.
Price
One of the most important factors to consider when you are making any purchase is the price. This does not mean that you should always go for the product that takes the smallest chunk out of your budget.
We all know that a low price often doesn’t translate to cheap in the long run.
Instead, when you are looking for golf pants that fit into your budget, you should also consider the value for money that a pair of pants can provide.
The easiest way to establish whether a pair of pants is going to provide good value for money is to look at the reviews.
People who have purchased and worn a pair of golf pants will be able to comment on the quality and durability of the pants much more honestly than a company description will.
Remember, in the same way that reasonably priced pants don’t always mean low quality, expensive pants don’t always guarantee high quality. It is just as easy to be caught out by overpriced golf pants.
Style
It is important to take time to consider the style or the fit of the pants that you prefer to wear.
If you are new to purchasing golf pants, it may be a good idea to go to a nearby sports product store and try on a few different styles of golf pants to work out what feels better to you.
Whereas some golfers will swear by an elasticated waist, you may find it uncomfortable or prefer a fitted waist.
While some golfers will enjoy the look and feel of tapered pants, you may find them restrictive or prefer the versatility of straight-legged pants.
If you do not have a sports store near you to try different styles, it is possible to order multiple styles online to try them on at home.
If you are doing this, however, it is really important to check the returns policy of the place that you are ordering from.
Features
There are many features that can be useful in golf pants that not all brands or models will have.
For example, if you are a golfer who likes to have their tees, ball markers, score card, and gloves at hand, you will want to find a pair of golf pants that has enough pockets for your needs.
In addition to this, the pockets on the pants should be big enough or stretchy enough to contain everything you need.
Another feature that may be important to you is a silicone gripper. If you are a golfer who prefers a classic, professional, smart look when you take to the fairway, this will be a must for you.
This little band can keep your shirt firmly tucked in no matter how energetic your swing is.
However, if you are a golfer who prefers to keep your shirt untucked, a silicone gripper is not only useless to you, it may feel uncomfortable if it is in contact with your skin.
Care Requirements
This is a big one, especially if you are someone who is short on time. When purchasing a pair of golf pants, the care and maintenance requirements of the pants are important.
Ideally, your golf pants will be low maintenance and be able to withstand a cool wash in the washer and low setting in the dryer.
This allows for them to be cleaned quickly and conveniently. If you can throw them in with the rest of your laundry, that is always a plus.
If a pair of golf pants require very specific care instructions you are probably going to be less likely to wear them often, or they will not be maintained properly and their lifespan will be greatly reduced.
This brings us back to the topic of value for money too.
Colors
This element of golf pants is very personal and will vary for every golfer.
However, if you are someone who likes to have a bold or bright look when you are on the green, you will want to look for a brand that provides a wide range of colors.
If you find a pair of pants that feel great and come in a wide range of colors you can have a different pair for every day of the week if you wanted.
Similarly, if you are someone who prefers a more subtle or neutral color palette, you may want to gravitate towards brands that specialize in the more classic golf look and whose color palette consists more of shades and hues than colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind Of Pants Are Best For Golf?
The best kind of pants for golfing are ones that provide a great amount of freedom of movement and keep you cool on hot days. You also want your pants to be comfortable and not break your budget.
It is also good if the pants that you purchase have been designed specifically for the purpose of playing golf.
This will allow them to be comfortable, stretchy, moisture-wicking and generally make golf a much more comfortable, enjoyable experience than it would be if you were wearing office pants or jogging pants.
