While every club and course has different dress codes, the right pair of golf shorts blend in seamlessly and feel especially great when the sun is beating down on you. After speaking to avid golfers and researching many of the top-rated picks, we selected Peter Millar Salem Performance Short as the best golf shorts overall, since they’re flexible, breathable and stylish enough to wear beyond the links.
The best golf shorts feature built-in stretch, sweat-wicking fabrics and ample pockets.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Not to be confused with regular workout shorts, golf shorts are specifically designed for golf—not basketball, not soccer, not your commute—and feature sweat-wicking, stretchy materials and dedicated pockets for golf balls and scorecards. Whether you’re looking for a pair that’s built for performance, comfort or affordability, we rounded up the best golf shorts to improve your game.
Peter Millar: Quick Dry, Easy Movement And Ultra-Stylish
MOST POPULAR
Peter Millar
Peter Millar Salem Performance Short
Sizes: 30 to 44 | Colors: 11 total, including Khaki and Cottage Blue | Inseam: 9 inches | Materials: 100% polyester | Pockets: 4
What’s notable: These popular shorts are available in less common waist sizes (like 33 and 35).
What could be better: The tailored fit might be too tight on muscular legs.
These are hands-down the preferred shorts for serious golfers. In fact, everyone we spoke to noted Peter Millar as one of their favorite brands of golf shorts. They appreciate Salem Performance Short’s two-way stretch, quick-drying fabric and smart tailoring. Plus, the fact that they’re available in a dozen colors—from reliable neutrals to vibrant hues—makes them a clear winner.
What our experts say: Golfer John Fredericks, of Locust Valley, NY, sums up the sentiments of those we interviewed by saying, “I always wear Peter Millar golf shorts—they have the best fit, and a solid, traditional look.”
Best Value Golf Shorts
Adidas: Grip In The Waist Keeps Your Shirt Tucked In
Adidas
Adidas Ultimate365
Sizes: 28 to 44 | Colors: 16 total, including Hemp and Black | Inseam: 8.5 inches | Materials: 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane plain weave | Pockets: 4
What’s notable: An elasticized waistband plus silicone grip tape help keep these shorts in place during play.
What could be better: Some reviewers comment that the waistband can bunch at times.
A high-quality pair of golf shorts doesn’t have to break the bank, and the Adidas Ultimate 365 is evidence of that. This pair is soft and breathable, tailored yet stretchy; the fabric also has a water-repellent coating that wicks away moisture with ease. For taller guys, the shorts are also available in a 10-inch inseam. There are also over a dozen shades, from Collegiate Navy to Bright Red.
What our experts say: Golf pros don’t wear shorts while on the job—even in hot climates like Florida—but Mark Anderson, head golf professional at The Oaks Club in Osprey, Florida, likes the Adidas Ultimate 365s. “I’m a big fan of these shorts because they have grip inside the waist band to keep your shirt tucked in,” says Anderson.
What’s notable: These shorts are made of four-way stretch fabric that’s quick to dry.
What could be better: The 8-inch inseam may be too short for taller athletes.
If you want to look stylish on the golf course, G/Fore is your brand. Their shorts are slim and modern and look upscale (note the tab closure and the silicone and grosgrain G/Fore logo belt loop in the back). This pair is practical, too: The Maverick is made of four-way stretch, quick-drying fabric and has mesh pocket bags to securely store your stuff.
What our experts say: “They fit well and are high quality,” says Michael Crawford, head golf professional at Woodway Country Club in Darien, Connecticut. “After washing them for a year, they still look new.”
Most Comfortable Golf Shorts
Lululemon: Classic Chino In Performance Fabric
Lululemon
Lululemon Commission Classic-Fit Warpstreme
Sizes: 28 to 40 | Colors: 8 total, including Army Green and Black | Inseam: 7 inches, 9 inches | Materials: 54% recycled polyester, 46% elastomultiester | Pockets: 4
What’s notable: The sweat-wicking and wrinkle-resistant fabric retains its shape over the course of the day.
What could be better: Some shoppers report that these shorts run a bit small; size up for a roomier fit.
Young guys are wearing their golf shorts slightly shorter than their dads—and are getting away with it at some of the most conservative clubs in the country. They like Lululemon golf shorts because they are available in a 7-inch length and have an overall cool look. Lululemon’s patented Warpstreme fabric is quick drying, sweat-wicking and wrinkle-resistant and offers 4-way stretch for fluid movement and comfort.
What our experts say: “They are very comfortable, fit well and aren’t too long,” says golfer Will Longfield, who lives in Woodstock, Vermont.
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Vuori: Classy Enough For The Links, But Ready For Adventure
PAID PLACEMENT
Vuori
Vuori Meta
Sizes: 28 to 38 | Colors: 10 total, including Camel and Charcoal| Inseam: 8.5 inches| Materials: 100% polyester | Pockets: 4
With a classic chino silhouette and a length that hits just above the knees, the Vuori Meta Short has an understated look that fits right in at the country club. A handful of practical design features, however, mean these shorts can handle activity beyond the course as well. The brand’s signature VersaLife fabric offers superior breathability and four-way stretch. Moisture-wicking and quick-dry properties also make the shorts a comfortable option for scorching days, a rain shower or even a hike through the woods. Pick from nine muted earth tones to best match your typical course attire.
Best Classic Golf Shorts
Bonobos: Breathable, Great Fit And Comfortable
Bonobos
Bonobos Highland Tour
Sizes: 28 to 46 | Colors: 10 total, including Navy and Sahara | Inseam: 8 inches, 10 inches | Materials: 96% polyester, 4% elastane | Pockets: 4
What’s notable: These well-constructed shorts are available in two lengths to suit golf players of different heights.
What could be better: The high price tag might not suit some shoppers’ budgets.
Our top pick for classic-looking golf shorts has specific features that keep you cool and well performing on the course. That includes a comfy gel waistband, water-repellent fabric and UPF-rated sun protection. There’s also a zip back pocket and a dedicated pocket for your scorecard.
Best Stretch Golf Shorts
PGA Tour: Comfort Design Moves With You When You Bend
Amazon
PGA Tour Flat Front
Sizes: 30 to 54 | Colors: 6 total, including Caviar and Chinchilla | Inseam: 9 inches | Materials: 98% polyester, 2% spandex | Pockets: 4
What’s notable: The active waistband can stretch up to 2 inches.
What could be better: The 9-inch inseam might be too short for some big and tall players.
PGA Tour’s highly-rated shorts are made with a stretchy, proprietary tech called MotionFlux 360—they’re woven with seams that extend your range of motion with a mix of polyester and spandex. Grips on the waistband help your shirt stay tucked in while you play, and moisture-wicking properties keep you cool and dry.
Best Chino Golf Shorts
Faherty: Great For The Course And Clubhouse
Faherty
Faherty Movement Chino
Sizes: 28 to 42 | Colors: 9 total, including Navy and Fossil | Inseam: 9 inches | Materials: 64% organic cotton, 31% recycled Coolmax, 5% elastane | Pockets: 5
What’s notable: The breathable and moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool both on and off the course.
What could be better: Due to the fabric composition, these shorts must be washed on a gentle cycle.
If you prefer the traditional look of chino golf shorts, this style from Faherty offers a lot of comfort with a soft, organic cotton blend. They’re just polished enough to go from the links to the 19th hole, but offer plenty of functionality with cooling tech, stretchy interior waistband and an interior zip pocket.
Best Slim-Fit Golf Shorts
Mizzen + Main: Best Slim-Fit Golf Shorts
Mizzen+Main
Mizzen + Main Helmsman
Sizes: 29 to 40 | Colors: 8 total, including Light Gray and Navy | Inseam: 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches | Materials: 88% polyester, 12% spandex | Pockets: 4
What’s notable: These shorts have a tailored, lean fit with a stretchy waistband.
What could be better: Some customers say that these run a little large; size down if you’re in between sizes.
If you have slimmer legs, you need slim fit shorts—that includes on the golf course. This pair is more tailored for leaner guys, but includes all the features that make it specific for golf, including a four-way stretch fabric, mesh pockets and a back pocket with a zip enclosure.
Best Breathable Golf Shorts
Under Armour: Best Breathable Golf Shorts
Under Armour
Under Armour UA Drive
Sizes: 28 to 46 | Colors: 8 total, including Black and Steel | Inseam: 10 inches | Materials: 90% polyester, 10% elastane | Pockets: 4
What’s notable: The stretch-woven twill fabric is both breathable and water-repellant.
What could be better: The elastic at the back waistband might make these shorts too bulky for some.
If it’s time to upgrade your golf shorts, the UA Drive Shorts check a lot of boxes: they’re lightweight, durable and allow for a wide range of movement with a 4-way stretch fabric. A proprietary UA Storm technology uses a fluorine-free treatment that repels water while staying breathable for all your actions on the course and beyond. The stretchy waistband also has some grip to it, which helps them stay in place and keep your shirt tucked in.
Best Water-Resistant Golf Shorts
Vuori: Best Water-Resistant Golf Shorts
Vuori
Vuori Aim
Sizes: 28 to 38 | Colors: 6 total, including Khaki and Charcoal | Inseam: 8.5 inches | Materials: 67% polyester, 25% cotton, 8% elastane | Pockets: 5
What’s notable: The stretchy chino fabric is polished yet comfortable, so these shorts can also double as loungewear.
What could be better: Some reviewers state that these shorts run a little large, so you should consider sizing down.
For those who like to do more outdoor activities after a round, the Aim Short is a durable and comfortable choice for your most active days. The cotton-poly blend fabric is soft and quick-drying, while he zippered pockets keep your golf gear secure. The tailored fit is also sleek when you’re on the move.
Best Lightweight Golf Shorts
CRZ Yoga: Best Lightweight Golf Shorts
CRZ Yoga
CRZ Yoga All-Day Comfort
Sizes: 28 to 40 | Colors: 14 total, including True Navy and Khaki Sand | Inseam: 7 inches, 9 inches | Materials: 100% polyester | Pockets: 5
What’s notable: These shorts have multiple pockets for your phone, scorecard and more.
What could be better: The waist isn’t stretchy like the body of the shorts, which might make this pick uncomfortable for some.
With a modern silhouette and stretchy all-day fabric, these shorts have the same durability and comfort as more expensive brands. They’re wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying and an excellent lightweight option for golf and everyday wear. There are over a dozen color options, so you can stock up.
The Forbes Vetted team has published dozens of fashion stories on everything from menswear to fitness apparel. Our clothing round-ups include rigorous research and firsthand product testing to evaluate the best options on the market and help you select the right apparel for your needs.
The author of this story, Lesley Rotchford, is a regular Forbes Vetted contributor; Rotchford has 20 years of golfing experience and understands what features to look for in golf clothes.
For this piece, Rotchford interviewed pros and serious players at clubs around the country for their top picks. These include Mark Anderson, head golf professional at The Oaks Club in Osprey, Florida and Michael Crawford, head golf professional at Woodway Country Club in Darien, Connecticut.
Forbes Vetted’s deputy editor, Kari Molvar, also weighed in on the top-rated options, based on her expertise in the market and time spent evaluating athletic wear.
This article is regularly updated to ensure our selections remain the best of the best; it was recently updated in May 2024 by fashion writer Claire Epting.
How We Chose The Best Golf Shorts
When making our product selections for this list, we evaluated each item based on the most important criteria for golf shorts, including fit, performance and size options.
We sought out popular, highly reputable brands that are known for creating high-quality athletic apparel, including Under Armour and Lululemon.
We tapped our expert sources for their own personal golf short recommendations. Anderson’s top pick is the Adidas Ultimate365, while Crawford likes the G/Fore Maverick.
We considered a range of options to suit a variety of budgets. The most wallet-friendly picks land below $50, while our higher-end pairs sit around the $100 mark.
What To Consider When Buying Golf Shorts
When shopping for golf shorts, there are a few things you should consider, including material, fit, color and extra features. Here’s a breakdown on each to simplify your search.
Material
The comfort of golf shorts largely hinges on their material. Many golf shorts are made of a polyester-spandex blend, which not only provides flexibility but also wicks away moisture, ensuring you stay dry throughout your round. Some shorts are even water-resistant, so you won’t get soaked in the rain. For those playing in sunnier climates, consider shorts with built-in UV protection to shield against prolonged sun exposure.
Meanwhile, men who prefer a classic look can opt for traditional chino shorts. This type of short is mostly cotton, with a hint of spandex for stretch. Just keep in mind that chino shorts are more prone to wrinkling than polyester ones.
Fit And Style
Golf requires a wide range of motions—swinging, walking, crouching to read greens, bending down to pick up balls— so the cut of the shorts needs to accommodate a variety of movements. However, they should still look tailored and polished, while feeling nearly as comfortable as your workout shorts. Avoid shorts that are too tight, as this can make it harder to turn through your swing. And, since golf shorts should ideally hit just above the knee, choose a pair with an 8-inch inseam unless you are very tall, in which case you might want look for a brand that offers a 10-inch inseam.
Color
Most golf clubs have a dress code. While certain rules will be clearly stipulated—you always need to wear a collared shirt and a belt, and your shirt needs to be tucked in at all times—other guidelines may be implied, such as the color of your shorts. Traditional shades like khaki, navy and gray continue to be staples on the golf course; they make a great foundation for your athletic wardrobe. That being said, in recent years bright colors and pastels—aqua, red, light blue—have become popular and widely accepted.
Extra Features
Some shorts come equipped with features like extra deep pockets to hold balls, a pocket to tuck your phone, zippered pockets and magnetic scored card pockets. Having a few of these extra features can help you feel more organized while you play, but Anderson suggests keeping as much gear as possible in your bag. “I personally don’t like my students to keep anything in their pockets, as it can be a deterrent from their swing,” he says. Some shorts even have built-in gripper tape on the waistband to keep shirts neatly tucked in.
