Golf Clothing: 5 Rules You Should Not Break

Golf has long been a game played by ladies, gentlemen, and even royalty. Along with that tradition, golf still retains a sense of formality that is not the norm in today's society. This is especially true in golf clothing. Most clubs maintain a consistent dress code for both the golf course and the clubhouse.. There are also rules of etiquette that are observed throughout the game. As such it has acquired a well deserved reputation as the sport for forming and solidifying business relationships.

With that in mind you need to make sure you adhere to certain rules that have come down to us from centuries of tradition. the following are some rules about golf clothing and golf dress etiquette that you ignore at your peril.

1. T-shirts are not allowed. This is the reason that the polo shirt was invented, or so it seems. The polo shirt is just as comfortable and cool as a T-shirt except it has a collar. The more general rule here is that you must wear a shirt that has a collar. In women's golf clothing the shirt should also not expose the midriff and should have a modest opening in front.

2. No jeans. Jeans are great but not on the course or in the clubhouse. You should wear something like khakis. Regardless of the material or color, golf slacks should have belt loops, which also implies that you should wear a belt although this is probably not an explicit rule at most clubs. Bear in mind that for practical reasons as well as golf etiquette, should not wear slacks with cuffs since cuffs can become a portable sand hazard of their own.

3. Shorts are generally allowed, but with a few caveats. The first among these is that shorts should not be too short, followed closely by, shorts should not be too tight. Like trousers, short should have belt loops. Golf shorts should be tailored like casual trousers and come down to just above the knee. This rule applies for both men and women. There is one last caveat seems obvious but needs to be mentioned: No cut-offs.

4. There are rules of golf etiquette for your shoes and socks. When wearing long trousers, socks need to match your pants. However when you wear shorts the shoes and socks should usually be light colored, although this is not a hard and fast rules per se. If you where dark shoes with shorts then dark socks should also be worn.

5. If you are playing a game with work or business associates, it is a very good idea to tone down the colors. Avoid the brightly colored polo shirts or distractingly loud patterns. If you choose something that is plaid then the rest of your golf clothes should be a solid color that matches or complements the colors in the plaid, which is probably a sensible rule for tasteful attire regardless of the activity. This doesn't mean you should always rule out some of the style trends like funky golf clothing, but choose these with care and take into consideration the degree of understanding  you have of your business associates.

There are probably all manner of good advice for dress at the golf course that can be enumerated ad nauseum, but it is important to just exercise common sense. When in doubt, choose the more conservative option, but do not interpret this as saying that you must quash your individuality entirely. As with most things when polite society, observe what other golfers are wearing and take note what seems to be appropriate for your club.