You can play a round of golf in any old pair of pants, but once you’ve worn a pair that’s actually made for the course, it’s hard to go back. Made from stretchy, breathable fabrics, the best golf pants put an end to unwanted tugging, overheating and general discomfort. I spoke with the cofounder of a golf apparel brand and surveyed everyday golfers to learn which pants consistently make the cut, both on and off the green. Based on these insights and my in-depth research, the Lululemon ABC Pants are the best option overall—they’re light, stretchy and easy to wear for hours on end.
Drive, chip and putt in comfort with the best golf shorts.
To find a well-rounded selection of other comfortable, capable golf pants, I examined styles based on a set of key variables: fit and fabric, storage and sheer versatility. The options in this guide meet the needs of just about any golfer, whether you’re playing in the Florida sun or struggling to source pants that actually fit. Find a style that works for you, and refer to the buyer’s guide for additional insights courtesy of Scott Morrison, cofounder of golf apparel brand Radmor.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted gear team covers a range of topics across the outdoors, fitness and wellness spaces. We also cover golf equipment and apparel, from rangefinders to shorts and shoes.
- Cam Vigliotta is the gear editor at Forbes Vetted and the author of this golf pants guide. With a background in kinesiology, he relies heavily on his education to understand how products—from apparel to equipment—interact with the human body. While he doesn’t golf, he does spend a lot of time dissecting performance fabrics and how clothing fits for different activities.
- To find the best golf pants and provide reliable buying advice, we spoke with Scott Morrison, cofounder of Radmor, a first-of-its-kind golf apparel brand that doesn’t use virgin polyester in its clothing. Morrison’s insights on fit, fabric and functionality helped us identify what makes a great pair of golf pants.
- We looked beyond expert opinions and sought real-world feedback by cross-referencing our recommendations with online reviews from golfers who have actually purchased and played in these pants. We also surveyed golfers on the Forbes Vetted team to learn more about their favorite pants and why they like them. This helped us determine which styles truly stand out on the course and which aren’t worth the investment.
How We Chose The Best Golf Pants
Your golf pants don’t just impact how you look and feel on the course, they can affect how you play, too. After all, if you’ve spent even an hour in uncomfortable clothing, you know how quickly it can impact your mood and your ability to move in comfort. To find pants that are comfortable and versatile, we focused on variables such as fit, fabric and storage.
- Whether you’re driving or putting, your legs help generate power and consistency that’s key to a well-rounded game. That’s why we kicked off our selection process by looking for pants that blend stretchy, well-fitting fabrics with breathability to maximize overall comfort.
- After evaluating fabrics and fit, we moved on to storage options. Most pants come with at least two hand pockets, but golf-worthy pants often have rear pockets for a scorecard and gloves, along with zippered pockets for tees or other smaller items. We prioritized well-placed pockets that don’t add unwanted bulk.
- Because golf pants offer a degree of coverage that allows you to play in all sorts of weather, we looked for styles made from versatile fabrics that wick moisture, dry quickly and add UPF protection.
- Performance is a top priority, but that didn’t stop us from finding shorts that look good, too. Whether you’re grabbing a drink at the clubhouse or hitting the practice range after a long day at the office, our recommendations deliver clean, classic styling for a day’s worth of activities.
How To Shop For Golf Pants
Finding comfortable golf pants comes down to fit and fabric, storage options, weatherproofing and style. Here’s how to make sense of these variables and find a pair that meets your needs.
Fit And Fabric
A pair of golf pants should balance flexibility, comfort and style—and this comes down to the right materials. Start by looking for fabrics with a hint of stretch, like blends that contain polyester, spandex or elastane, as these are great options that move with you as you play. “Candidly, I think stretch is everything,” says Scott Morrison. “A proper golf swing demands mobility from your hips, legs and core. Without enough stretch, you’ll either feel restricted or your pants will pull out of shape.”
Obviously, pants differ from shorts in that they offer complete coverage, so you’ll need to take into account how the pants feel through the thighs and below the knee. A tailored fit that’s just tight enough allows for full range of motion without unwanted bagginess or excess fabric.
Fit is personal, but it often differs between styles and brands. Slim-fit pants create a more tailored look, but stretch and flexibility is key to maintaining movement so don’t go for pants that feel truly restrictive. Regular fits are usually the best all-around choice, while relaxed fits improve airflow and comfort.
Storage
Pockets may not sound all that important, but golf pants should offer space for your on-course essentials. Hand pockets are a good start, though you should also consider styles with rear pockets and a zippered pocket or two. Morrison notes that angled pockets are easier to access and hidden pockets can secure valuables without the unwanted bulk. “Every element should add to the pants’ utility without taking away from a clean, minimal look,” he explains.
Weather Preparedness
Full-coverage golf pants make it easier to play comfortably in cold or wet weather, but they can also be great for sunny days, too. Look for pants with a DWR (durable water-repellent) treatment to keep light rain or morning dew at bay and a UPF rating to reduce exposure to the sun. Most golf pants are plenty breathable, but polyester and synthetic blends are common because they wick sweat and dry quickly.
Style
“You want pants that look sharp but perform under pressure, and can ideally take you from the golf course to the restaurant or bar with ease,” says Morrison. All of the styles in this guide feature clean, classic designs that transition into casual settings. The key to versatile styling lies in fabric selection, simple colors and a comfortable fit that complements your body without feeling too restrictive.