The 10 Best Golf Pants for Men, Tested on the Course
Versatile and fashionable, these pants will keep you looking cool and comfortable all round long.
[Note: this was previously published by Travel+Leisure but is weirdly gone from their site so I’m reusing it.]
Watch any golf tournament and you’ll notice one thing about what the pros are wearing: they’re all in pants. Technically, the PGA allows them to wear shorts during practice rounds, and the impending merger with LIV will put that into question as well, as the rival tour allowed shorts, but for now, the long-standing standard for men is long pants. But it’s not just tradition that dictates this wardrobe choice on the course; pants have some distinct advantages, sartorially and practically, for the modern golfer.
Collin Hubbel, Director of Golf and PGA Professional at the Wianno Club in Massachusetts, says that “overall, pants provide a more professional look and I find that there are so many more cuts and styles to golf pants as opposed to golf shorts.” We tested some of the most popular brands and pairs out there to find the best options for you to look like a pro when you’re walking up 18. Taking into account price, look, feel, as well as features like sun protection, cooling, and stain-resistance, here are our picks for the best pants for men for golf (and cocktails after, of course).
Best Overall: G/Fore Tour 5 Pocket 4-way Stretch Straight Leg Pant
Why We Love It: The all-around winner of our testing, these pants are the right mix of stretch and sturdy, cooling but protective, with a modern cut and classic colors to elevate the look of any golfer.
What to Consider: Listed as “straight leg,” these may actually be slimmer than some prefer in the thighs, which could affect pocket usage.
Across the board, G/Fore makes quality gear pushing the fashion of golf forward, from their shoes to pants to shirts. But while these offerings often live on the cutting edge of color and design, their Five Pocket Tour pants seem timeless; hiding all that innovation behind a simple great pair. A modern classic that will fit any golfer, these pants have the details that matter: the front button and fly stays put, the pockets are comfortable when full, and they’re easy to care for with stain resistance and easy clean instructions.
They also lead the pack because of their sheer durability. We tested a lot of pants and washed them multiple times, and the G/Fores looked new every time we put them on and didn’t show any of the wear and tear that others did from the course. Coupled with some handsome touches that elevated our whole outfit when paired properly with a well-fitting shirt and the right shoes, it was an easy decision to name these our top pick.
Price at time of publish: $185
The Details: Warp knit polyester | Moisture-wicking | Lined pockets | Six colors | 30-40 x 30-34 inches
Most Versatile: Bonobos Highland Golf Pants
Why We Love It: These are classic golf chinos in a seemingly endless array of sizes, fits, and colors with Bonobos’ famous try-and-return policy.
What to Consider: The fabric they use is a little thicker than other golf pants and can feel a little heavy on hot days.
Bonobos has a dedicated line for golf, including their fantastic polo shirts, and matches that with their commitment to finding your exact size. With a myriad of options in fit (from tailored to slim to athletic) and nearly as many color and size combos as the rest of this list combined, there’s a pair for you waiting to be shipped. While we found their construction a little inconsistent and the fabric a little heavy, they held up well in our testing and offered a nice contrast to the more popular five-pocket look of our other brands.
Price at time of publish: $150
The Details: 96 percent polyester 4 elastane | Shirt-gripping waistband | Eyelets for breathability | UPF 50 | Ten colors | 28-46 x 28-36 inches
Most Comfortable: Lululemon Commission Classic-tapered Golf Pant
Why We Love It: These pants are exactly what you’d expect from Lululemon with some nice golf-specific features that set it apart from the rest.
What to Consider: These are a more relaxed fit, even in the classic taper, than some of the five-pocket slim offerings.
You can’t talk about comfort without mentioning Lululemon, and while others on this list have attempted (and achieved) the athleisure feel of the originals, there is truly nothing like Lulu. From their stretch-panels on the side for a perfect fit to the low-profile buttons and seams, you don’t feel anything but fabric while swinging; they are truly designed for maximum comfort. You could wear nearly any of their pants on the course, but the subtle details of the Commision pants, like their tee-pocket, button closures and reflective cuffs, make them a must-have in your rotation.
Price at time of publish: $148
The Details: 95 percent nylon 5 percent elastane | Abrasion-resistant | Water-resistant | Four colors | 28-50 x 30-34 inches
Best Jogger: Blackballed Golf Gentleman’s Pant
Why We Love It: Modern and fashionable styling make these joggers perfect for bringing a progressive edge to your round.
What to Consider: There are only two options for length, and they may not fit or be the most flattering for all body types.
Golf has lots of rules, many of which are constantly debated, and what you can (and cannot) wear on the course is top of the list. “Pants that do not work for on-course are most definitely cargo and jeans,” says Collin, but joggers are a bit of a gray area, and they’re exploding in popularity with younger and more fashion-forward players. This pair from Blackballed is rooted in streetwear yet has the comfort and versatility of standard chinos or five-pocket pants and are really fun to wear and mix it up at the next shotgun start.
Price at time of publish: $95
The Details: 95 percent nylon 5 percent spandex | Zipper fly | Four-way stretch | Two-way cuff | Four colors | 30-40-inch waist | Short and long inseam
Best Lightweight: State & Liberty Athletic Fit Stretch Tech Chino
Why We Love It: They’re not only lightweight, but you can get your fit right with extra fabric in the legs’ hem perfect for lengthening or shortening.
What to Consider: The construction isn’t as premium as it is on more expensive pairs, but they’re extremely lightweight and stretchy.
Known for making tailored dress shirts for men with athletic builds, State & Liberty is pushing into golf to tap into the desire for more options for more body types across the sports universe. We were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and lightweight these pants were in testing, especially their forgiveness in the seat and thighs. Their moisture-wicking and wrinkle-free fabric held up during a round on a 85 degree day with humidity through the roof, and they looked as good as new after repeated washings, and the stretch of the fabric was as good as more expensive brands. Don’t be scared off by the “athletic fit” claims of their tops, these pants will fit most body types with plenty of stretch and forgiveness.
Price at time of publish: $125
The Details: Nylon spandex performance blend | Moisture-wicking | Secret pockets | Wrinkle-free | Six colors | 29-38 inch waist
Best Stretch: Mugsy Golf Pant
Why We Love It: As close as you can get to feeling like you’re in something other than golf pants, these Mugsy pants are extremely stretchy and comfortable if you’re having “a tough round.”
What to Consider: There are only three colors to choose from, and not everyone enjoys such a departure from sturdier fabrics.
Fit is so important on the course. As Collin says, “I look for fit — that’s the top priority — something that gives me enough space in the seat and tapers down to the ankle. There’s definitely a happy medium: too tight feels limiting when swinging and too baggy just feel like they’re in the way.” But Mugsy has made a pair that brings sweatpant comfort with trouser look that fits in at the golf course, clubhouse, or office (and you may just wear them to all three). Known for their jeans, which they infused with stretch to bring comfort to another “stiff” category of pants, Mugsy has built a truly unique pair for golf as well.
Price at time of publish: $128
The Details: Odor-resistant | Water-resistant | UPF 50 | Tee holder and ball pocket | Three colors | 28-44 x 30-34 inches
Best Budget: Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-fit Stretch Golf Pant
Why We Love It: Unbeatable prices and a huge selection of sizes and colors make these pants perfect for the casual golfer who is on a budget.
What to Consider: The fit is not as slim as advertised, and they can be inconsistent in quality, with the stretch material leaving lots to be desired compared to more premium brands.
Not everyone is chasing a single-digit handicap or playing 60 rounds a summer, but anyone can feel like they fit in on the course with these modern pants. Featuring a size and color for every shape of golfer, they’re not quite tour-ready but they look and feel just good enough to get you going on nice days when you’re spoiling your walk. Look for sales and discounts that Amazon is known for to see these sometimes hit up to 30 percent off their list price (which is already really hard to beat for the quality).
Price at time of publish: $38
The Details: 98 percent polyester 2 percent spandex | Moisture-wicking | Wrinkle-free | Machine-washable | Ten colors | 28-42 x 28-34
Best Splurge: KJUS Iver Pants Tailored Fit
Why We Love It: It’s a premium cut, fabric, and look for a premium price from a premium brand.
What to Consider: Ultimately, the difference between these and some of our other picks would only be noticeable to the most discerning eye and golfer.
Sometimes it’s worth it to pay for the look to feel like a champion, and KJUS (pronounced “Shu-ss”) is that for golf pants. They are extremely premium, with a feel on the skin that is unrivaled by others even in similar price ranges. As Collin’s pick, he loves their “more professional look” and five-pocket build. “Pocket style is very much a preference. I’ve met golf professionals that will only wear five-pocket pants, but I’ve also met ones that don’t like the functionality of a five-pocket on course.”
Price at time of publish: $200
The Details: 86 percent polyester 14 percent elastane | Quick-drying | Concealed zipper | Breathable lining | Nine Colors | 30-42 x 30-34 inches
Best for Rain: Peter Millar Laddie Rain Pant
Why We Love It: Fully wind-and-waterproof with none of the look or feel of pull-over rain gear, these pants are the quality you expect from Peter Millar for the rainiest golf trips.
What to Consider: They are pricey for their specific use, and may be a bit too rigid for days when the rain holds off, despite looking like normal golf pants.
Rain and golf go hand-in-hand; even the most prepared loopers get caught sometimes in an unexpected and unwelcome squall on the back nine. While most modern pants are water-resistant, when you’re planning to play in the spring or autumn, it’s nice to have a pair that can withstand more when the precipitation gets horizontal. The Laddie rain pants are indeed that strong-willed and will keep your lower half dry without impeding your swing or walk in the slightest, and they look as handsome as all of Peter Millar’s bottoms.
Price at time of publish: $200
The Details: 72 percent nylon 28 percent polyester | Waterproof | Two-way Stretch | Machine-Washable | One color | 30-44 x 32 inches
Best for Cold Weather: Adidas COLD.RDY Joggers
Why We Love It: Comfortable and warm when the temperature drops, they also give a modern look that flannel would never be able to give.
What to Consider: These have cargo pockets, which aren’t everyone’s (or every club’s) favorite feature on golf pants.
If you plan to play year-round and can convince your local groundskeeper to keep the pins in the ground past October, you’re going to need a pair of pants ready for the stiff breeze that cuts through leafless trees. Adidas has the answer with their Cold.Rdy technology in a slim, smart jogger made for the links. With the right amount of room to move around and swing in, they aren’t restricting but are warm and will keep your walk as brisk as the air.
Price at time of publish: $100
The Details: Recycled polyester and elastane French terry | Cold.Rdy Insulation | Cargo pockets | Two colors | S-XXL
Tips for Buying Golf Pants
Know the different types of fits and lengths.
While a chino-style side pocket pair is most common, in our testing we found a five-pocket cut to be the most popular with newer brands. Just behind that and exploding in popularity on the course is joggers, so be sure to know what kind of fit you’re looking for. Gone are the days of pleated, billowy trousers, so also be mindful of how most performance golf pants have a slimmer, more tailored look and are meant to be activewear as much as business casual. Especially when ordering online, try out a few different length and waist combos, as we found a 36-inch waist was not consistently the same across brands, and even varied within the same brand if the inseam was 32 inches or 34 inches (most of our recommendations have great return policies just for this reason).
Determine what kind of fabric is right for you
Most performance shirts are made with a polyester, which is both light and breathable, while also usually being quick-drying and sweat-wicking. But depending on what it’s blended with will determine how it feels; adding spandex will make it stretchier, adding cotton makes it softer. Other fabrics dictate what the standout feature of the shirt will be: nylon tends to be best for sun protection, and pima cotton will be the most natural.
Coordinate your look
While golf shirts can provide the most opportunities for bold patterns and visual statements, your pants can and should compliment your overall on-the-course vibe. Joggers and shorter inseam pants work well with the sockless look and sneaker-style shoes, whereas five-pocket pants do well with more athletic tops and mock-neck shirts. And your choice of color can go beyond stodgy khaki and standard navy to add some pop even if your driver isn’t quite getting you as far off the tee as you’d like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to golf in golf pants?
No one has to golf in pants, but you can wear pants at any golf course or club. It’s an instant way to stand out from the pack and say you take the game more seriously, but as mentioned above, there are also a ton of other advantages: less sunscreen on your legs, protection from bugs and ticks when you’re in the long-grass, and comfort during excessively wet or cooler rounds in the fall.
How do I clean golf pants to make them last longer?
Modern fabrics that are used in golf pants and athleisure clothing are easy to wash, but to keep up their UPF sun protection and shape, the recommendation is to skip the tumble cycle and air-dry them. Especially when considering quick-dry, anti-wrinkle and stain-fighting properties, washing in cold water and spot-cleaning will keep your pants viable much longer.
How much do good golf pants cost?
In our research, we found extremely affordable pairs and high-price-tag pants across a wide swath of brands. Ultimately, this is a question for you and your budget, but oftentimes what you get as the price goes up is better fits, more features, and a focus on quality of fabric and stitching. But there is comfort at every price point. We suggest always trying on a few pairs before making your final decision.
Are golf pants business casual?
The term “business casual” is subjective depending on your office (or lack thereof), but on the whole, chino and five-pocket golf pants will fit the definition. Joggers tend to push this a bit, and there are certain fabrics that toe the line of athleisure a little too closely for the workplace, but a not-too-tight pair of golf pants with a tucked-in shirt will go far in this regard.
Why Trust Me?
For this story, I spoke to my pro, played lots of mediocre rounds, and tested over 20 different pairs of golf pants on and off the course. As a lifelong golfer and former caddy, who is as meticulous about my pants’ fit as I am clocking distances, I know the importance of your legs being covered during the round. So I’ve got that going for me, which is nice.