The best golf pants are year-round staples. Traditionally, many golf clubs require long pants or khakis, even in summer. Still, the last thing you want is to feel restricted or sweaty. After hours of hands-on testing a variety of options, we picked Bonobosâ Performance Link Pants as the top golf pants overall since theyâre lightweight, stretchy and great in all weather.Under Armourâs Infrared Tapered Pants came in a very close second, and are the most versatile to wear on and off the course.
Other winners emerged in our testing process as well, which might work best for your specific needs. Soothfeelâs Slim-Fit Stretch Golf Pant are the best affordable option, for example, while Peter Millarâs Surge Performance Trousers are stylish without sacrificing comfort, according to our golfer, so you can âget down and line that putt up, find your ball in the woods or run up that bunker slope to see if you chipped it in.â Ahead, see all the best golf pants for men that we highly recommend.
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Sizes: 28 to 46W, 28 to 36L | Materials: 100% recycled polyester
Whatâs notable:
Stylish with built-in stretch for comfort and lightweight
Available in 12 colors
What could be better:
Breathable for all-season wear, Bonobosâ Performance Link Pants are cut from a quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabric thatâs also rated for UPF protection. This pair comes in five fits (tailored, athletic, slim tapered) and many colors, in addition to being easy to clean (toss them in the washing machine on cold and tumble dry). Just keep in mind that theyâre not entirely wrinkle-resistant and might require some ironing.
What our tester says: These pants are âgreat looking, great feeling, lightweight, stretchy in the right places, and great for hot or cold weather. Theyâre durable to wear out on the golf course or an indoor simulator, and you can feel confident to walk 18 holes or ride in a cart all day long in these.â The only con, according to our tester, is that they âseem to attract water. [If you] rest a drink on them for a millisecond, itâs going to leave a water ring for a few holes.â
Sizes: 28 to 44W, 30 to 34L | Materials: 91% polyester, 9% elastane
Whatâs notable:
Fluorine-free water repellent coating keeps you dry
Internal waistband grip helps keep your shirt tucked in
What could be better:
Back pocket has a snap closure, not a zipper
Only available in two dark colors
While these are technically designed for cold weather, our tester found them great for all-weather, with a stylish look that means you can wear them while golfing but also in everyday life. The water-resistant, poly stretch fabric also offers wind protection, so if you encounter some bad weather, the elements wonât affect your comfort level.
What our tester says: These golf pants have âa great feel, with a waistband that stays on your hips while moving around. Theyâre also waterproof, so water rolls off, and dust or dirt wipes away easy.â Our tester also noted that âthe overall quality is exceptional. I washed these pants several times, and they still look and feel brand new.â In terms of negatives, our tester said, âI didnât find any cons with these pants. Theyâre an overall winner for me.â
Sizes: 30 to 42W, 30 to 34L | Materials: 100% polyester
Whatâs notable:
Stylish, slim-straight fit for dressier golf situations
Excellent fabric quality
What could be better:
Tailored fit might not work for all
Some reviewers note inseam length inaccuracies
With a modern fit thatâs sleek and stylish, the G/Foreâs Tour 5 is made from a stretch warp knit fabric thatâs moisture-wicking to keep you dry and comfortable during play, plus when youâre getting in and out of the cart. Professional golfers were involved in the design process, and it showsâthis pair is lightweight, easy-wearing and built to perform.
What our tester says: âThe quality here is great. These are your tournament outing golf pants. Theyâre professional-looking, and the type of pants to impress your father-in-law before slicing it into the woods. Theyâre silky smooth, and make you feel as confident as prime Tiger Woods coming down 18 back in 2004.â The only drawbacks are that these are not best for cold weatherââtheyâre a summer style, lightweight and coolingââand are âalmost too nice where youâre going to be mad if you spill ketchup on them at the turn.â Overall, our tester found these âmulti-use pants give me the confidence of screaming, âIâll par the next hole!ââ
Peter Millar Crown Crafted Surge Performance Trouser
Modern, minimal design thatâs stylish for a long day on the course
Stain- and wrinkle-resistant
What could be better:
Runs small; consider sizing up
The Surge Performance Trouser has a flat front, darted back and a slim cut from knee to ankleâthe leg opening is 15 inchesâthat creates a polished, ultra-streamlined look. Theyâre a lightweight pant designed with comfort in mind, but they also have a professional look that easily transitions to the office or an after-game drink.
What our tester says: âThese are the best-looking golf pants I tested. The quality and colors are exceptional.â But, keep in mind these are âslim fit golf pants. So slim, you can forget about putting a bunch of tees in your pocket,â and our tested also noted the pockets are narrow: âIt almost seems like theyâre not made to have anything in your pockets.â
Sizes: 31 to 38 | Materials: Polyester/spandex
Whatâs notable:
Ultra-comfortable, especially if you have larger glutes and calves
Stylish, tab closure at waist
What could be better:
Sizing is somewhat limited
Only available in four colors
Made with an 8-way stretch Italian performance fabric, the Greyson Montauk jogger is like your favorite pair of sweatpants, but theyâre fancy enough to meet dress code requirements. With their antimicrobial, quick-drying, moisture-wicking and UV-protecting properties, theyâre also made to perform. Perforated pockets keep the air flowing and the flat-front waist elevates the look.
What our tester says: âThese are the highest rated jogger I tested, for sure, and the second most comfortable on the list after the Under Armour pair. The quality feels good enough for the golf course but also for a night out on the town. This would be the pair I would want to wear if Iâm walking 18 holes of golf.â Our tester liked the double-locking waistband buttons for extra security but still found it best to keep his shirt tucked in, though. Otherwise, âyou might not be as confident to bend over and pick up that tee without going full plumber-under-the-sink.â
Sizes: 36 to 56W, 30 to 38L | Materials: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
Whatâs notable:
Grippy inner waistband keeps shirt in place
Moisture-wicking poly-blend fabric
What could be better:
More traditional look that might not appeal to all
Some reviewers note sizing inconsistencies
Callawayâs Stretch Lightweight Classic Pant has a 20-inch size range and an active waistband that comfortably moves with your body, plus UV protection for sunnier days. This pair also wicks moisture away and stay stretchy, dry and comfortable while retaining its shape.
What our tester says: âYou can definitely tell these pants have been designed by a golf company. Golf first, style points later. They’re freeing because you don’t feel constricted by a slimmer fit. They have non-slip bands on the waistband that keep them securely in place.â On the downside, though, the pants âfit great around the waist but then just go straight down to your feet.â The overall style is a bit more traditional, like âyour grandpa’s classic golf pants.â
Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: 82% polyester, 18% spandex
Whatâs notable:
Elastic waistband adds comfort
5-pocket design
Hidden zippered pocket for securing essentials
What could be better:
Back pocket snap can pop open easily
Front pockets arenât deep enough
These Soothfeel pants are like a mix between a jogger and a trouser, giving off a stylish look while maintaining a stretchy comfort. The slim fit highlights most body types and while thereâs a traditional zippered fly, thereâs a sleek elastic waist, allowing for extended movement and flexibility. They come in an impressive range of 20 colors.
What our tester says: âIâd recommend these for those on a budget and the weekend-warrior golfer who wants to be comfortable while playing golf with some buddies. They have a silk-like feel thatâs lightweight and very comfy.â But our tester found that theyâre not waterproof or as high quality as others on our list so they might wear out eventually: âOver time the washing machine is going to win the battle with these ones.â
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we carefully evaluate, review and test products with a critical eye. Most of our recommendations come from first-hand testing, whether weâre writing about the best wallets for men or the most comfortable dress shoes. We know that shopping online can be time-consuming; thatâs why we spend hours researching and evaluating products so you can make smart and informed buying decisions. Our team is comprised of experienced editors and writers who are always on the hunt for the best of the best, and we also regularly interview experts, including designers, athletes and textile professors, to ensure our guides are thoroughly researched and represent multiple points of view.
How We Chose The Best Golf Pants For Men
To find the best golf pants, we tapped the expertise of our fashion team who has reported on everything from the best golf polos to the best golf shorts. We started by considering top-rated pants from both well-known and emerging golf brands, evaluating the contenders for their comfort, technical features, fit, versatility and value for the price. Once we had narrowed down the potential picks, we had our testerâan avid golfer who lives in Sturbridge, Massachusettsâtry out all the pants while playing for hours, over multiple weeks, providing feedback on the pros and cons of each pair. Only the options that earned the highest marks landed on our list of the best golf pants.
What To Consider When Shopping For Best Golf Pants
Not all golf pants are created alike. Factors like your body type, comfort needs and golfing conditions come into play when picking out the best pair for you. Hereâs a few things to keep in mind as you shop:
Fit: Youâll be moving a lot during a golf game, so youâll want a fit that comfortably accommodates your body. If you have a more muscular build, a super slim pair of golf pants might feel restricting. Likewise, a slim body type might find that a super loose style just gets in the way of their form. Beyond the cut of the pant, also pay attention to the rise, waistband and inseam to ensure optimal mobilityâand performanceâon the links.
Materials: Fit is one thing, but what is the golf pant made out of? Most of our top picks are made with polyester, a favorite thatâs commonly blended with stretch for extra comfort, mobility and moisture-wicking properties. The fabric should also have a nice drape and maintain a polished look to appease club dress codes. Just because it feels like a pair of sweatpants doesnât mean it has to look like it.
Technical Features: Todayâs golf pants might look simple on the outside, in terms of style, but most are designed with technical features to help you play your best game. From weather protectionâthink water-resistant coatings, windproof fabric weaves and body heat-absorbing liningsâto waistbands that hold your shirt in place, you can find a lot of impressive hidden details that make certain golf pants stand out, all of which we took into consideration when determining the top picks on our list.
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Iâm a contributing writer covering womenâs and menâs fashion and accessories at Forbes Vetted. Iâve worked in media for 20 years, art directing and designing fashion, beauty, health and tech content for a variety of magazines, websites and brands. Prior to this, I studied magazine journalism at the University of Missouri. When Iâm not researching fashion, youâll find me doing freelance projects, exploring textile and interior design, and rollerskating.