What is a Golf Jacket? Find Out if You Need One
It’s easy to think of a golf jacket as just another piece of athletic outerwear - something to pull on in rainy or cooler weather. But a good golf jacket is much more than a simple coat: it’s a staple item in any golfer’s wardrobe, thanks to its functionality and practicality. Read on as we outline what makes a golf jacket unique, the different types of golf jackets out there, and what to look for when choosing yours.
What is a golf jacket?
While the Green Jacket is one of the most revered prizes given to winners of the Masters Tournament, it is also an example of how the term ‘jacket’, in fact, carries different meaning depending on where you happen to be in the world. For the British, Scottish, and many other former Commonwealth countries, a jacket is what Americans would call a blazer; indeed, the esteemed Green Jacket bestowed on Masters Champions is a single-breasted, three-button blazer with gold buttons.
While other tournaments include similar prizes - for instance, a red cardigan at the Arnold Palmer Invitational or the plaid jacket at the Charles Schwab Challenge - none of these are a true golf jackets for men. Instead, a golf jacket is a lightweight outer garment designed specifically for golfers.
A golf jacket offers protection against wind, rain, or cooler weather without impacting or restricting the player’s range of motion.
Different types of golf jackets
Golf jackets are typically defined by the following characteristics:
- They tend to be made from breathable, water-resistant, or moisture-wicking fabrics.
- They often feature a sleek, minimalist design.
- They should be fitted, with roomy armholes and a stretchy inner layer or one that allows enough freedom of movement.
- Additional features usually include functional details—think zippered pockets, adjustable cuffs, or elastic hems.
What material should you choose for your golf jacket?
Like most coats, what you choose depends largely on a couple of key factors: what style you like and what you need it for, including what types of occasions, if applicable, and type of weather you’ll be wearing it in. When it comes to choosing a golf jacket, the same factors ring true, although the occasion is, of course, to play or watch a game of golf. Here are the main materials for golf jackets.
Golf jackets for cold weather
As you might imagine, a big, bulky jacket might be warm - but it’s highly impractical for playing golf: imagine taking your best swing with restricted arms and you get the idea. Instead, opt for a layering system: Galvin Green’s is versatile because you can mix and match pieces and tailor your outfit to the conditions. For very cold weather, we recommend starting with a thermal base layer, then adding a windbreaker or mid layer, a padded vest, and, finally, finishing with a rain jacket.
Waterproof golf jackets
Jackets in our DRYVR™ range are completely, 100% waterproof. Our Ames style, for instance, is made from Pertex Shield", a premium, high-tech material that’s also lightweight and easy to pack, so you can store it in your golf bag, ready to pull out at the first drop of rain.
When choosing a waterproof jacket, look for a reliable, waterproof material such as GORE-TEX or Pertex®, as well as sealed seams to ensure no rain seeps in. If you’re especially concerned about rain dripping down the back of your neck, you can try our hooded rain jacket, which is a good option for everyday wear, too.
Windproof and water repellent golf jackets
Galvin Green’s INTERFACE-1™ jackets offer excellent, proven protection from the wind; some styles, such as the Lyndon, even have a light water repellent finish to keep you dry in slightly wet conditions, as well as thermal insulation to help keep you warm. Stretchy, breathable fabric ensures these styles are still comfortable to wear and won’t impact your golf game.
Hybrid golf jackets & mid layers
If you’re playing in weather conditions that can’t seem to make up its mind - cool one moment, slightly wet the next, warm a moment later - golf mid layers might be the smartest option for you. These jackets are made from Galvin Green’s INSULA™ fabric and have Thermore® or Primaloft® padding, so they act and look like a jacket, keeping you warm, but are also slightly lighter weight, so you can also layer a rain jacket on top in colder weather.
Another versatile option is a full-zip or half-zip style: these layer well under a jacket and add extra warmth if the temperature dips.
Short-sleeved golf jackets
Short sleeved golf jacketare often worn by golfers who want warmth but don’t like the feeling of sleeves (or think they might get in the way of their game), or if they require rain protection in warm weather. Depending on the forecast, you can opt for either a fully waterproof version or a water repellent, short-sleeved windbreaker. On hot, rainy days, some golfers will wear a long-sleeved UV top under a short-sleeved rain jacket to protect against all eventualities.
Summary
If you’re looking for a men’s golf jacket, women’s golf jacket, or a junior golf jacket for your child, finding a style that suits the weather conditions you’ll be playing in is key. Whether you end up wearing it every time you’re on the green or it only comes out when it’s really pouring, it’s guaranteed to become a key item in your golfing wardrobe.
Have other questions about what to wear for a game of golf? Check out What to Wear Golfing for Men and What to Wear Golfing for Women.
