Keeping your cool on the golf course is not easy in hot weather. You might be tempted to go sleeveless or ditch your shirt entirely, but that doesn’t really solve the problem. After all, would you really feel comfortable wandering around a public place with no top on? Fending off heat and humidity isn’t just about what you wear. You need to protect your body from the sun, too. A golfer who takes sensible measures can play for longer without getting overheated or risking heat exhaustion and dehydration. The right clothing helps keep your body temperature down while also protecting you from harmful UV rays. You’ll find a full breakdown of the golf vest that doesn’t get too hot in this article — and if you keep reading, we also give you some tips on how to choose them to suit your needs!
How to Stay Cool on the Golf Course
As with most sports, there are a few general rules for staying cool on a hot day: First, take the time to acclimatize. If you’re playing a tournament in a very hot climate, you should adjust your expectations. If you’re going to be outdoors, make sure you wear lightweight, breathable clothing. A thin, long-sleeved shirt and lightweight pants are the best bet — and make sure your golf shoes are breathable, too! Avoid sweating as much as possible, but if you do, be sure to wear a golf towel to mop your brow and keep your club grips dry.
UV Protection by Way of Sunscreen
The sun’s ultraviolet rays are a golfing attire’s bane — they cause the harmful effects we associate with sunburn, like wrinkling of the skin and sun spots. Not only that, prolonged exposure can lead to skin cancer. The best way to protect your skin is to use sunscreen. It shields your skin from ultraviolet A and B rays, while also moisturizing your skin and helping to prevent wrinkles. If you’re wearing long pants, a pair of golf gloves, and a visor, you’re already doing a lot to protect your hands, feet, and forehead. But you should still use sunscreen in addition to these protective measures. As far as choosing a golf sunscreen, you should get one that’s broad-spectrum — it should protect against both UVA and UVB rays. You should also look for a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30.
Ventilation with a Mesh Shirt
If you’re playing in hot and humid weather, you might want to consider a mesh shirt. The mesh material will let your body breathe and keep you from sweating too much. Many golfers wear a long-sleeved shirt in hot weather anyway — basically, the same principle behind long sleeves applies here, too. You have to think about the temperature inside your body versus outside your body. Long sleeves will keep your body heat in, so you’ll sweat more. If you’re wearing a short-sleeved shirt, you’ll be cooler because the short sleeves will let air in and let your body heat out. That said, you still need to be careful, particularly if you’re in a tropical climate. If you’re going sleeveless, make sure you use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. While wearing the right clothing is essential for the golfer, the right set of clubs is important too. This simple guide by The Left Rough will help you choose the best women’s golf clubs that can work great for you.
Covers and Vests with Built-In UV Protection
If your golfing style is more tailored and traditional — if you want to look like you’ve just stepped out of a country club — a cover might be your best option. You can choose from a wide variety of styles and fabrics, but most are designed to protect you from the sun as well as protect your clubs from scuffs and nicks. If you’re not a fan of carrying a bulky bag, you might like a golf vest with a built-in umbrella. These vests are light but can protect you from the sun just like an umbrella, keeping the rays off all parts of your body. If you’re going for this look, you should make sure your vest protects your neck, too. You don’t want to leave it exposed to the sun — that way, you’ll avoid redness and sunburn.
The Bottom Line
While you want to protect your skin from the sun, you should also think about protecting your head, hands, and feet. You should try to stay out of the sun during the hours when it’s strongest and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. The best golf vest for you will depend on your personal tastes. If you’re looking for a more traditional look, a cover might be best. If you want something functional, a mesh shirt will help you keep cool. If you want something that will keep you cool and protect you from the sun, a golf shirt with built-in UV protection is the best way to go.