Guide To Keeping Cool With The Best Material For Golf Shorts
When the sun’s overhead and the fairways start radiating heat, even seasoned players can find their focus slipping. One poorly chosen piece of clothing, especially your shorts, and your attention shifts from your swing to your discomfort. Fatigue builds, your rhythm falters, and the round becomes a grind.
But that doesn’t need to be the case. We understand that what you wear impacts not only how you feel, but how well you play, particularly in the heat. This guide will show you how the right golf shorts material can improve your comfort on-course, introduce performance fabrics that work, and highlight top selections from our range designed to keep you cool under pressure.
Staying Cool Starts with the Right Fabric
Golf demands patience, control, and precise movement, all of which are harder to maintain in hot or humid conditions. Sweat builds, fabrics cling, and breathability becomes essential. Choosing golf shorts with poor ventilation or no stretch doesn’t just compromise comfort, it can affect posture, tempo, and focus.
Heat regulation starts with intelligent fabric selection. Shorts made from performance materials help manage body temperature, reduce friction, and allow for a full range of motion. And in summer, that can be the difference between finishing strong and fading out.
What Makes Golf Shorts Comfortable in the Heat
Not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to hot-weather play. To stay cool and dry throughout your round, look for the following key features:
- Breathability – Enhances airflow to prevent overheating.
- Moisture-wicking – Moves sweat away from your skin so it evaporates faster.
- Quick-drying fibres – Prevent discomfort during long or multi-round days.
- Four-way stretch – Supports unrestricted swing movement and walking comfort.
- Lightweight weave – Keeps weight off and airflow high.
These are fundamental for performance during warmer months. Traditional cotton shorts may feel soft, but often lack the moisture control and freedom of movement modern golfers need.
Best Materials for Staying Cool on the Course
Understanding which materials deliver the best performance in the heat helps you make more informed wardrobe decisions. Here are the top performers:
| Material | Key Benefits | Best For | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester Blends | Lightweight, moisture-wicking, UV-ready | Competitive summer rounds | Durability, rapid moisture evaporation and wrinkle resistance. They’re the smart choice for players who need their gear to work with them from tee-off to final putt. |
| Cotton/Spandex | Natural feel with flexible movement | Casual and crossover wear | Breathable comfort with added stretch, making them ideal for golfers who want something versatile for post-round wear as well. |
| Thistle Stretch | Premium breathability, four-way stretch | High-performance club and event use | Exclusive to Donald Ross, this is a proprietary fabric blend. It balances performance with a refined aesthetic, high ventilation, structure retention, and movement without compromise. |
Coolest Shorts from our Summer Range
We stock performance-oriented shorts from brands who understand what golf apparel really needs to deliver.
38 South Men’s Classic Cotton/Spandex Shorts
Tailored with a cotton-spandex blend, these shorts provide breathability and stretch in equal measure. Featuring a flat front, discreet coin or ball marker pocket, and a refined cut, they’re perfect for relaxed rounds, club casual wear, or a smart off-course look. View the range
Donald Ross Walker Shorts
Crafted with Thistle Stretch fabric, these are designed for performance in peak conditions. Deep pockets, an internal tee slot, and a gripper waistband show attention to detail, while the four-way stretch and fast-dry design mean you’ll stay mobile and dry from the first drive to the last green. Explore the range
Common Concerns and What to Know
Not every golfer is immediately convinced to upgrade. Here are some frequent concerns, and why they no longer apply:
"Polyester feels synthetic and hot."
Modern performance blends have evolved. These fabrics are engineered for breathability and comfort, not just durability. They wick moisture, resist cling, and breathe better than traditional materials.
"Cotton feels cooler, so why blend it?"
Cotton alone soaks and holds sweat. Blending with spandex or polyester helps it retain its natural feel while drying faster and moving more freely.
"Will the fit suit me?"
Golf shorts from our featured brands are cut with athletic performance in mind, tailored but forgiving, supportive but unrestrictive. Size guides and fit descriptions are available on product pages to make your decision easier.
Your Cool Golf Shorts Checklist
When you’re ready to upgrade your summer golf wardrobe, remember:
- Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics
- Prioritise moisture-wicking or quick-dry capability
- Opt for stretch construction for unrestricted play
- Look for smart waistband and pocket features
- Pick products from trusted golf apparel brands
Buy Golf Shorts Today
Our summer collection delivers on comfort, performance, and design, made for golfers who expect more from their apparel. Whether you’re competing, travelling, or simply enjoying a casual round, you’ll find shorts that keep pace with the game, and the heat.
Shop the latest in performance golf shorts now. Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $99.