How To Choose Golf Shorts
When you’re halfway through the back nine and the sun’s bearing down, the last thing you need is a pair of shorts that cling, chafe or restrict your swing. Whether you’re a weekend regular or playing a corporate round, comfort and movement matter. And it all begins with what you wear.
Golf shorts are often underestimated. But the right pair does more than meet the dress code, they support freedom of movement, help regulate your temperature, and allow you to focus on your game instead of adjusting your waistband.
A2Z Golf supply players, pro shops and clubs across Australia and New Zealand with premium golf apparel built for performance and designed for life on and off the course. We’re the exclusive distributors of elite golfwear brands like Donald Ross, Jamie Sadock, and 38º South, brands trusted by serious golfers for good reason.
This guide will help you choose golf shorts that are fit for purpose: performance-driven, weather-ready and styled to suit your day.
Move Freely with Stretch Fabric
Golf is not a static sport. It requires constant movement, walking, rotating, bending, swinging. Your shorts should enhance that movement, not restrict it.
Stretch golf shorts are built to give. Technical blends that include elastane or spandex provide flexibility around the waist and thighs while maintaining a smart, tailored silhouette. No pulling, pinching or sagging, just smooth, responsive motion.
Donald Ross Men’s Golf Shorts are a prime example. Made with high-performance stretch fabric, they also include hidden tee and scorecard pockets, refinements that serve function without fuss.
Why golfers prefer stretch shorts:
- Unrestricted swing motion
- Greater comfort over 18 holes
- Reduced risk of chafing
- Shape retention after repeated wear
Stay Cool with Lightweight Materials
Australian summers are no joke, and heavy or bulky shorts don’t cut it when temperatures rise. Breathability is key.
Lightweight golf shorts made with performance fabrics like polyester blends or CoolDry knits provide structure without weight. They wick moisture, ventilate well, and dry quickly after a humid day or a sudden shower.
Both 38º South Lightweight Shorts and Jamie Sadock’s collections offer refined options that balance airflow with form. They’re made for movement, but styled for the modern golfer.
|
Feature |
Heavy Shorts |
Lightweight Shorts |
|
Airflow |
Low |
High |
|
Comfort in Heat |
Poor |
Excellent |
|
Risk of Chafing |
Higher |
Minimal |
|
Best Use Case |
Cool conditions |
Summer & humid play |
Dry and Comfortable with Breathable Design
Sweat is inevitable during play, but discomfort doesn't have to be.
Breathable golf shorts incorporate mesh panels, vented seams, or technical moisture-wicking materials to keep you dry and reduce skin irritation. This is especially valuable for golfers who walk the course, compete in summer, or prefer minimal layering.
Shorts with breathable design don’t just feel better, they prevent distractions and discomfort that could throw off your game.
Pro tip: Look for labels that note “quick-dry” or “moisture-wicking”, and avoid overly thick cotton or tight, non-stretch designs in warm weather.
Built to Last with Smart, Practical Features
Durability isn’t about ruggedness, it’s about refined strength.
Golfers repeat the same motions thousands of times. Friction builds up fast. Low-quality shorts can pill, tear, or lose shape at key stress points like inseams and waistbands. High-quality shorts avoid that through superior construction and resilient fabric.
Functional design also sets great shorts apart. Pockets need to be deep, secure and smartly placed. Donald Ross’s inclusion of a hidden tee pocket is a perfect example, simple, effective, invisible until you need it.
Key features to look for:
- Reinforced stitching in high-motion zones
- High-grade performance fabric
- Secure pockets with zips or flaps
- Tailored cut for active fit without bulk
Style That Carries Off the Course
Golfwear today isn’t just for the fairways. With clean lines and understated details, the best golf shorts transition seamlessly to the clubhouse, the café or even casual Friday at work.
Fairway & Greene’s women’s shorts and Jamie Sadock designs lead the charge here. Their silhouettes suit a range of body types, combining athletic comfort with flattering structure.
And if you’re shopping for a team or club, A2Z Golf offers in-house embroidery and design services to customise your golf shorts for corporate events, staff uniforms, or pennant teams, without minimum order requirements.
What If You’re Still Not Sure?
Maybe you play casually and think any pair of shorts will do. Or perhaps you’re unsure about buying golf-specific clothing online.
Here’s what to consider: general athletic shorts aren’t made with the movement and etiquette of golf in mind. They lack tailored fit, specialised fabric, and sport-specific features. They might ride up, fall down, or wear out quickly. Golf shorts are built differently, for a reason.
Worried about sizing? Our team at A2Z Golf can assist, and our range includes flexible options across brands that run true to size. You’ll also benefit from no minimum orders, so you can try one pair and build from there.
Play in Shorts That Fit Your Game
The right golf shorts don’t just improve your comfort, they elevate your focus and free you up to play at your best.
We’ve curated a selection of high-quality men’s and women’s golf shorts that meet the demands of both performance and presentation. Whether you’re after breathability, flexibility, durability or style, we have options that are trusted by clubs and players across the country.