Lisa Goulian Twiste a a Senior Apparel Writer at PGA Magazine.
As the weather warms and golfers begin to flock to their local courses, we see the women’s apparel market has shifted dramatically toward versatile performance garments that work across many aspects of their active lifestyle.
First and foremost, however, these pieces need to function for golf, and as in the men’s market, women’s apparel vendors now offers moisture-wicking, stretch, breathability and other properties as standard features in their warm weather lineups.
“Moisture-wicking is one of the most important things I look for when I buy for the golf shop,” says Jillian Messina, AGM, Golf Shop Manager at Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield, New Jersey. “During the hot summer months, this is what most players are looking for.”
Justin DeFont, PGA of America Director of Golf at The TwinEagles Club in Naples, Florida, also prioritizes performance attributes when choosing products for his golf shop, with his best sellers of late including Greyson, IBKUL, Peter Millar, Dunning and Cabana Life.
“Moisture-wicking, breathable and lightweight fabrics have become essential in today’s golf apparel market, especially in warm-weather regions, where comfort directly impacts performance,” he says.
Rob Karnes, PGA of America Master Professional/Director of Golf at NCR Country Club in Kettering, Ohio, also calls out IBKUL as one of his go-to brands for UV protection and cooling technology, saying, “Even in the northern ‘bentgrass’ region, our peak summer conditions — 90-degree temperatures with high humidity — make moisture-wicking, breathable and lightweight fabrics essential for both comfort and playability.”
Women’s collections across the board have standardized performance features, which also include stretch for unrestricted movement during the golf swing. For example, Antigua’s spring line is highlighted by the Perfecto Stripe Polo, featuring Cool Touch Poly Jersey with its signature Desert Dry technology that maintains a cooler, drier wear experience, as well as the Pullover Hoodie featuring strategically placed seaming, forward princess lines and a corset-inspired front seam, designed to move with the body and enhance fit during swing movement. The result is a “thoughtful blend of fashion and function rooted in athletic shaping and flattering form,” the company says.
Belyn Key features performance pieces like the Cabana Sleeveless Top, a sleek, sculpted silhouette made from a cool-touch, lightweight performance knit, and BK Sport Crop Pant in a lightweight four-way stretch woven — both garments having UPF50 sun protection and natural moisture-wicking.
The offering from Swing Control is all about sophisticated, high-function apparel that blends modern femininity with performance, featuring pieces like the Green Hearts Sleeveless Velocity Dress in a lightweight stretch fabric with a contoured silhouette, contrast placket and collar and built-in tummy control shorts and Textured Techno Jacquard Pant with a sleek, architectural texture.
Fairway & Greene is headlined by the Eloise Sleeveless Polo in a moisture-wicking performance fabric with a classic striped, puckered finish, while Rhone presents breathable skorts with built-in bike shorts that stay put, as well as chic “one-and-done” dresses and a variety of lightweight performance layers.
At the same time, Ahead’s offering leads with the Modern Luxe Collection, celebrating versatility and athletic flair, and featuring styles like the Domino Polo with sporty color blocking and feminine tailoring, and essentials and layers like the lightweight Jade Pullover with sporty stripe detailing and Merlin and Maverick quilted pieces showcasing a refined, feminine wave pattern.
From Rhone, look for versatile pieces like the Mirage Skort, a smart and sleek garment supported with a hidden liner, and backed by performance properties, and Serene Studio Hoodie, featuring lightweight stretch and high-low fit that layers cleanly.
PUMA’s spring lineup includes sleeveless and short-sleeve Cloudspun polos with a lightly peached finish and a fabric that holds its shape, wicks sweat fast, has 4-way stretch and UPF 40 sun protection and uses 90 percent recycled content. Also look for the Cloudspun Lana Mono Check 16-inch Golf Skirt with 4-way stretch, advanced moisture control, a breathable, fast-drying fabric and attached inner shorts with side pockets for additional storage.
And from SanSoleil comes the Cooling Mélange Mini Stripe collection offering versatile additions like hoodies for golf and everyday wear that can be styled up with a puffer vest or dressed down with leggings and a zip mock for layering or wearing on its own. The line also features the SolAir performance fabric available in a wide range of prints, styles and solids.
“Players now expect technical features like stretch, ventilation and UV protection: these are no longer upgrades but standard offerings,” DeFont adds. “These cooling technologies not only enhance comfort but also help golfers play comfortably from the first tee to the final putt.”
