Best Golf Shorts 2024: Buyer's guide and things you need to know
GolfMagic picks out the best golf shorts of the year to help you choose which pair to purchase next.
An integral part of any summer outfit, the right pair of golf shorts is instrumental in keeping you cool when temperatures start to rise.
The modest golf short, while perhaps not the most glamorous part of any outfit, can make or break a round's enjoyment. Modern golf shorts provide a wide range of performance-benefiting features, including four-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric and plenty of pockets to store your on-course essentials.
With a wide variety of cuts, lengths, fabrics and colours to choose from, the GolfMagic editorial team has picked out a few of their favourite pairs that won't let you down when you need them most.
Perfect for pairing with one of our best golf polo shirts, these shorts are hand-selected from some of the biggest brands in the game, including PUMA, PING, G/FORE, and Peter Millar.
So, without further ado, let's get into it.
All of our picks below are independently selected and curated by the editorial team, If you buy a linked product, GolfMagic may earn a fee. Pricing may vary.
Best Golf Shorts 2024
G/FORE Maverick Golf Shorts
Price: £124.99
Pros:
- Shorter inseam gives the shorts an athletic fit
- Mesh pockets increase breathability
- Very deep pockets
Cons:
- The most expensive pair of shorts we've tested
Colours: Drizzle, Stone, Charcoal, Onyx, Twilight
The G/FORE Maverick shorts are the most athletic-fitting golf shorts we've ever tested. Featuring a shorter inseam than its competitors, the Mavericks offer more of a premium gym short fit than your classic golf shorts.
With plenty of stretch and ample pocket space, they were a joy to play golf in and could just as easily be worn for an early morning run as they could 18 holes.
The fabric did a fantastic job at wicking away moisture, and the mesh pocket lining made them incredibly breathable throughout our round.
While these shorts offer excellent performance, comfort and looks, coming in at just shy of £125, the price will undoubtedly raise a few eyebrows.
Under Armour Iso-Chill 7" Printed Shorts
Price: £32.97
Pros:
- Fantastic graphic pattern
- Plenty of stretch in the waistband
- We're big fans of the shorter 7" inseam
Cons:
- Vibrant print might not suit every golfer's eye
Colours: Black/Halo Gray, White/Midnight Navy, Midnight Navy/Photon Blue
Offering an athletic 7" inseam, eye-catching print and plenty of stretch in all the right places, these shorts from Under Armour are perfect for the golfer who likes to make a statement.
We love the super stretchy construction of these shorts, which have become a staple in our wardrobe for summer rounds and, in particular, holiday golf.
The jazzy print adds a touch is individuality which can sometimes be lacking in the shorts department, and they're some of the comfiest we've worn in 2024.
There is plenty of stretch in the waistband too, which makes them very comfortable even after a big lunch.
Original Penguin 60s Floral Pete Print 8" Golf Shorts
Price: £38.00
Pros:
- Subtle penguin print is a lovely touch
- Good depth to the pockets
- Very stretchy and breathable
Cons:
- Only available in one colour
Colours: Black Iris
You can alway count on Original Penguin to bring the fun prints, and these shorts certainly deliver with a subtle Pete the Penguin mosaic print in shades of blue.
These shorts come in an 8" inseam, delivering an athletic but conservative fit. The lightweight stretchy material delivers everything you would want from pair of summer shorts.
These shorts also offer great pocket depth so you don't have to worry about your phone or a spare ball slipping out mid round.
adidas Go-To Five-Pocket Golf Shorts
Price: £34.99
Pros:
- We love the pebble colourway
- Cotton/lyocell construction feels great against the skin
- Construction offers plenty of stretch
Cons:
- Fabric does mark up quite easily
Colours: Collegiate Green, Collegiate Navy, Crystal Jade, Black, Alumina, Silver Pebble
Lightweight, easy to style and very comfortable, there is a lot to love about this pair of adidas shorts.
The cotton/lyocell construction offers plenty of breathability, and although the fabric does mark up quite easily, the look and feel of the material is superb.
We tested these shorts in the Silver Pebble colourway, which in all honesty looks more green to us than silver, but it's a fantastic colour that's easy to pair with a wide selection of neautral polo shirts or mid-layers.
Due to the discreet nature of the adidas branding, we've also found ourselves wearing these shorts regularly off course, for day's out in the summer or trips to the pub.
The fabric offers plenty of stretch so you won't have to worry about any awkward bunching in high friction areas, while the deep pockets will ensure any valuables you're carrying around the course don't fall out.
Callaway EverPlay Stretch Short
Price: £44
Pros:
- Comfort stretch waistband is very comfortable
- Available in big and tall sizes for the larger golfer
- Opti Dry wicks away moisture
Cons:
- Only available in one colour
Colours: Light Amparo Blue
Delivering exceptional moisture control, lightweight comfort and a stylish fit, these golf shorts from Callaway Apparel deliver everything you could want from a pair of golf shorts.
The comfort stretch waistband provides exactly what it says on the tin, and the lightweight textured fabric not only feels fantastic but also looks good, too.
Callaway also offer these shorts in big and tall sizes, which is ideal for the larger golfer. We tested the shorts in a standard 32' waist and they fit true to size.
Abacus Huntingdale Golf Shorts
Price: £30
Pros:
- Excellent value
- Broad range of vibrant colours
- Flexible waistband provides a comfortable fit
Cons:
- Ride up quite high in the crotch
Colours: Hazy Blue, Sunset, Lagoon, Mandarin, Exotic Coral, Fairway, Hibiscus
If you're a golfer who likes to make a statement, you will love the wide range of bold colours the Abacus Huntingdale shorts are available in.
From vivid pinks to deep greens, these shorts are built for summer and thanks to the breathable nature of the fabric and the extra stretch afforded by the elasticated waistband, you'll always feel comfortable and relaxed.
It's worth noting, these shorts do ride up quite high in the crotch, and the legs are slightly tighter than other pairs of shorts on this list.
A big plus however is the fabric used, it's perhaps not as soft as other options on this list, but the added texture looks fantastic.
Peter Millar Salem Performance Shorts
Price: £85
Pros:
- Softest feeling fabric on this list
- Classic styling is perfect for on and off-course wear
- Great selection of colours available
Cons:
- Come up a size smaller than other brands
Colours: Khaki, Navy, Black, Stone Smoke, British Blue, Palmer Pink, Liberty Blue
Peter Millar is a brand that exudes elegance and sophistication, and that's exactly what you get with the Salem shorts.
Despite being made from 100% Polyester, these shorts feel like soft cotton against your skin. It has to be said there are more stretchy options on this list, and if you're a larger gentleman we would highly recommend going up a size fro what you typically wear.
We usually wear a 32" waist, but we would opt to go up to 34" in Peter Millar.
With a wide selection of colours on offer, from bright pinks to more toned down grey's there is a shade to suit every golfer.
PING Vault Golf Shorts
Price: £70
Pros:
- Inbuilt gripper waistband prevents shirt from coming untucked
- PING putter detailing is a lovely touch
- Plenty of space in the thigh region
Cons:
- Only available in one colour
Colours: Navy Multi
For those that don't know, PING has a vault at their headquarters in Phoenix Arizona, full of gold, title winning putters. It's that very vault that these shorts are named after.
One putter in particular that features heavily in that vault is emblazoned all over these shorts, the iconic PING Anser, which changed the game when it was released in 1966.
PING's decision to incorporate the Anser silhouette on its line of apparel is a lovely touch, and one that elevates these shorts.
The construction is lightweight, breathable and offers plenty of space in the legs, which will undoubtedly suit golfers with bigger legs.
Some options on this list can be slightly restrictive and ride up slightly too high in the crotch, however these shorts sit just right, providing excellent comfort.
Oscar Jacobson Dunbar Shorts
Price: £59.99
Pros:
- Inbuilt gripper waistband prevents shirt from coming untucked
- PING putter detailing is a lovely touch
- Plenty of space in the thigh region
Cons:
- Print is a bit garish
Colours: Navy, Elemental, Lunar Grey
The Oscar Jacobson Dunbar shorts offer a blend of comfort and style, but the pattern might not be for everyone.
On the positive side, they are incredibly lightweight and breathable, making them perfect for long days on the course. The fabric stretches well and doesn’t restrict movement, allowing for a full range of motion during swings and walks between holes.
The fit is relaxed yet flattering, and they keep you cool even in warmer conditions.
However, the design might be a bit polarising. The bold, graphic pattern certainly makes a statement, but it could be too loud for those who prefer a more classic or subdued look.
If you're looking to stand out and don’t mind the attention, these could be a great addition to your golf wardrobe. But if you lean towards a traditional style, the pattern might be off-putting despite the excellent comfort.
FootJoy Performance Regular Fit Shorts
Price: £59.99
Pros:
- Stretch silicon gripper in the waistband prevents shirt from untucking
- Pockets are nice and deep
- Spandex blend fabric provides plenty of stretch
Cons:
- We would love a shorter inseam option
Colours: Black, Navy, Khaki, Grey, White
When we think of FootJoy the first word that comes to mind is quality. Offering superior stretch, long lasting comfort and highly breathable material, these shorts tick almost every box.
The fit is athletic, and although we would love the inseam to be maybe an inch shorter, the design will undoubtedly suit the more traditional golfer.
A silicone waistband strap is an excellent added detail that prevents your shirt from coming untucked, while the deep pockets provide an abundance of space for any on-course essential you like to carry.
These shorts are available in a solid number of neutral colours, however if you like something slightly bolder and more vibrant, you may need to look elsewhere.
Farah Jester Golf Shorts
Price: £19.99
Pros:
- Fantastic value
- Highly breathable
- Good pocket depth
Cons:
- Ride up quite high in the crotch
Colours: Black, Farah Blue Grey, Regatta
Lightweight, breathable and very affordable, the Jester shorts from Farah are a fantastic option for those wanting to expand their golfing wardrobe for summer months.
Available in three colours, these shorts are versatile, comfortable and despite riding up quite high in the crotch, also deliver an athletic and sporty fit.
Things to consider when buying golf shorts
Comfort
Without a doubt, the most important thing to consider when buying a pair of shorts is the comfort on offer. With each brand offering different cuts, lengths and levels of stretch, finding the one that suits you is key to ensuring you can enjoy golf in warmer weather without any level of discomfort.
There's nothing worse than getting five holes into a round and finding that the fabric is rubbing in all the wrong areas, so we would suggest trying out a variety of brands to make sure you don't encounter any on-course issues.
Fabric
In days gone by, cotton would have been the number one choice for golf shorts. However, with the development of polyester and elastane, modern golf shorts are now more breathable, stretchy and easy to care for than ever before.
While there will still be golfers around the world who enjoy the feel of a classic pair of cotton shorts, we would highly recommend opting for a synthetic material. They hold their shape better, wick moisture away far more effectively, and offer much greater stretch without losing shape.
Functionality
The modern golf short is more versatile than ever before, thanks to the introduction of new fabrics and modern styles. With the lines now being blurred between on and off-course styling, it's worth considering how you can style your golf shorts once you leave the course, too.
Whether you're heading to the beach or the bar, golf shorts can be the base for any great summer look, so consider how else you might use your golf shorts when you next buy a new pair.
Johnny joined GolfMagic as Reviews Editor in 2023 having worked for Sports Impact for two years as Head of Social Media, working alongside prominent golf brands including Galvin Green, Motocaddy and Wilson.
