Country Club Dress Code 101: Simple Tips on What to Wear Golfing and at the Clubhouse
Going to the country club is a fun, relaxing, and amazing way to spend the day. You might go or get invited to do various activities such as playing golf with friends, grabbing a meal in the clubhouse, or relaxing at the other facilities. However, before you go to the club, it’s important to know what the country club dress code is.
Most country clubs have their own rules and guidelines about what you can and cannot wear. They’re usually pretty similar from place to place and follow general guidelines. You might be wondering, “I’ve never been to a club before, what should I wear?” Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this guide, you’ll learn what to wear from head to toe, whether you’re on the golf course or hanging out in the clubhouse. That way, you’ll look great and feel comfortable too.
What Is the Country Club Dress Code?
Most country clubs have a specific dress code that members and guests are expected to follow. While the rules can vary from club to club, they usually stick to a smart casual, business casual or professional style. That’s why it’s important to check the dress code before you go. You can do this by looking it up on the clubs website, asking a friend who’s a member, or calling the club directly. Knowing what’s expected will help you feel confident and avoid any awkward surprises.
Men’s Country Club Dress Code
Shirts:
At most country clubs, men are expected to wear collared shirts such as polo shirts, button-downs, or dress shirts. These can be either long or short sleeved. Short sleeve polos are usually the most popular choice. They’re comfortable, stylish, and perfect for golfing, relaxing outdoors, or spending time in the clubhouse. One important rule to remember is that shirts should always be tucked in! This helps you look neat, polished, and respectful of the club’s dress code. For some stylish polo shirts, check out birdie-bird.com for great country club approved golf styles.
Do’s:
Wear collared shirts like polos, button-downs, or dress shirts.
Make sure shirts are neatly tucked in and properly fitted.
Choose clean, wrinkle-free shirts that look polished.
Choose colors that match.
Don’ts:
Avoid t-shirts, tank tops, and athletic shirts (unless you're using the club’s gym).
Don’t wear shirts untucked, it looks sloppy.
Skip anything dirty, ripped, baggy, or with inappropriate logos or messages.
Don’t wear clothes with mismatched or clashing colors.
For more information on the history of polo shirts you can check out this cool infographic:
Cold Weather:
You might ask, “What should I wear when the weather is cold?” Great question! When temperatures drop, it’s important to stay warm while still following the club’s dress code. We recommend layering up with items like sweaters, vests, windbreakers, or jackets. Just make sure you’re wearing a country club-approved shirt like a polo or button-down underneath your layers.
Do’s:
Wear sweaters, vests, windbreakers, or jackets.
Add as many layers as you need.
Always wear a polo or other other approved shirt underneath.
Don’ts:
Don’t wear hoodies, sweatshirts, oversized coats, jean jackets.
Avoid anything too casual or bulky that doesn’t fit the club’s code.
Pants and Shorts:
When it comes to bottoms, men should stick to smart and tailored options. Good choices include slacks, khakis, golf pants, and dress or golf-specific shorts. Pants should fit well, should not be too long and should not be overly baggy. For shorts, aim for knee-length styles that aren’t too short or too long. The goal is a clean, professional look that’s comfortable and club-appropriate.
Do’s:
Wear slacks, khakis, dress pants, and golf-specific pants.
Wear dress shorts and golf-specific shorts.
Make sure that pants and shorts fit well and are not too big.
Make sure that shorts are knee-length.
Don’ts:
Don’t wear jeans, cargo pants, or athletic pants (unless you’re using the gym)
Avoid cargo shorts, jean shorts, or athletic shorts outside the gym
Skip anything too baggy, too short, or too long.
Women’s Country Club Dress Code
Tops:
Country club dress codes for women are usually more flexible, allowing for a wider variety of outfit choices compared to men. Women can wear traditional polo shirts with long, short, or even sleeveless styles. Many clubs also allow golf-specific tops that don’t have collars, as long as they look neat and appropriate. This flexibility makes it easier to stay comfortable while still looking polished and respectful of the club’s standards. Women should still tuck in polo shirts to maintain a clean and professional appearance.
Do’s:
Wear polo shirts or other smart tops.
Choose sleeveless, short sleeve, or long sleeve styles that look neat.
Opt for golf-specific tops that are club-approved, even if they don’t have collars.
Stick to clean, well-fitted tops in classic or soft colors.
Make sure shirts are neatly tucked in
Don’ts:
Don’t wear crop tops, tube tops, or low-cut tops.
Avoid t-shirts, graphic tees, or anything with inappropriate messaging
Avoid wearing shirts that show too much cleavage
Skip anything too tight, too loose, or too casual for a professional setting
Cold Weather:
Just like men, women should layer up to stay warm and comfortable in cooler weather. Country club dress codes typically allow outerwear like windbreakers, sweaters, vests, jackets, and other club-approved pieces. Layering not only helps you stay cozy, it also keeps your outfit looking stylish and appropriate. Just make sure your base layer, like a polo or golf top, still follows the club’s dress code.
Do’s:
Wear sweaters, vests, windbreakers, or tailored jackets
Make sure your base layer follows the club’s dress code
Choose outerwear that looks neat, fitted, and professional
Don’ts:
Don’t wear hoodies, sweatshirts, oversized coats, or jean jackets
Avoid bulky or casual outerwear that doesn’t match the club’s style
Skip anything with loud logos or inappropriate messaging
Bottoms:
Women have a variety of stylish and club-appropriate options when it comes to bottoms. Slacks, medium-length shorts, skirts, and dresses are all great choices. Golf skirts and tailored athletic leggings are also acceptable when playing golf, as long as they look neat and professional. In the clubhouse, it’s best to stick with smart clothing that reflects the club’s atmosphere.
Do’s:
Wear slacks, tailored shorts, golf skirts, or modest dresses
Leggings are acceptable when golfing
Choose bottoms that are clean, fitted, and appropriate in length
Don’ts:
Don’t wear denim, short shorts, mini skirts,
Avoid overly short skirts or shorts that ride up when walking or sitting
Don’t wear bottoms with rips, loud patterns, or inappropriate messaging
Country Club Dress Code - Shoes:
Shoes On the Golf Course:
Golfers should wear spiked or spikeless golf shoes to maintain grip and performance. If you don’t own golf shoes, clean and neutral-colored running shoes are generally fine. However, metal spikes are strictly prohibited as they damage the course.
Shoes In the Clubhouse:
Dress codes typically call for smart, polished footwear. For men, this includes loafers, oxfords, or dress shoes. For women, flats, ballet shoes, loafers, heels, and dress shoes are all appropriate choices. The goal is to look neat, respectful, and in line with the club’s refined atmosphere.
Do’s:
Wear spiked or spikeless golf shoes on the course
Use clean running shoes if golf shoes aren’t available
Choose smart shoes in the clubhouse (loafers, oxfords, flats, heels)
Don’ts:
Don’t wear sneakers, boots, sandals, or gym shoes in the clubhouse
Avoid metal spikes, they damage the course
Skip shoes that are too loud, flashy, or overly casual
All these types of shoes are ok to wear in country clubs!
Do not wear these types of shoes at a country club!
Country Club Dress Code - Hats:
Hats are a functional and stylish part of any country club or golf course outfit. They help shield you from the sun while adding a touch to your look. Acceptable styles typically include regular hats, flat hats, visors, beanies, and bucket hats. One key rule: always wear the bill facing forward. While hats are always welcome on the course, they're generally not allowed inside the clubhouse, so always be sure to remove yours when entering. For some functional and stylish golf hats, check out birdie-bird.com for great country club approved golf styles.
Do’s:
Wear a regular hat, visor, bucket hat, beanie, or flat hat
Keep the bill facing forward at all times
Only wear hats on the golf course
Don’ts:
Don’t wear hats with the bill facing backward or sideways
Avoid wearing hats in the clubhouse
Skip hats with inappropriate messaging or loud graphics
Always Follow the Country Club Dress Code!
Adhering to the country club dress code is always a must. Now that you know the club essentials, it’s time to build your wardrobe. From comfortable, stylish polos to functional hats, Birdie-Bird offers high-quality, affordable pieces that are country club-approved and designed to elevate your look. Whether you're teeing off or relaxing in the clubhouse, we've got you covered in style.
