Best Golf Gilets, Vests, and Body Warmers 2024
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Our pick of the best golf gilets, vests, and body warmers to keep your torso toastie on the course during those chilly rounds.
Jump To: Best Golf Gilets, Vests, and Body Warmers | How We Test | Buying Guide | FAQs
Every year-round golfer needs a golf gilet, vest, or body warmer for those chilly spring mornings, as summer turns to autumn, or as part of a layering system under one of the best golf jackets during the depths of winter.
One benefit of sleeveless thermal layers is that your swing will remain free from any movement restriction, providing the warmth you need to stay focussed without compromising performance, as might not be the case with tighter-fitting mid-layers. Of course, remaining sleeveless is not practical in all conditions, and therefore it’s worth ensuring your waterproof jacket is roomy enough to afford you the same level of flexibility.
Best At A Glance
Best for performance: Galvin Green Davon Vest | Buy Now – US | Buy Now – UK
Best lightweight: J.Lindeberg Ash Light Packable Vest | Buy Now – US | Buy Now – UK
Best for insulation: Puma Cloudspun WRMLBL Vest | Buy Now – US | Buy Now – UK
Best premium style: Ralph Lauren RLX Hybrid Vest | Buy Now – US | Buy Now – UK
All of the major golf clothing manufacturers produce sleeveless layers to help you maintain your body temperature, whether it’s a lightweight pullover vest or a down-filled gilet. To help point you in the right direction we’ve selected a host of the best options from the likes of Galvin Green, Adidas, Ping, Cobra, Callaway, FootJoy, Under Armour, Ralph Lauren, Farah and more.
And if you’re looking to really double down on your thermoregulation ahead of the winter, then make sure you check out our guide to the best golf beanie hats also to finish off the look. Hopefully, you are now suitably warmed up – so let’s dive into the best golf gilets, vests, and body warmers available in 2024…
Best Golf Gilets, Vests, and Body Warmers 2024
A premium golf vest combining exceptional breathability with thermoregulation
Best for performance
The full zip makes it easy to get on and off as the conditions change, and it has excellent breathability with thermal regulation to ensure you're always comfortable. Designed with stretch fabric and inserts for freedom of movement through the swing. It dries rapidly if you're caught in a shower too.
Pros
- Excellent thermal regulation
- High degree of stretch
- Bluesign-approved materials
Cons
- No water-proofing qualities
| Sizes | S-3XL |
| Material | 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane |
| Colors | Grey, White, Black |
A lightweight, high-performance windproof vest that packs into itself!
Best lightweight
This high-performance windproof vest will protect you against the elements whilst not restricting your movement to allow you to perform at the highest level.
Its standout feature is that you can pack it away inside its own chest pocket for easy storage in your golf bag during your round. Surely this is well worth considering if you are in the market for an ultra-lightweight vest that takes up little to no room in your bag.
Pros
- Super lightweight and packable
- Water and wind-resistant
- Stretchable fabric
Cons
- Others have superior thermal qualities
| Sizes | S-2XL |
| Material | <meta charset |
| Colors | <meta charset |
Ideal for cool and unpredictable weather conditions
Best windproof
The fabric is super versatile, very lightweight, totally windproof, water-repellent and impressively warm. The Lion is breathable, dries quickly, and moves with you throughout the swing.
We love the athletic styling and the handy scorecard pocket in the chest.
Pros
- Water-repellent and windproof
- Stretchable and breathable
- Made with Bluesign-approved fabrics
Cons
- Only suitable for light rain
| Sizes | S-3XL |
| Material | <meta charset |
| Colors | <meta charset |
An insulated vest that adapts to your activity level
Under Armour has also ensured the garment is super stretchy to avoid interfering with playability. Their lightweight stretch-knit fabric allows golfers great mobility, without sacrificing durability as it protects you from bad weather. Quilted chest and shoulder areas help preserve your core temperature.
Pros
- Water repellent
- Quilting priority areas
- Intelligent insulation to prevent over-heating
Cons
- The loose fit may be on the baggy side for some
| Sizes | S-3XL |
| Materials | <meta charset |
| Colors | Blue, Black |
A simple and smart design providing warmth and comfort
Best quarter-zip for comfort
It's a regular fit, so should suit the majority of golfers, while the stretch technology will ensure you can swing with ease and comfort.
Pros
- Good level of warmth
- Soft and comfortable
- Simple and smart styling
Cons
- Will require a waterproof outer layer for heavy downpours
| Sizes | S-3XL |
| Material | <meta charset |
| Colors | <meta charset |
An extra-soft vest crafted for playability and functionality
Best full-zip for comfort
Opti-Therm technology provides an extra layer of thermal comfort whilst Swing Tech fabric ensures maximum range of motion with the golf swing. The mock neck collar provides additional warmth.
Pros
- Extra soft fabric
- Stretchable for a full range of motion
- Mock collar is particularly useful in harsh conditions
Cons
- Limited color options
| Sizes | XS-3XL |
| Material | 100% Polyester |
| Colours | Red |
A relaxed performance golf vest made from recycled materials
Best hooded
This garment is a midweight, mid-layer constructed in a soft, polar fleece fabric using moisture-wicking properties to keep you comfortable, the hood is adjustable via a drawcord and it had zippered hand pockets.
Pros
- Fleece lined for comfort
- Hooded for protection in light rain
- Made with recycled materials
Cons
- The look might be too relaxed for some
| Sizes | S-2XL |
| Material | 100% Polyester |
| Colors | Navy, Black |
A lightweight padded vest to take the chill out of early morning tee-times
Best for lightweight warmth
This gilet has been designed with warmth and comfort in mind with its padded front and back panels. It's partnered with soft side panels to allow golfers a maximum range of movement, there is nothing worse than layering up to tackle the cold weather and feeling stiff before you've struck a ball.
Pros
- Water-repellent fabric
- Padded front and back insulation
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited colors available
| Sizes | XS-4XL |
| Material | 100% Nylon |
| Colors | Black, Olive Grey |
Gear up for the Ryder Cup with this limited edition full-zip vest
Best golf themed style
Make no mistake, however, this is a quality golf garment, just as you would expect from a company with FootJoy's reputation. It has a full-zip construction for easy access during changeable weather conditions and an anti-microbial finish that helps inhibit odor build-up. The fabric is highly durable and easy to care for.
Pros
- Easy to care for fabric
- Durable construction
- A timeless garment
Cons
- A USA and Europe-themed choice would be fun
| Sizes | S-3XL |
| Material | 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex |
| Colors | Navy |
A stylish vest that repels water without sacrificing breathability
Best for off-course wear
We love the contrast between the top and bottom halves of the vest. It has reflective detailing and open hand pockets that make it the ideal overlayer regardless of what activity you are doing
Pros
- Adatable temperature control
- Water-repellent
- Looks great on and off the course
Cons
- The design may be too bold for some
| Sizes | S-3XL |
| Material | <meta charset |
| Colors | <meta charset |
The best of softness and warmth on offer from Puma here
Best for insulation
Insulation properties don’t get any better than the Primaloft Gold Quilting inside this cozy number, which retains heat in key areas. Combined with Pumas's CloudSpun technology which provides warmth through a heavier weight, this vest really is the best of both worlds. It's supremely comfortable, not at all restrictive during the swing, and the zippered hand pockets with a soft, brushed lining, are a lovely touch for additional warmth.
Pros
- Exceptional quilting
- Water-resistant
- Maximum heat retention
Cons
- Limited color options
| Sizes | S-2XL |
| Material | 100% Polyester |
| Colors | Black, Navy |
A classic and comfortable vest from the famous US-UK brand
Best for smart styling
The Clint vest uses a soft-feeling textured fabric and has a ribbed collar and hem for a comfortable fit. It's extremely flexible through the swing and does a great job of keeping the chill off your core. A 1/4 zip makes it easy to get on and off and it looks great with a polo or a mid-layer.
Most importantly for Farah fans, it has the brand's famous F logo, which has been changed from yellow to a light green for their golf products, on the chest.
Pros
- Soft-to-the-touch fabric
- Solid level of warmth
- Great off-course practicality
Cons
- No waterproofing
| Sizes | S-2XL |
| Material | <meta charset |
| Colors | <meta charset |
The ultimate premium on and off-course gilet
Best premium style
There are two zip pockets at the waist and a right chest pocket for your scorecard. While the gilet is definitely pitched at a premium market, and price to match, the quality and versatility make the garment value for money in our opinion, and promises not to disappoint.
Pros
- Moisture-wicking
- Quilted front panel insulation
- Sustainable construction
Cons
- Ensure you can guarantee sufficient wear
| Sizes | S-2XL |
| Material | 100% Recycled Polyester |
| Colors | <meta charset |
A gilet to help navigate the changing seasons with a unique style
Best for unique style
This stylish gilet can be worn as a mid-layer or an outer layer making it a great accompaniment to any outfit on the course and is great at keeping you warm all year round. As well as Lyle & Scott's famous bird branding on the chest, it's built to help golfers swing easier on the course with its unrestricted stretch fabrics.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Good thermal qualities
- Stretchable material
Cons
- No waterproofing
| Sizes | <meta charset |
| Material | 100% Polyester |
| Colors | Dark Navy/Jet Black |
A lightweight water-repellent vest ideal for those drizzly humid rounds
Best water-repellent
The full zip makes it easy to slip on and off when conditions change, and zip pockets keep your essentials secure. The Drizzle 2 vest is available in a choice of black, navy, and grey, providing a sophisticated look thanks to its simple styling and will be sure to take the edge off those cooler early mornings and twilight rounds.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Water-repellent
- Good storage
Cons
- Lacking a vibrant color option
| Sizes | S-2XL |
| Material | 100% Polyester |
| Colors | Black, Deep Navy, Grey |
Swing or train in style and comfort in this excellent hybrid vest
Best hybrid option
This simple, timeless design will suit most, featuring insulated paneling to keep you cozy in cold conditions, concealed zipped pockets, and lightly elasticated armholes. A really nice touch is the reflective detailing on the back to ensure visibility when working out in dark evenings. A brilliant hybrid option.
Pros
- Good thermal qualities
- Plenty of storage
- Ideal for a range of activities
Cons
- Missing a vibrant color option
| Sizes | XS-2XL |
| Material | <meta charset |
| Colors | Navy, Black |
Stand out from the crowd with this alternative-styled golf fleece
Best alternative style
The kangaroo front pocket is a lovely touch and helps keep your hands toasty, while the attached Sounder ball marker is an added bonus and exceptionally useful. Sounder will be a new name for most golfers, but we'd highly recommend giving their apparel a try.
Pros
- Stand out from the crowd
- Soft finish
- Good level of warmth
Cons
- Kangaroo pocket won't be to all tastes
| Sizes | XS-2XL |
| Material | <meta charset |
| Colors | Charcoal, Oat, Rust |
How we test golf apparel at Today’s Golfer
Here at TG, we believe all golf equipment should be tested thoroughly and, in the case of apparel, in real-world situations, so that we can bring you in-depth guides to help you make better buying decisions. While we can’t put a golf gilet, vest, or body warmer on a launch monitor and bring you the data as we would with clubs, we can wear it out on the course to check how it performs in situations all golfers will face.
We test how comfortable the product is, how easy it is to get on and off, whether it lives up to all of its promises, like warmth, breathability, and waterproofing, and whether it is durable.
We’ll also wear golf apparel, such as gilets and vests, away from the course to find out just how versatile they are and whether certain models offer better value for money than others.
Every product featured in our apparel guides has been chosen by Today’s Golfer. This is not an advertising feature, none of the brands have paid to feature and no manufacturer can buy their way into our tests and guides.
Best Golf Gilets, Vests, and Body Warmers: Buying Guide
If you’re unsure exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to one of these sleeveless layers then here are a few areas you should consider before making a purchase.
Protection
Consider what you want the vest to do. Many offer defense against the wind and rain, helping to keep your body warm and dry. Models with pockets, especially fleece-lined, provide extra warmth for your hands between shots and somewhere to keep accessories. Some even come with hoods to offer a bit of extra help if the rain falls.
Comfort and movement
It would be easy to assume bigger is better and head straight for the thickest-looking gilet, but you have to consider the weight and how the model impacts your movement during a swing.
The best golf vests, gilets, and body warmers should move and stretch with you, allowing you to swing as you would if you weren’t wearing them. You also want it to feel comfortable when walking around the course, keeping you warm but offering breathability so you don’t end up feeling damp and sweaty.
We’d recommend trying a few options and making some practice swings in them to see how they feel.
Color and Styling
You’re not going to buy something you don’t like the look of, but it’s important to ensure your golf vest or gilet meets your design tastes as well as your practical needs. As our selection above shows, there’s a real variety out there in terms of designs and colors, so there should be something to suit every taste.
Also consider if you want to wear it off the course as well as on it, as that could quickly rule some designs in or out.
Budget
If your budget is limitless then the World is your oyster, but in these tricky economic times, we know that’s not the case for most people. Luckily there are golf gilets, body warmers and vests to suit every budget. It may be worth spending a little more if you’re planning on wearing it away from the course, rather than buying a second option for casual wear.
Best Golf Gilets, Vests, and Body Warmers: FAQs
Can I play golf in a vest, gilet, or body warmer?
Yes. There are no rules that state you can’t. And in terms of functionality, they are designed to be comfortable and move with you when you swing. Plus many models are lightweight, meaning they can fold up and fit conveniently into your golf bag.
How should a golf vest fit?
Comfort and freedom of movement are key. Your golf vest needs to be snug enough that it helps to keep you warm, but not so snug that it restricts your swing. Consider how many other layers you may be wearing underneath the vest or gilet in case that impacts your size choice. We’d recommend the perfect-fitting golf vest or gilet should finish just below the waistband of your trousers.
As with all modern clothing, different brands fit differently so be sure to try models on before you buy.
What is the difference between a golf gilet, vest, and body warmer?
Not a lot! It really depends on where you’re from as different nations call them different things. A vest is more likely to refer to a thinner layer than a gilet or body warmer.
Do golf vests keep you warm?
Golf vests, gilets, or body warmers are designed to provide you with an element of warmth without compromising your ability to swing the golf club freely. Being sleeveless they will not provide the same thermal qualities as some of the more robust full-sleeved golf jackets, but nonetheless should maintain your core temperature on those chilly spring mornings or when the sun starts to go down in the evening.
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Best Golf Gilets 2023
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adidas Statement Full-Zip Hooded Vest
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Benross Men's Pro Shell X Gilet.
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Callaway High Gauge Fleece Vest
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Callaway Swing Tech.
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Castore Carbon Capsule Hybrid Vest
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Castore Peacoat Stretch Gilet.
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Ellesse Men's Robina Gilet.
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Farah Clint Golf Vest.
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FootJoy 1927 Trophy Vest
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FootJoy Full Zip Knit Golf Vest.
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Galvin Green Davon Golf Vest (2)
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Galvin Green Davon.
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Galvin Green Lion.
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Galvin Green Lion Windproof Vest
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Hugo Boss Men's V Mero Gilet.
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J.Lindeberg's Ash Light Vest is one of our favourite vests to have in your collection this year.
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Lyle & Scott's golf gilet is one of the best gilet's on the market.
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Lyle & Scott Men's Hyper Reversible Gilet.
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Lyle & Scott Quilted Crest Gilet
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Manors Checkered Vest.
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Mizuno Drizzle 2 Vest
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Mizuno Move Tech Drizzle.
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Nike Therma-FIT Repel Gilet is a great option when looking for a warm gilet this winter.
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Ping Ramsey.
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Puma Cloudspun WRMLBL.
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Puma Cloudspun WRMLBL Vest
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PXG Bonded Mesh Golf Gilet.
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Ralph Lauren Men's RLX Performance Hybrid Gilet.
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Sounder Himalayas Overhead Gilet
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Tommy Fleetwood will represent Team Europe at the 2023 Ryder Cup
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Under Armour Storm Daytona Golf Vest.
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Under Armour Storm Daytona Vest
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Under Armour's Coldgear reactor gilet is one of the most popular on the market.
