Best Golf Gilets, Vests, and Body Warmers 2025

Best Golf Gilets 2023

Our pick of the best golf gilets, vests, and body warmers to keep your torso toastie on the course during those chilly rounds.

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• 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 overall: Original Penguin Mixed Media Reversible Fleece Golf Gilet | View Offer – US | View Offer – UK

Most versatile: Abacus Ardfin Softshell Vest | View Offer – US | View Offer – UK

Most athletic: FootJoy Half-Zip Vest | View Offer – US | View Offer – 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 2025…

Best Golf Gilets, Vests, and Body Warmers 2025

Original Penguin Mixed Media Reversible Fleece Golf Gilet

The ultimate gilet to wear all year round

Best overall gilet

Price: $100.00 / £75.00 RRP

golfapparelshop.com

View Offer

Price: $100.00 / £75.00 RRP

golfapparelshop.com

View Offer

Given that it's been a very cold winter in the North East of England, I've not played a round over the past couple of months without wearing the Original Penguin Mixed Media Reversible Fleece Golf Gilet. It's the perfect golf gilet to layer up with because it's lightweight, comfortable, and extremely warm.

On the odd occasion where I have been warm on the golf course more recently, I have taken my golf jacket off and worn the gilet as my top layer. It's brilliant because it doesn't restrict your swing in the same way layering up with multiple midlayers or sweatshirts can. I never thought it, but this gilet has become a staple of my golf closet and I can't see that changing anytime soon.

You can currently shop the Mixed Media Reversible Fleece Golf Gilet for less than $60!

Pros & Cons Specs

Pros

• Being reversible is very useful
• Fleeced lining keeps you extremely warm
• Straight hem allows the gilet to sit very naturally 

Cons

• Not a lot of stretch

Sizes	S - XXL
Material	100% Polyester
Colors	Navy; Black

Abacus Ardfin Softshell Vest

A versatile golf gilet that can be worn throughout the year

Most versatile gilet

Price: $190.00 / £120.00 RRP

abacussportswearus.com

View Offer

Price: $190.00 / £120.00 RRP

abacussportswearus.com

View Offer

I've had the Abacus Ardfin Softshell Vest for a few months now, and I've worn in it varying conditions. Towards the back end of the summer, I was wearing it alone above a polo shirt (as you can see in the images) but I've also worn it on top of a midlayer and below a jacket. No matter how this gilet is worn, it's incredibly comfortable and doesn't interfere with your swing.

It's very warm considering it isn't padded, but it fits my physique very well. The arm holes don't droop incredibly low which gives it an athletic fit, which is what I prefer. The body is slightly longer than other gilets, so if you're taller that's likely a positive, but if you have a shorter body, you might want to consider a different gilet.

Pros & Cons Specs

Pros

• Easy to layer and wear as a top layer
• Allows for easy movement 
• Warm and lightweight

Cons

• Doesn't sit as well as other options

Sizes	S - XXL
Materials	100% Polyester
Colors	Navy

FootJoy Half-Zip Vest

An ideal gilet to carry in spring and summer for when the temperature drops

Most athletic gilet

Price: $85.00 / £69.99 RRP

www.footjoy.co.uk

View Offer

Price: $85.00 / £69.99 RRP

www.footjoy.co.uk

View Offer

The FootJoy Half-Zip Vest is a very popular golf gilet because it's extremely comfortable, easy to swing in, and looks stylish. This gilet is perfect to keep in your golf bag all year round as an extra layer to chuck on in the colder months and as a top layer on those chilly mornings and cold nights in the spring and summer.

The biggest gripe I have with this gilet is that it doesn't have pockets. While that isn't a dealbreaker for a gilet, I do prefer ones that have pockets. However, given how comfortable this gilet is and how good it looks, I'm able to see past the no-pockets and appreciate this is a fantastic piece of apparel that should be a staple in every golfer's closet.

Pros & Cons Specs

Pros

• Comfortable athletic fit 
• Doesn't restrict your golf swing
• Good amount of give

Cons

• Pockets would be a nice addition

Sizes	S - 3XL
Materials	100% Polyester
Colors	Navy; Blue; Light Blue; Grey

Original Penguin Lightweight Insulated Golf Gilet

An extremely warm gilet perfect for cold days

Best padded gilet

Price: £85.00 RRP

https://www.originalpenguin.co.uk/

View Offer

Price: £85.00 RRP

https://www.originalpenguin.co.uk/

View Offer

Sadly for anyone in the US, the Original Penguin Lightweight Insulated Golf Gilet is only available in Europe. This is an extremely warm gilet thanks to its insulated properties. I've not been able to wear this gilet as much as I've wanted to over winter because of how warm it is and it's difficult to wear under a jacket.

However, when I have worn this gilet as a top layer over a midlayer, it's certainly done its job of keeping my upper body warm while allowing me to swing freely.

Pros & Cons Specs

Pros

• Keeps you warm 
• Doesn't restrict your movements
• Wearable on and off the golf course

Cons

• Hard to wear under a jacket

Sizes	S - XXL
Materials	100% Nylon
Colors	Navy; Black

Callaway Dobby Sherpa Interior Golf Wind Vest

A very easy-to-wear golf gilet that's relaxed and comfortable

Best relaxed fit gilet

Price: £89.99 RRP

https://www.clubhousegolf.co.uk/

View Offer

Price: £89.99 RRP

https://www.clubhousegolf.co.uk/

View Offer

Another gilet that's only available in Europe. However, if you're in the US you can purchase very similar Callaway Golf Vests. I really like how easy wearing the Callaway Dobby Sherpa Interior Golf Wind Vest is because of the relaxed fit.

Personally, I do prefer a tighter-fitting gilet, but there are occasions where I've opted for this gilet instead because I don't need something that's going to keep me particularly warm, but I do want a second layer.

I wouldn't say this is the best-fitting gilet I own because of how relaxed the fit is, but it definitely doesn't put me off this product. If you're a larger build you'll probably favor this gilet over others.

Pros & Cons Specs

Pros

• Relaxed fit is very comfortable
• Stretchy and lightweight
• Fleece lining is very warm

Cons

• Not the best fit for slim figures

Sizes	S - XXL
Materials	94% Thermal Polyester; 6% Spandex
Colors	Black; Navy

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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