Best Thermal Golf Jackets 2024
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A good quality thermal golf jacket or windbreaker is one of the most important pieces of kit to keep you warm when playing winter golf.
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Wearing your best jacket to keep warm, while still being able to freely swing the club can be an issue when you’re playing golf in very cold weather. Luckily, the technological advancements in this area have been substantial and there is a huge range of jackets out there to keep you warm throughout winter without having to wear 14 jumpers.
At TG we recognize this and understand golfers need outerwear that not only keeps them comfortably warm but also allows for unrestricted movement throughout their swing. Not overlooking the importance of a stylish design that seamlessly transitions from the golf course to everyday wear.
Our expert recommendations explore advanced insulation technologies, ergonomic designs, and fashionable elements, ensuring you find a thermal golf jacket that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
The best thermal golf jackets – our top picks:
Best for warmth: Ping Norse Primaloft | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best for movement: FootJoy Hybrid | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Whether you’re an avid golfer preparing for winter rounds or simply seeking a versatile cold-weather jacket, our guide is your go-to resource for selecting the perfect blend of warmth, flexibility, and style. Discover the ideal thermal golf jacket to elevate your performance and style on the fairways.
To really keep warm, you can pair your thermal golf jacket with one of the best golf base layers and one of the best golf mid-layers.
Best Thermal Golf Jackets
Powered by SensorWarm
Best for warmth
This fully insulated jacket is made with Thermo Plume fabric - which is 100% synthetic and 100% recycled - to mimic the lightweight warmth, loft, and softness you find in Down.
It features an incredibly lofty fabric on top for increased insulation efficiency while being 100% water-resistant, thanks to its special finishing process.
Excellent breathability keeps you aired in the harshest temperatures, and a permanent, water-resistant coating ensures performance even when wet.
This Norse Primaloft S5 Thermal Golf Wind Jacket features SensorWarm, which is Wind Resistant, Water Resistant, and Thermal. The thermal layers trap warm air and resist wind chill, keeping you warm with minimal weight. Small microfibers that capture more air result in better thermal performance and a softer feel, so you can feel the performance.
The jacket is 86% polyamide and 14% elastane to offer good stretch levels to ensure you're able to swing freely.
The design and branding are understated so this can easily be worn off the golf course, too.
Pros
- Breathable
- Great at insulating
Cons
- Felt long on the body
| Sizes | S – XXL |
| Colors | Blue, Navy |
It ticks all of the boxes
Best for movement
FootJoy are shoe specialists, but they are getting so much right with their golf jackets, and this thermal option just feels made to measure. Whether it’s the padded collar (but it’s not too bulky) or the cut of the arms, it just works. It will also keep you dry in light rain and from a price perspective won’t break the bank, especially when you could wear it away from the course as well.
It’s got a full-length zip for added practicality and the pockets are very accessible despite being well hidden.
Some serious thought has gone into this from Footjoy and it’s undoubtedly one of the best-padded golf jackets out there.
Pros
- No restriction whatsoever
- Comfortable
- Super warm
Cons
- Strange fit
| Sizes | S – 3XL |
| Colors | Black, Navy, Charcoal, Red |
The perfect all-rounder
Best for water resistance
Thanks to UA Storm and a specific water-repellent treatment, the jacket repels water without sacrificing breathability. The loose-fitting design may hinder some of the heat retention but makes it ideal for layering up with one of the best golf mid-layers.
My favorite feature is the unique back design built to keep you swinging easy, the back bi-swing design is made up of a stretchy mesh underlay aimed to help optimize mobility on every swing.
Pros
- Good at layering
- Great in the rain (Not fully waterproof)
- Mobile design
Cons
- Loose fitting doesn't optimize heat control
| Sizes | S – XXL |
| Colors | Black, Gray, Navy |
Tackle the wind in style
Best for wind protection
This full-zip offering from Oscar Jacobson is not only water-repellant but is superb at protecting you from the wind. The zip is lined for extra water resistance and helps massively with protecting against that heavy coastal breeze.
The padded back and chest panels are lightweight and are not too overpowering, some would say it's just right. The fabric is breathable and great at regulating the body temperature, all while not restricting any swing moves you make.
Pros
- Breathable
- Water repellant
- Lightweight
Cons
- Narrow fitting
| Sizes | S – 3XL |
| Colors | Black, Grey, Navy |
Get a lot of jacket for your money
Best for padding
As it’s 100% nylon woven fabric and nylon/spandex knit fabric, it does feel different from some of its better-known rivals but we are splitting hairs really.
Callaway’s Swing-Tech paneling system provides all the room you will need to swing the club without added resistance and the adjustable hem provides extra comfort.
A really solid quilted golf jacket at a very good value.
Pros
- Padded back and front
- Great value for money
- Subtle branding
Cons
- Cuffs feel big
| Sizes | S – 3XL |
| Colors | Black, Blue |
Great for life on and away from the golf course
Best for inclement weather
Galvin Green's clever INTERFACE-1 technology gives this jacket all the properties a golfer wants to tackle inclement weather. The Leonard will help you tackle nearly every weather condition you may encounter., the fabric is water-repellent, windproof, breathable, and stretchy enough to allow you to layer up in the cold.
The jacket works well in the cold on its own too. The Thermore padded front and back provide superb coverage and will not leave you shivering on the first tee that's for sure. If you want a jacket to wear on a cool day with a polo or layer it up with a mid-layer for the frosty mornings this can do it all.
Pros
- Great to wear casually
- Superb wind protection
- Well worth the money
Cons
- Runs slightly big
| Sizes | S – 3XL |
| Colors | Black, Navy, Grey |
Bringing some class to the 1st tee
Best designer jacket
Thankfully, RLX haven't gotten lost in making a jacket that looks good enough to be on a runway but not good enough to work on the course. The ribbed front adds plenty of warmth and helps with wind protection and thanks to the wool and stretch fibers the jacket doesn't lose breathability and is rather comfortable.
Pros
- Superb design
- Stretchy
- Comfortable
Cons
- Expensive compared to competitors
| Sizes | XS – 3XL |
| Colors | Navy, Grey, Green |
Built to combat cold temperatures
Best for design
Overall you have a substantial piece of kit that is actually a lot lighter than it looks. The protection is front and back so a great option when it’s really cold. It’s got marginally less than give than other outer layers but most golfers won’t notice that.
It also does a pretty good of keeping you dry in light rain so 95% of the time this will fulfill your winter golfing needs.
Pros
- Padded from top to bottom
- Great in the wet too
Cons
- Hard to layer
Great at keeping the cold out
Best for versatility
Some might think it’s a bit tight around the cuffs and the waist but the snug fit is great for keeping out the cold.
Pros
- High quality
- Comfortable
- Great at regulating heat
Cons
- Need a size up
| Sizes | S – XXL |
| Colors | Navy (Tartan and Camo), Black, Grey |
Makes swinging easy
Best for insulation
The low-profile collar makes it extra versatile if you’re wearing a few different layers for maximum warmth, and the jacket offers good freedom of movement.
The 100% nylon jacket is UV and water-resistant.
Pros
- Great at keeping you warm and dry
- Secure fit
Cons
- Long on the body
| Sizes | S – XXL |
| Colors | Black, Navy |
Great for layering up
Best for fit
It’s pretty roomy and gives you plenty of options in terms of base and mid-layers. The inner pocket is just ideally located so you can slide in cards, ball markers, and tees with the minimum of fuss.
Even the collar feels nice and while there is a lot of protection, there is no sense of being weighed down.
Pros
- Great fit
- Super warm
- Good wind protection
Cons
- Collar is a little flimsy
| Sizes | S – XXL |
| Colors | Black, Navy, Grey |
Built to battle the winds of the Scottish highlands
Protection-wise a lot is going on and it all comes together in a pretty stylish package. It might be a bit too Michelin Man-looking for some but it is very lightweight and still allows you to swing without feeling too restricted.
Given the padding, it really does need to be the outermost layer. It’s showerproof but you’ll want a proper waterproof jacket in heavy rain.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Stylish
- Really warm
Cons
- Not a generous fit
| Sizes | S – XXL |
| Colors | 7 (Black, Navy, Grey) |
Attack the cold with ease
Best mid weight jacket
Mizuno have hit the brief just right with this one, a super comfortable jacket that helps you attack the cold with ease this winter. The design may be a little plain for some but I believe most golfers out there will be happy with its subtle accents.
Pros
- Warm fleece lining
- Cuffed sleeves and base are great for regulating heat
- Easy to swing in
Cons
- The design is a little plain
| Sizes | S – 2XL |
| Colors | Black, Grey, Navy |
Embrace the cold with Abacus
Best for color choice
Their Grove Hybrid Jacket feels superb and thanks to the front and back padding you feel confident that the jacket is going to work wonders on the course and it certainly doesn't disappoint.
Ideal for the cold windy days on the links, the padding provides a great level of warmth, keeping the heat in and the wind out. All while maintaining its breathable properties ensuring it doesn't become uncomfortable for you. With the modern styling find subtle branding it also makes for the perfect jacket away from the course.
Pros
- Cuffed for extra warmth
- Great padding front and back
- Multiple colorways available
Cons
- Felt long in the arm
| Sizes | S – 3XL |
| Colors | Navy, White, Blue, Black, Grey |
Buying Guide
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 jacket or trousers 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.
How to choose the best thermal golf jacket
Protection
This is arguably the most important feature to weigh in on, as keeping the wind and cold out is what keeps you warm. A good thermal jacket will use padding and lining to stop the wind from getting through the jacket and making your body cold. Often things such as fleece lining also are a huge help when protecting your body from the cold and put a stop to that unpleasant chill.
Movement
We’ve all been there when you prioritize the warmth over your ability to swing, with the masses of layers, some of us believe to be the answer to tackling the cold. Some jackets can be bulky and we know with modern golf that is not what we want. For that reason the models you can see above have all been selected with this in mind. Most of the best models now can stretch and help the body move freely thanks to the materials they use and the way the jackets now retain heat. As with most big golf purchases, we’d recommend going and trying some on making a few swings before you dip into your pockets.
Versatility
As with most modern golf clothing, it’s becoming more and more appropriate to wear your clothes on and off the course. Thanks to the design and looks of golf jackets you now have to ask yourself, is this going to be something you want to wear to the course, then for a post-round drink, and back home again? We feel with many of the jackets above you can do just that and get great value for money.
Waterproofing
This is a great feature and many jackets on this list offer a form of water resistance to protect against light mist and rain but when it comes to a sudden downpour and inclement weather you’d be better off looking at our guides to the best waterproof golf jackets.
Style
You have to like the look of what you’re wearing! I know this sounds simple, but no longer do golf clothes come with simple looks and drab designs. There is something out there for every golfer it’s down to you to pick a color and style that suits you.
Thermal Golf Jackets: FAQs
Do golf jackets keep you warm?
A good quality thermal golf jacket or windbreaker is one of the most important pieces of kit to keep you warm when playing winter golf. Getting yourself a jacket to keep warm, while still being able to freely swing the club is essential as the last thing you want is to feel restricted when playing golf in very cold weather.
What is a golf hybrid jacket?
The hybrid golf jacket has become very popular in recent years and is now a staple on the golf course during the winter months. The rise in popularity comes from the jacket’s ability to offer stretch, comfort, style, and lightweight warmth. The stretch material around the arms matches up perfectly with the quilted chest panels to offer you protection against the wind and the ability to swing freely.
About the author
Will Shreeve-Peacock – Golf Equipment Writer
Will Shreeve-Peacock is a golf equipment writer for todays-golfer.com, specializing in golf shoes, GPS watches, rangefinders, and training aids.
He has a degree in journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and four years of experience working in golf retail with American Golf. Will was part of the sales and fitting team, making him the perfect man to review golf equipment.
Trained by a range of manufacturers, including Titleist, to enhance his product knowledge, Will has all of the skills required to recommend the best equipment for amateur golfers.
Will uses a Cobra LTDx driver (10.5º), Cobra LTDx fairway wood (15º), TaylorMade P790 (2-iron), Callaway X Forged 18 Irons (4-PW), Wilson Staff Model Wedges (52°, 58°), TaylorMade White smoke IN-12 Blade putter and the TaylorMade TP5x Golf ball.
When he’s not testing golf shoes, he chooses to wear FootJoy Hyperflex or Under Armour Charged Phantom. He uses a Shotscope Pro L2 rangefinder and his favorite ever training aid is the PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer and mat.
You can contact Will via email. Follow him on Twitter here.
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Best Thermal Golf Jackets
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Abacus Quilted Golf Jacket
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Castore Hybrid Golf Jacket
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G/FORE Performer Jacket
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Galvin Green Leonard Jacket
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Galvin Green Damian thermal jacket.
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J.Lindeberg Quilted Golf Jacket
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Mizuno Therma Move Golf Jacket
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Oscar Jacobson Hackney Jacket
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Ping Norse S5 Jacket
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Proquip Hybrid Golf Jacket
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Puma Primaloft Scotia Quilted Golf Wind Jacket
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RLX Performance Jacket
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TravisMathew Padded Golf Jacket
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Under Armour Storm Session Jacket
