Golf Clothing Layering Guide – How to lay golf clothing right? What you wear on the golf course can not only make you look good but additionally improve your game by keeping you fresh and alert and dry and warm. The days of heavyweight and restrictive clothing because the only options when the weather requires a turn for the worse are over.
The golf industry has been quick to take advantage of new fabric technologies with a wide range of golf specific garments available. The correct combination will help you to perform to your maximum whatever the external conditions.
The key to this process is what we know as layering, combining clothing for different conditions to ensure that you remain dry, regulate your temperature and protect you from the wind, rain or sun.
Three layers are generally considered to be the optimum amount and these consist of a base layer, a mid coating for either warm or cold conditions and an outer layer.
Golf Clothing Layering Guide – How to lay golf clothing right?
Layer 1: The “Base Layer”
Base Layer garments are worn next to the skin and moisture management is a key element for this primary layer to remove moisture from your skin which natural fibres such as cotton, cannot achieve independently due to high absorbency.
The base layer should fit the shape of the body quite closely so that it works to its optimium in cold conditions. Among the key advantages of a base layer is the warmth it creates to your body helps golfers swing more freely and for that reason perform better.
Golf specific base layers have been designed to warm and support the muscle groups specifically found in the golf swing like the spine and shoulders reducing the chance of muscular tears or strains
Some base layers come complete with Compression Technology that are a tighter fit developed to enhance circulation, aid body posture and boost stamina by stimulating oxygen levels in the muscles.
In cold weather conditions thermal base layers are available that combine heat trapping materials with breathability and high levels of moisture management to keep you warm and dry.
In warm conditions, the base layer should wick moisture away from the skin to the outside of the garment where it evaporates quickly to provide a cooling effect on your body. Hot Weather Base Layers haven’t any thermal properties and are extremely fine in cuponstruction.
Base layer garments should be very comfortable and are made with “Flat Lock Seams” to minimise abrasion and so are mainly constructed of man made materials although natural fibres such as for example Merino are available but these usually do not contain any compression benefits.
Layer 2: The “Mid Layer”
The mid layer plays a key role in thermal regulation depending on the conditions.
In cold weather the mid layer should give additional thermal insulation to keep the body warm and comfortable by trapping heat generated by your body. Mid-layers for cold conditions are generally constructed from soft and stretchy materials that give a snug fit that by no means restricts the golf swing.
Breathability is essential in a good mid layer in order that any excess moisture or heat is transported from the body for easy evaporation. Traditionally wool sweaters have already been used as a popular mid layer however these trap heat and prevent moisture movement, so can be not suitable as part of a layering solution.
In warm conditions the mid layer acts primarily as a transport layer designed for maximum breathability and moisture transportation to keep the body cool and dry. In comfortableer conditions the mid layer may be worn next to the skin rather than over a base layer. They are developed to become light, soft and comfortable when swinging the club. Many fabrics now have built in anti-bacterial properties to help keep the shirt fresh in addition to built in UVP for protection from sunlight.
Mid-layers are very versatile but are usually susceptible to external weather conditions with wind having the ability to penetrate the fabrics and replace the warm pockets of air created. In cool and wet conditions they offer an ideal intermediate layer between a base coating and a competent waterproof or windproof top layer.
Layer 3: The “Outer Layer”
The Outer Layer is the weather protective layer and is designed to provide golfers with maximum protection against rain and wind.
Outer Layers could be Waterproof, Rainproof/Showerproof or Windproof and you may find full information on these in Golfalot’s Outerwear and Waterproof Buywithing Guide
It is essential that the outer layer you select is adequate for the conditions you face but also needs to be of a breathable moisture wicking construction and well ventilated to permit the 3 layer system to work well.
Mix And Match For Different Conditions
So hopefully you understand that the concept of layering would be to a combination of suitable garments dependent on the external mixtures.Here are a few common scenarios it’s likely you’ll face on the course and our layering solutiupons:
Cold and Rainy
- Full body compression base layer
- Warm thermally insulated mid layer
- Goretex outer layer (including trousers and hat)
Cold and Windy
- Full body compression base layer
- Warm thermally insulated mid layer
- Windproof outer layer and trousers
Warm and Rainy
- Lightweight skintight base layer
- Breatheable golf shirt
- Light outer shell and trousers if required
As you can see the combinations are endless and learning to manage your different layers will allow you to play to your potential whatever the conditions.
