Best Golf Vests 2026

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 4

+ Exceptionally soft and warm
+ Stretch panels give full mobility
- Fleece very warm for mild days

This is a fantastic piece for layering up on the course without sacrificing comfort or mobility. The first thing you notice is the Cloudspun fabric, which is incredibly soft and warm, while providing a four-way stretch. I found the hybrid design to be perfect for out on the course when a full jacket restricts me too much, and the stretch panels move with you.

There's absolutely no restriction in the swing, which is key to putting a good swing on the ball. The gilet design is ideal for me as I hate feeling bulky in my arms. The Cloudspun fleece hybrid vest is, therefore, the perfect layering piece for keeping your core warm on cool days while your arms can swing completely free.

Sizes: S-XXXL
Colors: 4

+ Looks super premium
+ Clever hidden zip-out hood
- The shoulders make it look a touch ‘boxy’

The Crosswind from Johnnie-O is a superb outerwear option for those crisp mornings and breezy afternoons on the links. Crafted from a blend of polyester and spandex, this vest is remarkably lightweight and breathable while providing more than enough warmth for when you’re on the course or out in town in cooler conditions. The water- and wind-resistant quilted fabric performs well in unpredictable weather, ensuring you stay both warm and dry if the weather turns while you’re on the course.

There are a few thoughtful design elements, such as the welt side pockets with magnetic closures and a highly practical zip-out removable hood that offers even further versatility. The tailored silhouette looks incredibly sharp, allowing it to seamlessly double as a smart layering piece over a polo or button-down.

Sizes: S-XXXL
Colors: 3

+ Very warm
+ Soft, fluffy, and flexible
- Some may prefer a thinner vest

The TravisMathew Wanderlust Vest comes with a lightweight, quilted design, which offers core warmth without restricting your arms—perfect for those "should I wear a jacket?" days. It may not protect you from a rogue downpour, but it provides fantastic insulation on cool, breezy mornings. The modern, structured fit avoids the puffy look, ensuring you stay streamlined, while the smart, versatile styling means you can wear it easily away from the course without looking like you’re about to join a corporate retreat.

It lacks the internal media pockets of a true technical jacket, but who needs distractions? For convenience, the full zip closure and side pockets are essential for stashing keys or your lucky ball marker. This vest is perfect for the golfer who understands that layering is an art form and believes your mid-layer is fashionable as well as functional.

Sizes: S-XL
Colors: 2

+ Excellent thermal properties
+ Double zip for a flexible fit
- Front flaps perhaps detract from the look

Perfect when combined with a base layer and polo shirt, this gilet will certainly take the edge off cold rounds. The padded design keeps your core warm while the fleece, zipped front pockets are able to transfer some of this warmth to your hands.

The double zip provides a flexible fit at the bottom for those who need it and it also did a good job at repelling a light shower during testing. The flaps at the front seem an unnecessary addition, visually it detracts slightly, but you can’t fault its effectiveness at keeping you warm on the course. Finally there are two unique-looking colors to choose from as well.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 3

+ Soft and comfortable material
+ Clean design that pairs well with any polo
- Popper fastenings feel a little cheap

The Duran soft touch vest is perfect for any golfer who wants a simple, comfortable and classic looking vest to pair with any polo shirt or midlayer. The lightweight, stretchy material is easy to look after and can even be useful to have in your golf bag for any sudden drops in temperature.

The garment feels nicely fitted without restricting your swing, but the fastenings feel a little less premium than the rest of the vest due to the fairly cheap feeling poppers. Pockets on the front are a nice practical touch, especially to keep the hands warm on the colder mornings or to store your glove while you are putting on the green.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 2

+ Sophisticated styling
+ Front pockets for convenience
- Limited color options

A gilet or vest should be a staple of every golfer’s wardrobe. They provide that essential body warmth that keeps you going on colder days on the links while allowing the arms to swing with complete freedom, maximising power. The design of this particular option from G/FORE is relatively simple, which bolsters its versatility, but it still manages to add visual appeal to your outfit.

It’s practical too thanks to the two front pockets and double zip. The fit is snug without being too restrictive and the feel of the fabric is soft to the touch. We’ve really enjoyed wearing this gilet on the course and we’re confident you will too.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 2

+ Fantastic dual-zip functionality prevents bunching
+ Incredibly versatile styling for on and off the course
- Pockets are ever so slightly high

The Fuse Hybrid Gilet from Peter Millar is an outstanding outerwear option that delivers essential warmth for those cooler days on the course without ever sacrificing athletic mobility. This vest pairs a lightly insulated front with stretch-performance side panels for complete unrestricted motion throughout the swing, all while ensuring your body heat is comfortably retained.

What really elevates this piece are the thoughtful, premium finishing touches, such as the highly practical dual zip, which allows you to slightly open the bottom to prevent any annoying bunching when putting or addressing the ball. Additionally, the subtle branding on the side pocket is visible while remaining classy.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 2

+ Light thermal insulation
+ Clean and versatile design
- Requires specific care

The King Vest offers a lightweight design with effective thermal insulation, specifically designed to keep your core warm and you looking sharp on chilly days. The smooth nylon-elastane blend exterior is not just about a modern aesthetic; it provides excellent four-way stretch, ensuring your movements are never restricted even if you layer up underneath.

The tailored fit is engineered to present a sleek silhouette without any unnecessary bulk, and its sophisticated, clean styling allows it to transition seamlessly from the golf course to a variety of smart-casual environments. The small logo detailing on the rear of the neck is a classy touch, while the functionality of the vest is enhanced by hidden side utility zipper pockets and a practical tonal two-way zipper.

Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 2

+ Premium feel and construction
+ Very warm and looks great
- Bulkier than other vests

As you can see in this guide, some vests are designed to be a light layer whereas others are for warmth, and the Cypress Insulated Vest is definitely the latter. The nylon fabric construction feels thick and offers real warmth, as a result the vest is a little bulkier than others on this list. That being said the vest remains lightweight and the fabric actually has a DWR (durable water-repellent) coating which helps water roll off the garment, although it is worth saying this vest is not totally waterproof.

You also get full-zip side pockets, adjustability at the waist, a two-way zipper, and I think the vest looks great as well. It features a cross-hatch design which mimics signature Sun Day Red polo shirts. Finally this vest works beautifully in the cold with other layers underneath it, such as quarter-zips, hoodies or mid-layers.

Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 3

+ Premium feel
+ Uniquely reversible
- At the top end in terms of price

Yes you read the above correctly, the Eli Vest from B.Draddy is fully reversible. One side is the diamond-quilted shell, and the other is smooth Italian merino wool, which is my personal favorite of the two.

What is immediately apparent with this garment is the quality, it feels outstandingly premium with every detail, such as the level of stitching, dual-direction zipper, and the three pockets.

Like all good vests it offered warmth thanks to the duck down fill, but this doesn’t make it heavy either because the Eli is nicely lightweight. I personally think it looks great on and off the course, works well with sweaters, hoodies and other mid-layers underneath, and comes in three nice colors.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 2

+ Clean minimalist design
+ Comfortable and non-restrictive
- Would prefer to be a little more fitted

I must say, I have become a true vest convert in recent years. The option of throwing on a vest such as this over a midlayer or polo shirt provides warmth without compromising on freedom or style. In fact, when swinging the golf club you barely even know you have another layer on.

The Halo Gray colour is a genius addition to the line as it pairs perfectly with darker and lighter garments underneath, but it can also be worn away from the course and wouldn’t look out of place on a dog walk or stroll around town. With two pockets, there is plenty of practicality baked into this vest as well.

Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 3

+ Four-way stretch means you can swing freely
+ Water repellent
- Price tag is fairly hefty for a vest

The Tempo Vest is a great companion to the Tempo Full Zip Jacket from FootJoy, providing a great four-way stretch which provides plenty of freedom as you swing. The biggest compliment I can give this piece is that it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing an extra layer once you put it on, given how lightweight it feels.

Despite this, it still provides you a little more protection from colder weather and wind but you still have the freedom to swing freely. The three colorways compliment the rest of the Footjoy Tempo range wonderfully and two zip pockets provide refuge for your hands if the temperature drops.

Sizes: XS - 2XL
Colors: 2

+ Unrestricted movement
+ Lightweight and breathable
- Not a look all golfers might like

Designed for effortless layering on the course, this knitted vest delivers a clean, classic look with practical performance. The lightweight construction provides just enough warmth for cooler mornings without restricting movement, making it easy to wear over a polo. Its regular fit sits comfortably without feeling tight, while the V-neck shape keeps your swing completely unrestricted. Finished in a versatile Dark Navy with subtle branding, it’s a smart, easy-to-style piece both on and off the course.

I would recommend this product to the golfer that enjoys a free range of motion around the arms that doesn't restrict you from playing your golf shots, but also wants to keep their torso warm when out on the course in the spring or summertime.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 3

+ Two good sized pockets
+ Light and flexible
- Not the warmest of vests

The High Gauge vest from Callaway is a brilliant gilet that offers up a good amount of functionality on the golf course. It has a good quality full zip system along with two nice-sized open pockets for your hands, and the firm collar feels well made to stand the test of time.

Its polyester construction is soft and there’s plenty of stretch, meaning it’s very easy to play golf in. It comes in three colorways and has some subtle styling with two two-color design and a lone Callaway logo on the shoulder and the classic Chev arrow on the back. Overall, we’d say it looks great and is good value for money.

Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 3

+ Thin, lightweight feel
+ Folds down to nothingReasons to avoid:
- On chiller days will need more layers

Original Penguin have taken a smart aesthetic and blended it with lightweight performance with this Heritage vest. The overall look I love with the contrasting zip color and Penguin logo adding to the style appeal nicely. As mentioned, this vest is incredibly lightweight which makes it ideal for summer golf and when paired with a polo shirt.

Now this may need to be paired with more layering on those slightly colder rounds, but this is no issue as it still feels comfortable underneath a lightweight jacket or rain jacket. I also really like the way it can be folded down to basically nothing as well which makes it easy to store in your bag, and because it’s so light, it doesn’t add any weight to your golf bag.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 3

+ Lightweight, and breathable
+ Looks fantastic
- Doesn’t provide a great deal of warmth

The Galvin Green Leo is an ideal extra layer that not only looks great but also delivers additional protection from the elements. The lightweight construction makes it ideal for stashing in your bag, while also allowing you to swing freely without restriction. Equipped with a draw string at the hem, this gilet can be easily adjusted for an ideal fit, while two front pockets provide excellent additional storage.

The two tone blue and white design looks absolutely superb, and the versatile nature of the gilet means it could be worn for any outdoor activity. While there are undoubtedly warmer gilets on the market, the Leo is absolutely perfect for golfers looking for something super lightweight that can easily be styled with any outfit. The Leo is also water repellent and wind resistant making it an ideal choice for the year round golfer.

Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 3

+ Plenty of pocket spacing
+ Excellent stretch qualities provide superb comfort
- Neck cut is slightly higher

Personally, I'm not the biggest gilet wearer, but I was a big fan of the Baynes Padded model from Oscar Jacobson, which features lots of stretch capabilities, as well as plenty of pocket space and a nice, premium feel.

Usually, gilets come up slightly smaller in terms of fit but, with this model, it was perfect, not too tight and not too restrictive. Providing good freedom of movement, the quilted front body and upper back helped provide a minimalist look that can be worn on and off the course. The only slight qualm is that the neck does feel slightly higher than other gilets. This is only minor, though, as it didn't affect me on the course and, if anything means you can zip it up to keep your neck warm in bitterly cold conditions.

Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 2

+ Lightweight material
+ Warm padding
- Suitable for a cool day but not the warmest

The gilet is the perfect golfing garment, and the Castore LVS Hybrid delivers an exceptional example of why it’s so handy. For a start, the LVS Hybrid is lightweight and folds down very small, so can be easily slipped on and off throughout the course of a round. The front panel is filled with Thermolite wadding, which makes it warm enough to pair with just a polo or thin mid-layer on a changeable day, but not too thick.

It has two zipped pockets on the front and a Castore logo on the left-hand side. It also features a shaped collar to keep the wind out and Castore branding on the back of the neck. On a changeable day, it kept me warm enough to not need a mid-layer, therefore freeing my arms up nicely to swing a club.

Sizes: S-XXXL
Colors: 4

+ Perfect for those slightly cooler tempartures
+ Stretchy fabric
- Design perhaps a touch bland

How you construct your outfit is a very personal choice. Some people would never wear a hoodie instead of a more traditional jumper, while others would prefer a gilet over either of those garments. If you’re a vest-wearer, Ping’s Burford will be right up your street. It’s made from a wind-resistant fabric and boasts a quilted lining, which provides warmth without bulk – ideal if the sun suddenly disappears behind the clouds or you’re finishing up your round just before sunset. It’s water-resistant, it boasts stretch properties and it comes with two front zipped pockets. It’s a full-zip, too, which means it’s very easy to put on and take off.

Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 3

+ Ease of movement
+ Can be used in all seasons
- Zip can be tricky to engage

The Stuburt Padded Gilet proved extremely comfortable and, with generous armholes, provided perfect freedom of movement throughout the swing whether worn over another mid layer in colder weather, or simply over a polo shirt on milder days. The gilet is silent through the swing. It has two generous side pockets, with the zip hidden behind a flap which also provides some rain protection as the zips are not waterproof.

This gilet is made from a blend of nylon and elastane which is breathable and prevents the golfer sweating up, despite its heat-sealed design. There is a full-length zip down the front and the box and pin on this can be tricky to engage. The eyelet can be flicked up and stays in position to maintain the line of the bottom of the garment.

Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 1

+ Understated, unfussy design
+ Good value
- If you don’t like blue you’re out of luck

According to American Golf’s website description the Greg Norman Coastal vest is “For the golf course, the office and anywhere in between.” Personally, I’m not planning on wearing it for driving spreadsheets, but on the fairways it does the job.

The stretch polyester is only slightly thicker than polo shirt material, so it’s an option for wearing over your polo on days when there’s a little chill as you tee off, but you know it’s going to get warmer quickly. Fit is on the generous side, with large armholes, meaning it’s unrestrictive in play. There’s a zip garage to prevent the pull scraping your chin when pulled right up.

Sizes: S-5XL
Colors: 1

+ Easy to swing in
+ Lightweight and warm
- Long in the body so can bunch up when sitting

The Fazer Men’s Men’s Flixton Contrast Golf Gilet provides lightweight warmth to the torso. Made of 95% Polyester and 5% Elastane, it is stretchy which makes it easy to swing in. The body is long, so it keeps your midriff covered during the swing. The downside to this is that the garment bunches up slightly when you sit.

There are two deep zipped pockets low at the front, handy when playing, especially as the zips are easily manoeuvrable. But when sitting, anything in these can make it uncomfortable. This jacket is excellently suited to the course, more so than it is to the 19th hole.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 3

+ Comfortable and lightweight
+ Versatile for on or off the course
- Possibly just a little shapeless looking

When you are after that extra layer to protect you from a breeze or the damp, a gilet has become the go-to option in golf. The Johnstone is a really strong offering in this field, lightweight so that you barely know you are wearing it, but keeping you at the right temperature when the wind is getting up or there is drizzle in the air. As you would expect from Glenmuir, the styling is strong but subtle.

I particularly like the branding on the inside of the zip, the righ-hand seam and at the top of the back. The gilet is quite long in the body, so there is protection below the waist, and the two side pockets have zips to keep them secure. The arm holes are elasticated meaning there is no restriction during the swing, and this is a year-round option that is easy to store or keep with you as an unexpected back-up.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 2

+ Weather-proof properties are faultless
+ Premium aesthetic and build quality
- Doesn’t offer much in the way of warmth

The HLINC Waterproof Golf Gilet is another high-quality offering from the links golf clothing specialists, with its eVent fabric providing this almost magical layer around you that completely blocks out the wind and rain. The gilet option offers the same premium aesthetic and build quality as the trousers and full rain jacket but with a lightweight body portion which allows you to swing the golf club freely.

I would say that it needs another layer underneath as I found it didn’t add much in terms of warmth, and also that the fit was slightly looser than some might like, but it’s an excellent option for those rounds where the weather just can’t make its mind up.

Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 4

+ Very useful second layer to keep in the golf bag
+ Excellent stretch
- Pockets would be a welcome addition

A good vest should provide convenience between both keeping you warm if the temperature drops but also with how easily they can slot into a pocket in our golf bags - Levelwear’s Direct Vest does this as good as any I have tested. The moisture-wicking material is pleasantly stretchy, meaning you never feel restricted during your swing.

This vest also packs up into a very small size, taking very little room up in your bag at all. If I were to nitpick, hand pockets near the waist would be a welcome addition to round off a near-perfect layering vest.

Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 2

+ Offers understated protection and style
+ Simple styling makes it very versatile
- There are cheaper options available

Lululemon has a firm understanding of the phrase “less is more”. Originally a yoga brand, Lulu has recently moved into the golf space with a superb collection of well thought through products that retain the brands simple yet effective styling. This vest is a great example of that brand ethos, on the face of things the all black gilet is hardly a head turner, but the level of comfort, warmth and versatility it provides is immediately obvious as soon as you put it on.

Offering a versatile and athletic fit, excellent pockets and a water repellent outer layer, it’s a superb garment for not just the course but everyday life. It is on the pricier side, but I guarantee you will get endless wear out of it, making it a very worthwhile purchase.

Sizes: XS-3XL
Colors: 3

+ Water resistant
+ Looks great in a work setting as well as the golf course
- Zipper is a little fiddly at times

I was impressed with Mizzen + Main’s Northwood Jacket they sent me for testing last year, so much so it has become my go-to light jacket. I was therefore naturally excited for the arrival of their Northwood Vest and it continued the good work of their main jacket - just without the sleeves.

The water resistant material is protective from the elements without feeling restrictive as you swing, and two front pockets provide plenty of space for your items or refuge for your hands on a cold morning. This vest is also great for any smart/casual event you attend, be that the office for work or a family party. The zipper is a little fiddly at the bottom, but you get used to how it works rather quickly.

Sizes: S-XXXL
Colors: 4

+ Stylish, modern look
+ Comfortable fit
- Not the most breathable

A great-looking gilet that gets good marks for all the same reasons as the Vortex Quilted hoodie. That’s what it is, the Vortex Hoodie without the hood. This windproof gilet is made from premium high-loft polyester with front and rear quilt panels and a jersey-stretch fabric rear panel.

The inner graphene lining is supposed to evenly distribute body heat, although some might find it not the most breathable item to wear. It makes it more suitable for those days on the fairways when it’s really quite chilly. The holographic print has also been nicely done and adds to its stylish looks, whilst the bungee draw cords at the waist are a useful addition for getting the perfect fit. It’s definitely one to wear for walking, too, and other leisure activities, and it gets top marks for overall comfort.

Sizes: S-5XL
Colors: 1

+ Water resistant, with decent insulation
+ Unrestrictive when wearing
- Not really a summer gilet option

I’ve been a fan of the gilet (or vest) ever since I started wearing them when running back in the late 1990s. I think they offer the perfect level of protection from wind and rain when a rain or windjacket will just lead to overheating.That said, Stromberg’s Furness Open sits on the warmer side of the gilet camp. It’s not quilted, but the DWR-treated outer layer is backed by an insulating softer fabric inner layer.

This makes the Furness Open a good option for cooler, drizzly days, but a little too warm for damp summer rounds. If your round is damp, though, the DWR does a pretty good job and will protect for longer than you might expect, with the water beading well even under sustained attack. It doesn’t claim to be waterproof, but I’d be pretty confident of it keeping my torso dry in a heavy burst of rain. Allied to that, it’s noise-free in use, offers good freedom of movement and is available in a huge range of sizes.

Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 2

+ Sporty but smart look
+ Adds warmth without bulk
- Less appropriate for off course wear

If you are in the market for a new golf vest there are broadly two options. You can go for something ultra-lightweight and easy to wear or something padded that offers more warmth. This fits into the latter category.

What I liked most about this was the pure simplicity of the design. Turtleson does modern touches extremely well - on the back there is a small flash of blue and grey and the brand logo sits on the back of the neck. Both of these elements help create a modern feel.

I wore this with a blue polo and light blue trousers for a very smart overall look. It was a warm day but with a slight chill in the wind, this gilet kept me warm throughout my round without impeding my swing at all.