Best Golf Vests 2024

Sizes: S-XXXL
Colors: 2

+ Looks great both on and off the course
+ Built-in insulation for warmth
- Could be slightly more fitted

For those days where a rain jacket or hoodie isn’t necessary, but you still want to feel comfortable while walking the fairways, this insulated gilet is an absolute no-brainer. The vest itself wouldn’t look out of place at a family walk or pub lunch, making it a super versatile garment, but in its natural habitat it provides plenty of great benefits for golfers. Water repellent, lightweight, breathable fabric provides all-day comfort, while Under Armour’s ColdGear technology and synthetic insulation creates warmth without the need for excess bulk. Zip pockets allow you to keep your valuables safe and secure, and an adjustable bottom creates an opportunity to wear it your way. Whether paired with a quarter zip or just a polo and a base layer, this vest is not to be missed on your next shopping trip.

Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 2

+ Warmth and flexible comfort
+ Understated, classic design
- More colors needed!

As a regular golfer, I have found that a vest or gilet is often the ideal garment to add a layer of warmth, without feeling too hot, and the Fuse Hybrid from Peter Millar is a perfect example of this. Made from a mixture of polyester and spandex, it stretches nicely, gives complete freedom of movement, feels soft and comfortable, and finally adds a touch of insulation to keep the core warm. This fabric is also water-resistant too.

Not to mention it also looks great and partners extremely well with hoodies and other mid-layers or jackets. Admittedly it would be great to see more colors available, there are currently just two, but the navy and cyan finishes look excellent and understated. I also really like the smaller details such as the subtle logos, lightweight feel and hand warmer pockets. I cannot recommend this vest enough.

Size: S-3XL
Colors: 3

+ Lightweight
+ Versatile design
- High collar design can distract during the swing

For golfers that want to swing completely unrestricted, the Lathan vest is an impressive option. Its thin material means you won’t overheat, but you get wind and water repellent protection should you get caught in a passing shower. The white zip and subtle Galvin Green logo on the chest really add to the style while the zipped, mesh-lined pocket and elasticated waist mean it’s also practical and comfortable.

The collar is arguably a little on the tall side at the front but the material is soft enough to limit distractions when standing over a crucial putt. In truth, this has become our go-to garment to sit on top of a polo shirt because of the protection and playability it provides. Is it the perfect golf gilet? It’s as close as we’ve experienced to date.

Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 4

+ Versatility
+ Added warmth
- Lacking a bit of style

Vests/gilets are a versatile option and come into their own in changeable weather conditions. You’re not going to get any protection from the rain with this piece, but it’s number one objective is to keep your core warm – and in that regard it does the job very well. If you don’t like having to wear sleeves when the temperature drops a little, this half-zip is easy to pull on quickly and store away in the bag without taking up valuable space. The color combinations work well, although you might say the style itself is very safe. Sometimes safe is good, however, and for what it lacks in style, it more than makes up for with its versatility. It’s extremely comfortable to wear and goes nicely with most other FootJoy pieces.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 4

+ Plenty of pocket space
+ Good number of color options
- Comes up tight

To begin with, the Hielands Vest packs plenty of pocket space, including a pocket on the chest that can store your phone and other necessities. Importantly, there are two pouch pockets that sit perfectly for when the weather turns and you're wanting to keep your hands warm in cold conditions.

Like other Puma garments, the design is very minimalist, which is something that many will like as it will go with pretty much anything in your closet. The dark options are perfect for winter, especially when mud etc is being thrown up. Finally, we must add that, despite there being some stretch present, the Vest comes up tight, especially around the shoulders so, if you are broader, then we would recommend going up a size. It was however still comfortable to wear with only a polo and also with a midlayer.

Size: XS-2XL
Colors: 3

+ Outstanding warmth
+ Easy to swing in
- Flaps above pockets make them a little awkward to access

This is a premium gilet that is extremely warm and very comfortable to wear with a nice amount of stretch to let you swing free. We love the styling and the two colorways - black and navy - ensure that it can be worn with many different outfits to layer up with in the colder months. It’s water repellent so good to wear in light showers.

Fit-wise we found it to be excellent so would recommend going with your usual size. It’s not too baggy or too tight. You also get two zipped pockets, which are guarded by flaps that will keep them bone dry in light rains but do make them slightly more difficult to access. It’s on the expensive side but definitely a good investment as you’re sure to get plenty of wear.

Size: S-2XL
Colors: 2

+ Stylish understated design
+ Lightweight but offers a lot of warmth
- Will come up little long in the body for anyone under 6ft

This G/Fore Performer Gilet is an excellent garment. Warm and lightweight it does a great job of keeping out the cold and keeping your core warm. The Gilet is made of high quality fabrics (which help justify the high price point) meaning it’s very soft to the touch both outside and also inside.

This gilet is very much at the understated end of what G/Fore produces with no bold prints and just a small rubberized logo on the chest and G/FORE on the nape of the neck. Both are tone on tone which is very classy. The pockets offer a place to keep your hands warm and store things like tees and ball markers.

Size: S-2XL
Color: 3

+ Stylish comfortable
+ Practical perfomance
- Slightly generous sizing

I recently wore this vest on a golf trip to the USA, it’s comfortable design and styling offers a lightweight layer of warmth without the bulk, making it the perfect top to wear over a short sleeve shirt when warming up early on the range. The mixed media material provides a sweat-wicking, insulating performance fabric that moves with you during any activity.

The vest has many nice features including inseam side pockets with magnetic clasps, an interior magnetic pocket and a stretch rib on center back collar. Like many Johnnie-O products the color options gives you the chance to mix your other layers with multiple color choices and this quilted zip front performance vest looks great on or away from the course.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 2

+ Excellent thermal properties
+ Double zip for a flexible fit
- Arguably gets you too hot on mild days

A golf gilet is a great way to keep warm while allowing the arms to swing freely and on colder outings, this option from Original Penguin is hard to beat. Its ability to keep heat in is one of the best we’ve experienced and with its zipped front pockets, it’s practical too, providing a place to rest your hands comfortably and keep them warm while waiting to hit your putt. The gradient striped design looks great - we’ve had multiple comments on how good it looks - plus the padded design is very flattering, helped by the double zip if you need a little more room at the bottom. On milder days you might want something thinner but when the temperatures drop, this is a compelling option given how well it looks and performs.

Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 3

+ Outstanding warmth
+ Easy to swing in
- A little bulky

If you need a vest to offer warmth and and comfort then this Future Vest from Zero Restriction is a good option to consider. Made from a combination of nylon, spandex and grey goose down, it halted wind easily and I did feel the warmth stay trapped to my core, which is exactly what I am looking for in a vest. There was enough stretch in the fabric to make it easy to swing in, and it also happens to be water-repellent as well which is a needed element for winter golf. I should note it is a reasonably bulky design which obviously adds to the warmth element, but for those wanting a more slimline garment, there are other options in this guide. Finally the versatile style transitions easily to your post-round activities and we think this gilet looks as good off the course on walks and hikes.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 2

+ Offers good warmth
+ Suitable for wear off course
- Could do with a hanging loop

That the only real negative is that this garment would be even better with a hanging loop says it all – this is a really nice addition to Callaway’s autumn/winter collection. The thermal padded design surely makes it one of the warmest golf vests on the market. It means it’s slightly heavier to wear than most golf vests/gilets, although it’s not off putting. In fact, having a little extra bulk where vests are concerned is no bad thing – it will keep your core warm whilst you feel nice and free with your arms. The adjustable toggle hems means you can find your perfect fit, too, whilst the subtle logos on the back of the neck and on the trims offer a little extra style. The zips are also nice and weighty – a small but important detail.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 3

+ Extremely comfortable and warm
+ Versatile
- Some may prefer a more fitted look

The Wanderlust Vest is the perfect extra layer on top of your golf polo for those mornings on the course before the day really heats up. While extremely lightweight, this vest provides complete comfort and does an excellent job in keeping you warm. The fit is a little ‘boxy’ and some golfers may prefer a slightly more athletic look as seen on the TravisMathew polo’s but the looser fit does come in handy when layering underneath this vest during the colder months. Because of this slightly looser fit, it’s worth ordering this vest in a size down for a true fit. The four-way stretch means you have complete flexibility when swinging and the simple and clean look of this vest means it can easily be worn away from the course and can be paired with literally anything.

Sizes: S-XXXL
Colors: 3

+ Can be worn on and off course
+ Spacious pockets
- Styling may be a little too fussy for some

Being used for the school run, watching football and going to the pub, it's the highly attractive padded design, monster side pockets for your hands and necessities that make this is a great option.

What's more, it has an excellent outer layer that can be placed over anything from a simple polo to several layers including a hoodie. The subtle use of the logo and Oscar Jacobson wording makes this look a superb contemporary garment, but it is also practical as it is warm, while also being water repellent. This is an attractive and very handy gilet, one that we will continue to use for the next year.

Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 2

+ Reversible
+ Wind and water resistant
- No pockets once reversed

The Norse S4 vest is fairly unique in the sense that it is fully reversible, meaning you get a gilet that comes in two separate colors. You either get a black or blue option, or a grey or yellow one. It is a nice feature but unfortunately once reversed there is only one small chest pocket with a cheap-feeling zip and no hand pockets. The main hand pockets also feel quite cheap and want to come out when you take your hands out. The vest is supremely comfortable and it does a great job of keeping you warm and dry as it is wind and water resistant. It feels lovely around the neck when fully zipped up, which really helps to store warm air. It’s also extremely lightweight and can be packed down into the inside pocket to be stored very easily.

Size: XS-5XL
Colors: 6

+ Lightweight and warming
+ Versatile and several colors
- Doesn’t use premium fabrics

The Abacus Grove hybrid vest is part of a category of garments that’s becoming increasingly popular with golfers. Those who are seeking extra warmth but don’t want their arms to be restricted will be attracted to the Grove hybrid vest, especially when you consider how many different color options there are to choose from. The quilted windproof fabric is padded at the front and back, which provides impressive warmth without feeling too cumbersome. The full zip at the front is convenient and the two side pockets also have zips, which is a nice touch. All in all, this is an excellent offering from Abacus.

Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 6

+ Warm and well-constructed
+ Lots of pocket space
- Quite fitted if being worn over multiple layers

Over the years, I have found that a gilet or vest is a valuable option to have in the bag to just add that little extra warmth when the summer temperatures drop a little and my new favorite might just be the B Draddy Sport Everyday Vest. Constructed via a mixture of polyester and spandex, it offers great stretch, provides genuine freedom of movement, is soft to the touch, and also provides just the right amount of warmth that your torso requires.

The B Draddy Sport Everyday Vest pairs nicely with just about any upper-body garment you can think of, including polo shirts, quarter zips, sweaters, and even hoodies. The six color options are well thought out, and make this an exceptionally versatile piece.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 2

+ Good quality and subtle design
+ Classic style traditionalist will love
- No protection from water

The Sounder Tank is a high quality garment made from fine merino wool that gives a classy look that traditionalists will enjoy. While it feels very well made, it is expensive compared to other vests/gilets that may be windproof or come with pockets and zips. It only comes in two colors, grey or black, with no navy, blue, green or red options but the two options are obviously very good for styling with colors. It’s lightweight so can easily be taken on and off and stored fairly small in your golf bag, and it’s a very handy extra layer to have when the wind gets up or the temperature drops. We found the fit to be very good, too with ribbed sleeves and hem giving a smart look.

Size: S-3XL
Colors: 3

+ Comfortable
+ Scores well on a warmth-for-weight basis
- Flap over hip pocket zip can get caught in zip

This gilet has a contemporary look to it and is also incredibly light while still providing all the warmth you need when electing for this style of outer garment. It can also be folded or rolled away to a compact size should the midday sun provide all the upper body warmth you need on otherwise chilly autumn/winter days. The fit is snug with no excess fabric to worry about, although you may choose to go up a size depending on what you mostly intend to wear it over, as there isn’t a lot of slack around the arm holes for bulkier jumpers and tops. We did find that the flexible cord zip pull made it a little tricky to get started over the full-length zip guard, but it was fine once the first inch or two had been negotiated.

Sizes: S-XXXL
Colors: 4

+ Comfortable and stretchable
+ Very easy to swing in
- Zip can be tricky to engage

Made from 79% polyester and 21% spandex, the Ashworth Tech Stretch Vest is extremely stretchable which makes it easy, to swing in and silent through the swing. This stretchiness also makes it exceedingly comfortable. There are four pockets, two of which are either side to the front on each side around the abdomen, and are secured by zips with a large pull on each to grab. There are also two unzipped pockets inside the garment at about the same height. An accident with some tomato sauce did have a happy consequence of proving that this vest is easy to clean. However it does retain water and dampness for a long time, so takes a while to dry, so not a garment to be caught in downpour wearing. The main zip’s pin and box can be frustratingly tricky to engage.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 3

+ Incredibly warm and effective in the wind
+ Useful pockets with fleece lining
- Bulkier than some

We’ve been admiring Manors from afar over the last 12 months, so we were excited to try out some of its stylish, performance garments for ourselves this year. This insulated gilet is the brand’s take on an essential golf garment and they have executed it with aplomb in our opinion. The 4-way stretching water and wind repellent fabric offers protection from light showers and the insulation and fleece lined pockets ward off any sort of chill you might be playing in. You only need to pair it with a midlayer and polo to feel warm and protected on even the chillies of days. This does make it a bit bulkier than some other gilets, but this is worth it considering how warm it is. Definitely a garment for the fall and winter months, this gilet is a practical, stylish and highly enjoyable golf garment to wear.

Sizes: S-XXXL
Colors: 4

+ Very warm and useful in all seasons
+ Good freedom of movement
- Gilets can divide opinion

The ProQuip Helm windproof gilet does a very similar job to the Helm windproof hooded jacket, which is an excellent garment. Its design features and technologies are largely the same and it’s also available in a full-zip jacket. The quilt panels on the front and back are packed with polyester and the fabric is heat-sealed for thermal protection, both of which combine to provide ample warmth. It’s also incredibly light and quiet, two features which all golfers will enjoy. The fit is snug without being restrictive and there are plenty of colour options to choose from. It also comes with a comfortable inner-fleece lining, zipped pockets and rain-protected inner pockets. The Helm Windproof gilet is smart and functional and well worth considering.