It would be a surprise if there's a single female golfer who doesn't own a golf vest (also known as a gilet). For the last few years, these versatile pieces have exploded in popularity, both on the golf course and on the high street, and it's clear they are not going anywhere anytime soon.
The beauty of a vest lies in its armless design, as it feels less restrictive than a jacket, giving you a full range of motion. Yet, despite their light feel, they provide that essential bit of extra warmth and protection exactly when you need it, particularly on cool mornings or breezy afternoons.
Below, we have taken a look at some of the best women’s golf vests to consider, as tested by our team of female contributors. Alternatively, make sure you check out our guides on the best women's golf clothes and best women's golf shoes too, or the best golf tops in the game.
Alison Root has over 25 years experience working in media, predominantly dedicated to women's golf. She is a respected voice across all areas of the game and has tested many women's golf products.
Best Women's Golf Vests 2025
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 3 - Warm White, Deep Navy, Ice Coffee
Fabric: 53% Polyester/47% Recycled Polyester
+ Sleeveless for swing freedom
+ Generous sizing and stretch fit
- Lightweight material isn't the warmest
If you find a full sleeve jacket a bit cumbersome and awkward to swing in then the Puma Kyley vest is the ideal alternative. It’s soft padding makes it super warm, providing a body barrier against the wind, while the arms-outstyle is perfectly suited to swing freedom. Allowing the arms unrestricted movement lets you cleverly layer up, choosing anything from one of the best polo shirts on a milder day to a base layer or even a sweater on top, while not inhibiting your athletic movement.
The shower-proof material shields the body against getting wet if it rains and has a lovely sheen to it that shimmers in sunlight. There’s a wide range of sizes and stretch in the fabric to accommodate any body shape, size and fit.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 1 - Ice Queen (Other colors from past collections)
Fabric: 100% Nylon
+ Easy to swing, keeps you warm
+ Eye-popping Ice Queen colour
- Shiny fabric won't be a hit with everyone
This wintry colour is just perfect for that early morning game in frosty conditions. It will make you feel like an Ice Queen who can do anything out on the course. PrimaLoft insulates and keep you at a perfect temperature for your round. It’s water repellent and so often you just never need to get your best women's golf rain gear out wearing this, as it does such a great job protecting from showers.
The double zip means it is easy to slip on waterproof trousers or access trouser pockets. The side panels are fleece lined to give you a snuggly feel, who doesn’t love a warm hug! With inner side toggles, the fit can be adjusted to keep warmth in and snowflakes out. A brilliant winter addition to your golfing wardrobe.
Sizes: XS-3XL
Colors: 5 - Navy, Black, Lipstick, Linden, Cognac
Fabric: 100% Polyester
+ Extremely well made
+ Provides comfort without bulk
- Not waterproof
This is a beautifully styled vest as there’s plenty of features that combine to create an attractive and useful layer. I like the decorative pattern of the padding on the front and back, which immediately gives it a cosy look and feel. The shoulders and side panels are made in a stretch fabric that are fleeced on the inside for a bit of extra warmth and it’s great that you can zip up to a high and stretchy collar for a snug fit that doesn’t irritate your neck when you’re playing.
It has a zipped pocket on either side and two open pockets on the inside. It fits true to size and the lightweight stretch fabric makes it comfortable to swing a club without feeling bulky. This is a versatile piece that’s perfect for autumn/winter wear.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 1 - Midnight Navy
Fabric: 90% Nylon/10% Elastane
+ Most flattering quilted gilet ever
+ Keeps you at a perfect temperature
- No insulating wadding on the back
I’m in love with this gilet. I wear it when I want to feel super classy and need a top that will give me great shape. It’s quilted gently, but enough to keep you at an optimum temperature. The stretch hybrid fabric means it moves easily as you swing and it is water resistant giving you an all weather item that isn’t too heavyweight.
The material is silky smooth and the quilting light. The quilting is only on the front so in colder conditions you may expect it to not keep your back as warm. As a layer over a thermal mid layer this will do the job as well as feeling effortlessly stylish. The concealed pockets inside the front are perfectly positioned for a phone or scorecard. As a lightweight water resistant gilet, I’d say Castore got this spot on.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 3 - Grey/Quiet Glade, Pink/Autumn Aquarelle, Red/Woven Chantilly
Fabric: 100% Polyester
+ Provides warmth without bulk
+ Flattering fit
- Patterns might not appeal to everyone
I really like a gilet when you can mix and match your look and the Eve has three colors/patterns to choose from. It’s made in a soft polyester fabric, it’s well padded for warmth, I didn’t find it too bulky. I found there to be plenty of room around the top of my arms. When zipped up to the top of the collar, it’s more cosy and the top of the zip is neatly covered, so there’s no irritation around your neck.
The plain/pattern combo makes it very attractive, especially if you pair it with a long sleeve top in the same pattern. I like the way the two zipped side pockets on the plain side are lined with the patterned fabric and the zips add extra detail as well with silver Pure logo pullers.
Sizes: XS - XXL
Colors: Navy, Sand
Fabric: 100% Polyester
+ Wind proof and warm
+ Adjustable fit
- Snug fit won’t suit larger ladies as much as slim silhouettes
If you want a really warm layer to wear over your jumper or even an extra layer to pop on under a jacket, then the Luna vest is a must-buy. The beauty of this garment is the swing freedom it offers. There’s a slight stretch to the material and internal toggles to tighten the waist on your hips so that it fits your body properly.
Thoughtful details like a two-way zipper, and a repositioned side-seam for better comfort improve the fit. The style is snug and slimming, which may not suit larger body shapes. The padding is thick and soft to touch and there’s a slight sheen that gives it a luxurious look in sunlight. Galvin Green should be applauded for their use of recycled materials, along with their high-tech warming technology. You’ll need deep pockets though to afford it,
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 5 - Mint, Moonbeam, Black, Navy, High Gloss Black
Fabric: Shell - 100 % Polyester
+ Fabulous fit and looks
+ Glossy finish oozes class
- Some may find price tag high, but it's a quality product
This vest has the most amazing gloss finish making it scream class. The choice of colours is broad, but the Mint is so different and it sets off many of the best women's golf shirts I own. If mint is a bit bold for you, navy, moonstone and black are good options. A subtle JL logo echoes the effortless class that this brand brings to the simple gilet.
It’s light as a feather and easy to swing in. Stuffed with duck down, it will keep you cosy on a cold day. Layering is taken to another level with this vest and it looks just as beautiful paired with jeans and boots for a Sunday lunch or a special occasion. This top quality vest stuffed with duck down will keep you cosy on a cold day.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 2 - White, Rose Pink
Fabric: 86% Poly/14% Spandex
+ Incredibly cosy fabric
+ Zip and magnetic closure
+ Elegant versatility
- Fitted on the hips
The first thing I noticed about this vest is the silky to touch, soft fabric, it’s like a comfort blanket! It’s lightly padded, but it certainly didn’t feel bulky when I put it on. It’s always nice to see something a bit different, and in this case, it’s the hidden magnetic closure. The vest has a full zip, but there are also three magnets, so you’ve got the option to use these instead of the zip.
I found it comfortable for golf, I could swing my arms freely, but its shape does fit quite snugly on the hips. At first I didn’t think this vest had pockets, but two are neatly concealed in the side seams. Overall this vest in white offers a sophisticated look, one that I would be happy to combine with best ladies golf pants on and off the course.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 1 - Black
Fabric: Shell- 100% Polyester (84% recycled)
+ Flap above pockets stops water seeping in
+ Soft to touch makes for a cosy feel
- Not enough color choices
Sporty and sharp in its design, this lightweight gilet is a winner. Adidas is renowned for using recycled materials, plus it looks great, therefore this layer gets high marks in both style and sustainability.
The outer shell is water resistant, as well as silky soft, and before you’ve even put this on, it feels warm to the touch. It has perfect pockets for keeping hands toasty and an invisible one in the body for a scorecard or mobile phone. It's comfortable when swinging a club and the hem is gently elasticated for a snug fit that keeps warmth in and the elements out. This will become one of my staple vests, it goes with all the best golf mid-layers.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colours: 3 - Black Diamond/Gold, Navy Diamond/Silver, Stardust Diamond/Silver
Fabric: Body- 100% Nylon, Lining - 100% Polyester
+ Fleece-lined for cosy feel
+ Diamanté detail gives a feminine feel
- Pockets could be fleece lined
This gilet is silky soft on the outer shell and furry inside. It feels great on. Keeping you warm and cosy during cooler rounds yet dry in sudden showers. The shell has a subtle diamond pattern which is beautiful. The stretch on the panels means it moves with you and can house quite a few layers underneath. The zip is chunky and sturdy giving beautiful structure and shape when done up.
I love the attention to detail with the elective Glenmuir logo and diamanté on the zipped pockets, which are subtly hidden from view for clean lines) and main body. I’d say they missed a trick not putting fleece inside the pockets, as you way want the best winter golf gloves to keep hands warm inside during waits on tees.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 2 - Black, Pacific Blue
Fabric: 100% Polyester
+ Comfortable and flattering fit
+ Impressive warmth
- Only two color options
I wore this diamond-patterned gilet over a long-sleeve shirt, and as it was quite chilly, I didn’t think I would be warm enough. But despite it being incredibly lightweight, the amount of warmth it provided surprised me most. I really like the snug fit, as it’s enough to feel secure, but the side stretch panels gave me complete freedom of movement, and if need be, you could easily wear a jacket over the top.
I like the side splits at the hem and darts at the chest, as these contribute to an overall flattering shape. The two zipped side pockets are concealed and give it a streamlined look, and I almost missed the small zipped inside pocket. You can zip up to a high collar, which has a soft chin guard for added comfort. An ideal gilet for everyday use.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 2 - Off White, Navy
Fabric: Shell- 100% Polyester, Lining - 87% Nylon/13% Elastane
+ Exceptional warmth
+ Flattering even though it's very puffy
- Too warm in autumn, perfect for winter
If you’re after a substantial body warmer that’s easy to swing in and doesn’t weigh you down, look no further. This sporty shaped insulated vest keeps you snug as a bug and is the perfect alternative to a thick jacket if you like to keep your arms free. The neck zips up fairly high which offers great protection against the elements.
The polyester outer is soft to the touch and wicks off moisture whilst keeping your body at an optimum temperature. The lining moves with you beautifully thanks to the added elastane. The Off White color is a nice change to white, and with the ice blue lining this happily mixes in with some of this season's wintry offerings.
Sizes: 6-20
Colors: 3 - Quartz/Rose Multi, Opal/Blue Fusion Multi, White/Eucalyptus Multi
Fabric: 100% Polyester
+ Wind resistant
+ Thermal material to keep your body warm
+ Reversible
- Not waterproof
One of the best things about Ping's Samantha Vest is that it’s reversible, allowing you to either choose the plain block color side and wear a patterned under garment with it, or wear the pretty flower-inspired patterned side with a plain top underneath. There are three color choices to choose from - eucalyptus, rose and fusion.
The zip cleverly accommodates a done-up position either way it is worn. The vest is nicely padded with Ping’s patented Clo thermal insulation, to keep your body really warm while still remaining breathable to stop you sweating. It’s super soft to touch. There is a little bit of stretch to accommodate any body shape inside. The material has a lovely sheen and, although not fully waterproof like the best golf rain jackets, the outer fabric is designed to repel rainwater if you get caught in a light shower.
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Colors: 1 - Midnight Navy/Black
Fabric: 87% Polyester/13% Elastane
+ Flattering and comfortable fit
+ Lightweight, yet provides warmth
+ Wind protection
- Only one color option
I really like the fabric of this vest in a deep blue-purply color, as it feels very smooth. Out of the ones I have tested, this is one of the lightest, and I was genuinely surprised how it had the strength to keep me warm and protected from the wind. The front has quilted insulation at the top, and I love its diagonal design for a flattering fit. The cut is great, it’s a little flared at the bottom, so it sat really nicely on my hips, and stayed firmly in place when hitting shots.
There’s plenty of room around the armholes and I found that it moved with me in comfort. It has two deep zipped side pockets, and when zipped up to the top, there’s no gaping, so provides extra cosiness in chilly weather.
How we test golf clothing
Here at Golf Monthly, our testing for women’s golf clothes is built upon a comprehensive process combined with the knowledge and expertise of Golf Monthly’s female team, headed up by our women’s editor Alison Root. As far as the specific procedure goes, prior to testing, the team will usually attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer's R&D experts to understand the new technology in each piece of clothing.
When it comes to testing the best women's golf clothes, we head out to the course to try them over a number of rounds. We look to try to use each item in as many different conditions as possible to give us the best feel of how they perform.
For a vest, freedom of movement has to be a priority, so the cut and type of fabric is vitally important. In addition, its overall fit and comfortability, level of warmth and protection, and of course, women want to look good, so the choice of colors and styling are taken into consideration.
It should also be mentioned that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review and we make our conclusions from the testing and our experiences.
What to consider when buying a golf vest
So what are some of the factors you need to consider when trying to find the right golf vest for you? Let's take a look.
Protection
A good vest will help to keep you warm in cooler weather. The best models stop the wind penetrating the fabric and making your core cold, and also have nice features like fleece lined pockets and well structured collars to give you some respite in poor conditions.
Freedom of movement
Good protection is one thing, but vests also have to be the right weight to allow complete freedom of movement when swinging a club or walking from hole to hole. The best golf vests stretch and move with the body, whilst allowing arms to swing freely. Vests should be the right length for your body shape to avoid any riding up that interferes with your swing. Acknowledging these points, we recommend trying some on first to see how they fit and feel when walking around and when making swings.
Color
If you are wearing it, you have to like what it looks like. Vests don't have to be boring and dull anymore either because now there are colors and styles to suit all tastes. Some are reversible, too, providing women with the option to mix and match outfits. It is just a case of picking a design and color you like.
Budget
Finally, be aware of your budget so you can find a vest that fits into it nicely. Importantly there are models above which come with premium, and value price points so there is something for everyone.
FAQs
How should a golf vest fit?
A vest should fit snug, but not too tight. You should be able to comfortably wear a polo shirt or a light mid layer underneath without the vest feeling too tight. The armholes must be cut high enough not to let cold air in, but roomy enough that your arms and shoulders have complete unrestricted mobility.
Golf vests should sit around the hips to provide core coverage and warmth without interfering with the way your golf trousers or skort sit. Look for vests with an adjustable drawstring hem for a more secure fit
Is a vest suitable for year-round wear?
A vest is highly versatile and is considered suitable for year-round wear. While you'd opt for a lightweight, breathable vest in summer months and a thermal insulated one in the winter, a vest is a multi-season item in a woman's wardrobe due to its combination of warmth and freedom of movement.
What is the difference between a vest and a gilet?
For women's golf apparel, a vest and a gilet are basically the same thing. Different parts of the world use different words here, for example in the United States they use gilet, whilst in the United Kingdom, use of the word vest is more common. You will see that major golf brands tend to use both terms.
For more golf apparel buying advice, check out our guides on the best golf vests or best golf hoodies.
