Best Golf Gilets, Vests, and Body Warmers 2024

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Our pick of the best golf gilets, vests, and body warmers to keep your torso toastie on the course during those chilly rounds.

Jump To: Best Golf Gilets, Vests, and Body Warmers | How We Test | Buying Guide | FAQs

Every year-round golfer needs a golf gilet, vest, or body warmer for those chilly spring mornings, as summer turns to autumn, or as part of a layering system under one of the best golf jackets during the depths of winter.

One benefit of sleeveless thermal layers is that your swing will remain free from any movement restriction, providing the warmth you need to stay focussed without compromising performance, as might not be the case with tighter-fitting mid-layers. Of course, remaining sleeveless is not practical in all conditions, and therefore it’s worth ensuring your waterproof jacket is roomy enough to afford you the same level of flexibility.

Best At A Glance

Best for performance: Galvin Green Davon Vest | Buy Now – US | Buy Now – UK

Best lightweight: J.Lindeberg Ash Light Packable Vest | Buy Now – US | Buy Now – UK

Best for insulation: Puma Cloudspun WRMLBL Vest | Buy Now – US | Buy Now – UK

Best premium style: Ralph Lauren RLX Hybrid Vest | Buy Now – US | Buy Now – UK

Tommy Fleetwood Open Sunday 23

All of the major golf clothing manufacturers produce sleeveless layers to help you maintain your body temperature, whether it’s a lightweight pullover vest or a down-filled gilet. To help point you in the right direction we’ve selected a host of the best options from the likes of Galvin Green, Adidas, Ping, Cobra, Callaway, FootJoy, Under Armour, Ralph Lauren, and more.

And if you’re looking to really double down on your thermoregulation ahead of the winter, then make sure you check out our guide to the best golf beanie hats also to finish off the look. Hopefully, you are now suitably warmed up – so let’s dive into the best golf gilets, vests, and body warmers available in 2024…

Best Golf Gilets, Vests, and Body Warmers 2024

A premium golf vest combining exceptional breathability with thermoregulation

Best for performance
Price: £99.00 / $149.00 RRP
If your goal is adding extra warmth without the bulk of sleeves, the Davon has all the answers. Galvin’s Insula fabric is just about the warmest fleece-like material we’ve tried, which means this excels when temperatures plummet.

The full zip makes it easy to get on and off as the conditions change, and it has excellent breathability with thermal regulation to ensure you're always comfortable. Designed with stretch fabric and inserts for freedom of movement through the swing. It dries rapidly if you're caught in a shower too.

Pros

  • Excellent thermal regulation
  • High degree of stretch
  • Bluesign-approved materials

Cons

  • No water-proofing qualities
Sizes S-3XL
Material 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane
Colors Grey, White, Black

A lightweight, high-performance windproof vest that packs into itself!

Best lightweight
Price: £119.00 / $145.00 RRP
The J. Lindeberg Golf Ash Light Packable Golf Vest will be a great addition to any golfer's wardrobe.

This high-performance windproof vest will protect you against the elements whilst not restricting your movement to allow you to perform at the highest level.

Its standout feature is that you can pack it away inside its own chest pocket for easy storage in your golf bag during your round. Surely this is well worth considering if you are in the market for an ultra-lightweight vest that takes up little to no room in your bag.

Pros

  • Super lightweight and packable
  • Water and wind-resistant
  • Stretchable fabric

Cons

  • Others have superior thermal qualities
Sizes S-2XL
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Colors <meta charset

Ideal for cool and unpredictable weather conditions

Best windproof
Price: £159.99 / $219.00 RRP
Galvin Green offers a strong selection of gilets so we'd be surprised if you could not find at least one to your liking. The pick for us however is the Lion, made with sustainable materials.

The fabric is super versatile, very lightweight, totally windproof, water-repellent and impressively warm. The Lion is breathable, dries quickly, and moves with you throughout the swing.

We love the athletic styling and the handy scorecard pocket in the chest.

Pros

  • Water-repellent and windproof
  • Stretchable and breathable
  • Made with Bluesign-approved fabrics

Cons

  • Only suitable for light rain
Sizes S-3XL
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An insulated vest that adapts to your activity level

Best for quilted upper body

Rrp: £230.96

Price: £105.00 / $130.00 RRP
Under Armours Reactor Golf Vest has been a fan favorite for a while now. The Reactor vest has been engineered with Coldgear technology that adapts to the specific conditions you are playing in, meaning it traps in warm air when is cold, and ensures heat can escape as your start warming up.

Under Armour has also ensured the garment is super stretchy to avoid interfering with playability. Their lightweight stretch-knit fabric allows golfers great mobility, without sacrificing durability as it protects you from bad weather. Quilted chest and shoulder areas help preserve your core temperature.

Pros

  • Water repellent
  • Quilting priority areas
  • Intelligent insulation to prevent over-heating

Cons

  • The loose fit may be on the baggy side for some
Sizes S-3XL
Materials <meta charset
Colors Blue, Black

A simple and smart design providing warmth and comfort

Best quarter-zip for comfort
Price: £40.00 / $39.99 RRP
The Ramsey is the perfect slip-over when cooler autumn temperatures arrive. Ping's 'Sensor Warm' fabric technology is designed to provide additional warmth and thermal insulation on cooler days, and it doubles up really well as an extra layer in the depths of winter.

It's a regular fit, so should suit the majority of golfers, while the stretch technology will ensure you can swing with ease and comfort.

Pros

  • Good level of warmth
  • Soft and comfortable
  • Simple and smart styling

Cons

  • Will require a waterproof outer layer for heavy downpours
Sizes S-3XL
Material <meta charset
Colors <meta charset

An extra-soft vest crafted for playability and functionality

Best full-zip for comfort
Price: £49.00 / $75.00 RRP
This vest is just right to take the edge off the chill of an autumn morning. The Swing Tech has a tour-inspired look, it’s also lightweight, stretchy and easy on the eye.

Opti-Therm technology provides an extra layer of thermal comfort whilst Swing Tech fabric ensures maximum range of motion with the golf swing. The mock neck collar provides additional warmth.

Pros

  • Extra soft fabric
  • Stretchable for a full range of motion
  • Mock collar is particularly useful in harsh conditions

Cons

  • Limited color options
Sizes XS-3XL
Material 100% Polyester
Colours Red

A relaxed performance golf vest made from recycled materials

Best hooded
Price: £65.00 / $77.00 RRP
Hoodies are all the rage on tour right now and this Statement piece from Adidas combines that trend with a stylish gilet. This is a great option for on and off the course, the Statement gilet is probably our favourite on the list, not least because it uses recycled materials as part of Adidas' Primegreen sustainability commitment.

This garment is a midweight, mid-layer constructed in a soft, polar fleece fabric using moisture-wicking properties to keep you comfortable, the hood is adjustable via a drawcord and it had zippered hand pockets.

Pros

  • Fleece lined for comfort
  • Hooded for protection in light rain
  • Made with recycled materials

Cons

  • The look might be too relaxed for some
Sizes S-2XL
Material 100% Polyester
Colors Navy, Black

A lightweight padded vest to take the chill out of early morning tee-times

Best for lightweight warmth
Price: £134.95 / $180.00 RRP
Nike has been one of the great innovators in sports apparel for years now and many new products including their new Therma-FIT gilet lay testament to that legacy. This Therma-FIT ADV Repel vest is perfect for cold winter mornings and will definitely take the edge of the earliest tee times.

This gilet has been designed with warmth and comfort in mind with its padded front and back panels. It's partnered with soft side panels to allow golfers a maximum range of movement, there is nothing worse than layering up to tackle the cold weather and feeling stiff before you've struck a ball.

Pros

  • Water-repellent fabric
  • Padded front and back insulation
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Limited colors available
Sizes XS-4XL
Material 100% Nylon
Colors Black, Olive Grey

Gear up for the Ryder Cup with this limited edition full-zip vest

Best golf themed style
Price: £70.00 / $98.00 RRP
This 1927 Tophy vest from footwear giants FootJoy gives a subtle nod to the Ryder Cup with its red-navy color scheme and embroidered 1927 Trophy on the chest.

Make no mistake, however, this is a quality golf garment, just as you would expect from a company with FootJoy's reputation. It has a full-zip construction for easy access during changeable weather conditions and an anti-microbial finish that helps inhibit odor build-up. The fabric is highly durable and easy to care for.

Pros

  • Easy to care for fabric
  • Durable construction
  • A timeless garment

Cons

  • A USA and Europe-themed choice would be fun
Sizes S-3XL
Material 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex
Colors Navy

A stylish vest that repels water without sacrificing breathability

Best for off-course wear
Price: £65.00 / $90.00 RRP
Under Armour designs apparel that works with the body’s changing temperature, so you won’t need to change clothing on the golf course. This is effectively breathable insulation. The durable woven overlays provide added protection and stretchable comfort.

We love the contrast between the top and bottom halves of the vest. It has reflective detailing and open hand pockets that make it the ideal overlayer regardless of what activity you are doing

Pros

  • Adatable temperature control
  • Water-repellent
  • Looks great on and off the course

Cons

  • The design may be too bold for some
Sizes S-3XL
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Colors <meta charset

The best of softness and warmth on offer from Puma here

Best for insulation
Price: £90.00 / $120.00 RRP
Want to stay warm but agile during your round? Puma’s classic slimline puffer vest delivers. It is bang on trend and looks just as good off the course.

Insulation properties don’t get any better than the Primaloft Gold Quilting inside this cozy number, which retains heat in key areas. Combined with Pumas's CloudSpun technology which provides warmth through a heavier weight, this vest really is the best of both worlds. It's supremely comfortable, not at all restrictive during the swing, and the zippered hand pockets with a soft, brushed lining, are a lovely touch for additional warmth.

Pros

  • Exceptional quilting
  • Water-resistant
  • Maximum heat retention

Cons

  • Limited color options
Sizes S-2XL
Material 100% Polyester
Colors Black, Navy

A classic and comfortable vest from the famous US-UK brand

Best for smart styling
Price: £65.00 / $91.00 RRP
Famous menswear brand Farah has recently made the move into the golf market and we've loved their apparel, which mixes their classic style with on-course practicality.

The Clint vest uses a soft-feeling textured fabric and has a ribbed collar and hem for a comfortable fit. It's extremely flexible through the swing and does a great job of keeping the chill off your core. A 1/4 zip makes it easy to get on and off and it looks great with a polo or a mid-layer.

Most importantly for Farah fans, it has the brand's famous F logo, which has been changed from yellow to a light green for their golf products, on the chest.

Pros

  • Soft-to-the-touch fabric
  • Solid level of warmth
  • Great off-course practicality

Cons

  • No waterproofing
Sizes S-2XL
Material <meta charset
Colors <meta charset

The ultimate premium on and off-course gilet

Best premium style
This premium vest from Ralph Lauren uses lightweight materials which feature a soft terry body and a lightweight insulated front panel for warmth. The full-zip opening makes it easy to get on and off quickly, the mock neck aids warmth, and the elasticated armholes ensure full freedom when swinging.

There are two zip pockets at the waist and a right chest pocket for your scorecard. While the gilet is definitely pitched at a premium market, and price to match, the quality and versatility make the garment value for money in our opinion, and promises not to disappoint.

Pros

  • Moisture-wicking
  • Quilted front panel insulation
  • Sustainable construction

Cons

  • Ensure you can guarantee sufficient wear
Sizes S-2XL
Material 100% Recycled Polyester
Colors <meta charset

A gilet to help navigate the changing seasons with a unique style

Best for unique style
Price: £95.00 / $110.00 RRP
Lyle and Scott are a classic golf brand and have thrust themselves back into the limelight since their sponsorship of YouTube sensation Rick Shiels, who wears their apparel in all of his hit videos.

This stylish gilet can be worn as a mid-layer or an outer layer making it a great accompaniment to any outfit on the course and is great at keeping you warm all year round. As well as Lyle & Scott's famous bird branding on the chest, it's built to help golfers swing easier on the course with its unrestricted stretch fabrics.

Pros

  • Very lightweight
  • Good thermal qualities
  • Stretchable material

Cons

  • No waterproofing
Sizes <meta charset
Material 100% Polyester
Colors Dark Navy/Jet Black

A lightweight water-repellent vest ideal for those drizzly humid rounds

Best water-repellent
Price: £110.00 / $140.00 RRP
The Drizzle features a feather-light windproof and water-repellent layer you’ll hardly know is there. Part of Mizuno’s 2023 spring/summer collection, the soft shell material with Move Tech four-way stretch fabric ensures you can swing with ease.

The full zip makes it easy to slip on and off when conditions change, and zip pockets keep your essentials secure. The Drizzle 2 vest is available in a choice of black, navy, and grey, providing a sophisticated look thanks to its simple styling and will be sure to take the edge off those cooler early mornings and twilight rounds.

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Water-repellent
  • Good storage

Cons

  • Lacking a vibrant color option
Sizes S-2XL
Material 100% Polyester
Colors Black, Deep Navy, Grey

Swing or train in style and comfort in this excellent hybrid vest

Best hybrid option
Price: £80.00 / $104.00 RRP
Castore are making big waves in the sports apparel market, and they've taken big strides in golf with US Open Champion Matt Fitzpatrick wearing the brand's clothing as he won his first Major in 2022.

This simple, timeless design will suit most, featuring insulated paneling to keep you cozy in cold conditions, concealed zipped pockets, and lightly elasticated armholes. A really nice touch is the reflective detailing on the back to ensure visibility when working out in dark evenings. A brilliant hybrid option.

Pros

  • Good thermal qualities
  • Plenty of storage
  • Ideal for a range of activities

Cons

  • Missing a vibrant color option
Sizes XS-2XL
Material <meta charset
Colors Navy, Black

Stand out from the crowd with this alternative-styled golf fleece

Best alternative style
Price: £145.00 / $205.00 RRP
A very different option from the other golf gilets and vests that have appeared so far, but we love this uber-warm overhead option from Sounder. The Himalayas, named after the putting course at St Andrews rather than the mountain range, is made from lightweight Italian polar fleece and will keep you warm even on the chilliest day on the links.

The kangaroo front pocket is a lovely touch and helps keep your hands toasty, while the attached Sounder ball marker is an added bonus and exceptionally useful. Sounder will be a new name for most golfers, but we'd highly recommend giving their apparel a try.

Pros

  • Stand out from the crowd
  • Soft finish
  • Good level of warmth

Cons

  • Kangaroo pocket won't be to all tastes
Sizes XS-2XL
Material <meta charset
Colors Charcoal, Oat, Rust

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 gilet, vest, or body warmer 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.

Best Golf Gilets, Vests, and Body Warmers: Buying Guide

If you’re unsure exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to one of these sleeveless layers then here are a few areas you should consider before making a purchase.

Protection

Consider what you want the vest to do. Many offer defense against the wind and rain, helping to keep your body warm and dry. Models with pockets, especially fleece-lined, provide extra warmth for your hands between shots and somewhere to keep accessories. Some even come with hoods to offer a bit of extra help if the rain falls.

Comfort and movement

It would be easy to assume bigger is better and head straight for the thickest-looking gilet, but you have to consider the weight and how the model impacts your movement during a swing.

The best golf vests, gilets, and body warmers should move and stretch with you, allowing you to swing as you would if you weren’t wearing them. You also want it to feel comfortable when walking around the course, keeping you warm but offering breathability so you don’t end up feeling damp and sweaty.

We’d recommend trying a few options and making some practice swings in them to see how they feel.

Color and Styling

You’re not going to buy something you don’t like the look of, but it’s important to ensure your golf vest or gilet meets your design tastes as well as your practical needs. As our selection above shows, there’s a real variety out there in terms of designs and colors, so there should be something to suit every taste.

Also consider if you want to wear it off the course as well as on it, as that could quickly rule some designs in or out.

Budget

If your budget is limitless then the World is your oyster, but in these tricky economic times, we know that’s not the case for most people. Luckily there are golf gilets, body warmers and vests to suit every budget. It may be worth spending a little more if you’re planning on wearing it away from the course, rather than buying a second option for casual wear.

Tiger Woods made the cut at the 2023 Masters but the conditions forced him to withdraw.

Best Golf Gilets, Vests, and Body Warmers: FAQs

Can I play golf in a vest, gilet, or body warmer?

Yes. There are no rules that state you can’t. And in terms of functionality, they are designed to be comfortable and move with you when you swing. Plus many models are lightweight, meaning they can fold up and fit conveniently into your golf bag.

How should a golf vest fit?

Comfort and freedom of movement are key. Your golf vest needs to be snug enough that it helps to keep you warm, but not so snug that it restricts your swing. Consider how many other layers you may be wearing underneath the vest or gilet in case that impacts your size choice. We’d recommend the perfect-fitting golf vest or gilet should finish just below the waistband of your trousers.

As with all modern clothing, different brands fit differently so be sure to try models on before you buy.

What is the difference between a golf gilet, vest, and body warmer?

Not a lot! It really depends on where you’re from as different nations call them different things. A vest is more likely to refer to a thinner layer than a gilet or body warmer.

Do golf vests keep you warm?

Golf vests, gilets, or body warmers are designed to provide you with an element of warmth without compromising your ability to swing the golf club freely. Being sleeveless they will not provide the same thermal qualities as some of the more robust full-sleeved golf jackets, but nonetheless should maintain your core temperature on those chilly spring mornings or when the sun starts to go down in the evening.

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