Grip It and Layer It, Dressing for That Chaotic End-of-Summer Golf Weather

Late August golf should come with a weather warning label. Not because of a storm, but because of the pure unpredictability. You step onto the course at 7:45 a.m., and its hoodie weather. By 9:15, you’re shedding layers like a molting eagle. Come noon, you’re sweating through your socks. And if your tee time is in the late afternoon? Now you’re battling wind gusts, wet patches, and a fading sun that somehow still bakes your back on hole 14. It’s chaos. And your wardrobe needs to keep up.

This, dear reader, is the time of year when golf fashion turns tactical. Style is still important, but survival? Survival comes first. If you think you're going to get by with that one dry-fit polo and the pullover you stole from your dad’s closet, you're in for a long, damp, regrettable day. Because the difference between finishing strong and quitting at hole 11 because you're too sweaty and irritated to function... comes down to the right gear.

Let’s start with the base layer. It's your first line of defense against the morning chill and the mid-round meltdown. Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and fitted, but not tight, is the sweet spot. You want something breathable enough that it doesn’t trap heat, but substantial enough to take the edge off that 64-degree breeze as you wait to tee off behind a group that still believes in full practice swings between every shot. Cotton? Absolutely not. That’s a one-way ticket to damp misery. You want performance fabric that works with your body, not against it.

Next comes the mid-layer. This is where most golfers go wrong. Too bulky and you look (and feel) like a marshmallow trying to swing a driver. Too light and it’s functionally useless. What you want is something sleek, slightly structured, and flexible. Quarter-zips are ideal, they go on easy, they peel off faster than your buddy's second mulligan excuse, and they add just enough warmth to make the morning bearable without ruining your tempo. Bonus points if the sleeves don’t bunch when you take your stance. Even more bonus points if it looks like something you’d wear off the course, too.

Then there’s the outer shell. You might not always need it, but when you do, you’ll thank yourself for bringing it. Windbreakers, lightweight vests, or stretch-fit jackets are your go-tos here. Think of them as golf’s version of insurance: you don’t always need it, but when the breeze picks up on the back nine or an unexpected drizzle moves in, you’ll be glad you brought coverage. And no, your rain poncho from 2014 does not count. You need something that’s lightweight, packs down easily, and doesn’t sound like a chip bag every time you move.

Of course, gear is nothing without the right accessories. This time of year, your hat matters. A breathable cap is great until it turns into a sweatband with a brim. Consider switching to a hybrid hat or a moisture-wicking beanie for colder rounds. Sunglasses? Non-negotiable. The light sits lower in the sky in late summer, and glare will wreck your depth perception faster than a 3-putt ruins your mood. And gloves? Bring two. One will get sweaty. You’ll drop it. It’ll get wet. Something will happen. Always have a backup.

Now, let’s talk bottoms, because wearing the wrong pants is a punishment that lasts all 18 holes. You need something with stretch. Something that doesn’t restrict your stride walking up a fairway or climbing into a bunker. Joggers might be fine in spring, but right now, you want golf pants that can handle temperature swings without turning your legs into swamp zones. Think tech fabric. Think lightweight but structured. Think “I could wear this to a casual dinner and still be the best-dressed one there.”

And don’t even get me started on shoes. Wet feet? Day ruined. Worn spikes? Say goodbye to traction and dignity. This is the time to make sure your golf shoes aren’t just functional but built for the weird in-between seasons. If you’re still rocking those mesh-sided summer pairs, now’s the time to upgrade. opt for waterproof hybrids that won’t roast your feet but will stand up to dew-covered rough and muddy tee boxes.

But dressing for fall isn’t just about comfort, it’s about confidence. When your gear is dialed in, you swing easier. You feel sharper. You spend less time fidgeting and more time focusing. You can’t control the weather, but you can control how ready you are for it. And nothing says “I’m dialed in” like showing up layered, functional, and fresh while you’re playing partners are peeling off sweat-stained cotton and complaining about their backs.

And yes, it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: if you’re wearing Kilted Squirrel, you’ve already got a head start. Our gear is built for the in-between season. Engineered to move with you, regulate your temp, and look like you know what you’re doing, even when you’re deep in the woods looking for your ball.

So, the next time you’re packing your bag for an early tee time in September, don’t just grab the same three items you’ve been wearing all summer. Check the forecast. Bring the layers. Rotate the gear. Prepare like someone who’s played this game long enough to know that conditions change fast, and the only thing worse than a cold top off the tee is realizing you’re underdressed and overcommitted by hole three.

Golf in this season is a test. Of preparation. Of patience. Of whether you remembered that just because it starts cool doesn’t mean it’ll end that way. So, gear up smart, play hard, and if you’re not layering like a legend yet… it’s time.

#golfapparel #coolerweather #golfpullover