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Best Mens Golf Shorts 2026: 5 Tested by Our PGA Team
Quick Verdict on the Best Mens Golf Shorts for Summer 2026
Five shorts. Five different brands. One easy summer wardrobe sorted.
Summer rounds get a lot more enjoyable when your shorts move with your swing, wick moisture, and keep your shirt tucked through 18 holes. We have picked the five pairs we keep recommending most often in 2026, ranging from everyday workhorses under £40 to premium Scandinavian fabrics at £79. Every pair has a tailored modern fit, performance fabric, and the practical pocketing golfers actually use.
In a hurry? Our top pick is the Under Armour Mens Matchplay Taper Golf Shorts for their unbeatable mix of stretch fabric, tapered styling, and a price tag that leaves plenty in the budget for a new golf polo shirt or two. Every pair below is covered by our 60-Day Returns Policy, so you can try a pair on at home with complete peace of mind.
Best overall
 Under Armour Matchplay Taper |
 FootJoy Performance Tapered |
 adidas Ultimate 365 Core 8.5″ |
 Galvin Green Percy Ventil8 Plus |
 Ping Bradley II |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Price | £35.99 | £59.95 | £39.99 | £79.00 | £49.95 |
| Best for | Everyday all-rounder at a great price | SPF 50 protection and a smart, athletic cut | Budget-friendly classic fit with DWR coating | Premium fabric for the hottest days of summer | Cool, breathable feel from a trusted golf brand |
| Fabric | 71% Elasterell / 29% Polyester, 4-way stretch | 88% Polyester / 12% Spandex woven stretch twill | 88% recycled polyester / 12% elastane | 100% polyester VENTIL8 PLUS, bluesign approved | 100% polyester SensorCool with mechanical stretch |
| Fit | Tapered, 9-inch inseam | Tapered athletic fit | Regular, mid-rise, 8.5-inch inseam | Tailored modern fit, 10-inch inseam (size 34) | Tailored fit, 10-inch inseam |
| Standout feature | 4-way stretch reduces drag in the swing | SPF 50 UV protection | DWR water-repellent coating | VENTIL8 PLUS quick-dry cooling fabric | PING Eye gripper waistband tape |
| Colour options | Black, Halo Grey, Steel, Midnight Navy | Grey, Khaki, Navy, White | Multiple seasonal colourways | Navy, Black, Light Grey | Navy, Pearl Grey, White, Black |
| Shop now | Shop now | Shop now | Shop now | Shop now |
Tip: scroll the table sideways on mobile to see all columns.
Why your summer shorts deserve more thought than you think
A great pair of golf shorts changes how you feel on the course in summer. Cotton chinos cling to the leg, ride up at the waistband, and rumple by the 9th. Modern performance shorts solve all three problems with stretch-woven fabrics, moisture-wicking, and a tailored cut that lets you swing freely without losing your shirt. Pair them with a fresh men’s golf shirt and the right golf shoes, and you have the foundation of a comfortable summer wardrobe.
To pull this list together, our team weighed fabric performance in heat, the cut and inseam, pocket layout, waistband comfort, colourways, and overall value for money. We focused on shorts that real UK golfers reach for repeatedly rather than novelty pieces. The result is five pairs of golf clothing staples from five different brands, spanning every budget from an everyday workhorse under £40 to a tour-quality option at £79.
#1 Under Armour Mens Matchplay Taper Golf Shorts – Best Overall
The Under Armour Matchplay Taper is the pair we recommend to more golfers than any other, and it earns the top spot for one simple reason: nothing else at this price feels this good. The 71% Elasterell and 29% Polyester blend is unusually generous on the stretch front, with genuine four-way movement that you notice the first time you take a full swing. The streamlined, tapered fit reduces excess material flapping around the lead leg and keeps the silhouette sharp.
What stands out
4-Way Stretch Fabric
Stretchy woven fabric moves in every direction, so a full driver swing never pulls at the waistband or thigh.
Streamlined Tapered Fit
A modern, tapered cut looks smart rather than baggy and reduces drag through the swing.
Moisture-Wicking Performance
Quick-drying fabric pulls sweat away from the skin, keeping you cool when temperatures climb.
9-inch inseam, Four Colours
Hits just above the knee for most heights, in Black, Halo Grey, Steel and Midnight Navy.
Specifications
- Brand: Under Armour
- Fabric: 71% Elasterell / 29% Polyester
- Fit: Tapered, flat-front
- Inseam: 9 inches
- Pockets: Two front, two back
- Colours: Black, Halo Grey, Steel, Midnight Navy
- Price: £35.99
Strengths
- Outstanding value at under £40 for current-season Under Armour performance kit
- 4-way stretch genuinely moves in every direction, not just side to side
- Tapered fit looks smart on and off the course
- Four core colours to match the rest of your golf wardrobe
- Generous pocketing with two front and two back pockets
Considerations
- Tapered cut may feel snug for golfers who prefer a more relaxed fit through the thigh
- No advertised UV rating on the spec sheet, unlike the FootJoy and Galvin Green options
- The 9-inch inseam sits higher than the 10-inch options below, so taller players may prefer a longer cut
Who should buy them
If you want one pair of summer shorts that can handle a Saturday medal, a Tuesday-evening nine and lunch on the clubhouse terrace in between, this is it. The Matchplay Taper looks especially smart on golfers with an athletic build, but the stretch fabric flatters a wide range of body shapes. Browse the wider Under Armour golf range to build a matching summer kit.
Our top pick for summer 2026
Get the best-selling Under Armour Matchplay Taper Golf Shorts with free UK delivery on orders over £30 and our 60-Day Returns Policy.
£35.99
#2 FootJoy Mens Performance Tapered Fit Golf Short – Runner Up
FootJoy Mens Performance Tapered Fit – Best Mens Golf Shorts
FootJoy has spent decades dressing tour professionals, and the Performance Tapered Fit shows that pedigree. The 88% polyester / 12% spandex woven stretch twill feels substantial without being heavy. The hidden waistband gripper keeps a polo neatly tucked, and the double-stitched seams promise a long life after repeated washing.
What stands out
SPF 50 UV Protection
Fabric-level SPF 50 is rare at this price and genuinely useful for long midsummer rounds.
Woven Stretch Twill
A more structured fabric than a jersey knit, with the polished look of dress trousers and athletic comfort.
Four Core Colours
Grey, Khaki, Navy and White pair effortlessly with any FootJoy polo.
Smart Athletic Fit
A tapered cut with a clean rear pocket layout keeps the silhouette polished from first tee to post-round drink.
Specifications
- Brand: FootJoy
- Fabric: 88% Polyester / 12% Spandex woven stretch twill
- UV protection: SPF 50
- Fit: Tapered athletic
- Pockets: Side entry front, single welted rear
- Colours: Grey, Khaki, Navy, White
- Price: £59.95
Strengths
- SPF 50 fabric for serious UV protection on hot days
- Premium twill feels smarter than performance-knit shorts
- The hidden waistband gripper keeps your shirt firmly in place
- Built to last with double-stitched seams
Considerations
- Premium price at nearly £60 puts them above the everyday-pair budget
- Single welted rear pockets are less roomy than the dual back pockets on Ping and Galvin Green
Who should buy them
Golfers who play several rounds a week through the summer want shorts that hold up. The smart cut suits club competitions and member-guest events where dress codes ask for a touch more polish than a knit shirt.
Smart, sun-safe, and built to last
Premium FootJoy quality with SPF 50 fabric and a tailored athletic fit.
£59.95
#3 adidas Ultimate 365 Core 8.5-inch Golf Shorts – Best Value
adidas Ultimate 365 Core 8.5 inch Golf Shorts – Best Mens Golf Shoes
If your priority is a no-fuss pair of summer shorts that costs less than dinner out and delivers genuine performance, the adidas Ultimate 365 Core is the pick. The 88% recycled polyester / 12% elastane plain weave brings four-way stretch and a soft hand feel that belies the sub-£40 price tag. A DWR coating shrugs off light showers, which is useful in unpredictable UK summers.
What stands out
DWR Water-Repellent Coating
Sheds light rain and morning dew, so a sudden shower is no longer a round-ending event.
Recycled Materials
Made with 88% recycled polyester for a lower-impact build with no compromise in feel.
Silicone Shirt Grippers
An inner silicone gripper tape stops your shirt from creeping out mid-swing.
Regular Mid-Rise Fit
A classic, relaxed cut with more room through the thigh and seat than the tapered options.
Specifications
- Brand: adidas
- Fabric: 88% recycled polyester / 12% elastane plain weave
- Fit: Regular, mid-rise, zip fly with belt loops
- Inseam: 8.5 inches
- Features: DWR coating, silicone shirt grippers, front and back pockets
- Price: £39.99
Strengths
- DWR coating handles light rain better than most
- Recycled fabric aligns with sustainable choices
- Classic regular fit suits a wide range of body shapes
- Affordable at under £40 from a brand you trust
Considerations
- Plain-weave fabric is less stretchy than the heavier knit options on this list
- Regular fit may feel less athletic to golfers who prefer a tapered silhouette
Who should buy them
Golfers building a summer wardrobe on a sensible budget. Buy two pairs, and you have enough shorts to last a busy week without doing extra laundry, all for less than a single premium pair. Pair them with options from the wider adidas golf collection.
Brilliant value from a brand you trust
Get adidas performance and sustainability credentials for under £40.
£39.99
#4 Galvin Green Percy Ventil8 Plus Mens Golf Shorts – Best for Premium Performance
Galvin Green Percy Mens Golf Shorts – Best Mens Golf Shorts
If you want the best mens golf shorts for performance fabric without spending tour-bag money, the Galvin Green Percy is the choice. The Swedish brand engineers apparel for unforgiving conditions, and the Percy turns that expertise toward warm-weather golf. VENTIL8 PLUS fabric is cool against the skin and dries fast, with UV 20+ protection for long July rounds.
What stands out
VENTIL8 PLUS Fabric
Galvin Green’s signature warm-weather fabric wicks moisture fast and stays cool when temperatures climb.
UV 20+ Protection
A useful sun-defence layer for golfers playing several rounds a week through peak summer.
Bluesign Approved
Made under tighter environmental and chemical-safety standards than most performance fabrics.
Two-Year Warranty
A full two-year manufacturer warranty, well above the industry norm.
Specifications
- Brand: Galvin Green
- Fabric: 100% polyester VENTIL8 PLUS, 123 g/m²
- UV protection: 20+
- Inseam (size 34): 25 cm / 10 inches
- Pockets: Two front, two back
- Colours: Navy, Black, Light Grey
- Price: £79.00
Strengths
- Best-in-class warm-weather fabric in VENTIL8 PLUS
- UV 20+ protection for long, sunny rounds
- Bluesign approved for environmentally responsible production
- Two-year warranty from the manufacturer
Considerations
- The premium price at £79 is more than double the budget pairs above
- Three colour choices are slightly more limited than the FootJoy or Under Armour options
Who should buy them
Serious golfers and competitive players who treat kit as part of their equipment. If you race the sun at 6 am tee times or play tournament golf, the Percy is worth the extra investment. They pair beautifully with the rest of the Galvin Green range.
Premium Scandinavian engineering
Stay cool, dry and protected through the hottest rounds of the year.
£79.00
#5 Ping Bradley II Mens Golf Shorts – Also Great
Ping’s Bradley II rounds out the list as a smart, dependable mid-priced choice from a brand most golfers already trust. The 100% polyester SensorCool fabric handles breathability and moisture control, and the mechanical stretch keeps the shorts moving with you. PING Eye gripper tape inside the waistband quietly does its job all around.
What stands out
SensorCool Fabric
Breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping you cool from first tee to final putt.
PING Eye Gripper Tape
Branded silicone tape inside the waistband holds your shirt in place without a tug-and-tuck on every tee.
Four Generous Pockets
Two front and two back pockets fit a scorecard, ball marker, glove, tees and phone.
Wide Size Range
UK 30 to 44 inch waist sizes with a smart, modern 10 inch inseam.
Specifications
- Brand: Ping
- Fabric: 100% polyester SensorCool with mechanical stretch
- Fit: Tailored
- Inseam: 25 cm / 10 inches
- Pockets: Two front, two back
- Colours: Navy, Pearl Grey, White, Black
- Sizes: UK 30 to 44 inch waist
- Price: £49.95
Strengths
- SensorCool fabric keeps you cool and dry
- Strong pocket layout with four roomy pockets
- Wide size range from 30 inches to 44 inches waist
- Trusted Ping quality backed by a brand most golfers already wear
Considerations
- A 10-inch inseam may feel slightly long for shorter golfers
- No explicit UV rating on the spec sheet for the warmest days
Who should buy them
Golfers who already wear other Ping kits and want a coordinating short, plus taller players who find shorter inseams feel too brief.
Cool, comfortable and trusted
Modern 10-inch length and SensorCool fabric from a brand most golfers already love.
£49.95
Decision tree: which pair is right for you?
Do you want the best all-round pair without overspending?
- YES → Choose the Under Armour Matchplay Taper (£35.99)
- NO → Skip to Priority 2
Do you play long midsummer rounds where UV protection and cooling really matter?
- YES, and budget is not the deciding factor → Choose the Galvin Green Percy Ventil8 Plus (£79.00)
- YES, but I want a slightly lower price → Choose the FootJoy Performance Tapered Fit (£59.95) for SPF 50 fabric
- NO → Continue to Priority 3
Do you want a classic regular fit at a wallet-friendly price?
- YES, regular fit and under £40 → Choose the adidas Ultimate 365 Core 8.5″ (£39.99)
- NO, I want a longer 10-inch inseam from a trusted golf brand → Choose the Ping Bradley II (£49.95)
Recommendations by player profile
The Weekend Club Golfer
Profile: One or two rounds a week, social fourballs, occasional medals. Wants something versatile, smart and easy on the wallet.
Recommendation: Under Armour Matchplay Taper Golf Shorts
Why: Best balance of stretch fabric, smart cut and price. Buy two pairs, rotate through summer.
Consider buying: A matching pair of men’s golf trousers for cooler shoulder-season rounds.
The Committed Tournament Player
Profile: Three plus rounds a week, plays competitions, treats kit as part of the equipment. Wants the best performance fabric available.
Recommendation: Galvin Green Percy Ventil8 Plus Golf Shorts
Why: Best-in-class cooling fabric, UV 20+, and a two-year warranty. Designed for hot, demanding rounds.
Consider buying: Coordinating items from the Galvin Green range for a complete tournament wardrobe.
The Smart-Casual Member
Profile: Plays a club where standards matter. Wants polished, sun-safe shorts that pass a member-guest dress code without looking dated.
Recommendation: FootJoy Performance Tapered Fit Golf Short
Why: SPF 50 protection, premium twill fabric and a tapered athletic cut that looks just as good after the round.
Consider buying: A coordinating FootJoy polo and belt for a complete summer kit.
How we chose our top 5
We narrowed the field to shorts our PGA professional team happily recommends to friends, regulars and competition players alike. Every pair ticks five boxes: a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric; a modern, tailored fit; practical pocketing and waistband features that hold a shirt in place; multiple colour options; and a price that matches the quality.
We deliberately featured five different brands and a clear price range from under £40 to under £80. Every product has consistently positive customer feedback and stands up to repeated washing, which is the only honest test of a summer kit.
Mens golf shorts FAQ
What should I look for in a pair of golf shorts?
Stretch fabric, a tailored cut, and a non-slip waistband.
Look for elastane or spandex in the blend for stretch through the swing, a modern tapered fit, and an inner gripper tape to keep your shirt tucked. Moisture-wicking fabric is non-negotiable for summer, and SPF protection is a useful bonus for long rounds.
What length should golf shorts be?
Most modern shorts use an 8.5 to 10-inch inseam, landing just above the knee.
A 9-inch inseam, like the Under Armour Matchplay Taper, is a versatile middle ground. The 10-inch Ping Bradley II and Galvin Green Percy suit taller golfers and traditional dress codes, while the 8.5-inch adidas Ultimate 365 sits a touch higher for a sportier look.
Do I need a belt with golf shorts?
Most clubs expect one as part of the dress code, and it finishes the outfit neatly.
Every shirt here has belt loops, so a smart leather or fabric belt will sit nicely. Always check your club’s dress code before competition days.
Are these suitable for hot days over 25 degrees?
Yes, but if you regularly play in hot conditions, choose a fabric engineered for cooling.
The Galvin Green Percy uses VENTIL8 PLUS, which is specifically designed to wick moisture and keep you cool. The FootJoy Performance Tapered adds SPF 50 fabric. For day-long hot rounds, either is smart.
How should I care for performance golf shorts?
Cool wash, low heat, and skip the fabric conditioner.
Performance fabrics last the longest with a 30-degree wash, an inside-out tumble-dry on low heat, and no fabric conditioner (which clogs the wicking channels). Always check the care label.
Can I wear golf shorts off the course?
Modern tapered golf shorts look smart enough for casual summer wear.
All five options have a clean silhouette that works for lunch out or a holiday wardrobe. The FootJoy Performance Tapered and Galvin Green Percy are particularly versatile thanks to their woven fabrics.
Why purchase your best mens golf shorts from The Golf Shop Online?
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60-Day Returns Policy
If you are unhappy with any product, you may return it – unused, unopened, and in its original packaging – within 60 days for a full refund.
Free UK Standard Delivery
Every order over £30 from The Golf Shop Online comes with free standard UK delivery, with no hidden charges at checkout.
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We are an authorised online retailer for Under Armour, adidas, FootJoy, Ping, Galvin Green and every other major brand we stock, so every product is 100% genuine.
Expert PGA Guidance
Our four PGA professionals are ready to answer questions about fit, fabric, or kit-building. Call us free on 0800 3681097 or email sales@thegolfshoponline.co.uk.
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Complete your summer setup
- Men’s Golf Polo Shirts – The natural partner to a good pair of shorts. Lightweight performance polos in every brand to match your new kit.
- Mens Golf Shoes – Summer rounds are easier in lightweight spikeless shoes. Browse the latest models from FootJoy, adidas and more.
- Men’s Golf Trousers – For early-morning starts and cooler evening rounds when shorts are not quite enough.
- Men’s Golf Sweaters – A lightweight crew or quarter-zip layer for those breezy first tees.
- Golf Waterproofs – A summer shower is rarely the end of a round if you have a packable jacket in the bag.
- Golf Umbrellas – Useful for unexpected rain or as a genuine sunshade when the temperature climbs.
For more clothing inspiration, our team has also put together a detailed guide to the best men’s golf trousers for the rest of the year. If you want to spot the kit the world’s best are wearing this summer, the DP World Tour is a great place to follow trends as they appear.
Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, and availability are accurate as of publication but may change. All Under Armour, FootJoy, adidas, Galvin Green, and Ping products featured are genuine and sourced from an authorised retailer. Product performance may vary based on individual use and care. 60-Day Returns Policy: If you are unhappy with any product, you may return it – unused, unopened, and in its original packaging – within 60 days for a full refund.
Free UK Standard Delivery: Every order over £30 from The Golf Shop Online includes free UK standard delivery. For the most current pricing, availability, and product specifications, please visit our website or contact our team on 0800 3681097. The Golf Shop Online has been serving golfers since 2002 with award-winning customer service backed by 29,000+ verified reviews across Reviews.co.uk, Trustpilot, and Google.
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