.svg)
What to Wear to a Golf Simulator for Comfort and Swing
Indoor golf has really taken off in Britain over the past few years. Whether youâre heading down to a high-tech golf lounge with your mates, or youâve set up your own simulator at home in the garage, the experience is meant to be as close to the real game as possible. But thereâs one question that pops up often, especially if youâre new to it: what to wear to a golf simulator?
The answer isnât quite as simple as turning up in whatever youâve got on. What you wear affects not only your comfort but also how freely you swing. After all, golf is all about movement, balance and rhythm. The wrong kit could have you tugging at your clothes or feeling restricted when youâre trying to smash a drive down the virtual fairway. So, letâs break it down properly.
Comfort Comes First
The first thing to think about when deciding what to wear for golf simulator sessions is comfort. Unlike a real course, youâre indoors, so you donât have to worry about layering up against the cold or packing waterproofs for an unexpected shower. Instead, itâs all about breathable fabrics and clothes that allow easy movement.
Light performance t-shirts or a traditional polo shirt look great. It's flexible enough to allow your shoulders to move freely while still being clever enough to maintain the golf mood. Light pants or shorts with some give also make a big impact. Selecting a kit that doesn't make you feel awkward, sweaty, or stiff is crucial.
Imagine it as a smarter version of a workout session. You will be moving around a lot when you are indoors, probably in bright lighting. Stretchy chinos or fitted joggers can feel perfect. When bending to tee up, no one wants to be the one fumbling with pants or a belt that digs in.
Footwear Matters More Than You Think
Now, letâs tackle the classic question: do you wear golf shoes to a simulator? The short answer is, you can, but you donât have to. Many golf venues in the UK allow or even encourage trainers, as long as theyâre clean and non-marking.
Grip is a benefit of wearing the right golf shoes. Golf shoes provide the stability you're accustomed to on a course if your swing is strong. However, you won't have to bother with muddy sections, uneven lying, or wet grass indoors. A good pair of athletic shoes frequently performs equally well, particularly if they have a flat sole and good traction.
Because golf shoes maintain a consistent feel between practice on a simulator and playing on the course, some golfers choose to continue with them. Some believe that longer sessions are more comfortable for trainers when they are indoors. The golden rule is to avoid dirty soles in any case. It won't do good to show up with shoes smeared with the course mud from the previous weekend.
The Balance Between Smart and Casual
One of the perks of indoor golf is that itâs usually more relaxed than traditional courses. Most venues donât require strict dress codes, so you can skip the old-fashioned rules about tucked-in polos and knee-length socks. Still, if youâre wondering what to wear to a golf simulator, aim for smart-casual.
That doesnât mean turning up in scruffy gym kit or your comfiest pyjamas. Think casual polo, chinos or shorts, and trainers. Youâll look tidy enough if you fancy grabbing a pint after the session, but youâll also be comfortable enough to swing without feeling restricted.
If youâre heading out with friends for a simulator session in the city, you might want to lean more towards the social side of the outing. Many simulator bars have a lively atmosphere, so blending sporty kit with casual style keeps you looking sharp without being overdressed.
Avoid Overcomplicating It
Sometimes people overthink it, worrying about whether they need specialist gear. Truth is, the best approach when working out what to wear for golf simulator time is to keep it simple. You donât need waterproof jackets, heavy jumpers, or layers that youâd typically carry around a course in unpredictable weather. Indoors, less is more.
What you really want are clothes that let your body move freely. Your swing mechanics shouldnât be affected by tight sleeves, stiff trousers, or heavy footwear. In fact, some people find they play better indoors precisely because theyâre not battling the elements or awkward layers.
A Quick Note on Accessories
Clothing is one thing, but a few small accessories can add to the experience:
Golf glove: Always worth bringing along, as youâll still be swinging at full pelt and sweaty hands can cause slips. If youâre practising regularly indoors, gloves can wear out faster on simulator grips, so keeping a spare is a smart move.
Hats or caps: Totally down to personal preference. Some like to wear them for the feel, while others skip them indoors since thereâs no sun glare to deal with. Either way, the focus is on comfort rather than looks.
Towel: A small hand towel can be handy for wiping your hands or clubs between swings, especially in longer sessions where grip matters.
Water bottle: Simulators can get warm indoors, so staying hydrated helps you keep sharp without losing focus.
Spare tees: Even though many simulators use rubber tees, having your own preferred style can make the hitting experience feel more natural.
Itâs also worth keeping an eye out for discounted savings on golf equipment. By planning your purchases around deals, you can pick up essential accessories and apparel without breaking the bank, making it easier to stay fully equipped and ready for every simulator session.
Social Sessions vs Practice Sessions
Another thing worth noting is the type of simulator session youâre having. If itâs a serious practice block, stick to what youâd wear on the course, so your movements feel natural and transferable. Many modern simulators are highly accurate, tracking club speed, ball spin, and launch angles precisely, which makes realistic practice possible indoors but if itâs a social round with friends, comfort might take the lead. Thatâs when trainers, a polo, and maybe even casual shorts do the trick.
Many simulator bars in Britain have a relaxed, pub-like feel, so youâll often see people blending in with casual sportswear. Itâs perfectly acceptable as long as it doesnât restrict your swing.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, figuring out what to wear to a golf simulator boils down to balancing comfort, performance, and a bit of style. Golfers in the UK donât need to worry about strict dress codes indoors, but that doesnât mean rocking up in anything goes. Breathable tops, stretchy trousers, and clean trainers or golf shoes are the sweet spot.
The big question of do you wear golf shoes to a simulator depends on your personal preference. Trainers often work fine, but golf shoes add stability if thatâs what youâre used to. Ultimately, the answer to what to wear for golf simulator time is whatever makes you comfortable, confident, and free to swing your best without distraction.
So next time youâve booked a simulator slot, donât overthink it. Grab your kit, dress smart-casual, and enjoy a session where the only thing you need to worry about is your swing.
FAQ's
Q. What to wear to a golf simulator for comfort and performance?
Light, breathable tops with stretch trousers or shorts work best. They keep you comfortable and allow a free swing without restricting movement.
Q. Do you wear golf shoes to a simulator, or are trainers fine?
Both work. Golf shoes give stability, while clean trainers with flat soles are perfectly acceptable in most UK simulator venues.
Q. What to wear for golf simulator practice if Iâm training seriously?
Itâs smart to wear what youâd use on the course, including golf shoes and polos, so your swing and feel stay consistent between indoor and outdoor play.
Q. Can I wear casual clothes to a golf simulator session with friends?
Yes. Smart-casual outfits like polos, chinos or joggers, and trainers are great. Just avoid anything too baggy or restrictive that might hinder your swing.
Q. What accessories should I bring to a golf simulator?
A golf glove, water bottle, small towel, and maybe a spare glove or tee are handy. Hats are optional, as thereâs no sun glare indoors.
