What is the best golf vest for all and winter golf?
The best golf vest keeps your core warm, blocks the wind, and leaves your arms free to swing. Look for stretch side panels, fabric that stays quiet at the top of your backswing, and the right amount of insulation for the temperature you play in. For the coldest mornings, the Sun Mountain Knockdown Vest uses down insulation behind a windproof shell. The Crosswind II Vest delivers down warmth for less, the Headwind Vest is the everyday pick for crisp fall rounds, the WeatherFlex Vest handles drizzle, and the All Day Vest blocks a breeze on mild days.
A few things worth knowing before you buy:
- A vest is the right layer when it's too cool for a polo but a full jacket would restrict your swing or overheat you on the walk.
- Match the insulation to the temperature: down for cold mornings, a lighter thermal layer for crisp fall days, and an uninsulated windproof vest for mild, breezy rounds.
- Stretch side panels and quiet fabric are what keep a golf vest out of your swing.
- Size your vest to fit over a quarter-zip, because that's how you'll wear it.
Does a golf vest restrict your swing?
A well-designed golf vest doesn't restrict your swing; that's the main reason golfers reach for one. A vest warms your core, where your body works hardest to hold its temperature, and it leaves your shoulders and arms unrestricted. There are no sleeves to bunch at the top of the backswing and nothing to pull across your lead arm on the follow-through.
Golf vests use stretch panels at the sides and back so the vest moves with your turn instead of riding up. The fabric matters too. Sun Mountain specs its vests as quiet, so there's no swish or crinkle while you stand over the ball.
Down, 37.5 or uninsulated: which golf vest insulation is right for you?
The right insulation depends on how cold it is and how warm you run. Sun Mountain vests cover four approaches.
Down insulation.
Down gives you the most warmth for the least weight, and it packs down small. Its weakness is moisture, since soaked down loses loft. That's why the Knockdown Vest and Crosswind II Vest pair their down with a windproof outer and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. They're the vests for 40-degree tee times.
37.5 Technology.
The Headwind Vest uses 37.5 Technology, which is designed to help keep you in your comfort zone as your body heats up on the walk and cools down on the tee. It's a thermal layer for crisp fall days when down would be too much.
Uninsulated windproof.
The All Day Vest adds no insulation. It blocks the wind and sheds light moisture, which is all you need on a mild, breezy day or if you run warm.
Seam-sealed waterproof.
The WeatherFlex Vest is a waterproof vest, which is rare in golf. It carries a 15K/20K waterproof and breathable rating and fully seam-sealed construction. If you want to know what those numbers mean, our rain gear guide breaks down waterproof ratings in plain English.
The best Sun Mountain golf vests for men.
Sun Mountain's men's golf vests are best organized by the conditions you play in. Here's where each one fits.
Best for cold mornings: Knockdown Vest.
Is the Sun Mountain Knockdown Vest worth it? If you play on cold mornings and want the most warmth you can get without sleeves, the Knockout Vest is entirely worth the investment. The Knockdown Vest pairs lightweight down insulation with a windproof outer layer, so the warmth stays in when the wind picks up. Four-way stretch fabric moves with your turn, the fabric is moisture-wicking and quiet, and a deep-cut zipper, stand-up collar and roomy chest pocket round it out.
Best for: golfers who tee off early in cold weather and want maximum core warmth with free arms.
Best down value: Crosswind II Vest.
The Crosswind II Vest features quilted front panels, welded rather than sewn, so there are no stitch holes for the wind to find, and the front is windproof with an Advanced DWR finish. Hexstretch on the back and stretch-knit side panels keep it moving with your swing. A two-way front zipper, micro-fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets, a zippered inside chest pocket and a Velcro hem pocket make it easy to live with on the course.
Best for: golfers who want down warmth and wind protection without paying for the top of the line.
Best everyday fall vest: Headwind Vest.
The Headwind Vest is the vest to wear from the first cool morning in September through the end of the golf season. It uses 37.5 Technology with windproof, water-resistant front panels and Hexstretch on the sides and back. A two-way front zipper lets you vent heat between shots, and micro-fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets keep your hands loose between swings.
Best for: crisp, breezy fall rounds when you want warmth without bulk.
Best for mild, breezy days: All Day Vest.
The All Day Vest is Sun Mountain's newest vest and its lightest layer of protection. It's an uninsulated, windproof vest in a relaxed athletic fit, with a woven 100% polyester body and side panels knit from 72% polyester and 28% elastane for four-way stretch. It has a DWR finish, a two-way center zipper, and zippered chest and hand pockets.
Best for: mild, windy rounds and golfers who run warm.
The best Sun Mountain women's golf vests.
For the coldest rounds, the Women's Knockdown Vest is the warmest women's golf vest in the lineup. For everyday fall golf, the Women's Headwind Vest is the one to reach for. All three of Sun Mountain's women's golf vests come in sizes XS through 2XL.
- The Women's Knockdown Vest is down-filled and windproof, with Thermalflex stretch side panels, an Advanced DWR finish and an athletic fit. It has a two-way center zipper, zippered waist pockets, two internal Velcro pockets and an internal zippered chest pocket.
- The Women's Crosswind II Vest uses the same construction as the men's version: down insulation, welded quilted windproof front panels, Hexstretch, a two-way zipper, fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets, an inside chest pocket and a Velcro hem pocket.
- The Women's Headwind Vest pairs 37.5 Technology with windproof, water-resistant front panels and Hexstretch in a flattering, athletic fit, plus micro-fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets.
How should a golf vest fit?
A golf vest should fit over your mid-layer without pulling across your chest or shoulders. Size it with a quarter-zip underneath, since that's how you'll wear it most of the season. The armholes should be roomy enough that the vest doesn't shift when you take the club back, and the hem should sit at your belt line so it doesn't ride up through impact.
Before you commit, take your stance and make a few full swings with your layers on. If the vest pulls at the top of your backswing or lifts at the hem, size up. Men's Sun Mountain vests run S to 3XL, and women's run XS to 2XL. For what to wear underneath, see our guides to men's golf outfits and women's golf outfits.
Stay warm with golf vests from Sun Mountain.
Sun Mountain has designed golf outerwear in Missoula, Montana since the mid-1980s, so its vests are built by golfers who know what a cold fall morning feels like. That shows up across the lineup: stretch panels that move with your turn, fabric that stays quiet over the ball, two-way zippers for venting, and a choice of warmth from uninsulated wind protection all the way up to down.
There's a Sun Mountain vest for every kind of fall and winter round. Shop men's golf vests and women's golf vests, or browse the full cold-weather collection to build the rest of your layers.
Golf vest FAQs.
What is the best golf vest for cold weather?
The best golf vest for cold weather combines down or thermal insulation with a windproof front and stretch side panels so it doesn't restrict your swing. The Sun Mountain Knockdown Vest is the warmest option in the lineup, pairing lightweight down with a windproof outer. The Crosswind II Vest offers down insulation and welded windproof front panels for $40 less.
Should I wear a vest or a jacket golfing?
Wear a golf vest when your core is cold but your arms are comfortable, typically in the 40s to 60s with some wind. A vest keeps you warm without sleeves that bunch at the top of your backswing. Switch to a jacket when it's raining steadily or when cold wind is reaching your arms.
Does a vest restrict your golf swing?
A golf vest has no sleeves, so nothing bunches at the top of the backswing or pulls on the follow-through. The best golf vests add stretch side and back panels, such as the Hexstretch panels on the Sun Mountain Headwind and Crosswind II vests, so the vest moves with your turn instead of riding up.
What should I wear under a golf vest?
Wear a quarter-zip or a lightweight mid-layer under a golf vest on cool days, and add a thermal base layer underneath when it's cold. On mild, breezy days, a polo under an uninsulated windproof vest such as the Sun Mountain All Day Vest is enough. Size your vest to fit comfortably over your layers.
Best Golf Vests for Fall & Winter: Men's & Women's Picks
What is the best golf vest for all and winter golf?
The best golf vest keeps your core warm, blocks the wind, and leaves your arms free to swing. Look for stretch side panels, fabric that stays quiet at the top of your backswing, and the right amount of insulation for the temperature you play in. For the coldest mornings, the Sun Mountain Knockdown Vest uses down insulation behind a windproof shell. The Crosswind II Vest delivers down warmth for less, the Headwind Vest is the everyday pick for crisp fall rounds, the WeatherFlex Vest handles drizzle, and the All Day Vest blocks a breeze on mild days.
A few things worth knowing before you buy:
Does a golf vest restrict your swing?
A well-designed golf vest doesn't restrict your swing; that's the main reason golfers reach for one. A vest warms your core, where your body works hardest to hold its temperature, and it leaves your shoulders and arms unrestricted. There are no sleeves to bunch at the top of the backswing and nothing to pull across your lead arm on the follow-through.
Golf vests use stretch panels at the sides and back so the vest moves with your turn instead of riding up. The fabric matters too. Sun Mountain specs its vests as quiet, so there's no swish or crinkle while you stand over the ball.
Down, 37.5 or uninsulated: which golf vest insulation is right for you?
The right insulation depends on how cold it is and how warm you run. Sun Mountain vests cover four approaches.
Down insulation.
Down gives you the most warmth for the least weight, and it packs down small. Its weakness is moisture, since soaked down loses loft. That's why the Knockdown Vest and Crosswind II Vest pair their down with a windproof outer and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. They're the vests for 40-degree tee times.
37.5 Technology.
The Headwind Vest uses 37.5 Technology, which is designed to help keep you in your comfort zone as your body heats up on the walk and cools down on the tee. It's a thermal layer for crisp fall days when down would be too much.
Uninsulated windproof.
The All Day Vest adds no insulation. It blocks the wind and sheds light moisture, which is all you need on a mild, breezy day or if you run warm.
Seam-sealed waterproof.
The WeatherFlex Vest is a waterproof vest, which is rare in golf. It carries a 15K/20K waterproof and breathable rating and fully seam-sealed construction. If you want to know what those numbers mean, our rain gear guide breaks down waterproof ratings in plain English.
The best Sun Mountain golf vests for men.
Sun Mountain's men's golf vests are best organized by the conditions you play in. Here's where each one fits.
Best for cold mornings: Knockdown Vest.
Is the Sun Mountain Knockdown Vest worth it? If you play on cold mornings and want the most warmth you can get without sleeves, the Knockout Vest is entirely worth the investment. The Knockdown Vest pairs lightweight down insulation with a windproof outer layer, so the warmth stays in when the wind picks up. Four-way stretch fabric moves with your turn, the fabric is moisture-wicking and quiet, and a deep-cut zipper, stand-up collar and roomy chest pocket round it out.
Best for: golfers who tee off early in cold weather and want maximum core warmth with free arms.
Best down value: Crosswind II Vest.
The Crosswind II Vest features quilted front panels, welded rather than sewn, so there are no stitch holes for the wind to find, and the front is windproof with an Advanced DWR finish. Hexstretch on the back and stretch-knit side panels keep it moving with your swing. A two-way front zipper, micro-fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets, a zippered inside chest pocket and a Velcro hem pocket make it easy to live with on the course.
Best for: golfers who want down warmth and wind protection without paying for the top of the line.
Best everyday fall vest: Headwind Vest.
The Headwind Vest is the vest to wear from the first cool morning in September through the end of the golf season. It uses 37.5 Technology with windproof, water-resistant front panels and Hexstretch on the sides and back. A two-way front zipper lets you vent heat between shots, and micro-fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets keep your hands loose between swings.
Best for: crisp, breezy fall rounds when you want warmth without bulk.
Best for mild, breezy days: All Day Vest.
The All Day Vest is Sun Mountain's newest vest and its lightest layer of protection. It's an uninsulated, windproof vest in a relaxed athletic fit, with a woven 100% polyester body and side panels knit from 72% polyester and 28% elastane for four-way stretch. It has a DWR finish, a two-way center zipper, and zippered chest and hand pockets.
Best for: mild, windy rounds and golfers who run warm.
The best Sun Mountain women's golf vests.
For the coldest rounds, the Women's Knockdown Vest is the warmest women's golf vest in the lineup. For everyday fall golf, the Women's Headwind Vest is the one to reach for. All three of Sun Mountain's women's golf vests come in sizes XS through 2XL.
How should a golf vest fit?
A golf vest should fit over your mid-layer without pulling across your chest or shoulders. Size it with a quarter-zip underneath, since that's how you'll wear it most of the season. The armholes should be roomy enough that the vest doesn't shift when you take the club back, and the hem should sit at your belt line so it doesn't ride up through impact.
Before you commit, take your stance and make a few full swings with your layers on. If the vest pulls at the top of your backswing or lifts at the hem, size up. Men's Sun Mountain vests run S to 3XL, and women's run XS to 2XL. For what to wear underneath, see our guides to men's golf outfits and women's golf outfits.
Stay warm with golf vests from Sun Mountain.
Sun Mountain has designed golf outerwear in Missoula, Montana since the mid-1980s, so its vests are built by golfers who know what a cold fall morning feels like. That shows up across the lineup: stretch panels that move with your turn, fabric that stays quiet over the ball, two-way zippers for venting, and a choice of warmth from uninsulated wind protection all the way up to down.
There's a Sun Mountain vest for every kind of fall and winter round. Shop men's golf vests and women's golf vests, or browse the full cold-weather collection to build the rest of your layers.
Golf vest FAQs.
What is the best golf vest for cold weather?
The best golf vest for cold weather combines down or thermal insulation with a windproof front and stretch side panels so it doesn't restrict your swing. The Sun Mountain Knockdown Vest is the warmest option in the lineup, pairing lightweight down with a windproof outer. The Crosswind II Vest offers down insulation and welded windproof front panels for $40 less.
Should I wear a vest or a jacket golfing?
Wear a golf vest when your core is cold but your arms are comfortable, typically in the 40s to 60s with some wind. A vest keeps you warm without sleeves that bunch at the top of your backswing. Switch to a jacket when it's raining steadily or when cold wind is reaching your arms.
Does a vest restrict your golf swing?
A golf vest has no sleeves, so nothing bunches at the top of the backswing or pulls on the follow-through. The best golf vests add stretch side and back panels, such as the Hexstretch panels on the Sun Mountain Headwind and Crosswind II vests, so the vest moves with your turn instead of riding up.
What should I wear under a golf vest?
Wear a quarter-zip or a lightweight mid-layer under a golf vest on cool days, and add a thermal base layer underneath when it's cold. On mild, breezy days, a polo under an uninsulated windproof vest such as the Sun Mountain All Day Vest is enough. Size your vest to fit comfortably over your layers.