| Do I need to buy some waterproofs? The simple | | | | the seams or zips, so either pay more for a taped |
| answer is yes. If you are going to be playing golf you | | | | seam garment or look out for items that avoid seams |
| will want gear that protects you from the wind, rain | | | | at exposed areas such as your shoulders. |
| and keeps you warm. The old adage 'there is no such | | | | Cuffs are important on a waterproof jacket. A snug fit |
| thing as bad weather just bad clothing', definitely | | | | will ensure they don't ride up your arms during your |
| applies to golf. Getting your outerwear right will protect | | | | swing, there is nothing worse than the unpleasant |
| you from the elements and allow you to enjoy your | | | | feeling of cold rain running down your arm. |
| game, whatever the weather. | | | | A high collar will also help to keep the rain out, and a |
| What do I need to buy? There are a few different | | | | fleece lined collar is a nice luxury touch that feels snug |
| options: - | | | | in winter. |
| Waterproof jacket and trousers - these go over your | | | | Sizing - it's worth looking for adjustable tabs and |
| regular golfing outfit and are designed for serious rain. If | | | | toggles that can 'pull in' a garment for a more |
| it says it is waterproof then that means that the fabric | | | | customised fit. This also works well when buying a |
| will be waterproof and that the seams will be taped to | | | | jacket for all seasons as it will allow you to wear more |
| keep the water out. Zips are a major area for | | | | layers in the winter. |
| seepage, so look out for styles that have waterproof | | | | Waterproof warranty - many premium brands offer a |
| zips or a double backing. Some women prefer not to | | | | three year warranty which gives peace of mind when |
| buy the trousers, but they are worth it if you plan to go | | | | spending that little bit extra. |
| out in all weather. | | | | Useful tips: - Most waterproofs will leak with age, but a |
| Windproof jacket or top - these will keep you | | | | quick wash with a non bio powder and a quick tumble |
| protected on a windy day. Many windproof garments | | | | dry on a low heat helps restore their waterproof |
| are coated with Teflon or the equivalent and this will | | | | qualities. Always check the care label first. |
| provide some protection from light rain, bear in mind | | | | Consider wearing a waterproof hat rather than cap. A |
| though these garments will not have taped seams. | | | | bucket style with a wide rim all the way round will |
| What features should I be looking for? There are a | | | | allow the rain to run away from your face onto the |
| few fundamental things you should be looking for in a | | | | jacket. |
| good set of waterproofs. | | | | Glossary: |
| Lightweight - you don't want to be wearing, or carrying, | | | | Laminate fabric: Means two or three layers of fabric |
| a heavy, bulky garment. | | | | are bonded together, each adding an important quality |
| Breathable - they should allow your skin to breathe so | | | | such as wind-resistance, waterproofing or soft touch. |
| that as your body temperature warms up you don't | | | | Hand warmer pockets: Pockets are placed in a |
| get sweaty and damp which will then make you cold. | | | | comfortable position to rest hands in (around the waist |
| Movement - they should be designed to move with | | | | line), sometimes they may be lined in a brushed fabric |
| you, not restrict you. Most good golf brands will take | | | | for extra comfort. |
| into consideration all the movements needed to play | | | | Micro Mesh: Often used for a lining, this simply means |
| and engineer their garments accordingly, so it's worth | | | | the mesh holes are tiny, so has the benefit of being |
| paying more for a reputable brand. | | | | breathable, but will not snag so easily as an open |
| Details to look out for: - | | | | mesh. Because of its construction it will also stretch |
| Trousers should have zips or buttons at the hem to | | | | well and move comfortably with you. |
| allow you to easily slip them over your golf shoes, but | | | | Droptail hem: This simply means that the back is longer |
| not so wide that they will flap in the wind. | | | | than the front, so it will give more coverage over your |
| Stretch panels are often found in more expensive | | | | bottom and hips. |
| items and help the items fit and move better. | | | | Convertible: The garment may have a zip-out warm |
| If a garment does leak water it will most likely be on | | | | lining or zip-off sleeves, it will convert to another style. |