Welcome, fellow golf enthusiasts! As we all know, having the right apparel is just as critical as having the right clubs in the game of golf.
The right mid-layer can make a significant difference in your comfort, mobility, and overall performance on the golf course. Whether you’re facing temperamental weather conditions, or simply want to optimize your swing mechanics, a high-quality golf mid-layer could be your game-changer.
We’ve set out to review a collection of popular golf mid-layer products to help you choose the best one for your needs. In our lineup, we have the Skins Golf Performance Hoodie, Glenmuir Wick Lightweight Performance Golf Midlayer, Penguin Heritage Colour Block Golf Hoodie, Ping Elevation Midlayer, Footjoy Colour Block Midlayer, Abacus Gleneagles Thermo Midlayer, and the Under Armour Storm Sweater Fleece.
Best Men’s Midlayers 2023
Skins Golf Performance Hoodie
I really like the subtle print on the sleeve and the quiet logo on the pocket, which Skins Golf are calling a kangaroo pouch. Love it. I had a hard time choosing a colour as the options available are all bold colours and look great.
The Skins Golf Performance Hoodie fits me perfectly. Finally! A fit designed for someone with an ‘athletic’ shape.
Another great point is the narrow sleeves. There’s nothing worse than sleeves that are baggy and need messing with every time you grip the club. Skins Golf have nailed this.
I have had absolutely no issue playing golf in this hoodie. The 4-way stretch materials mean it is comfortable and moves and stretches when I do. Unrestricted movement and versatility are key points when choosing golf wear that you actually want to perform in, and the Performance Hoodie provides that with abundance.
The Skins Golf Performance Hoodie is an unrivalled on and off-course piece. I’ve worn this loads for golf, and then in the bar after I’ve even had some compliments on it in the clubhouse. Not only this, I wear this socially and even think it’s smart enough to wear out for dinner, which is not something I’ve ever done with a golf garment before.
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PROS
- Light and stretchy
- Brilliant fit
- Looks fantastic on and off the course
CONS
- Not the warmest hoodie, must be worn with additional layers if it’s chilly
- RELATED: Read our full Skins Golf Performance Hoodie Review
Sizes: UK S-XXL
Colours: Cool Stone, Navy Azure, Auburn Blaze.
More info: Skins Golf Website
Glenmuir Wick lightweight performance golf midlayer
Glenmuir also say the midlayer is “Made from functional, advanced and breathable performance fabrics”. They’re some pretty exciting claims, given its humble appearance. I’m starting to think there’s more to this piece of kit than meets the eye…
There’s no denying that the Wick feels so smooth to the touch. It’s made from jersey-knit fabrics, which are synthetic fabrics made from a natural yarn-like cotton. The smoothness makes sense now.
The subtle gold Glenmuir branding along the back of the collar isn’t the only neat touch this midlayer bears. Wait until you notice the small patterns all over the top are in fact miniature trophies!
Penguin Heritage Colour Block golf hoodie
This isn’t your usual golf hoodie designed to battle the elements. The stitch-like Cotton and Coolmax Polyester fabric are very soft and comforting.
When first picking up the hoodie from the bag, it was very light and felt like a knitted jumper you could get as a Christmas present.
The fabric is stretchy and the hoodie comes with a ribbed collar and stamped logo which adds to a clean and smart look.
The stretch fabric allows for maximum freedom of movement and no part of this hoodie restricts your movement or feels tight.
Some golfers could possibly prefer a hoodie in which they can tighten the hood. This aspect is missing, but from my perspective, this didn’t affect the enjoyment I took from wearing it.
COOLMAX technology is described as “a family of Polyester fibres” that help you “beat the heat.” The hoodie is made with cooling technology and moisture-wicking material.
Having worn the item in hot weather, I certainly experienced this technology first-hand. The layer wasn’t heavy with a very thin and lightweight construction.
It is safe to say this golf hoodie can be worn in almost any context. It wouldn’t look out of place on a day out, at a sports event or virtually any social occasion.
PROS
- The combination of dark blue and light blue creates a pleasing design
- This hoodie is extremely comfortable and lightweight, leaving no burden on your back
- The material is free and breathable, acting as an ideal layer in summer evenings or early mornings
CONS
- £90 could be seen as too expensive by some for this hoodie.
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It’s well-fitted and snug without being restrictive. The fitting is true to size, too, the cuffs hanging nicely around the wrists and not overlapping towards your thumbs.
The hint of elasticity, through the elastane, means it moves just enough to make swinging easy. There is no resistance around the collar or the top of the arms and neither does the bottom ride up.
I found myself caught in a couple of small showers and the Ping Elevation Midlayer dealt with them easily. It is said to be water resistant and droplets do seem to bounce off rather than become absorbed into the fabric. This keeps it lightweight – and it is really light to pick up and put on. I doubt it would be able to withstand a sustained downpour, but that’s what waterproofs are for.
Not only did I look the part in the clubhouse, but I’ve also found this is the perfect piece of clothing to consider in more social occasions too. I’d happily put this on if I was popping out somewhere but didn’t want to be burdened with a coat. I tested the Danube colour scheme but, in my opinion, the Navy is even more fetching.
PROS
- Thermal properties are very evident. This is a very warm midlayer to wear.
- Raised print design is eye-catching and stands out on the course.
- Excellent fit, particularly at the cuffs, means it is very easy to swing in.
CONS
- It retains heat so well you probably won’t need to wear it during the summer.
- RELATED: Read our full Ping Elevation Midlayer review
Sizes: UK S-XXXL
Colours: Navy, Pearl Grey, Danube
More information: Ping website
FootJoy Colour Block Mid Layer
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The fabric does feel to be at the thinner end of a mid layer spectrum as you would expect for a Spring/Summer item.
As with all FootJoy midlayers, this comes with moisture-wicking technology. Breathability seemed to be fine, with no moisture build-up in the different temperatures experienced during testing.
So here we have another smart and practical midlayer from FootJoy. It is comfortable and a flexible part of a layering system.
PROS
- Comfortable and lightweight.
- Flexible performance.
- Stylish looks.
CONS
- Some unusual colours.
- RELATED: Read our full FootJoy Colour Block Midlayer review
Sizes: UK XS-XXXL
Colours: True Blue/Navy, Twilight/Racing Red, Aqua Surf/Lava, Black/Violet.
More info: FootJoy website
Abacus Gleneagles thermo midlayer
I really liked the hybrid construction of this midlayer. The yoke (that means chest, upper back and shoulders) is made from a quilted looking fabric that is padded for extra warmth. The rest of the garment is made from a thin, soft and stretchable fleece which is brushed on the inside for added comfort.
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Because of the branding I think this particular item will spend most of its time on the golf course, where I’m confident it’ll get plenty of use. And with an RRP just under £100 I think it represents good value for money, such is the quality of construction.
PROS
- Really warm and comfortable.
- Breathable & moisture wicking.
- Premium build quality.
CONS
- Limited colour choice.
- RELATED: Read our full Abacus Gleneagles thermo midlayer review
Sizes: UK S-XXXL
Colours: Navy/Fairway, Navy/Sky Blue, Sunset, Black/Stone.
More info: Abacus website
Under Armour Storm Sweaterfleece
First of all, I’m sure we call agree that it looks great. The UA Storm Sweaterfleece features a really neat quarter-zip design with the left breast area incorporating a waterproof zip pocket.
But my overriding impression is that is extremely comfortable – something in which Under Armour have really excelled with their 2023 apparel range – and the fit is great. While I wear a medium in t-shirts and polos, I tend to move up to a large with mid and outer layers.
