6 Best Golf Pants for Fat Guys and Big Thighs

If you’re reading this, you probably know, like I do, that fat does not equal inactive. We big guys like to golf just as much as anyone, and like anyone else, we want to look good and be comfortable while doing it. Chances are you are also aware of the challenges of shopping while fat. Finding clothes that fit well and look good isn’t easy, and this seems to be doubly true when shopping for functional pieces, such as golf pants. 

Choose golf pants that are too tight, you won’t have the necessary freedom of movement to follow through on that swing you’ve been perfecting. (Not to mention that too-tight golf pants don’t look good on anyone, fat or not.)

On the other hand, choose golf pants that are too loose, and you risk looking like you’re wearing clown pants. (Which aren’t even flattering on clowns.)

That’s why we’re going to break down how to find the perfect golf pant, why it’s not the same as finding dress pants or khakis, and how to shop for a pair that is both functional and flattering. But if you just want to skip ahead and see what made the list, you can check out our favorites here: 

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about golf pants for fat guys.

It really is possible to find comfortable, functional, golf pants, whether you want to look suave and preppy like 1980 Chevy Chase or loud and proud like any-era Rodney Dangerfield (hopefully you’ve seen Caddyshack). 

We’ll review each of these fat-friendly golf pants below, but first, let’s take a closer look at what really makes golf pants different.

What Makes Golf Pants Different From Dress Pants and Khakis?

You might be wondering if you really need special pants to golf in, and the answer is… probably. Dress pants really aren’t suitable for playing golf, but in some situations, some khakis might be just fine and we’re big fans of khakis in just about any situation. 

Not exactly a definitive answer, I know. Stick with me and it will all make sense soon enough. 

Warm Weather Readiness

Dress pants are usually lined, making them uncomfortable to wear in warm golf weather. The lining is not usually (almost never) made from a wicking material, meaning that they are going to feel clingy and gross if they get wet. Between sweat and nature, getting wet is usually a risk when one ventures outside.

Full disclosure, I live (and golf) in the Midwest.  If you live somewhere that doesn’t have seasons, then things like “fall”, and “snow”, and possibly this point may be irrelevant to you.

If you are like me, though, and occasionally enjoy a round of golf before watching the Lions play on Thanksgiving, you might consider golfing in your khakis. Khakis tend to be made from heavy cotton fabric, which is going to make you miserable if you get it wet. Keep them dry, though, and the thing that makes khakis a terrible choice for summer golf suddenly makes them the perfect choice.

Additionally, golf pants are made from fabric that will wick moisture away from your body, and that will hold up to wet grass and sand. In addition to being more durable than dress pants, golf pants are usually machine washable. This is important, we fat guys tend to sweat.

Golf Pants Are Simpler Than Dress Pants

Dress pants are just fussier than golf pants. They are made from finer materials, such as wool and wool blends, that aren’t going to hold up well in the great outdoors. Plus, you’ll have to pay to have them dry cleaned!

Like dress shirts, dress pants also feature details such as cuffs, pleats, and shallow pockets. Cuffs are going to collect sand, dirt, and grass when you’re out on the course.

I’m not saying you’re prone to hitting the sand or the rough, but the possibility at least exists that you might walk through these areas. You know, with your less skillful friends.

Dress pants are made from fabric that isn’t designed to give which means your range of motion is going to be restricted. And of course, you need functional pockets for balls and tees and those little pencils!

Golf Pants Are Built For The Course

Some modern golf pants also feature a silicone band inside the waistband to help keep your shirt tucked in, a feature you are unlikely to find in your daily work pants.

On top of that, golf pants have useful, functional pockets. Unlike dress pants and khakis, golf pants have pockets that are sized and placed to conveniently hold balls, tees, gloves, scorecards, and ball markers.

What Should Fat Guys Look For In Golf Pants?

You already know that shopping for clothes, any clothes, as a fat man is more challenging than it is for your thinner friends, and of course, golf pants are no exception. Not only is hard to find sizes but navigating the world of big and tall sizing is confusing on its own. 

So let’s take a look at what fat guys should consider when shopping for golf pants.

Pleats

Tradition is very important in the game of golf and there’s a reason that the green jacket from the Masters hasn’t changed in decades. Traditional golf pants featured very large pleats. Before you decide that you want to stick with tradition, consider that they also stopped at the knees and were paired with argyle socks like this guy:

Choosing your golf pants might be a great time to break from tradition. Of course, you can’t hit the course like a slouch while wearing sweats and your favorite 4XL hoodie but you can break from the classic look…at least when it comes to pleats. 

Even minimal pleating is going to add several inches of extra fabric around your mid-section, and you don’t want any extra bulk there.

Not only is it unflattering, you usually bend slightly when hitting a golf ball right? So pleated pants will pooch out? You don’t want any extra material getting in the way of your swing. Golf pants with a flat front will provide a much smoother look without negatively affecting your game.

“Active” Waist Bands

Fat guys tend to carry weight in their bellies, so having golf pants with some “give” in this area is a good idea. Not necessarily a super stretchy elastic waist like you’ll find on jogging pants, but something with a bit of stretch that will be snug enough not to gape while you are standing and walking, and still allow freedom of movement for sitting and crouching. 

Some manufacturers use the term “active” rather than “elastic”. It’s the grown-up version of saying “husky” rather than fat. Regardless of the name, it’s a feature you should definitely consider in any pant, including your golf pants. 

Fit

As you have likely seen while shopping for other pants, golf pants often have different “fits” in addition to the waist and inseam measurements. You are likely to see descriptions such as slim, athletic, relaxed, and regular.

With the exception of regular, those words are pretty self-explanatory. As a fat guy, plan to look at athletic or relaxed fits. Both will have extra room in the thigh area. (Yes, the “athletic” pair might have been designed with a muscular thigh in mind, but it will work just as well for your chubby one.)

Stay away from slim-fit golf pants. They won’t allow for an adequate range of motion, and they will be far too tight to be flattering.  The regular fit is going to be roomier than the slim, so depending on the manufacturer this might be a good option for you. You’ll just have to try some on and see for yourself.

Colors and Patterns!

That exclamation point is not a typo, I’m legitimately pumped about the vast selection of colors and patterns available in golf pants. There are so many ways you can express yourself!

If you’re like me, you might be hesitant to choose golf pants in a bright color, because they will just make you stand out from the crowd more than you already do.

But depending on where you are golfing, and who you are playing with, I say, “why not stand out sometimes? It’s fun!” If you are really into golfing you are going to own several pairs of golf pants, eventually. Consider a variety of conservative neutral colors as well as some bright fun patterns.

Fabric

We touched on this a little bit above, when discussing what makes golf pants different from dress pants and khakis, but it’s important, and we’ll go into a bit more detail here.

Cotton is a wonderful fabric because of how well it breathes, but 100% cotton is not a great fabric for golf pants. It breathes, but it also is very absorbent. It will soak up and retain water (or sweat) making it heavy and uncomfortable. No one wants damp, heavy pants clinging to them. And that feeling when the cuffs of your pant legs get wet and slap against your ankles when you walk? That feeling is just awful.

Synthetic fabrics are going to be your friends when it comes to choosing golf pants. Your mind might immediately go to polyester, and this might have negative connotations, but stay with me. Modern polyester golf pants are usually blended with another fiber or two, making them quite functional. 

A cotton/polyester blend is great, especially if you are looking at golf khakis. But you might want to think a bit more high-tech.

Elastane is just one example of a trademarked synthetic fabric designed specifically for performance. Elastane, and others like it, are light weight, breathable, moisture-wicking, and machine washable. They will keep you cool, dry, comfortable, and looking stylish while you are on the course. 

Some of these fabrics are designed with a four-way stretch, providing an excellent fit and unbeatable freedom of movement. This fabric will also hold its shape, so when you stand up after crouching down, your pants will still fit smoothly over your rear-end, with no unsightly bagging.

Best Golf Pants For Fat Guys

Without further adieu, these are the best fat guy golf pants we have found. Here’s a quick look at three of the pants we tried out. 

Best Overall: Big & Tall Quick-Dry Golf Pant fit by DXL

Hands down, this is the best pair of golf pants for fat guys that we found. It checks all the boxes. Except for the crazy colors box. If you want bright colors and loud patterns, this isn’t the golf pant for you. We’ve still got you covered, though. Keep looking further down the list.

The first thing we love about the Big & Tall Golf Pant is that it is available in such a large range of sizes. Yay inclusivity! The waist size starts at 44 inches and goes all the way up 60 inches. The lengths range from 28 to 34 inches. Although, we’d expect nothing less from the folks at DXL and they’re one of our favorite clothing spots for fat guys (including short ones).  

Next, these golf pants are made from a blend of polyester and spandex that puts your comfort above all else. It offers a bit of stretch for freedom of movement and will wick moisture away from your skin. When they get wet, they dry quickly, and when you get home you can just throw them in the wash because this wonderful fabric is machine washable.

These pants are cut with the fat guy in mind. Roomy through the thighs and seat, they are also designed with functional slant pockets in the front and set-in pockets in the back. No unsightly, uncomfortable tight fabric around your midsection. And no chance of losing that scorecard! If you are having an off day and chose to “lose” the scorecard, we won’t tell.

Even though, as I mentioned previously, none of them are particularly wild, this golf pant for fat guys is available in six different colors, which is a very nice selection.. You can choose from Olive, Black, Gray, Khaki, Navy, and Stone. Those are all very neutral, you should be able to make at least one of those work with your style. Although they are quite reasonably priced, I suggest selecting two or three.

You can check out all the color options and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best “Non-Golf “Golf Pants: Haggar Flat Front Expandable Waist Khaki Pant

Remember how we discussed earlier, that actual golf pants are better than khakis, except when they’re not?

These pants are that exception.

First, the fabric. It’s a blend of cotton, polyester and spandex. This tells you two things. One, if they get wet, this fabric is going to dry quite quickly and not get uncomfortably heavy. Second, spandex, baby! These pants are going to stretch, but just a little. You will have all the freedom of movement you need to bend, crouch and swing, and when you’re done they will return to their original shape! No bagginess around your rear end, is what I’m saying.

They are available with waist sizes up to 46 inches, and you can choose from four colors. With black, gray, khaki and navy, it’s not the most exciting selection ever, but everyone should be able to find one they like. Or at least don’t hate. There are definitely enough options to keep you from being the only guy golfing in sweatpants.

Other cool features, these pants have a “hidden expandable waistband” and are machine washable.  Golf pants that stay put, but are comfortable, that allow you to move easily, and that don’t need to be dry cleaned? Yes, please! 

These pants can take you right from casual Friday to that charity golf scramble you just remembered you signed up for…all while looking good the entire time!

You can take a closer look at these pants, read more reviews and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.

 

Best Fat Guy Golf Pants With Pleats: IZOD Big & Tall Stretch Pleated Pant

“But you said to avoid pleats or I’d look like a clown!”

Yes, I did. These pants are the exception that proves the rule. They don’t specifically say that they are made for golf, but they do say that they are “performance” pants. Performance is fashion-code for athletic. These pants are made for the active, attractive, fat guy. You know…you! 

The fabric is a blend of cotton, polyester, and that spandex, so you already know that they will be comfortable, move with your body, and hold their shape. Izod goes so far as to call it “sport flex technology”. I know it sounds like something made up to sell clothes because it is, but come on! If it works, who cares!

In addition to keeping you cool, dry, and comfortable for 18 holes (Or 19 holes. Live a little.) These pants look great! Available in five neutral colors (yes, you need to keep reading for the exciting colors) and waist sizes up to 44 inches, there is really only one downside to these golf pants. One of the aforementioned neutral colors is “smoked pearl”. Smoked pearl? What even is that? Just say gray, Izod.

You can take a closer look at the exception that proves the rule, (or the golf pants that prove I’m a hypocrite) by clicking here. 

 

Best Golf Pants on a Budget: Amazon Essentials Stretch Golf Pant

Golf pants can get a little pricy, so if you spend a lot of time on the golf course (or if you want to stock up on a few color options), these stretch golf pants from Amazon Essentials is a great choice. They go all the way up to a size 60 waist, plus the added stretch makes these comfortable when you’re following through on your swing!

Plus, you can’t beat the simple design that will look great with any golf shirt in your wardrobe and I love the crease down the front of the pants. You can see them in the Indigo color here.

These golf pants have a relaxed fit through the hips and waist, so basically the extra room you’ll need while golfing. They aren’t as stretchy in the waist as some of our other picks though, which you can see in this video.

The one downside is that these are a primarily polyester blend, made from 98% polyester and 2% elastane. Polyester isn’t something that works for everyone, depending on your preference on materials. But, with almost 10,000 5-star reviews, I’d say there were plenty of people happy with how they felt. And personally, I find that they feel really soft against the skin.

These also come in a recycled polyester blend (whatever that is).

You won’t find anything too exciting when it comes to the colors offered, but there is plenty of variety. You can get your basic neutral colors like grey, white, and khaki, but these are also available in colors like blue and olive. They have all the basics you want in a golf pants, like pockets and durable stitching, which you can see in this photo.

The major selling point here is the price, as these come in quite a bit more affordable than the other options on the list. That doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing anything though, as these have the flexibility and roominess you want in golf pants, plus pockets and a durable design.

You can check out the colors, see the nearly 10,000 5-star reviews, and view the price on Amazon here!

 

Best For Bright Colors: Bakery Brand Relaxed Fit Chino

Those of you that were looking for exciting colors, here you go! Here’s a quick look at these in one of their more basic colors, khaki. 

I will also mention the fact golf pants are also available in both gray and navy blue if choosing a color that can (almost) be seen from space is not your goal.

Also, the brand of these golf pants seems to be something called “Bakery”. This is neither a plus nor a minus, but does make me hungry, and reminds me that I still haven’t learned how to make a chocolate babka. And now you know why I need extra large golf pants.

These stylish, flat-front golf pants are available with waist sizes up to 46 inches. In addition to gray and blue, they are available in bright orange, bright green, bright blue, and a surprisingly subdued shade of red. They come with functional, roomy pockets for your wallet, tees, golf balls, and anything else you might pick up on the course. 

And, these are a little different than some others on the list because of the “Chino” style. Basically, that means that they have cinching around your ankles, that you can see in this photo.

They work well for guys who like their pants more tapered. It’s really a matter of preference.

Made of a machine washable blend of cotton, polyester and our old friend spandex, with these golf pants you will be seen no matter the season. Except maybe that green pair. If you are golfing in south Florida or any place that is green all year round, that pair might actually be camouflage.

Which might be a good thing in Florida, y’all have ‘gators, on the golf course, right? 

Plus, the spandex makes these nice and stretchy for your follow through. Here’s a video that shows how easily the waistband stretches.

These colorful golf pants also feature front and back pockets and a powerful YKK zipper. I can’t stand a broken zipper, especially when it’s the only thing that’s broken on the pants. These little YKK zippers are built to last which is a major pro of these fat-friendly golf pants.  

Please stay safe, but if you are worried about losing to that ‘gator on the 17th hole, click here to shop the pants that will ensure your body is found in a timely fashion.

You can take a closer look at all 6 colors, read more reviews from big guys and check today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.

 

Loudest Prints: Bakery Brand Relaxed Fit Plaid Pant

Other than khaki and black, these pants are all wild fun prints.

How fun, exactly?

Well, I’m pretty sure that zebra striped pair is similar to something Theater of Pain era Nicki Sixx wore. If you are too young to know who Nicki Sixx is, he was in a band called Motley Crue back in the day, and has died at least twice, but it didn’t stick. As of this writing he is alive and kicking. But I digress.

Available in a selection of checks, plaids, and a fun color called wine red, these golf pants are made of a breathable blend of polyester and spandex. Here’s a look at the blue plaid. 

They feature deep pockets and a flattering flat front. They are cut full through the seat and thighs for added comfort and a flattering fit, and are available with waist sizes up to 46 inches. Plus, like the other Bakery brand pants, they have plenty of stretch in the waist, which you can see in this video. 

Personally, I’m torn between the light blue plaid and the awesome black and white checked pair. This selection of print golf pants is brought to you by that same company called Bakery and features the YKK zipper that’s built to last. It also has functional pockets, plus this really cool emblem on the back that I really like. You can see it here. 

You can click here to take a closer look at each of the colors, read more reviews and check today’s price on Amazon. 

So What Have We Learned?

There are a lot of reasons to buy pants especially designed for playing golf, but sometimes khakis will work just fine. Don’t golf in dress pants.  There are many options for the well dressed chubby golfer. And finally, don’t forget the immortal words of Ty Webb, “Stop thinking, let things happen, and be the ball.”