If you wish to be comfortable on the golf course, you will need to consider functional clothing. This does not mean you need to abandon style and the stylish movement. It means, however, your focus should be what is comfortable for you to wear and helps you achieve your goals on the course. There is no sense in being dressed in vogue if you cannot hit the golf ball off the tee or if you feel extremely uncomfortable. Similarly, you may not feel completely comfortable dressed like an escapee from a past century. So, as you can see, it all depends upon what you believe is comfortable.

For those who like to combine functionality with comfort and fashion, there are several designers to consider. Patti Varrelmann's GG Blue and San Diego based Cocchia stress flexibility, functionality and style. Cocchia's golf wear may look back to the traditional golf apparel of the 1930s, but with its low necks, slim lines and bold colors, it is strongly rooted in the modern women's world of golf.

European labels like Bogner, J. Lindeberg and Golfino, and newer labels like Birdie and PinkCaddi provide female golfers with increasingly more selection. Together, with various North American designers such as Leon Levin, they combine fashion and function in a manner perfectly suited to the game. Their approach to ladies' golf apparel is attractive to any number of women wishing to appear in style without sacrificing their comfort zone in the game. Other golf designers such as Bette and Court, Izod, Sport Haley and To a Tee are more concerned with what works. To a Tee boasts they are women golfers designing clothing for women golfers.

For those who prefer their comforts simple, try polo shirts. A good polo shirt can be the basis for a very comfortable golf game. On or off the range or course, polo shirts are ideal. These comfortable shirts come in a wide variety of colors from which to choose. Nike and Adidas offer up their versions of this traditional shirt in flexible nylon white or in darker or pastel hues. The look is sleek; the lines are crisp. Other versions refer to this as a ?golf? shirt. Classique Pique golf shirts are an example of this type of shirt.

To this classic, you can add other types of apparel, including sleeveless shirts, sweaters and shorts most notably produced by outfitters like Leon Levin. They keep you comfortable and warm during and after the game. The necklines can suit the most daring and the most conservative female golfer. Cocchia's offerings sport low necklines and emphasize a sporting femininity. Cocchia, also, has cardigan sweaters offering stylish warmth for those cold mornings. To a Tee provides a wide range of silk and cotton fiber sweaters.

There is also the choice between skirts and shorts. Lily Pulitzer provides skirts for golfers while Nike pushes shorts. Some women prefer short skirts, while others prefer long. As to whether the short skirts or shorts are comfortable, it is a personal choice. The exception to this particular rule lies within your choice of club. Your favorite golf club might have specific rules dictating the type of apparel you must wear on their course.

There are always other alternatives: skorts, pants and capris. Bette and Court, Isisport, Izod, Leon Levin and Sports Haley can satisfy you with their wide selection of capris, cropped pants or flat front pants. To a Tee has a signature seersucker skort. It is meant to fit your body, be comfortable and flex when you do.

When it comes to color and fabric, there are disparate views as to what comprises ?comfortable? on the golf course. The new trend in golf apparel is generally away from the traditional pleats and plaids. Cocchia still provides traditional golfers with the comfort of this particular style. She has, however, revolutionized the style, altering it into a more palatable form. If, however, you find comfort in the old style of golf wear, check out Cocchia. She has even revived cardigans, pleats and tweeds.

If you like to wear color, there are numerous designers to turn to. Lilly Pulitzer offers pastel skirts. Nike sells blue shorts. Cocchia can provide you with a wide spectrum of colors and combinations. In her collections, rich chocolate browns vie with burnt oranges and matte blues for your favor. Others offer a palette of soft pastels and vibrant hues.

Whatever your comfort level, whether you choose skirts, pants, shorts or capris do not forget, the fit and fabric must allow you to focus on your swing, not your clothing.