The best golf polos and shirts are a staple in any golfer’s wardrobe. Over the years, polos and golf shirts have become more versatile, athletic, and stylish. They can be worn both on or off the course, untucked or tucked.
Since there are so many styles and types to choose from, finding a polo or shirt with the perfect cut in the right style can be a serious challenge. You don’t want to make the wrong fashion choice, but you also may want a shirt that makes a statement, one that showcases your style.
This guide on golfing polos and shirts will go over how to choose the right pieces for your wardrobe, how to wear them and pair them, and the common fashion mistakes you’ll want to avoid both on and off the course. I’ve also tried out several popular polos and shirts, choosing only the best cuts and styles that all golfers will love.
Below, you find a comparison chart for each of the polos and shirts that made it onto my top eight list, how they rated, and other important information.
Golf Polos and Shirts Comparison Chart
Product | Sizes | Material | Colors | Type | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Under Armour Men's Tech Golf Polo | 11 | Polyester | 45 | Polo | |
PGA TOUR Airflux Short Sleeve Solid Polo | 17 | Polyester | 32 | Polo | |
Royal & Awesome Golf Polo Shirt | 5 | Elastane/Polyester | 7 | Polo | |
Three Sixty Six Golf Polo Shirts | 7 | Polyester | 8 | Polo | |
IZOD Men's Stretch Polo Shirt | 6 | Polyester | 32 | Polo | |
MOHEEN Men's Short Sleeve Golf Shirt | 7 | Polyester | 11 | Shirt | |
Three Sixty Collarless Golf Shirt | 6 | Polyester | 11 | Shirt | |
Three Sixty Six Collarless Golf Shirts | 6 | Polyester/Cotton | 5 | Shirt |
Under Armour Men’s Golf Polo
Made out of 100% polyester, this golf polo by Under Armour is one of the biggest sellers. It’s available in eleven size options, and forty-five colors, so you can order multiple shirts in a variety of colors, if you love how this shirt fits and feels when you’re on the course. The clean look also makes this shirt a good choice for off the course wear as well. The fabric is fast-drying and does a great job of wicking moisture away from the skin, so you’ll stay dry and comfortable. The fabric itself is textured, light, soft, and highly breathable, so you won’t overheat in warmer weather. Additionally, the shirt’s anti-odor technology will prevent the growth of odor-causing microbes.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Available in forty-five colors
- Perfect for on and off the course wear
Cons
- Large logo
Conclusion
Aside from the larger than average logo located on the left-hand side of the chest, these polos offer the type of low-key look that many golfers want. Additionally, the lightweight, breathable material will keep the golfer nice and dry, by pulling the moisture away from the skin, and preventing overheating in hotter weather. This polo by Under Armour is definitely a great wardrobe staple that every golfer will want in their closet.
PGA TOUR Men’s Airflux Short Sleeve Solid Polo
This PGA Tour polo, the Airflux, is a great choice for a wide range of weather conditions. The breathable material will keep the wearer cool and dry on hot days as the fabric easily allows moisture and heat to escape. The moisture-wicking technology will pull moisture away from the body, so the wearer stays cool and dry. The shirt also comes with SunFlux UPF 50 protection, which blocks out harmful UV rays, while protecting the skin from a painful sunburn.
This shirt is available in thirty-two colors and seventeen size options.
Pros
- Breathable
- Seventeen size options
- UPF 50 protection
- Made out of moisture-wicking material
Cons
- Material snags easily
Conclusion
This shirt is made for all day wear, so you can remain cool, dry, and comfortable for all eighteen holes. The shirt is made out of 100% polyester, features a breathable design, and a stylish look. This polo can be worn both on and off the course and allows you to choose from a wide range of colors and sizes, for a look and fit that will have you looking and playing your best.
Royal & Awesome Men’s Patterned Performance Short Sleeve Golf Polo Shirt
This shirt by Royal and Awesome can add more style to your wardrobe. With the different color and pattern options you can purchase multiple shirts for your wardrobe, and you’ll be set. These shirts are made out of a blend of elastane and polyester. The combination of these materials results in a shirt that’s comfortable, breathable and one that offers a more athletic fit. The shirt features a four-way stretch design that provides plenty of freedom of movement. The shirt is made from a higher percentage of polyester (89%) so you’ll enjoy many of the benefits this type of material has to offer, including improved breathability and moisture wicking capabilities.
Pros
- Seven patterns and colors to choose from
- Made out of moisture wicking material
- Four-way stretch design
- Breathable
Cons
- Only five sizes available
Conclusion
With a total of seven colors to choose from, you can go bold and pick a polo that will really make you stand out on the course. The four-way stretch design ensures you won’t be bogged down by an ill-fitting shirt, while the high-performance fabric will keep you cool and comfortable, even in hotter weather.
Three Sixty Six Golf Shirts for Men – Dry Fit Collarless Polo Shirts
A popular brand that many golfers are familiar with, Three Sixty Six has created polo shirts that are made from a type of soft jersey material that’s made out of 100% polyester. This four-way stretch fabric will keep you comfortable, cool, and dry out on the course. This type of material will not restrict your movements, so you can swing freely and easily rotate when swinging and extend fully for your follow through. If you’re tired of wearing a stiff polo on the course, then you’ll love this design.
Unlike traditional golf shirts, these polos feature a raglan, collarless design, complete with a hidden button flap and snap buttons. A standard raglan has sleeves that stretch to the collar in a one-piece design that promotes full mobility, so you’ll definitely feel like you have an edge out on the course.
Pros
- Breathable
- Four-way stretch
- Button snap closure
- Made out of 100% polyester
Cons
- Shirts run a size
Conclusion
These shirts not only offer a comfortable, flexible ft, the material used will pull sweat away from the skin, so you’ll remain dry and comfortable. The breathable design makes these polos suitable for spring and summer wear. They relaxed look also makes the shirts suitable for both on and off the course wear. Basically, these versatile polos will make a great staple in your golfing or casual wear wardrobe.
IZOD Men’s Performance Golf Polo Shirt
This short sleeve polo is available in thirty-two color options and six sizes. These polos have a very polished look with a small embroidered logo located on the left side and a clean three-button placket. Because the shirt is made out of 100% polyester, you know it’ll keep you cool and dry on the course. The material is designed to wick moisture away from the skin, which will prevent skin irritation, while keeping you cool in hotter weather. Aside from the comfortable fit, these shirts also provide UPF 15 UV protection, so you won’t have to worry about applying more sunscreen after hours on the course in hot weather.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Moisture wicking material
- Four-way stretch
- UPF 15 UV protection
Cons
- Only six sizes to choose from
Conclusion
This shirt features a four-way stretch, so your swing will not be restricted, and a breathable design that also protects your skin from harmful UV rays. Additionally, the moisture wicking material will keep you cool and dry as you make your way through all eighteen holes. With plenty of color options to choose from, and a comfortable, flexible design, you’ll find yourself turning to these polo shirts by IZOD often, whether you want something casual to wear to dinner, or you need a comfortable shirt that will keep you dry on the course.
MOHEEN Men’s Short Sleeve Golf Shirt
Moheen’s line of golf shirts for men features 50+ UPF UV protection, a classic look, and a shirt with a four-way stretch design that allows the shirt to move with you. You won’t feel any resistance when you take a swing, which is exactly what most golfers are looking for in clothes they can wear to the course. The material isn’t just stretchy, it also wicks moisture away from the skin, making this shirt a must-have during the summer. In terms of design, this golf shirt offers a classic look and an athletic fit, making it a great choice for casual wear on or off the course.
Pros
- Eleven color options
- Breathable
- Four-way stretch
- 50+ UPF UV protection
Cons
- Air dry only
Conclusion
These shirts are available in eleven color options, so you can choose colors that will fit right in with your other golf clothing, for a clean, classic look out on the course. Aside from aesthetics, these shirts will protect your skin from sun damage and irritation caused by moisture. Versatile, flexible, and breathable, this latest golf shirt by Moheen will give you a pro look for a price that’s reasonable.
Three Sixty Six Men’s Dry Fit Long Sleeve Collarless Golf Shirt
If you’re looking for clothing you can wear on those cooler mornings, then this long-sleeved collarless golf shirt by Three Sixty Six is a great choice. The shirt is made out of polyester, so it possesses the type of moisture wicking power you need, in order to stay cool and comfortable. The collarless design consists of a modern blade collar that includes a hidden button placket, for a cleaner look. At the bottom of the shirt, you’ll notice a rounded hem that allows you to leave the shirt untucked or tucked in.
Pros
- Great choice for cooler weather
- Breathable
- Hidden button placket
- Rounded hem
Cons
- Price
Conclusion
This soft material features a four-way stretch, so you won’t feel restricted when you take a swing. The shirt is designed to move with you, not against you. The long sleeve design is perfect for chilly mornings during the summer or colder temperatures during the fall and winter months. This shirt is available in six sizes and eleven color options.
Three Sixty Six Collarless Golf Shirts
As you can tell, Three Sixty Six offers a wide variety of popular golf clothing ranging from polos and pullovers to button downs and long sleeved casual wear. This long-sleeved shirt features anti-odor and dry fit technology. The material wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping you comfortable, cool, and dry. This shirt is made out of a combination of cotton and polyester, offering a softer texture, a breathable design, and a more comfortable fit.
The cut of the shirt promotes full mobility when you extend your arms, so you won’t feel restricted during follow through.
Pros
- Perfect for cooler weather
- Breathable
- Collarless design
- Anti-odor technology
Cons
- Shirts run a size large
Conclusion
This shirt is breathable, lightweight and won’t hinder your movements as you take a swing. It will also keep you warm and comfortable in cooler weather. The shirt’s form fitting cut and raglan sleeve construction is stretchy and provides the type of mobility and comfortable fit you need for a day on the course in cooler weather.
Golf Polos and Shirts Buyer’s Guide
Most courses have golfing dress codes that require players to wear a collared shirt, so before you begin shopping, it’s always a good idea to review your club’s dress code. Now, let’s take a look at design options.
Design
When discussing how shirts and polos should fit, most people know about the collars and cuffs, but most people aren’t familiar with the term placket and yoke. On a polo shirt, the yoke refers to the shirt’s back panel that goes across the shoulders. The yoke is integral to how the shirt will fit across the back. The armholes are the areas where the sleeves are attached. In some shirts, the armhole area is cut a little larger, promoting unrestricted movement. At the base of the armholes, the side seams begin, moving down to the bottom hem on each side of the shirt.
Most golf shirts have a placket on the front, which is a vertical length of fabric that the buttonholes are stitched into. A shirt with a placket front will have a fold on each side of the button row. If it’s a slim fit shirt, the sleeve length will be shorter, while the sleeve length tends to be slightly longer for shirts with a regular fit.
As you can see, there is a lot of thought put into the style and fit of a golf shirt. Each of these design options is meant to improve the golfer’s performance when they swing. How a shirt fits will play a key role in your performance on the course, since a shirt that fits too loosely or too snug can impact your range of motion.
Body Type
The goal is to choose the right body type, so you can practice putting tempo, improve your swing, and not have to worry about your shirt getting in your way.
Most golf polo and shirt manufacturers offer a couple of different shirt cuts to choose from. Before you decide on the type of fit to go with, make sure you choose the clothing based on your body type.
You’ll have 2-4 options but pay close attention to the dimensions and the body shapes they’re recommended for, in order to choose clothing that will be flattering.
Slim/Tailored
A slim tailored shirt will fit a narrow and lean body type. Men with this shape usually have narrower chests and shoulders. This fit has smaller, higher armholes. The sleeves are shorter and tighter compared to a regular fit shirt. The body of the shirt has a modern taper at the waist, with a slimmer design. The body of the shirt is also very narrow and shorter than a regular fit shirt.
Muscular
A muscular body type includes narrow hips and broad shoulders. Men with this type of physique usually have a trim waist.
Rounded
Men with a rounded body type tend to gain weight in the abdomen. When in shape, they tend to retain their stocky build, but have a more cylindrical torso.
Comfortable/Relaxed Fit
A comfortable and relaxed fit will provide a golfer with the mobility they need to practice gaining more distance, without the fit of the shirt hindering your range of motion. This type of fit has larger and lower armholes. Compared to slim fit shirts, the sleeves are longer and baggy. The body of the shirt has no taper at the waist and is much wider than a slim fit. A regular fit golf polo is longer than a slim fit shirt.
Materials
Polyester and cotton are two of the most common materials used for polo shirts. However, you’ll also come across plenty of hybrid fabrics and blends. Of course, most types will either contain cotton or polyester.
Cotton Pique
Most fashion polo shirts are made out of cotton pique. This material is made out of 100% cotton. This material is soft to the touch, eco-friendly, has a nice texture, moisture-wicking properties, and is very breathable. It’s a great material for shirts you can wear both on and off the course.
Cotton and Elastane
This material offers a feel and look that’s very similar to a cotton polo, however, there’s a percentage of elastane in these shirts, which allows for more flexibility. This results in better freedom of movement. The material has a nice texture, offers moisture-wicking properties, and is very stretchy and breathable. This type of stretch allows you to focus on your short game, moving freely.
Polyester
Shirts and polos that are made out of polyester tend to have a sportier look to them and often have more technical details. A polyester shirt also has a sheen to it. The material has a nice texture, is breathable, and designed to wick moisture away from the skin. These shirts are usually only worn on the course because of their sporty look.
Polyester and Spandex Blend
This fabric looks just like basic polyester, but it contains spandex. The addition of spandex allows the fabric to stretch and move with your body, so your swing will not feel restricted. The fabric has a nice texture, is breathable, and will wick moisture away from your skin. Just like standard polyester shirts, because of its sporty look, shirts that are made from this type of material are usually only worn on the course.
Stretch
Most golf polos and shirts will stretch two ways across the grain. Shirts with four-way stretch technology will stretch lengthwise and across. This results in better freedom of movement. You won’t feel restricted in shirts that offer a four-way stretch, regardless of how you swing or the number of layers you’re wearing.
Moisture Wicking
Moisture wicking fabric is designed to pull sweat away from the skin, to keep the player dry and comfortable. It’s much easier for sweat and water to evaporate on the fabric’s surface than when it’s wedged between the skin and the shirt.
Breathability
Regardless of the style, size, and fit, the most basic property your shirt or polo should have is breathability. Breathable material allows the material to transfer the moisture vapor through the tiny holes in the fabric. Shirts that are breathable will prevent you from overheating. Even if you’re playing golf in cold weather, overheating can be a problem once you begin walking the course and taking a few swings. As your muscles heat up and you become active, you begin to sweat. Shirts that are breathable will not cause you to sweat excessively and instead, will allow the sweat to escape from the fabric.
The Difference Between Shirts and Polos
While golf shirts and polos do share many similarities, there are some important differences between the two.
Shirts
Shirts usually have a double-stitched collar with points that are designed to lay flat. The sleeve cuffs are also double-stitched, and a shirt will usually have a pocket over the left breast. Most types are made out of 100% polyester or a 50/50 poly-cotton blend. This allows for maximum moisture wicking-capability and is designed to pull sweat away from the skin, for easy evaporation.
Polos
A polo features soft welted cuffs and a collar. The collar can be flipped up to keep the sun off the back of the wearer’s neck. The tail of these shirts is also slightly longer and designed to be tucked in. Usually, you won’t find a breast pocket. Polos are more commonly made out of knitted cotton or pima cotton. Some can also use other fibers including synthetic, wool, or silk.
How to Wear a Golf Polo
Polos can be worn off or on the course. However, despite their broad use, there are some rules to wearing a polo that can prevent you from looking sloppy on the course.
Avoid Layering a Polo
A polo that fits properly should skim the frame but shouldn’t hug it. There should not be room for another shirt. Wearing an undershirt can guarantee that it crumples at the collar or slips from under your sleeves. Polos aren’t really designed for layering, so try to avoid wearing a base layer when wearing a polo. Additionally, never wear more than one polo at a time. This has been a fashion trend as a late, but it’s definitely not the statement you want to make on the course. Basically, a polo is best suited for warmer weather and should not be part of your winter golf clothing wardrobe.
Don’t Wear a Tight-Fitting Polo
If you’re unable to slip a finger between your sleeve and bicep, you need to purchase a shirt that’s a size bigger. If there’s too much slack, then you need a shirt that’s a size smaller. A good polo shirt should be made out of lightweight material, such as cotton. Because of this lighter fabric, the polo should drape nicely over the body, without showing off too much of the body.
Size them to Your Height
Make sure the tail of the polo, when untucked, does not extend further than midway down your bottom. Not only will it show and crumple when it’s tucked in, but if left untucked, it can throw off your proportions. Additionally, avoid polos with tennis tails if you decide you want to wear your shirt untucked.
Avoid Popping Your Collar
While the collar can be popped to protect your neck from the sun, it’s not a good look. Popping your collar is a trend that should never come back. If you’re worried about a sunburn on the back of your neck, apply some sunscreen instead.
Don’t Buy Polos with Large Logos
Some polos have overly large logos. This started as a trend with some of the top brands and slowly made its way to lesser-known brands. Oversized logos are a huge eyesore and should be avoided at all costs.
There May Be Times When You Need to Tuck in Your Polo
Whether or not you should tuck your polo in can depend on the occasion or outfit. With a pair of shorts, you can leave your polo untucked. However, with a pair of chinos or slacks, you’ll want to keep your polo tucked in.
What is a High-Performance Polo?
a high-performance polo is different from a standard polo. Models that are designed for playing golf can be worn on and off the course, but they’re specifically engineered to allow the wearer to enjoy a wider range of motion. Additionally, these shirts are designed to wick moisture away from the body. In many cases, these shirts will be made from a synthetic blend of materials that are designed for the active wearer.
Neck and Collar
You don’t need to worry about the size of the collar, since most are pretty standard across all brands. Just be sure the collar isn’t too small.
However, you’ll want to pay close attention to the buttons. You’ll want to make sure that the buttons do not end further then at the top of the armpits. If the buttons run down longer, it will make the polo look like a deep V neck, if you ever decide to leave it unbuttoned.
Leaving one or two buttons left unbuttoned helps to frame the wearer’s face better. When you’re trying on polos, make sure you unfasten the top two buttons to see how the neck opening rests against your body. You’ll want to avoid the opening and collar lying completely flat on your chest.
Instead, it should stand up a little and have some structure to it.
Sleeves
Ideally, the sleeves should lightly hug your arms and hit around mid-bicep. Some will have a ribbed band located at the bottom of the sleeve where it will hug the arm a little tighter. Regardless of this, the sleeves should not be too tight. You will also want to avoid any slack or bunching around the bicep. This makes the shirt look cheap and can make your arms look smaller than they are.
Body
Make sure that when you pinch the fabric on the body of the shirt, you’re able to pull one to two inches of fabric on each side of your stomach. This applies to every body type.
Length
A polo should end between the mid or upper crotch. Ideally it should be closer to mid-crotch, so it can prevent showing off your stomach if you have to raise both arms. This length also allows you to lightly tuck it into your pants.
Tails
Most designers have gotten rid of tails. However, if the shirt you purchase does have a tail, make sure that the back part isn’t more than a couple of inches longer than the front of the shirt.
Final Thoughts
This guide includes many of the most popular golf shirts and polos on the market, made by some of the biggest names in golf. Each type may not work for you, your style, or your body type, but the perfect polo or shirt will offer the kind of quality you want and a fit that’s crucial to your performance on the course.
Now that you know more about how to choose the best golf polos and shirts, how to pick a style that will flatter your body and give you a pro look on the course, you can get started putting together your spring and summer wardrobe, so you’ll be sure to stand out from the other golfers, for all the right reasons.