What is a Golf Shirt? Golf Polos Explained by Galvin Green
You wouldn’t be wrong for assuming that a golf shirt is the same as a polo shirt: after all, both have a collar, often a pocket, and is a style frequently seen on the golf course. But interestingly, the golf shirt actually has a storied history, from the Indian aristocratic tradition to the British take on a collared button-down. However you view a golf shirt, it’s both practical yet sophisticated—an icon of the golf world, with good reason.
What is a golf shirt?
Put simply, there are three key factors of a golf shirt that distinguish it from a polo shirt:
- Fabric: Golf shirts are typically made with a sports performance fabric designed to wick away sweat and keep the wearer cool on the course. On the flip side, polo shirts are almost always made from a cotton or cotton-blend fabric.
- Sleeves: Polo shirts are typically thought of as having short sleeves, and while the same is true of golf shirts, there are long-sleeved golf shirts available, too.
- Fit and Silhouette: Golf shirts are often more closely fitted, while polo shirts can range from narrow to oversized or relaxed.
Why do golfers wear golf polo shirts?
In theory, a golfer can wear a polo shirt, but in reality, a purpose-designed golf shirt has additional features that make it better suited to a round of golf.
For instance, some golf clubs may stipulate in their dress code that a button-up collar is required, and many regular polo shirts do not have one. What’s more, a regular polo shirt might lack the special features needed for a high-performance round on the course—and as you can imagine, golf can be a long game, requiring stamina, consistency and high concentration. The last thing you want is for a wardrobe issue to distract you from your game.
Difference between golf shirts and polo shirts
The main difference between a golf and a polo shirt is fabric. In many instances, polo shirts are made from 100% cotton, or a cotton-blend, whereas due to their performance requirements, golf shirts are normally made from fabric blends or high-tech synthetics.
What’s more, a golf shirt normally has a double-stitched collar that is meant to lay flat, while a polo shirt has a softer, welted collar and cuffs; the collar can normally be worn turned up if needed, to keep the sun off the wearer’s neck. In addition to cotton blends, polo shirts are often seen as a fashion item, offered in silk, merino wool, or piqué knit cotton for that traditional ‘seeded’ look.
Different types of golf shirts
When it comes to different types of golf shirts, fit is key. A regular-fit golf shirt is comfortable, traditional, and will generally offer most body types the mobility needed for a smooth swing. A regular-fit golf shirt usually has lower, larger armholes, with slightly baggier sleeves and a wider, longer body. A slim, tailored-fit golf shirt, on the other hand, has higher, smaller armholes, with sleeves that are tighter and shorter, too. The body of the shirt is usually slimmer, with a taper to the waist.
There are also differences in golf shirts when it comes to sleeve length, which is covered in more detail below.
Short sleeved golf shirts
A classic choice, you can’t go wrong with a short-sleeved golf shirt. Look for high-tech features that will allow you to have the best possible experience on the golf course: think wicking, quick-dry fabrics and breathable materials that are comfortable to wear. Depending on your golf club’s dress code, you can also opt for a style with a tailored or knitted collar, with or without buttons, and different kinds of sleeve trims. This navy blue golf shirt features knit collar and cuffs, and has an allover print.
Long sleeved golf shirts
Not surprisingly, a long-sleeved golf shirt is the optimum choice if you’re hitting the links on a cooler day or in rainy conditions. Regardless of the forecast, you’ll still want to look for premium fabric features such as breathability, moisture-wicking ability and UV protection.
Women’s sleeveless golf shirts
While ladies have the option of wearing a short-sleeved or long-sleeved women’s golf shirt, they also have a third choice: a sleeveless golf shirt. These are exactly as they sound: a polo shirt with a button-up collar and generally the same fabric properties as sleeved varieties — simply without sleeves. This pink golf shirt features a piped front placket and is made from a soft, stretchy material. Not surprisingly, sleeveless shirts are a great option if you’re hitting a golf course in very hot weather.
Printed, solid, bold or classic colors
When it comes to golf shirt style, the sky, as they say, is the limit. A golf shirt is an opportunity to showcase your personal style, so feel free to embrace colors, bold prints or graphic motifs. Sure, some golf course dress codes may require that a certain color is adhered to on the links, but do check, and if not, why not have a bit of fun with your attire? There’s no need to stick to black, navy blue, cream or white golf shirts when you can opt for pink, purple, yellow or even a printed number.
Embroidered logos
Some brands and golf clubs emblazon their golf shirts with an embroidered logo, which adds a small flourish and can also help others identify which golf course you belong to. Increasingly, the placement of these can vary: from the traditional left chest area to the back of the neck to the collar, and even the sleeves themselves. As with any dress code, check with your golf club for any limitations or rules around showing off logos; if there are none, then feel free to showcase your brand allegiances.
Materials used in golf shirts
It goes without saying that the best golf shirts are made from high-tech fabrics—materials that have innovation and research behind them, allowing for maximum breathability, soft, lightweight comfort, stretch, and even some sun protection. Even if you’re not planning a round of golf in a particular hot climate, most golf shirts are also made from quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabric for increased comfort.
What to wear if you don’t own a golf shirt
Clearly, if you haven’t yet invested in a professional golf shirt, a polo shirt is a suitable backup. Just ensure it has a collar and is long enough to be tucked into your golf trousers, shorts or skirt.
How to wear a golf shirt
Certainly, you can wear a polo shirt in place of a golf shirt if you’re hitting the links. However, for a truly professional look that may also help your game, it’s definitely worth considering a proper golf shirt. Wear yours tucked neatly into golf pants or golf shorts, or for women, into a golf skirt, finish with appropriate golf shoes and a golf hat, and you’re ready to go.
How a golf shirt should fit
When it comes to fit, you have options. For a more contemporary take on golfwear, consider a narrow, slim-fit shirt, with narrow, shorter sleeves to balance the look. If comfort is more key, a regular-fit golf shirt is a great option: just be sure to tuck it in to keep your overall silhouette streamlined and neat.
Bear in mind that a golf shirt should never be overly baggy: the goal is to look professional and tidy, not as if you’re playing a round of golf in streetwear.
Wearing a golf shirt outside of golf
If you’re attending an event that calls for a smart casual dress code, or business casual, a golf shirt is a great choice thanks to their general fit and built-in collar. Worn tucked into trousers, under a blazer and finished with dress shoes, it’s a look that’s smart and comfortable. For children, a kid’s golf shirt is a great wardrobe essential: formal enough for those occasions that might call for something more spiffy (annual family photos perhaps?), without costing a fortune or becoming something that’s never worn more than once.
How to care for a golf shirt
The key to maintaining a smart, immaculate appearance when you’re wearing a golf shirt is to ensure it’s free of wrinkles. If you’ve pulled out a golf shirt that’s covered in folds, be sure to give it an iron or steam to ensure they all fall out.
If you can, hang your golf shirts to avoid them gathering wrinkles in your drawer; however, if this isn’t possible—and in truth, most people do seem to fold their golf shirts—simply fold them very neatly in the first place (using a shirt folding board if you can) and check and shake them out often. Many high-tech golf shirts will be made from crease-resistant fabrics, but a quick steam or iron will give them a polished look.
How to pack a golf shirt
Travel is a common occurrence for the avid golfer: what better way to experience a new country or culture than by planning your trip around an incredible course? Of course, with travel comes the need to pack golf clothes, and when it comes to golf shirts, they’re definitely best rolled. How to do this? Follow these golf trip essentials:
- Start by laying your shirt flat on its front.
- Next, fold both sleeves in so they overlap slightly but are also flat.
- Holding the bottom hem of the shirt, fold the shirt up so that the hem meets the shoulders.
- Finally, with the front collar facing out, roll the shirt up from the folded bottom.
How to wash a golf shirt
As with all specialty performance fabrics, reading the care instructions is imperative. Putting a performance golf shirt with moisture-wicking abilities in the dryer or on a hot wash may reduce its efficacy or ruin the fibers that allow it to perform its technical function. If you’re ever in doubt, wash your golf shirt in cold water or a gentle wash and avoid using the dryer.
Summary
Clearly, a golf shirt is one of the most important pieces in your golf wardrobe—and there’s a lot to know about this key item. From the difference between a golf shirt and a polo shirt to how to style it and what to look for in terms of technical features, it’s an important foundation item in every golfer’s wardrobe.
Have other questions about what to wear for a game of golf? Check out What to Wear Golfing: Golf Dress Codes and Appropriate Fashion for men’s golf attire and What to Wear Golfing for Women: Female Golf Dress Code.
