Stay Stylish on & Off the Green with These Golf Shirts for Men
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About Golf Shirts
There are few things in life that can be as frustrating and mind-numbing as golf, especially if you’re not the best at it. Whether you love golf or hate it, depending on your level of play, there is no doubt that you need something to perk up your wardrobe while you’re out playing — something versatile so that you can mix and match different looks.
When it comes to staying classy for golf season, this article will show you what has become the most popular option for professionals on the course and fans off of it: polo shirts.
Polo shirts are a staple in the golf and fashion world, especially in professional circles. In fact, there is another word for polo shirts: preppy. Polo shirts have been around since at least the 1920s, having first been worn by British gentlemen on polo ponies.
However, polo’s ties to golf are much stronger than its ties to England: the late American designer Ralph Lauren was among the first to bring couture-inspired looks to America’s rich and famous when he launched his label Polo Ralph Lauren (of which Dapper Dan is a well-known namesake) in 1967.
Polo shirts are so popular that they’ve even been referred to by the media as the “golf uniform,” a phrase which actually originated with Ralph Lauren and his first line of polos, which were available in navy blue and white with matching pique collars.
Today, polo shirts are available in a variety of different colors, prints and fabrics. Some of the most expensive polos can even be custom-made for you to ensure that you’re wearing your best on the course. It should be noted, however, that the traditional version of a polo shirt is typically made from cotton twill — a woven fabric made from cotton and synthetic fibres.
As the name might suggest, this fabric is resistant to wrinkles and creases, and it’s also breathable. Faded cotton twill is best for wearing on the course because it breathes well and won’t absorb sweat.
It’s easy to spot a polo shirt from a mile away. Of all of the polo shirts available on the market today, they typically have a button-down collar with a short sleeve (which means that you can wear them in hot weather as well). The body of the shirt will typically look like an inverted hourglass shape: wider at chest level and narrower at the shoulders. In some cases, polo shirts may feature three buttons at the collar.
Other than the collar, you’ll also see that polo shirts will typically have a placket running down the front of the shirt. Some polos will have a placket as well as two buttons at the cuff (instead of four). Typically this design is reserved for men’s sweaters, but in some cases a sleek dress shirt also features this style. The placket will feature half-circles or vertical lines that run diagonally from one side of the shirt to another.
Polo shirts are typically made from a variety of different fabrics, but the most common ones are silk or oxford cloth. Silk is favored for its luxurious quality, and it’s made from a fine thread that’s worked into a fabric by weaving. Oxford cloth is also typical of polos, and it’s made from cotton only. Unlike twill polos, oxford cloth will not tend to wrinkle after putting on or taking off your shirt numerous times during the course of a single play.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic polo shirt or you prefer a more modern version with custom buttons, you can be sure to find one from our top 5 pick golf shirts for men!
AT A GLANCE – THE TOP 5 GOLF SHIRTS (SEE ON AMAZON) | |
1. TOP PICK: Lacoste Men's Short Sleeve Pique Polo Shirt | |
1. TOP PICK: Lacoste Men's Short Sleeve Pique Polo Shirt | |
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
This polo shirt is made from 100% cotton, which makes it a nice choice for warmer weather. It features a seam down the middle of the placket, as well as two buttons on the sleeve cuffs. The shoulder seams slope to create a wide armhole, which allows for greater freedom of movement while playing golf and keeps your shoulders from getting sore from hot weather. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“Ten years ago I bought my son a black one of these for his 24th birthday. He wore it to every casual special occasion and it was clearly his favorite shirt. It took a long time to fade and held up to multiple washings. So I decided to surprise him with a special gift delivered to his office. I sent him this (black) shirt and a pair of black Lacoste Carnaby Evo shoes to match. Once again, it’s his favorite outfit. He wears a medium, so I sent him the size four.” | |
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2. BEST ALL-WEATHER: Adidas Men's Primeknit Golf Polo Shirt | |
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
Adidas continues to bring us great new takes on polo shirts, and this Primeknit version is no different. It combines performance and comfort by using a seamless design that allows for maximum stretch at the waistline of the shirt. The split placket on this polo is accentuated with an eye-catching 3 stripe detail down its center, providing a unique look that will have you turning heads on the golf course. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“Wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the lack of a collar but this is a great shirt. Nicely made and love the fit. $90 seems a little steep but will not be returning it. Really like it.” | |
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3. BEST UV PROTECT: Coolibar UPF 50+ Men's Erodym Long Sleeve Golf Polo | |
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
This is the perfect shirt for avid golfers during scorching summer months. The UPF 50+ sun protective abilities of this shirt make it great for long days on the links, and its comfort fit means that you won’t have to worry about it feeling too tight or constricting. The soft cotton fabric will wick away sweat to keep you cool while you’re out on the course, and its Erodym technology lets it dry fast after a long day in the sun. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“No complaints about this shirt. Nice construction and equally impressed with the fabric. Fits well. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. For reference I bought a Large size. 6 ft tall/ 178” | |
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4. BEST BUDGET: Adidas Men's Heat.rdy Striped Polo Shirt | |
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
The Adidas Heat.rdy Polo is a new and refreshing take on the traditional polo shirt design. It features eye-catching heathered stripes that run down its sleeves and across its chest, and the stripes are available in either light grey or dark grey depending on your personal style. This shirt is easily one of the most stylish polos on the market today, with its unique print weighing in as a strong point for this product. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“Might be a little close fitting for actual golf, but for office wear, this shirt fits and drapes beautifully. looks flattering on, if you're halfway in shape. my only dislike is they seem to be discontinuing it or something, they need more colors in Large! “
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5. FOR THE FASHIONISTA: Hugo Boss Men's Paddy Pro Short Sleeve Polo Shirt | |
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
If you want a classic style polo shirt that is also suitable for the golf course, then look no further than this Hugo Boss shirt. The cotton-based fabric with which it’s made is durable and breathable, while still maintaining its soft hand. The dark navy color of the buttons contrasts nicely against the light grey placket, as well as the fabric itself. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“Great looking leisure dressy shirt, fits well.” | |
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100% Cotton 
Doesn’t fade. Still looks good as new when you first bought it. 
Small sizing, might want to size up 
Collars fold up constantly so you have to adjust them through the day. Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re thinking about buying a new golf shirt but have some questions on the topic, then you’ve come to the right section! Here are some common questions that we get asked about golf shirts. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, then feel free to send us an email. We love helping our readers and will be happy to provide any advice we can.
1. Are golf shirts collared?
No, not all of them are. Collared shirts typically come in two varieties: polo shirts and button-down shirts.
2. What sort of collars are there for polo shirts?
There are a few different collars that you’ll find on a polo shirt. Some collars, like the one pictured above, feature a narrow fabric collar that sits flat against your neck. Others come with a standard collar that sits upright and fits more around your chin.
3. If I’ve got an open collar on my polo shirt, then how am I supposed to know when to button up the collar? Should I always button it?
Open collars are typically nice for summertime wear as they allow for air flow while you play. During the spring and fall, though, you may want to button your collar on a polo shirt. A button-down collar provides extra warmth for cooler weather.
4. Why do people say “button-down” instead of polo?
Some people refer to “button-down” shirts as polo shirts. While both types are collared, they are actually different from one another. Polo shirts usually feature short sleeves and a flat collar while button-down shirts feature long sleeves and an upright collar.
5. Why do people say “button-down” instead of polo?
The button-down collar is actually made by matching a button in the front and back of the shirt. The two buttons are then sewn together to create a decorative collar.
6. How do I avoid wearing my tie too high?
Some people like their ties to be very high, while others would rather keep their tie low. In order to get the look you want, you can adjust your tie by lowering it at the back and/or tying it lower in the front. This will prevent it from slipping up your shirt while also preventing your neck from getting uncomfortable.
