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Golf is seeing its biggest boom since a young man named Eldrick Woods burst onto the scene in the late ’90s. The “Tiger Effect” has been well-documented—how TV viewership increased exponentially, with eyeballs glued to the screen waiting for Woods’s patented fist pump; how many started picking up clubs in an attempt to emulate one of golf’s all-time greats.
While still popular, particularly among a certain breed of men, golf became the go-to sport or hobby for millions—myself included—during the height of the pandemic in 2020, and it hasn’t slowed down since. Not only are more people getting into golf but, more importantly, the industry is changing because of it.
What used to be considered the best golf shirts and pants of yesteryear are long gone. The days of stiff and starchy khakis and plain polos have been replaced with high-performance fabrics, eye-popping colors and patterns and all-day versatility. Today’s golfer has style, swagger and confidence. Now they just need a game to match; I speak from personal experience, as I dust off my clubs from high school and begin to fall in love with the game again.
With countless exciting brands disrupting and diversifying the space, golf fashion and culture is hotter than ever. Which means there’s no excuse to not look good on a golf course—especially with the best golf shirts at your fingertips. Improving your short game, on the other hand, is a different story.
Best Overall Golf Shirt
Peter Millar Journeyman Short Sleeve Polo
Athletic yet fashionable, Peter Millar’s Journeyman short sleeve polo is made from 100 percent pure pima cotton, offering wearers as much comfort as it does style. Available in more than 10 colors, from blue frost to sunflower and misty rose, this style features slub texture for that lived-in casual feel—perfect for pairing with comfortable khakis on the course or jeans and loafers off it.
Material: Pima cotton.
Fit: Tailored.
Most Breathable Golf Shirt
TravisMathew Heating Up Golf Polo
Material: Polyester and spandex blend.
Fit: Classic.
Most Eye-Catching Golf Shirt
Bad Birdie Drippity Drip Polo
Material: Polyester and spandex.
Fit: Athletic.
Best Collarless Golf Shirt
Adidas Textured Stripe Shirt
Material: Polyester piqué.
Fit: Standard.
Best Happy-Hour Golf Shirt
FootJoy Transfusion Print Lisle Self Collar Polo
Material: Polyester and spandex.
Fit: Classic.
Best UV-Resistant Golf Shirt
Bonobos The Tour Golf Polo
Material: Polyester and spandex.
Fit: Slim or standard.
Most Comfortable Golf Shirt
Lululemon Stretch Golf Polo
Material: Polyester and lycra elastane.
Fit: Standard.
Best Quick-Drying Golf Shirt
Nike Dri-FIT Tour Golf Polo
Material: Polyester, spandex and lyocell.
Fit: Classic.
Best Long-Sleeve Golf Shirt
Bogey Boys Crushed Velour Long Sleeve Polo
Ben Haggerty, better known as Macklemore, went from the thrift shop to the clubhouse with the launch of his golf and lifestyle brand, Bogey Boys, in 2021. Inspired by standout golf fashion throughout history—from Chi Chi Rodriguez’s straw hats to Arnold Palmer’s cardigans to Payne Stewart’s knickers tucked into his argyle socks—Bogey Boys helps golfers proudly display their style and swagger on the course. Honestly, what cool cat wouldn’t want to be ensconced in velour on the golf course?
Material: Polyester, rayon and spandex.
Fit: Relaxed.
Best Golf Sweater Shirt
Malbon Yacht Club Sweater Polo
Material: Wool and cashmere.
Fit: Classic.
Best Golf for Summer Shirt
Passionwin Golf Polo
Limited Edition – a unique style which been launched ahead of this season’s first major
Material: Wool and Jersey.
Fit: Classic.
What to Consider Before Buying the Best Golf Shirts:
With a multitude of things to consider ahead of each and every shot on the golf course—from club selection and distance to weather conditions and how many hot dogs you should buy at the turn (at least two, right?)—the last thing you want to worry about is “Why did I wear this?” This is why I broke down key factors to look out for in a golf shirt.
Material: One of the major factors in ensuring you made the right purchase is material. If you’re buying a new golf polo, making sure your shirt is serving its function properly is crucial. Strict cotton polos, though great, are a thing of the past; many brands are now favoring a mix of more breathable and stretchier fabrics such as polyester and nylon. These synthetic fibers are made to wick away moisture and keep you cool, because the last thing you want is to be drenched in sweat or soaking wet from a passing storm for the next 12 holes.
Fit: Probably equally as important to the shirt’s material is its fit. You’ll perform your best when you’re comfortable and not having to tuck in your polo after every shot or are dealing with baggy outerwear cramping your style and, most importantly, your swing. Fit is obviously subjective, so find what you feel the best and most confident in without restricting your on-course performance.
Style: Finally, buyers should consider style when purchasing golf shirts and tops. With so many brands entering the space, golfers have an endless selection of fun and exciting shirts to feel confident and showcase personality. Sure, not everyone will wear a hot-pink polo with cheetahs on it, but not everyone wants a plain white polo with nothing more than a brand logo on the chest, either. What you wear relays as much about your golf game and personality as does your attempted flop shot.