I’ve had a lot of bad golf outfits.
My first time golfing, I wore cargo shorts, regular sneakers, and a short-sleeve button-down. Not only was the outfit cringe-worthy, it also didn’t perform well in the summer heat.
I got closer to a good golf outfit the next time I went, this time sporting khaki shorts, athletic sneakers, and a cotton polo from Kohl’s.
I had some of the form down for a functional and fashionable golf ‘fit, but none of the function. Heavy cotton doesn’t do you any favors on a hot day, and after the 4th hole I was drenched in sweat.
It was only when one of my friends showed up wearing a cotton and polyester-blend golf shirt that I realized how much I was missing out. The fabric stretched and flexed without needing readjustment, and was breathable enough to keep him cool for 18 holes.
Excited to not have my golf game hampered by heavy and inflexible shirts, I went on a hunt for the best golf shirts that money could buy.
I’ve unpacked the six best golf shirts for men of the year below so you can focus more on your game and less on your comfort.
My Recommendations
Best Overall: Fresh Clean Threads Torrey Polo
Formerly known as Fresh Clean Tees, Fresh Clean Threads brings their formidable expertise in t-shirts to polos that perform well on and off the course.
When it comes to choosing a good golf shirt, my top criteria are the shirt’s fabric, its fit, and the price. The Torrey Polo nails all three through the use of their StratuSoft cotton-polyester fabric blend, a relaxed cut that doesn’t restrict movement, and bargain prices.
The StratuSoft fabric is made with the brand’s proprietary fabric softening process, which makes these polos buttery soft to wear for a whole 18 holes in intense heat. And if you need even more moisture wicking or oder fighting, their Performance Polo is made of an innovative combination of polyester, spandex, and lyocell.
Every Fresh Clean Thread polo is light, breathable, and built to last through colors that don’t fade and fabric that will barely shrink.
Best of all, you can pick up a pack for less than $25 per shirt.
What I Like
- The shirt’s fabric is super soft, only shrinks less than 5%, and the color won’t fade.
- These shirts are considerably more affordable than competing golf shirts.
- The shirt is cut loose enough to allow unhindered movement, but isn’t baggy.
What I Don’t Like
- I’m honestly struggling to find anything, they’re great value at this price point.
What Other Reviewers Say
These golf shirts have great reviews overall. Happy golfers said that the shirts have a little extra room in all the right places, and even guys with bulky shoulders or barrel chests didn’t have an issue with the fit. Other guys loved how soft and comfortable the shirts are.
Of the few negative reviews I could find, a few guys said that the polo material was slightly thinner than they expected, but most guys appreciated that this kept them cool and comfortable.
The Verdict
It’s hard to find golf shirts that have the ideal balance of quality fabric, fit, and price, but the Torrey Polo nails it, which is why they earn our overall pick as the best golf shirt for men.
A great work polo shouldn’t be distracting. You want comfort, a clean look, and the ability to tuck your shirt in. It helps if you look dang good in it, too. The Fresh Clean Threads Torrey polo comes in a variety of neutral colors, plus white and black if you need those to fit your dress code at work.
Most Breathable: Travis Mathew Heating Up GOLF Polo
For those of us who are exceptionally talented at producing body heat, a breathable golf shirt can make a serious difference in the game.
When the weather heats up and your body follows suit, if you’re wearing a heavy cotton golf shirt you’re going to be focused on the fact that it feels like you’re in an oven and not on driving the ball straight down the fairway.
With a breathable golf shirt, though, sweat doesn’t build up and the gentle breeze rolls through the shirt and cools you from within, letting you focus your whole energy on crushing the next swing.
Our favorite breathable golf shirt is Travis Mathew’s Heating Up GOLF Polo. Aptly named for the hot conditions we often find ourselves in while golfing, this polo is designed to keep you cool through a polyester and spandex blend that encourages airflow.
This fabric also has 4-way stretch, so you don’t have to worry about the shirt getting in the way of a good swing.
The Heating Up Golf Polo also has built-in collar stays that help keep the collar’s shape and place, so the shirt won’t look like it’s been through war after you wash it.
What I Like
- The polyester and spandex fabric blend is super stretchy, soft, and breathable.
- The built-in collar stays help keep the collar neat and tidy, which is often a problem spot for polos in general.
- The fabric is wrinkle-resistant, which makes it good for traveling.
What I Don’t Like
- Very few color options overall.
What Other Reviewers Say
These golf shirts don’t have many reviews, but every review I could find was positive. Lots of guys love how stretchy, comfortable, breathable, and light the shirts are, and most mentioned that the shirts won’t shrink after a wash and dry cycle.
The Verdict
Although there aren’t many colors to choose from for these golf polos, they’re a great choice for anyone who wants a stretchy, breathable golf shirt that will keep its shape and not shrink after a few washes.
Although there aren’t many colors to choose from for these golf polos, they’re a great choice for anyone who wants a stretchy, breathable golf shirt that will keep its shape and not shrink after a few washes.
Best Moisture-Wicking: Nike Dri-FIT Tour Polo
Excessive sweating can ruin any good game of golf. If this sounds like your typical experience, it’s high time for you to get a golf shirt that’s equipped to handle the slip and slide you call your back.
Nike’s Dri-FIT Tour Polo is a great choice here. These golf shirts are made with recycled polyester, spandex, and lyocell and use Nike’s proprietary Dri-FIT technology to quickly move sweat away from your skin for faster evaporation.
This fabric is also stretchy and lightweight, which makes for unhindered movement whether your shirt is tucked or untucked. Speaking of which, Nike cut this shirt to be worn tucked-in or untucked, which I appreciate.
Best of all, there’s a mesh portion around the base of the collar that allows for extra airflow along the base of your neck, which goes a long way in keeping you cool and dry during hot weather.
What I Like
- These shirts look sharp and stylish, and the Dri-FIT technology helps keep moisture from building up on your skin or in your shirt.
- The mesh portion of the collar goes a long way in keeping you cool overall.
- Thes golf shirts can be worn tucked or untucked, and come in understated, pastel colors that look great.
What I Don’t Like
- For guys that like to stand out and make a statement on the course, there aren’t really any unique color options available.
What Other Reviewers Say
Guys love these golf shirts. Lots of reviewers mentioned that the fit wasn’t too tight and wasn’t too loose, and allowed for the perfect amount of movement, and others loved the style and construction enough to wear these polos to work.
There are very few negative reviews for these shirts, but a few guys said that the green color they ordered didn’t match the product photos.
The Verdict
If sweating and moisture buildup has been your Achilles heel when it comes to golf, Nike’s Dri-FIT Tour Polo will help out your game. It’s sleek, stylish, great at keeping you dry, and has a mesh vent around the neck for extra airflow.
If sweating and moisture buildup has been your Achilles heel when it comes to golf, Nike’s Dri-FIT Tour Polo will help out your game. It’s sleek, stylish, great at keeping you dry, and has a mesh vent around the neck for extra airflow.
Best Budget Pick: Amazon Essentials Quick-Dry Golf Polo Shirt
If you’ve read this far in the article and have yet to come across a polo that seems even remotely affordable, this should help.
Coming in at just $19 you’ll be hard pressed to find a more affordable golf shirt that’s actually worth considering. And it’s not some cheap throaway. The Amazon Essentials Quick-Dry Golf Polo Shirt has some decent specs and a host of color choices to choose from.
These polos are made from 100% polyester fabric, which brings quick-dry properties to the table and also keeps the shirt breathable. Amazon also makes this fabric with UPF 50 sun protection, which helps ensure you don’t get sunburned through your shirt.
These are made with a regular cut for maximum freedom of movement, and also feature unbanded cuffs that will stretch at the far reaches of your swing.
What I Like
- These golf shirts are super affordable compared to the competition.
- The UPF 50 sun protection built into the polyester fabric protects my skin and gives me peace of mind during later tee times.
- The fabric is light and dries quickly, and comes in a huge selection of colors and patterns.
What I Don’t Like
- There’s no distinctive branding on the left chest area to make for a more stylish outfit.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Amazon Essentials Quick-Dry Polos boast an impressive amount of positive reviews. Satisfied guys love how the shirts fit, the large number of colors to choose from, the moisture-wicking and quick-dry properties, and how affordable they are.
The most common negative reviews had to do with the shirts having lighter fabric than expected, and some shirts that started to look worn after a few washes.
The Verdict
I’m not surprised that these shirts aren’t known for being super durable—you get what you pay for. That said, if you need a quick polo fix to play golf, or to wear something lighter than cotton, these polos are perfect for starting out and easy on your wallet.
I’m not surprised that these shirts aren’t known for being super durable—you get what you pay for. That said, if you need a quick polo fix to play golf, or to wear something lighter than cotton, these polos are perfect for starting out and easy on your wallet.
Best Color Selection: Stitch Golf Atlantic Stripe Polo
If you’re after a polo that screams “New England prep” style, Stitch Golf’s Atlantic Stripe Polo is for you.
Featuring super thin stripes and a neat, modern fit that looks tidy and allows for full movement, these golf shirts are also an excellent choice for outings away from the golf course.
The Atlantic Stripe Polos are made with a polyester and spandex jersey fabric blend that’s stretchy, soft, and super breathable. These shirts are also equipped with UPF 50 sun protection, and also have antimicrobial properties that will prevent odor build-up in hot conditions.
The collar has a self-stay feature that’s made possible by under buttons, and these go a long way in keeping your overall outfit neat and your collar tidy.
Best of all, there’s a wide variety of stripe color combinations to choose from, whether you’re feeling reserved and classic, or want to step out with a statement.
What I Like
- The stripes give a classic, preppy feel and the color combinations let you keep it classy or have some fun.
- The under buttons easily keep the collar in place and keep the sleek profile of a modern golf outfit.
- The fabric is light, stretchy, and breathable, and the antimicrobial properties help prevent stinky sweat build-up.
What I Don’t Like
- The modern fit might be a little too slim for heavier guys.
What Other Reviewers Say
These shirts are well loved by golfers of all ages. Tons of guys said they like the fit more than every other golf shirt they’ve ever tried, and many also said that the shirts wash well, without getting beat up or deteriorating quickly.
There are actually no bad reviews for this product, which is very impressive.
The Verdict
The Stitch Golf Atlantic Polo will bring you to the country club in classic style, but it’s not all about the looks. The antimicrobial fabric is light, breathable, and keeps you from smelling like a bog after the 9th hole.
While they’re not the cheapest golf shirts out there, they hit all the major buying points if you value quality and classic golf shirt styling.
These golf shirts will bring you to the country club in classic style, but it’s not all about the looks. The antimicrobial fabric is light, breathable, and keeps you from smelling like a bog after the 9th hole. While they're not the cheapest golf shirts out there, they hit all the major buying points if you value quality and classic golf shirt styling.
Best Regular Fit: Under Armour Tech Golf Polo
A lot of guys experience the Goldilocks problem when it comes to polos: either they’re too tight or too loose. They’re never just right.
Under Armour’s Tech Golf Polo changes this, with a regular, modern fit that aims to hit the sweet spot between slim and loose.
These golf polos are made from 100% polyester fabric that has a textured finish to make them more breathable, moisture-wicking, and light. This fabric also gives them quick-dry properties, which works hand-in-hand with the moisture-wicking feature.
The Tech Golf Polo comes in a huge selection of vibrant, intense colors to help you stand out, and they’re surprisingly well-priced at $30 a pop, which makes them cheaper than the vast majority of the competition.
What I Like
- The fit is perfect if you’re looking for something with a modern cut, right between a regular and slim cut.
- The textured, polyester fabric is moisture-wicking and quick-drying.
- Their color options are vibrant and give you the chance to express yourself.
What I Don’t Like
- There are no collar stays or inserts to help keep it looking neat.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Under Armour Tech Golf Polo has great reviews overall. Guys love the fit so much that they frequently wear it outside of golf activities, like work and happy hours. Other guys loved the colors and how soft and breathable the fabric is.
A few guys had sizing issues with their shirts, but were able to easily exchange them for a different size, free of charge.
The Verdict
While these golf shirts might not have the refined details of the more premium options, they’re hard to beat for the price. Under Armour’s Tech Polo is a great choice if you’re looking for a modern cut golf polo with fun colors and an affordable price point.
While these golf shirts might not have the refined details of the more premium options, they’re hard to beat for the price. Under Armour’s Tech Polo is a great choice if you’re looking for a modern cut golf polo with fun colors and an affordable price point.
3 Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Golf Shirt
1. The Fabric
The primary difference between a golf shirt and regular polo is the fabric. While most quality polos are made from 100% cotton fabric, you want to steer clear of these for golf because cotton doesn’t breathe well, wick sweat, or stretch too far.
Look for golf shirts that are made from polyester, elastane, and/or spandex fabric. These will stretch, breathe, wick moisture, and dry more quickly than cotton, all of which will keep you more comfortable out on the links.
2. The Fit
Most golf shirts are cut to have a more relaxed fit, which allows for greater freedom of movement and maximum rotation through your swing, but not all are like this. Some guys prefer a tighter fit for style purposes or comfort, so make sure to check how a shirt fits before buying it.
Many golf companies have caught onto the fact that guys want a shirt that’s not too tight but not too loose, and have started to create shirts with modern, regular cuts that taper slightly for a balanced fit.
3. The Price
Golf isn’t a cheap hobby, and unfortunately that expense often extends to golf apparel as well. Many of the more premium golf shirts come in around $100, but if you’re looking to make an investment in a high-performing garment, you likely won’t be disappointed.
If you’re on a budget or just don’t care to drop that much on a shirt you’re not planning to wear too often, there are some great budget options as well, like Fresh Clean Thread’s Torrey Polo and Under Armour’s Tech Golf Polo.
Hit the Links
Between these six golf shirts, you shouldn’t have any issues finding one that addresses your pain points and helps up your game.
If you’re looking to get a quality golf shirt that doesn’t cost much, has moisture-wicking, quick-dry, breathable fabric, and has a modern, relaxed fit, I recommend Fresh Clean Thread’s Torrey Polos.
A great work polo shouldn’t be distracting. You want comfort, a clean look, and the ability to tuck your shirt in. It helps if you look dang good in it, too. The Fresh Clean Threads Torrey polo comes in a variety of neutral colors, plus white and black if you need those to fit your dress code at work.
Guys who frequently play in hot weather, or just run hot themselves, will be well-served by Travis Mathew’s Heating Up Polo, which is my pick for the most breathable golf shirt.
Some guys just happen to sweat a lot, and if that sounds like you or you’re interested in a shirt that wicks moisture away from your skin so it can evaporate quickly, go with Nike’s Dri-FIT Tour Polo.
If you’re on a strict budget, you can’t go wrong with Amazon Essential’s Quick-Dry Golf Polo, which is made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric and only costs about $20.
Guys who want to keep a classic, preppy style and have some great color choices should check out Stitch Golf’s Atlantic Stripe Polo.
Lastly, if you’re after a quality, regular fit golf shirt, I recommend Under Armour’s Tech Golf Polo.
Do you know a guy who’s still wearing heavy cotton polos to every golf outing? Share this article with him and thank me later when you don’t have to watch him sweat profusely any more.
FAQs
What type of shirt is a golf shirt?
A golf shirt is typically a polo shirt, but made with synthetic fabrics like polyester, spandex, and elastane.
Are cotton golf shirts good?
While cotton is good at absorbing sweat, polyester blend golf shirts are more popular because of their moisture-wicking, quick-dry properties.
What kind of golf shirt should you wear in winter?
Look for a short or long-sleeve thermal golf shirt, which will help keep your body heat in during colder weather.
