Golf Shirt vs Polo Shirt: What's the difference? 2024 Updated

• What is a golf shirt?
• What is a polo shirt?
• What are the main differences between polo vs golf shirts？
• How to choose: polo shirt vs golf shirt
• Conclusion​
• FAQs

Are you curious about golf shirts vs polo shirts?  While both are stylish, they serve different purposes. Golf shirts are course-ready, while polos fit any occasion. As a ten-year veteran of golf apparel, I’ll break down their differences in this article. By the end, you’ll spot the difference and easily choose the perfect shirt. Let’s dive into this friendly, detailed comparison!

What is a golf shirt?

A golf shirt, also known as a golf polo, is a short-sleeved shirt with a collar and a few buttons at the neckline. Designed specifically for golfers, these shirts are made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester, cotton, or a blend of both. These high-quality materials keep you cool and dry on the course, ensuring a comfortable experience. Golf shirts usually offer UV protection too. With an athletic cut, they allow for a full range of motion during your swing, providing both comfort and flexibility. They come in a variety of styles and colors, often featuring stylish graphics or logos, giving you a professional look on and off the course.

What is a polo shirt?

A polo shirt is a versatile shirt with a collar, a placket with two or three buttons, and sometimes an optional pocket. Traditionally made from knitted cotton fabrics like pique or jersey, polo shirts are known for their comfort and breathability. They can be worn for almost any occasion, from casual outings to slightly more formal events. While they might not have the performance features of golf shirts, polo shirts still offer a stylish and relaxed look, making them a great choice for everyday wear.

What are the main differences between polo vs golf shirts？

The Material

Of course, the first thing you look at and touch is the material of the shirt. When it comes to polo shirts and golf shirts, the material is quite different. The following is a list of attributes present in golf shirts that are not usually found in polo shirts.

1. Quick-Dry & Lightweight: Golf shirts are made of quick-dry, lightweight material that wicks away sweat and doesn’t hinder your game.
2. UPF 40+ UV Protection: Golf shirts offer strong UV protection with a UPF rating of 40+, shielding you from harmful sun rays during play.
3. Soft and Breathable: Golf polos prioritize comfort with soft, breathable materials, unlike regular polos made of less breathable fabrics.
4. Moisture Wicking Technology: Golf polos feature dry-fit fabric that quickly absorbs and evaporates sweat, keeping you cool and dry. Regular polos lack this feature.
5. High-tech Performance Fabric: Golf polos include durable, easy-to-clean performance fabric that resists stains, water, and odors, making them superior to regular polos.
6. The Collar: Golf polo collars, often made of a distinct ribbed knit or “self-fabric,” differ from the shirt’s body material.
7. The Breast Pocket: Many golf polos feature a pocket for added style and convenience, allowing wearers to store small items like a pen.

The History

Since its humble beginnings as a shirt worn by Scottish golfers in the 19th century, the golf shirt has come a long way. Today, golf polo shirts are worn in a wide range of formal and informal settings by people of all ages and genders. Let's examine the development of this functional shirt's past.

Where the Golf Shirt Came From

Scottish golfers desired a more comfortable option to the stiff-collared shirts that were the norm at the time. Thus, they invented the golf shirt in the late 19th century. These vintage golf shirts were constructed of durable wool or tweed fabric and had long sleeves and button-down collars.

The History of Golf Polo Shirts

The modern golf shirt didn't start to take shape until the 1920s. At that time, French tennis player René Lacoste created the "tennis shirt," a short-sleeved shirt with an untucked tail. Other tennis players adopted this new look rapidly, and Lacoste soon began marketing his shirts as "Lacoste" to the general public.

How to choose: polo shirt vs golf shirt

Choosing a quality polo or golf shirt depends on several factors, such as the occasion, purpose, fabric, and fit. As a designer with ten years of experience in the garment industry, I've put together this detailed guide to help you make the best choice:

Occasions for Use

Polo Shirts: Perfect for casual outings, work environments, and semi-formal events. Solid colors and sophisticated patterns are great for work, while bold designs are ideal for casual occasions.

Golf Shirts: Specifically designed for golf and sports. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, choose golf shirts with features like moisture-wicking and UV protection.

Purpose

Polo Shirts: Versatility is key. A good polo shirt should be comfortable enough for everyday wear but stylish enough for slightly more formal events. Look for breathable fabrics and a fit that isn’t too tight.

Golf Shirts: Performance is the main focus. Opt for golf shirts with breathability, moisture-wicking, and flexibility. These features help keep you comfortable and improve your game.

Fabrics

Polo Shirts: Traditionally made from knitted cotton fabrics like pique or jersey, which are breathable and comfortable, making them ideal for casual and semi-formal occasions. For a classier look, you can choose polo shirts made from high-quality cotton or blends with silk or polyester.

Golf Shirts: Usually made from synthetic blends like polyester or a polyester/cotton mix. These fabrics offer moisture-wicking, UV protection, and freedom of movement. Look for additional features like anti-odor technology or stretch fabrics for added comfort.

Fit and Style

Polo Shirts: Choose a fit that’s neither too tight nor too loose. A classic or slim fit can provide a flattering silhouette. Pay attention to collar and placket details; a well-constructed collar will keep its shape. The style should match your taste and the occasion.

Golf Shirts: Athletic fits are ideal, providing flexibility and freedom of movement. The cut should allow for unrestricted swings. Stylish designs and prints can make you stand out, but high performance is key.

Brand Reputation

Choose brands that are known for their quality and reputation, such as Footjoy, Deolax, Nike, and Callaway Golf, which are all excellent choices.

Conclusion​​

As you know, golf shirts differ slightly from regular polos. Standard polo shirts are a little heavier than these, but they are lighter, more breathable, and moisture-wicking.

On the golf course, though, regular polo shirts are totally fine. However, if you play frequently, spending money on a golf shirt is worthwhile because it will keep you at ease on the course.

Overall, golf polo shirts are fashionable, lightweight, and ideal for various settings, making them a wardrobe staple for everyone.

FAQs

Can I wear a polo shirt to play golf?

Yes, a polo shirt is the best type of jersey to wear while playing golf. Due to the regulations requiring players to wear collared shirts on the golf course, golfers have worn polo shirts for a very long time.

However, many golf courses have recently loosened their dress codes, allowing various shirt kinds. Watch a professional golf tournament to witness players wearing a wide range of styles!

What is a golf shirt called?

A golf shirt is typically called a polo. Usually, a golf shirt is either polo or shirt-style with a collar. Although other materials are often utilized, cotton is the most typical fabric for a golf shirt. A collared, button-down shirt with a wicking, breathable fabric is known as a golf shirt. They usually have a slightly relaxed fit and are manufactured of cotton or polyester.