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

• What are the Main Differences？
• What are some good golf polo shirt brands?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

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 are the Main Differences？

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.

• Quick-Dry & Lightweight: Golf shirts are made of quick-dry, lightweight material that wicks away sweat and doesn’t hinder your game.
• UPF 40+ UV Protection: Golf shirts offer strong UV protection with a UPF rating of 40+, shielding you from harmful sun rays during play.
• Soft and Breathable: Golf polos prioritize comfort with soft, breathable materials, unlike regular polos made of less breathable fabrics.
• 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.
• 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.
• The Collar: Golf polo collars, often made of a distinct ribbed knit or “self-fabric,” differ from the shirt’s body material.
• 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.

What are some good golf polo shirt brands?

Deolax

From Deolax

Deolax, a top-tier golf polo shirt brand, is favored by many professional golfers for its exceptional quality and meticulous craftsmanship. Their shirts, renowned for their 4-way stretch fabric, offer unparalleled freedom of movement, ensuring no stiffness or restriction during swings. Additionally, Deolax’s moisture-wicking and quick-drying features are highly appreciated, providing golfers with superior comfort on the course. This blend of quality, performance, and comfort makes Deolax a standout choice in golf apparel.

FootJoy

From FootJoy

FootJoy is a trusted name in the golfing world, offering a range of shirts that are not only stylish but also packed with technology. Their shirts are comfortable to wear, offer a great range of motion, and come in various striking designs. They also feature Opti-Dry technology, keeping you cool and dry on the course.

callawayapparel

From CallawayApparel

CallawayApparel is a top choice for golfers. Their polo shirts are known for their performance-packed garments, comfort, and unique designs. They offer features like Opti-Stretch for uninhibited motion and Opti-Dri for moisture management. Their All Over Chev Print Polo, for instance, is a favorite among golfers for its striking design and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 on the course. To witness players wearing a wide range of styles, just watch a professional golf tournament!

What is a golf shirt called?

A golf shirt is typically called a polo. Most of the time, 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.

Conclusion

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

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

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