Picture a golfer on the green, and one thing’s for sure: your imaginary tee timer is wearing a polo. The best golf polos won’t help you hit an ace, but they sure as hell will make it look like you can. Most golf courses require their members to wear some sort of collared shirt when they play, so while any old dress shirt will do, can you imagine getting a decent swing while wearing the same shirt you don underneath your suit? The best golf polos seamlessly blend the best of two worlds: style and function. Even if you’re hitting way above par, at least you’ll look good doing it.
When we’re shopping for golf shirts, we need them to be lightweight, breathable, and above all, stylish. (This is GQ, after all.) That means fit is crucial — but so are prints, colours, and whatever other minor details you can add that can differentiate your polo from one you got on your recent trip to Costco. That’s why, ahead of all those summer tee times, we found the best golf polos to help you perfect your swing in style at all the best golf brands.
The best golf polos, according to GQ
What’s in British GQ’s best golf polos guide?
Best golf polo overall: Nike Tour Dri-FIT Golf Polo
When it comes to sporting apparel, can you really go wrong with an OG like Nike? Under its Tour collection, this Nike polo utilises the swoosh’s popular Dri-FIT material to craft a top that’s cool and lightweight, able to handle hours and hours of hanging on the course under an unrelenting sun. Its stretchy fabric helps to free your movements so you’re able to get that good swing going, and the contrast colour offers a pop of intrigue in an otherwise underwhelming show out at the green.
Best long-sleeve golf polo: Sunspel Long Sleeve Riviera Polo Shirt
This is James Bond’s polo (seriously—it was designed for Daniel Craig’s stint as 007), so if it’s able to handle galavanting across Europe while under attack, it’s surely enough to handle the back nine. The Riviera is made using extra-long staple Supima cotton, which is about as premium as you can get, making it super soft and luxurious. Its mesh construction means that despite its long-sleeve configuration, you won’t overheat and you can feel the cool breeze of every gust of wind. Do note that this polo fits pretty slim, so size up so you’re not restricted when you go for your swing.
Best fashion guy golf polo: Metalwood Studio X-Games Jersey Polo
Golfing’s not just for dads, grandpas, and elites who live in the suburbs. As a new wave of folks discover the love of the game, Metalwood’s around to outfit the cool kids on the green. This jersey-inspired polo feels like it’d be a little more at place on a football pitch than on a golf cart. But hey, it has a collar so you shouldn’t have any problems getting past the uppity course manager’s desk, and you’ll stick out on the course for all the right reasons.
Best golf polo for summer: Lululemon ShowZero Polo Shirt
Golfing is a sweaty sport, and anyone who doesn’t think that has never touched a golf club in their life. This Lululemon polo is the top you’ll want to wear to avoid baking in the sun because of its ability to mask the presence of sweat while actually keeping you cool. Its moisture-wicking abilities help you avoid the feeling of having to exist in a damp top, and it’s incredibly stretchy, because Lululemon knows how to utilise elastane to its utmost potential.
More golf polos we love
What to look for in a golf polo
Material: Golf polos, like any tops, can be made from a wide array of materials. Cotton is a big one, and we like it for its softness and breathability, while something like polyester is great for durability and being quick to dry. There are some golf polos that are made from nylon, which add protection against the elements, but might be stuffy if you tend to overheat (especially if you’re golfing in the summer). Merino wool is also another common golf polo material, lauded for its softness and natural temperature-regulating abilities.
Style: Polos are a dime a dozen, but a great golf polo doesn’t look like you got it from a bargain bin discount retailer. A new wave of indie golf brands are churning out sexy new takes on polos that lean more stylish than stuffy. Plus, there are only so many ways you can innovate on the polo style, so the best way to stand out is by focusing on fit, colour, and patterns.