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These Golf Shirts Are Workout Tops Disguised as Polos
Look like a pro, even if you don’t quite play like one
Reviewed by Ryan BrowerSenior Gear and Reviews Editor
When you hit the links this summer, you’ll want to make sure your golf gear and clothes are on point, and that means rocking the best golf shirts. These days, you don't have to be a pro golfer or spend a fortune to wear the latest, cutting-edge golf apparel.
Best Golf Shirts
Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a weekend warrior, the best golf shirts should be lightweight, moisture-wicking/quick-drying, and breathable to ensure you stay cool and dry during those intense swings and sunny days on the course. Just as important, the best golf shirts need to come with some form of stretch to provide unrestricted movement so you will unleash your full potential on every swing. Lastly, the best golf shirts will boast durability that can withstand the demands of the game—from repetitive motions to intense sweating to exposure to various weather conditions. Really, the best golf shirts are workout shirts disguised as polos.
Below, our golf experts and style editors have done extensive testing to find the 14 best golf shirts that are comfortable to wear for a long afternoon of swinging while lending you a dash of style on the course. From classic polo shirts to those designed with peak performance in mind, these best golf shirts let you look and feel your best during all rounds of golf.
What to Consider
Stretch
The most vital element you should demand in a golf shirt is a stretchy, comfortable fabric. Without stretch, you’ll find yourself feeling too constricted and having a hard time when putting, swinging, or bending down a bit—very similar to the needs for stretch in workout shirts. Stretch fabric, usually made with spandex or elastane, allows a golf shirt to have a four-way stretch and move with your motions when you play. Keep in mind that the primary fabric material in many golf shirts, polyester, isn’t necessarily stretchy since it has no elasticity on its own, so it’s often blended with spandex or elastane to bring out a fuller range of motion. Or, a 100% polyester fabric can be reworked to be stretchy itself, such as via knitting or crimping.
Performance
Besides stretch, golf shirts, as all outdoors and workout clothes, need to have other activewear functionalities such as moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and breathability to keep you cool during the heat. These anti-humid features are usually courtesy of activewear materials like polyester, which is hydrophobic and water-repellent. And if it gets too hot, you’ll want to look for breathability offered by nylon. Additionally, when the sun is really blazing, many golf shirts now offer UV protection and built-in SPF or UPF ratings to shield your skin from harmful sun rays during long hours on the course. And last, the fabric of golf shirts should be seriously lightweight to not restrict your movement or weigh you down.
Fit
A well-fitted shirt not only makes you look better but also allows for unrestricted movement and flexibility. In this case, most golf shirts come in a regular, standard, or classic fit that's roomy through the chest to the waist and cut for a lower armhole and a fuller sleeve that falls closer to the elbow. This fit skims the body without being too tight or too loose and offers maximum coverage against the sun and weather. The best golf shirts should also have enough room in the shoulders and arms to accommodate your swings while maintaining a neat and polished look. Also, pay attention to the overall length of golf shirts to see if they can be tucked in.
How We Selected
To find the best golf shirts for men, myself and Men's Health team personally tried over 40 golf polos since 2021 and tested each of them for at least two weeks by wearing them on different occasions. That includes sporting polo shirts by Nike, TravisMathew, Peter Millar, and Under Armour while golfing across the country, wearing Vuori's golf shirt to the office, and traveling in Lululemon's option.
To get a feel for how these golf shirts really felt and looked, we vetted our tested golf polos by making notes of their weight, style, price point, versatility, durability, sustainability, softness, and performance such as stretch, moisture-wicking, and breathability. We examined whether they fitted well and true to size, whether their fabric could withstand hours of movement in different temperatures, and whether they could be worn for more than one occasion.
In addition, our picks of the best golf shirts and best golf polos all fit great athletic or muscular guys, provide great value and performance at reasonable price points, and come in styles that will look great years from now. Let's get to the best golf shirts for men in 2026.
Pros
- Quicker drying than most
- Soft, 4-way stretch fabric is extremely comfortable
- Handsome, versatile design works on- and off-course
- Lots of colours available
- Collar holds up well in the wash
- Incredibly long lifespan
Cons
- A bit longer than others
- Lacks UPF protection
TravisMathew takes it back to basics with this deceptively simple golf top that’s been our top pick for multiple seasons. The heathered look is decidedly understated with micro-feeder stripes for a versatile, broken-in vibe that works well on- and off-course. Built-in collar stays also help keep the shirt looking sharp even after a multiple washes.
The Heater is packed with technical features including soft, four-way stretch fabric that’s quick-wicking (to disappear sweat), extremely comfortable, and guarantees the right amount of give in any situation. Bonus points: As part of TravisMathew’s Eco Collection, it’s sustainably produced using a polyester blend made from recycled plastic bottles.
Multiple of our testers have worn this over years and all say it's the one polo they consistently grab for when playing a round. You can't go wrong with any of the golf shirts we recommend, but because of how well this polo holds up over time, plus the fact it's insanely versatile in styling outside of the course (if you want), keeps it in the top spot. You're getting premium comfort and a flattering cut here too. Get ready to look and play good.
Read More: Best Golf Shoes
Features at a Glance
| Fit | Regular |
|---|---|
| Materials | 70% recycled polyester, 23% cotton, 7% spandex |
| UPF Protection | No |
Pros
- Soft, lightweight fabric
- Breathable, quick-dry polyester wicks away sweat fast
- Loose fit with a fuller cut
Cons
- Not made from recycled polyester
For a golf shirt that balances performance, fit, comfort, and price, we love Under Armour’s Tech Golf Polo. The all-polyester construction features a textured fabric that’s lightweight, soft, and breathable—everything we need in a good active polo. That same material also helps wick away moisture like a champ in even the hottest conditions.
A three-button placket ensures a neat fit around the neck. And what might be the best part is the budget price, retailing for $45 and consistently available lots of places for less than $40. Plus, it’s available in more colourways than any other polo in this guide, so there’s no reason to own just one.
Features at a Glance
| Fit | Classic |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% polyester |
| UPF Protection | No |
Pros
- Soft, lightweight fabric
- Quick-wicking fibers help keep you dry
- UPF 50 sun protection
Cons
- Not as comfortable as the premium golf shirts we reviewed
- Not much stretch
If you're a beginner to golf, or if you just love a good deal on golf clothes, then Amazon Essentials' very own golf collection needs to be on your radar. The polos are just $20 and feature a breezy, quick-dry polyester blend that performs well on even the hottest days at the course.
It might not be the most trendy or "premium" fit, but you have to remember the price you're paying here. If your shirt gets smelly and stained, you can easily re-up and have a fresh polo at your door within 48 hours.
Features at a Glance
| Fit | Slim |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% polyester |
| UPF | 50 |
Pros
- Hem designed to stay tucked
- Underarm gussets for cooling
- Articulated seams and gussets provide full range of motion
Cons
- May bunch up at the bottom if left untucked
- Costly
- Designed with input from Tiger Woods
This wouldn't be a proper golf shirt conversation without the GOAT. Tiger Woods' brand, Sun Day Red, takes his on-course expertise and pairs it with classic, elevated designs that make dressing for the golf course a dream.
The brand makes a ton of great polos, but you can't go wrong with the Core Polo, which is made with all the features you need to take on your next round, from breezy, stretchy fabric that doesn't smell after a few hours of sweating to body-mapped gussets for a full range of motion.
We love the shirt's easy-wearing iconic style for on- and off-course excursions. The only drawback, though, is that if you like to leave your shirts untucked, this one may be a bit long.
Features at a Glance
| Fit | Slim |
|---|---|
| Materials | 96% polyester, 4% spandex |
| UPF Protection | No |
Pros
- Four-way stretch, UPF 30+, moisture wicking
- Stiff collar that stays stiff
- Versatile for travelling
Cons
- Fits more snug on bigger guys
Vuori meticulously engineered the Ace Polo to be as light and comfortable as possible. It provides the appearance of a classic pocket polo with the performance of athletic golf apparel—moisture-wicking and UPF 30+. It's perfect for warm weather vacations, knocking out your weekend to-do list, or getting in 18 holes.
While wearing it, the three-button design can feel a bit tight on buff builds and I had to leave one button open. But I was surprised by how elevated it looks, especially under a blazer or with a suit. Along with its performance feats, it’s the polo that I now rely on for any elevated travel occasion.
Features at a Glance
| Fit | Modern tailored |
|---|---|
| Materials | 100% polyester |
| UPF Protection | UPF 30+ |
Pros
- Mesh vent under the collar
- Made from recycled polyester
- Added spandex gives great stretch
- Super lightweight and breathable
Cons
- Band collar is not for everyone
Nike is known as one of the boldest brands in sportswear, but it does basics and classics really well when it comes to golf apparel. Take the Dri-FIT Velocity shirt for example, a polished option that fits in with even the strictest of club dress codes, thanks to its sharp looks. And we really love it in this band collar option (there’s also a regular polo for those who don’t want to rock the band collar). At the same time, it packs the kind of performance we’ve come to expect from modern golf shirts.
The Dri-FIT fabric claims to wick away sweat and allow your body to breathe. While it’s sweat-wicking, we found it delivers on that promise without leaving unsightly sweat marks. The neck vent provides a noticeable, but not substantially helpful, boost to air flow. The shirt fabric itself handles the bulk of the ventilation. Plus, it delivers both UVA and UVB protection.
Features at a Glance
| Fit | Standard |
|---|---|
| Materials | 90% polyester, 10% spandex |
| UPF Protection | UVA/UVB Protection |
Pros
- Anti-stink technology
- All-way stretch for mobility
- Classic looks and cut go with any golf outfit
Cons
- Tends to sellout fast
The shirt offers classic athleisure looks with performance upgrades to help it really thrive on the course. Four-way stretch allows for a wide range of motion and minimal-seam construction means you can think about the feel of the golf ball, and not your shirt against your skin. It's sweat-wicking and thanks to its ZeroShow tech, it doesn't leave behind the unsightly marks.
The ZeroShow comes in both a slim- and classic-fit that can accommodate any body type, which makes mass appealing. You just might find yourself wearing this polo 24/7, even if you're not on the links. Plus, it’s perfect for in-office days, too.
Features at a Glance
| Fit | Slightly slim |
|---|---|
| Materials | 46% nylon, 35% modal, 19% elastane |
| UPF Protection | No |
Pros
- Fabric with 4-way stretch, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, UPF 50+, and anti-odor
- Classic fit that looks good on and off the course
- Fabric feels smooth and cool to the touch
Cons
- More of a dressy than casual option
This is a golf polo shirt that does it all when it comes to performance, even from a more dressy brand like Peter Millar. While it's dressy enough for the office, the tapestry of tech feats in this polo—four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, UPF 50+, antimicrobial properties (AKA anti-odor)—will make your time spent outdoors worthwhile, on or off the course. In fact, when I tried this on for the first time, I was taken away by how smooth and cool it felt.
Then, on the links, I found that its stretch and quick-drying properties make one feel cozy. Best of all, its classic fit doesn’t look too lazy or baggy, and coupled with the stretch, also offers optimal mobility.
Features at a Glance
| Fit | Classic |
|---|---|
| Materials | 92% polyester, 8% spandex |
| UPF Protection | 50+ |
Will Porter is an LA-based freelance writer covering golf, tech, and travel. In addition to Men's Health, his work has been published in GQ, Gear Patrol, The Strategist, and others. When he's not writing, you'll find him running the trails at Griffith Park or trying to catch every new movie in IMAX at the local movie theater.
Jeff Turbett is a fitness and wellness writer who's based in Miami, FL. His work has been featured in The Manual and FightCamp.
Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear and tech. Baseball, surfing, and camping occupied most of his time growing up. He also trained in martial arts for 12 years and holds a third degree black belt. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He is also a Certified Beer Server and previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.
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