The Best Golf Polos, From Classics To Styles That Stand Out

Forbes

02-05-2025

Believe it or not, your shirt can have an impact on your golf game. If it's soft, light and breathable, you won't even think about it. But if it's heavy, hot and tight, you'll spend more time fussing with it than focusing on your game. At the end of the day, the best golf polo shirts should look good and be easy to wear for hours. To that end, I spoke with the founder of a golf apparel brand and dove into fabrics, fits and styles to create this complete guide to golf polos. Based on my findings, most players will enjoy Peter Millar's Solid Performance Jersey Polo—it's stretchy, crisp and complete with UPF protection.
Golf in classic comfort with one of the best golf polo shirts.
To sort through an endless sea of golf polos from brands big and small, I broke down this timeless style into its most basic elements. I evaluated fabric (to ensure it's breathable, light and soft), fit (so it's not too lose or too tight), UV protection and durability. Based on these variables, here are five great tops that meet the needs of different golfers.
Peter Millar
Sizes: S to 3XL | Materials: 92% polyester, 8% spandex | UPF rating: 50+
Peter Millar's Performance Jersey Polo checks all the boxes: It's comfortable, reserved, protective and great for summer. Thanks to a combination of polyester and spandex, it's breathable and stretchy so you can move naturally through each swing, and the classic fit ensures it won't bunch. The collar holds its shape well, and the fabric is rated UPF 50+ to protect your body and upper arms from the sun.
While it's pricey, golf polos are a 'you get what you pay for' investment. Spend a bit more up front on a decent polo like this one, and it'll last longer while maintaining the same degree of comfort over time. Peter Millar offers this style in 12 colors, plus it's available in a long-sleeved version if you're looking for additional coverage.
Under Armour
Sizes: XS to 4XL | Materials: 95% polyester, 5% elastane | UPF rating: 40
Players praise Under Armour's golf polos for their breathability, stretch and moisture-wicking properties, and the Playoff 3.0 Polo is one the brand's more popular styles. Polyester and a hint of elastane deliver an ideal balance of comfort and stretch, and the classic fit lets the fabric hang loose so as not to impact your swing. It's finished with UPF 40 protection to protect against the sun.
Some budget-minded golfers might find this polo to be a bit expensive as a value pick, but in this case, 'value' represents a combination of comfort and useful features at a reasonable price. Sure, you can find cheaper polos at your local department store, but to find one from a reputable brand that aces the fabric, fit and reliability poses more of challenge. If you're looking for that optimal balance, the Playoff 3.0 is a great pick.
Lacoste
Sizes: XS to 4XL | Materials: 100% cotton | UPF rating: N/A
There's something to be said about a classic button-up like the Lacoste Original L.12.12 Polo. Made with 100% cotton, it's soft against bare skin and the classic cut fits well through the arms and chest. Cotton isn't going to perform as well as technical fabrics, but don't overlook it for golf—it's breathable, durable and low maintenance, so long as you follow the care instructions.
Plus, the style looks good on and off the course—it's finished with Lacoste's iconic embroidered crocodile, mother-of-pearl buttons and a ribbed collar that holds its shape. While I wouldn't recommend this golf polo if you play in truly hot weather (cotton can soak up sweat like a sponge), it's a great option for most environments.
Rhoback
Sizes: S to 3XL | Materials: 92% polyester, 8% spandex | UPF rating: 40-50
Most golf polos feature reserved styling and soft, neutral colors to help you fit in. But the Performance Polo from Rhoback helps you stand out. Made from polyester and spandex, it's adaptable and ready for dynamic movement, and the collar is constructed to maintain its shape. This shirt could have earned the best overall spot because it's breathable, stretchy and low maintenance, but the sheer number of patterns and prints deserves unique recognition.
Keep in mind that the Performance Polo is available in dozens of options, including understated neutrals. If you're not looking to draw attention to yourself, there are plenty of styles to choose from that come with the same fabric blend and UPF protection. But if you want a polo that looks as good as it feels, this one is hard to beat.
Nike
Sizes: XS to 4XL | Materials: 100% recycled polyester | UPF rating: N/A
Turn on any televised golf match and you'll see a high-profile player wearing Nike. From Tiger to Rory to Scottie, the best in the world rep the swoosh, and you should too if you're looking for a versatile polo. The brand's long-sleeved Dri-Fit Golf Polo is made from 100% polyester, which means it isn't as stretchy as other options in this guide, but the standard fit is more relaxed so it doesn't hinder your swing. Dri-Fit technology moves sweat away from your skin for quicker evaporation, so you'll stay cool even if it gets a bit warm, and the collar is ribbed to prevent curling.
Technically, Nike doesn't give this shirt a UPF rating, which is a bit disappointing when you consider most golfers wear long sleeves for the additional coverage. Still, polyester is a great option for sun protection, especially compared to fabrics like linen or bleached cotton.
The Forbes Vetted gear team spends countless hours testing, evaluating and reviewing equipment to help you make more informed buying decisions. We've covered lots of golf gear, from breathable golf shorts to the best golf rangefinders.
A lightweight, comfortable golf polo not only impacts how you look, but also how you feel and play. We directed our attention to fabrics, fit, UV protection and durability to ensure the options featured in this guide stand out from the rest.
Finding a comfortable golf polo means looking over key details like fabric, fit and durability. Here's what to consider before making your pick:
'Golf polos feature technical fabrics engineered for moisture management, stretch, breathability and sun protection,' says Morrison. Common materials include polyester, nylon, elastane and spandex. And even a hint of elastane or spandex can make a big difference in how the shirt moves with you.
If you prefer natural fabrics, consider bamboo or merino wool—they're breathable, quick-drying and antimicrobial. Cotton is another natural option that's fairly breathable and soft, but it absorbs moisture and wrinkles/shrinks if not washed properly. Because golf isn't a high-output activity, cotton should be suitable for most rounds unless you play in extreme heat. 'At the end of the day, it's all about choosing the right materials for your climate and style,' says Morrison.
A golf polo should sit loosely on your body without pinching or restricting movement through your arms, chest or back. Most golfers can stick with their usual shirt size, but it's worth paying extra attention to the collar. A tight collar can lock in heat and lead to excess sweating, so make sure it's comfortable whether you like it buttoned up or open for improved airflow. 'It's really challenging for factories to make great collars, so when you find a brand that does them well, you can expect that the rest of the garment is made well,' explains Morrison.
Spending hours on a course means lots of sun exposure, which is why it's important to consider styles that keep your skin safe from sunburns and long-term damage. Look for shirts with a UPF rating of 30 or more, and remember to prioritize light, breathable fabrics that keep you cool. 'It's a smart move for any golfer who spends hours outdoors, and it's becoming standard on most high-end performance polos,' says Morrison. If you'd like to avoid using sunscreen, opt for a long-sleeved polo to cover your arms.
Golf polos take a beating, whether you're swinging, carrying a heavy bag or playing through a hot, humid round. To find durable styles, look for high-quality stitching, technical fabrics and shirts that won't lose their shape after you wash them.