I’ve been helping men dress for years and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that clothing is a very passionate topic. People like what they like. However, that doesn’t mean what we like actually looks good or is of good quality. Polos are the foundation of a golfing wardrobe. And if you’re looking for a guide on the best golf polos you can buy, look no further.
With that being said, that’s not why we’re here today. We’re here to get a little bit controversial and help you buy better polos. Without further ado, here are five polos I would buy and five I wouldn’t.
Five Polos I Would Buy
1. Quince Commuter Stretch Pique Polo
Quince has become a bit of a golf apparel darling. From cashmere sweaters to pants to polos, they’ve really got your entire golfing wardrobe covered. The Commuter Stretch Pique Polo is a nice departure from Quince’s Flowknit Breeze Performance Polo, which is more in line with what you’d expect from a typical performance shirt.
The Commuter Stretch blends the best of both worlds and gives you a textured pique polo with the stretch, cooling and moisture-wicking properties of a performance shirt. I’m a firm believer that golf shirts (and shirts in general) benefit tremendously from some sort of texture— they feel better and look better. This shirt checks both boxes. It’s also $29.90. At that price, it’s an easy yes.
2. Harlestons Cypress Long Sleeve
Another brand taking the golf world by storm is Harlestons. Based out of Charleston, S.C., it’s one of the coolest apparel brands in golf right now. The Cypress Long Sleeve polo is another textured option that looks outstanding, feels premium and offers real versatility. As a long-sleeved shirt, it’s a perfect option for chilly, windy or unpredictable rounds— spring golf in a nutshell.
I also love the color. I’m a huge fan of earth tones and the sedge color gives you the opportunity to go neutral on top and primary on the bottom. Tuck this bad boy into some navy shorts and you’ll look great. Harlestons is also giving MyGolfSpy readers 15% off with code MyHarlestons15.
3. B. Draddy Graham Polo
It’s simple. B. Draddy makes excellent apparel. Speaking from personal experience, the Graham Polo is a shirt I bought without hesitation and would do it again. What draws you in is the extended placket and flap pocket. What’s great about the extended placket is that, visually, it lengthens your torso which flatters every build. And if you like being able to go full Keith Michell and unbuttoning an extra button or two, this is the shirt for you. The flap pocket is also a welcome throwback to polos from the golden age of golf, adding an extra bit of character. The Graham is truly a standout.
4. Holderness & Bourne – The Burton Shirt
Maybe it’s my preppy nature but any time I get a button-down collar with ample collar roll on a shirt, I’m in heaven. The Holderness & Bourne Burton Shirt is miraculous if you really think about it. They’ve found a way to marry an Oxford cloth button-down, pique polo and performance golf shirt, turning it into a true lifestyle piece.
As you probably know by now, I’m a huge proponent of having a versatile wardrobe, meaning that what you wear on the course should be able to be worn and look elegant anywhere. The Burton Shirt is the embodiment of that philosophy. While on the more expensive side at $130, if you’re someone who breaks down their clothing purchases by cost-per-wear, this will more than pay for itself.
5. Johnnie-O Stetson Stripe Performance Mesh Polo
The Johnnie-O Stetson Stripe Performance Mesh Polo is another textured choice that’s worth every penny. I’m not entirely sure what it is but the azalea colorway stands out to me in a way that keeps drawing me back. It looks fantastic in person; pictures really don’t do it justice. For a shirt that looks this good, it wears even better. I’ve mentioned the Stetson Stripe before, and it’s one of my favorite polos for a reason.
Five Polos I Absolutely Would NOT Buy
1. Rhoback The Bev Cart Polo
Let’s get controversial! I really, and I mean really, don’t like Rhoback at all. I know a lot of people love them and, as I mentioned, we like what we like. With that being said, I don’t think the quality of their polos comes anywhere close to matching the price tag.
Both Quince’s and Uniqlo’s polos are a fraction of the price and feel, look, and perform better. At moe than $100, Rhoback’s polos are 100-percent synthetic which means there’s nothing special about them. I have a special kind of ire towards their Bev Cart print. If you’re wearing this, you should probably rethink your golfing priorities. Notwithstanding that, if you like Rhoback and want this shirt, you do you.
2. Bogey Bros Birdie Finger Polo
In the words of Sabrina Carpenter, please, please, please, stop wearing polos like this. If you do, there’s a really good chance you’re the guy yelling “get in the hole” after a tee shot on a par-5.
Seriously, these types of polos don’t look good on anyone. Also, to put things into perspective, this shirt is $70. These polos aren’t worth anywhere close to that. I’m not even including a “buy” link here. If you want to buy this one, I’ll let you find it yourself.
3. J. Lindberg Tour Print Polo
I almost feel bad for J. Lindberg. They make some really interesting and unorthodox pieces— I mean, they’re really thinking outside the box a lot of the time. The unfortunate thing is most of their designs are just … bad.
The Tour Print Polo, worn by Viktor Hovland last week during the Players Championship, is supposed to be an ode to the Masters. Instead, it comes across as a confused, digital camo mess. At $125, you can spend your money better elsewhere.
4. Sun Day Red Allover Icon Polo
Outside of the Coral Standard Collection, I’m not the biggest fan of Sun Day Red. Their clothes are expensive and largely uninspired. One of their worst designs is the Allover Icon Polo. It’s hilarious because when Sun Day Red first launched, one of the biggest complaints was that none of their apparel had the Tiger logo on it. So they figured the best way to remedy that was to make a shirt with the Tiger logo all over it. This is a stone-cold $130 shank.
5. NIKE Fairway Fresh Dri-FIT Loose Golf Polo
I’ll be the first to admit that I am a staunch NIKE hater. I sincerely believe they’re one of the most overrated brands of all time and that their stuff is of poor quality. Not only is this shirt hideous, NIKE is charging $120 for a polyester shirt. There is no world where this shirt is even remotely worth the price. Please take my advice: don’t buy this.
Barry Schwartz
3 months ago
There doesn’t seem to be anything special about your 5 favorites except perhaps that 4 of the 5 cost over $100. That’s ridiculous for a polo shirt, regardless of whose name is on the tag. At the end of the day, who the hell cares what shirt you wear on the golf course as long as it’s not offensive.