When the sun is blazing and the temperature soars, playing golf can become quite uncomfortable if you’re not wearing the right clothes. The right golf polo shirts can make all the difference between an enjoyable round and a sweaty struggle on the course.
Whether you’re riding your GolfRide scooter between holes or walking the full 18, staying cool and dry is essential for your comfort and your game.
Why Golf Polo Shirts Matter in Hot Weather
Golf polo shirts aren’t just about looking smart on the course. When summer temperatures rise, the right shirt becomes a vital piece of equipment. A good golf polo will keep you cool, dry, and protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
The wrong shirt can leave you feeling sticky, uncomfortable, and distracted from your swing. That’s why understanding what makes a great golf polo for hot weather is so important.
What to Look for in Hot Weather Golf Polo Shirts
Moisture-Wicking Materials
The best golf polo shirts for summer are made from fabrics that pull sweat away from your skin. Synthetic materials like polyester are excellent at moisture-wicking, sending moisture to the top layer of the fabric where it dries quickly. This keeps you feeling dry and comfortable throughout your round.
Merino wool is another fantastic choice – it’s breathable, light, and naturally wicks moisture from your body whilst helping you dry quickly. Unlike synthetic materials, merino wool also resists odours naturally.
Breathable Fabrics
Spandex is particularly good for golf polo shirts because it’s lightweight, breathable, and allows moisture to leave your clothing whilst keeping wind and water out. Many top golf polo shirts combine polyester with spandex for the perfect blend of moisture-wicking and flexibility.
Stretch and Movement
Golf shirts need stretch to allow unrestricted movement during your swing. Look for fabrics with 4-way stretch that return to their original shape after movement. This ensures your shirt won’t restrict your golf swing or become loose and baggy during play.
UV Protection
Sun protection is crucial during long summer rounds. Look for shirts with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings. A UPF 50 fabric blocks 98% of harmful UV rays, whilst a UPF 30 fabric blocks about 97%. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UPF measures both UVB and UVA rays, making it more comprehensive than SPF which only measures UVB.
Materials to Avoid in Hot Weather
Cotton
Whilst cotton feels comfortable, it doesn’t dry quickly and holds onto sweat like a sponge. Cotton doesn’t have moisture-wicking properties, meaning it won’t transfer your sweat to the outer layer of the fabric. This can leave you feeling damp and uncomfortable.
Heavy Synthetic Blends
Some synthetic blends can trap odours and allow bacteria to grow, making them less comfortable during hot rounds. Always check that synthetic materials have good breathability.
Top Features for Summer Golf Polo Shirts
Lightweight Construction
The fabric should be seriously lightweight to not restrict your movement or weigh you down. Heavy fabrics will make you feel hot and sluggish on warm days.
Proper Fit
A shirt that’s too tight will restrict your movement and not allow you to take the best swing possible. On the other hand, if your shirt is too loose it will cause too much movement during your swing. Look for an athletic fit that follows your body shape without being restrictive.
Quick-Drying Technology
Quick-drying fabrics are important because wetness can cause a significant reduction in a fabric’s UPF rating. Having a garment that dries quickly will get you back to your full UPF rating sooner.
Colour Considerations
Dark or bright colours keep UV rays from reaching your skin by absorbing them rather than allowing them to penetrate, offering better protection than lighter shades. However, darker colours can also absorb more heat, so you’ll need to balance sun protection with heat management.
Light colours reflect heat but may offer less UV protection. Many golfers opt for light colours with high UPF ratings to get the best of both worlds.
Caring for Your Golf Polo Shirts
To maintain the performance features of your golf polo shirts:
- Wash in cool water to preserve fabric technology
- Avoid fabric softeners which can reduce moisture-wicking properties
- Air dry when possible to maintain shape and UV protection
- Follow care label instructions for best results
Making Your Summer Golf More Comfortable
The right golf polo shirt is just one part of staying comfortable during hot summer rounds. Consider pairing your performance polo with other cooling strategies like staying hydrated, seeking shade between holes, and using proper golf accessories to make your round more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right golf polo shirts for hot summer days isn’t just about fashion – it’s about performance, comfort, and protection. Look for lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics with good stretch and UV protection. Avoid heavy cottons and poorly designed synthetic blends that trap heat and moisture.
The best golf polo shirts combine performance technology with proper fit, keeping you cool, dry, and comfortable whilst allowing full freedom of movement for your swing.
With the right golf polo shirt, you’ll be able to focus on your game instead of worrying about the heat, making those hot summer rounds much more enjoyable.
Remember: whilst UPF clothing provides excellent protection, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to exposed areas like your hands, neck, and face for complete sun safety.