Finding that perfect golf shirt can be harder than getting a hole in one. For most, the perfect golf shirt means different things. For some the type of fabric is most important, while for others it’s the latest style that will do it. In either case, there is something for everyone.
Keeping Cool and Dry
Thanks to technology, many types of new fabric with a variety of features have appeared on the market. Moisture wicking fabrics are very popular and are designed to help the golfer stay dry while playing.
Unlike cotton, which absorbs perspiration and can get drenched, moisture wicking carries moisture to the surface, allowing the fabric to dry. Although you won’t be completely dry, it will definitely help keep you more comfortable and chafe-free.
Some shirts, like Nike’s Dri-Fit also have puckers in the fabric to allow for better air circulation and a drier feel. If you’re looking to play in the cold or hot weather, moisture wicking is designed to work with your body’s temperature and keep you comfortable and focused on your game.
The science of golf shirts doesn’t just stop at moisture control. Most golf shirts have a variety of features to provide protection, comfort and style. If you’re looking for protection from the sun, look for a shirt with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) protection ranging from 15 to 50. The higher the UPF, the more protection it will provide. However, be warned as multiple washes will reduce the level of its effectiveness.
If you can’t stand wrinkles or that annoying static cling, or are worried about spilling your drink on your very expensive shirt, don’t worry, companies like Nano-Tex are working hard to enhance fabrics using nanotechnology to tackle all these problems. They were the first to introduce permanent anti-static treatment for synthetic fabric.
Now, no more does anyone have to put up with a collar that curls at the ends thanks to the patented No-Curl Collar™, designed to do what its name suggests and keep your collar straight and tidy even after multiple washes.
Who’s Wearing It?
What’s popular in golf shirts goes beyond fabrics and style. It’s about who’s wearing it. For example, mock turtlenecks were almost nowhere to be seen on golf courses—that is until Tiger Woods started wearing them. Now mock turtlenecks have become part of the fashion in golf and can be found at most golf apparel stores.
Canadian Open champion Chez Reavie wore Canadian designers Bobby Pasternak and Geoff Tait’s Quagmire’s styles shirts at the 2008 Canadian Open.
Reavie was wearing Quagmire’s Splash polo during his three-stroke win. Their Splash polo is anti-microbial, static free, and has a fast drying feature made from environmentally friendly fabrics.
“The exposure on CBS television over the weekend and in the daily newspapers across the United States and Canada is a huge boost for us,” said Geoff Tait, one of the designers for Quagmire.
“We were tired of our boring golf duds and decided to create chilled, lifestyle-wear. We design looks for the young-at-heart golfers who above all have a love for the game and want to reflect this in their image,” commented Bobby Pasternak.
So whether it’s that new high tech fabric with all the latest features, a great style, or the perfect marriage of the two, there are certainly many options to choose from. Make sure you look around for the features that are important to you and be sure to check the dress code regulations of your club before you invest in that perfect shirt!
