When I first started sourcing golf shirts, I had no idea how much fabric could affect everything—from feel to performance to price. But oh boy, did I learn fast.
The best fabrics for golf shirts are polyester, cotton, poly-cotton blends, nylon, and bamboo. Each one has its own vibe—polyester is lightweight and sweat-wicking, cotton feels soft and classic, while blends offer a nice balance of comfort and function. The right choice depends on your brand’s priorities: performance, look, sustainability, or cost.
Let’s break it all down so you can make the smartest choice for your brand.
Polyester – The King of Performance
I used to think all golf shirts were created equal—until I played a full round in a cheap cotton polo. Never again. That’s when I met polyester, the real MVP of golf wear.
Polyester is considered the king of performance fabrics because it’s lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant. It keeps golfers cool and dry, even under the sun, and holds up well to repeated washing. It’s also affordable and easy to customize, making it ideal for brands targeting active players and casual wearers alike.
No fabric works harder on and off the green.
What Makes Polyester So Good for Golf Shirts?
If I had to choose one word to describe polyester: reliable.
Polyester checks all the boxes for high-performance golf apparel
It’s built to handle sweat, sun, and movement. Whether you’re swinging for par or walking 18 holes, polyester helps you stay dry and light. Plus, it holds color like a champ—no fading after a few washes, which is a big win for branding.
The Technical Side of Polyester
Let’s go a bit deeper. What exactly makes polyester so good?
🧵Moisture-Wicking Magic
Polyester doesn’t absorb sweat. Instead, it pulls moisture away from the skin and pushes it to the surface, where it can evaporate. That’s what keeps you dry.
Compare that to cotton, which just soaks it all in and clings to your back. Gross.
🌀Breathability + Ventilation
Modern polyester can be engineered with micro-holes and mesh patterns to allow airflow. Some even use “cool-touch” technologies to reduce skin temperature. This matters a lot when you’re out in the heat.
🧼 Easy Care, All Day Wear
Polyester doesn’t wrinkle easily, and it dries fast—super convenient for customers who want low-maintenance gear. It also lasts longer and resists shrinking, so you get fewer returns.
Here’s a breakdown to see it clearly:
| Feature | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture-Wicking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Keeps players dry even in heat |
| Durability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Long-lasting, resistant to wear |
| Wrinkle Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Looks good without ironing |
| Color Retention | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Holds bright colors after many washes |
| Softness | ⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐ | Depends on weave & finish |
| Sustainability | ⭐–⭐⭐ | Recycled options are available |
So… Is Polyester Right for Your Brand?
If your goal is to create performance-driven golf shirts—especially for players who want to stay cool, dry, and sharp—polyester is your best friend.
But if your brand leans into luxury, loungewear, or eco-conscious values, you might want to pair it with other fibers or explore premium finishes.
My advice? Get samples. Try a shirt on. Sweat in it. Wash it. That’s the only way to really feel the difference.
Polyester might just win you over like it did me.
👕 Professional Advice:
Golf courses often have strong sunlight, polyester fiber with UV protection treatment is the main market trend in the United States, Japan and Australia in recent years. Moreover, the “memory” of polyester makes the clothes stay firm after washing and not easy to deform, especially suitable for competition level wear.
Cotton – Classic Comfort (but with Caveats)
There’s something about slipping on a cotton golf shirt that just feels right—like a familiar handshake or a Sunday morning coffee. But comfort comes with trade-offs, especially when you’re teeing off in the heat.
Cotton is loved for its natural softness, breathability, and timeless look, making it ideal for casual or lifestyle-focused golf shirts. But it has caveats—it absorbs sweat, takes longer to dry, and can lose its shape over time. If performance is your top priority, pure cotton may not cut it.
Still, for that classic feel? Cotton’s hard to beat.
Where Does Cotton Shine in Golf Shirts?
Let’s be real—cotton doesn’t try to be flashy. It wins you over with comfort.
Cotton is all about feel-good vibes and laid-back style
If your brand leans into classic country club looks, resort wear, or relaxed golf culture, cotton fits like a glove. It’s soft, breathable, and looks great with chino shorts or tucked under a blazer for post-round drinks.
The Cotton Breakdown
Here’s where cotton delivers—and where it drops the ball.
🛋️ Comfort You Can Count On
Cotton is naturally soft and gentle on the skin, especially long-staple types like Pima or Supima. These premium versions resist pilling and feel buttery smooth—perfect for high-end collections.
💨 Breathable, But Not Great with Sweat
Yes, cotton lets your skin breathe. But once you start sweating? It holds onto moisture like a sponge. That wet patch on your back? That’s cotton doing its thing (in the worst way).
🧺 Care and Durability
Cotton wrinkles easily, shrinks if not pre-treated, and can fade over time. Not the best for customers who want low-maintenance gear. You can improve performance by adding special finishes or blending it with polyester.
| Feature | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Softness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Ultra-soft, especially with premium cotton |
| Moisture-Wicking | ⭐ | Poor—holds onto sweat |
| Breathability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Great in dry conditions |
| Durability | ⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐ | Shrinks and fades without treatment |
| Wrinkle Resistance | ⭐ | Needs ironing unless blended |
| Sustainability | ⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐ | Natural, but water-intensive to produce |
When Is Cotton the Right Call?
If your customers care more about comfort and aesthetics than sweat performance, cotton might be perfect. It’s great for:
- Golf lifestyle apparel
- Cooler climates or indoor golf simulators
- Upscale, fashion-forward collections
Want the best of both worlds? Go with a cotton-poly blend or cotton treated with moisture-wicking tech. That way, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or function.
I’ve worn plenty of 100% cotton polos that felt amazing at brunch—but turned into a soggy mess by hole 6. Know your customer, know their lifestyle, and choose your fabric accordingly.
Cotton’s not dead—it just needs the right stage.
👕 Professional Advice:
Golf courses often have strong sunlight, polyester fiber with UV protection treatment is the main market trend in the United States, Japan and Australia in recent years. Moreover, the “memory” of polyester makes the clothes stay firm after washing and not easy to deform, especially suitable for competition level wear.
Spandex Blends – Stretch for Swing
Ever tried swinging a driver in a stiff shirt? It’s like trying to dance in a cardboard box. That’s where spandex blends come in—they move with you, not against you.
Why are spandex blends used in golf shirts?
Spandex (also known as elastane or Lycra) is added to golf shirt fabrics to provide stretch, flexibility, and shape retention. Even just 3–5% spandex blended into polyester or cotton makes a shirt feel more athletic and responsive, allowing players to swing freely without restriction. It’s the secret ingredient for mobility-focused golf apparel.
Let’s dive into what makes spandex blends such a game-changer.
What’s the Big Deal with Spandex in Golf Shirts?
I didn’t think “stretch” mattered—until I tried hitting balls in a stiff shirt and realized I was fighting my clothes instead of focusing on my swing.
Spandex blends allow unrestricted movement and help shirts keep their shape
When you add spandex to a fabric—whether it’s polyester, cotton, or bamboo—it adds elasticity. That means more comfort during swings, better fit, and fewer wrinkles or saggy collars after a few rounds.
The Stretch Factor: What Spandex Actually Does
Spandex doesn’t work alone—it’s always blended into other fibers. But even in small amounts, it can totally change how a shirt behaves.
🏌️♂️ Built for Movement
Whether you’re teeing off or reaching into your golf bag, a bit of stretch helps your shirt move with you. That means no pulling, no bunching, and no distractions.
👕 Shape Retention
Spandex helps shirts snap back into shape after wear and wash. No more sad, stretched-out collars or elbow bags.
🧺 Low Maintenance
Stretch blends resist wrinkles better and don’t require as much ironing. Your customers will appreciate the easy care factor.
Here’s a look at spandex blends in action:
| Blend Type | Stretch | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 95% Polyester / 5% Spandex | ✅✅✅ | High-performance, athletic-fit shirts |
| 95% Cotton / 5% Spandex | ✅✅ | Soft comfort with subtle stretch |
| Bamboo / Spandex Blends | ✅✅ | Sustainable with great flexibility |
Is Spandex a Must-Have for Golf Shirts?
If your shirts are performance-first—yes, 100%. That added stretch makes a huge difference in comfort and functionality, especially for fitted or tapered styles.
But there’s a balance. Too much spandex can make shirts clingy or too casual for traditional buyers. I’ve found that 3%–6% spandex is the sweet spot. Enough to stretch, not so much that it feels like gym wear.
One more tip: always ask how the blend is finished. Some shirts with spandex still feel stiff if they’re not processed well.
For me, once I felt the difference, I couldn’t go back. Stretch just feels right—like it belongs in every golf shirt I make.
👕 Industry Trend:
Currently, mainstream high-end brands (e.g. TravisMathew, Lululemon Golf) commonly use 88%Poly + 12%Spandex or 90%Nylon + 10%Spandex ratios. Such fabrics not only have good ductility, but also have optimized breathability.
Nylon – Lightweight & Smooth
There’s a certain slick, cool-to-the-touch feel you get when you wear a nylon-blend golf shirt—it’s subtle, but once you notice it, you can’t un-feel it. Nylon brings sleek to the course.
Why is nylon used in golf shirts?
Nylon is a lightweight, smooth, and abrasion-resistant fabric often blended into performance golf shirts. It offers a softer touch than polyester, excellent moisture-wicking, and strong durability. While more expensive, nylon gives a more premium feel and is perfect for athletic-style or upscale performance polos.
It’s not as common as polyester—but that’s what makes it special.
How Does Nylon Compare to Other Fabrics?
When I first felt a nylon-blend golf shirt, I remember thinking, “This feels like luxury gym wear, but dressed up.”
Nylon is smoother than polyester, but just as tough
It’s often used in activewear because it’s strong, stretchy, and moisture-wicking. For golf shirts, nylon adds a high-end performance feel that’s a little softer and silkier than poly.
What Nylon Brings to the Table
Let’s break it down. What makes nylon worth considering?
🧊 Smooth & Cool Touch
Nylon has a slick, cool hand feel that’s instantly noticeable. It’s ideal for hot weather, especially when designed with mesh zones or airflow panels.
💧 Moisture Management
Like polyester, nylon doesn’t hold onto sweat. It dries fast and keeps you comfortable on the move.
💪 Tough but Gentle
Nylon’s incredibly durable. It resists tears and abrasions, which makes it ideal for active golfers—but it still feels soft on the skin.
🧵 Blending Power
You’ll rarely see 100% nylon golf shirts. But blends like nylon-spandex or nylon-polyester give you the best of all worlds: smooth, stretchy, breathable, and built to last.
| Fabric Feature | Nylon Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture-Wicking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Very effective |
| Softness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Silky smooth feel |
| Durability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Stronger than polyester |
| Wrinkle Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐ | Moderate—depends on blend |
| UV Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Great for sunny days |
| Cost | 💰💰💰 | Higher than polyester |
When Should You Use Nylon for Your Brand?
If you want your brand to have a premium performance vibe, nylon is worth considering. It works especially well for:
- High-end athletic polos
- Hot climate designs
- Hybrid golf-fitness collections
However, nylon can increase your production cost—and some blends may be trickier to print on. So make sure you work with a factory that knows how to handle it.
I keep nylon in my back pocket for collections where feel and performance are everything. When your customer puts it on and says, “Damn, this feels nice,”—you know you made the right call.
👕 Expert Addition:
Nylon is one of the fabrics favored in Asia (especially Korea and Japan) for creating sleeker, more flattering tailored styles, and is especially common in women’s wear.
Bamboo or Modal Blends – Sustainable & Soft
The first time I wore a bamboo-blend golf shirt, I literally paused mid-swing and thought, “Why doesn’t every shirt feel like this?” It was that soft. And knowing it was eco-friendly? Even better.
Why are bamboo and modal blends great for golf shirts?
Bamboo and modal blends are known for being ultra-soft, breathable, and naturally antibacterial, making them perfect for comfort-focused or sustainable golf shirt lines. These fabrics regulate temperature, resist odors, and feel incredibly smooth on the skin. They’re ideal if your brand values both feel and eco-consciousness—but expect slightly higher costs.
Comfort + conscience = a winning combo.
What Makes Bamboo and Modal Unique?
These aren’t your typical high-performance fibers. They’re more lifestyle luxury with a soft-spoken edge.
Bamboo and modal bring a silky hand-feel and sustainability to the table
They’re made from renewable resources (bamboo pulp or beech trees), and processed into soft, drapey fabrics that breathe and move beautifully. Add a touch of spandex or polyester, and you’ve got a shirt that feels amazing and performs better than you’d expect.
Bamboo vs Modal – What’s the Difference?
They’re similar, but here’s a breakdown:
| Feature | Bamboo | Modal |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Bamboo pulp | Beech tree pulp |
| Feel | Buttery soft, breathable | Silky, cool, slightly lighter |
| Moisture-Wicking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Antibacterial | ✅ Naturally resistant | ❌ Needs treatment |
| Sustainability | ♻️ Excellent | ♻️ Very good |
| Durability | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | 💰💰💰 | 💰💰 |
🌱 Eco-Friendly Appeal
If your brand wants to connect with eco-conscious customers, bamboo is a standout. It grows fast, needs less water, and doesn’t require pesticides.
😌 Skin-Loving Comfort
Both fabrics are naturally hypoallergenic, making them great for sensitive skin. Seriously—it’s like wearing a cloud.
🔁 Works Best in Blends
Pure bamboo or modal is a bit too soft and delicate for everyday sportswear. That’s why they’re usually blended with spandex for stretch or polyester for durability.
Should You Use Bamboo or Modal for Your Golf Brand?
If you’re building a brand around comfort, sustainability, or lifestyle luxury, bamboo or modal blends can help you stand out.
They’re perfect for:
- Resort and country club collections
- Eco-friendly or “slow fashion” brands
- Warm-weather golf polos that double as leisurewear
Just know the trade-offs: bamboo and modal cost more, and they may need special care (like cold washing or air drying). But in return, your shirts will feel next-level—and your customers will notice.
I use bamboo blends when I want people to feel something the moment they put the shirt on. That little “wow” moment? Totally worth it.
👕 Eco Trend Insights:
Eco-friendly materials are becoming the focus of high-end buyers in Europe and the United States, especially young consumers who are obsessed with sustainability. Bamboo modal blends have become the new direction for eco-friendly golf apparel.
Comparison Table: Best Fabrics at a Glance
| Fabric | Moisture-Wicking | Stretch | Breathability | UV Protection | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | ✅✅✅ | ✅ | ⚪️ | ✅✅✅ | Pro-level play |
| Cotton | ⚪️ | ❌ | ✅✅✅ | ⚪️ | Casual rounds |
| Spandex Blend | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Full-swing movement |
| Nylon | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | Lightweight comfort |
| Bamboo Blend | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅ | Eco-conscious choice |
How to Choose the Right Fabric Based on Your Golf Routine
✅ For Humid Weather → Polyester or Nylon
✅ For Maximum Movement → Polyester + Spandex blends
✅ For Casual Weekend Golf → Cotton or Bamboo Modal
✅ For High-Sweat Players → Moisture-wicking synthetics with anti-odor finish
Pro Advice Summary
✅ Fabric determines the experience: the wrong fabric will make you play 18 holes like walking in the desert, the right fabric allows you to focus on every shot.
✅ Blends are king: a single material can no longer meet the multifunctional needs of the modern golfer, and functional blends are the mainstream.
✅ The design should match the performance of the fabric: for example, four-way stretch fabrics are suitable for three-dimensional cutting to enhance freedom of movement, while high-density polyester is suitable for simple cutting to maintain the stiffness.
✅ Climate + scenarios determine the final choice: design fabrics for different regions (e.g. hot and humid in Florida vs. cold and humid in Scotland) and wearing scenarios (leisure/competition/travel).
