Fabrics and fibers
- Pique
A knitted fabric with a fine, raised, textured surface, often described as a honeycomb or waffle pattern. It has more body than smooth jersey and holds a collar well, which is why it is the classic fabric for golf polos.
- Jersey
A smooth, flat knit, the fabric of most T-shirts. It is lighter and softer to the touch than pique, with less structure, so collars on jersey shirts tend to be softer.
- Fleece
A knitted fabric whose inside is brushed to raise the fibers into a soft surface, while the outside stays smooth. It is the fabric of most sweatshirts, hoodies, half-zips and joggers.
- Three-end fleece
Fleece knitted from three yarns: a face yarn for the outside, a heavier backing yarn on the inside that is brushed, and a binder yarn that ties the two together. It is generally denser and heavier than two-end fleece.
- Cotton face
A fabric whose outer surface is knitted from cotton yarn while the inside is a blend. You see and touch cotton on the outside, with a cotton-polyester fleece inside.
- Ring-spun cotton
Cotton yarn spun on a ring frame, which twists the fibers tightly and finely into a smoother, softer yarn than standard open-end cotton. It is often paired with combed cotton, where the short fibers are combed out before spinning.
- Fiber content
The fibers a fabric is made of, listed on the label by percentage with the largest share first: "65% polyester, 35% cotton" means mostly polyester. Blending fibers changes how a fabric feels, drapes and holds its shape.
- Stretch twill
Twill is a woven fabric with fine diagonal lines on its face, common on caps and chinos. Stretch twill adds a few percent of spandex (also called elastane) so the fabric gives a little and springs back.
- Micro poplin
Poplin is a tightly woven plain-weave fabric with a smooth face. Micro poplin is woven from very fine yarns, giving a smooth, light fabric often used for shells and anoraks.
- Microfiber
Fabric made from very fine synthetic fibers, usually polyester and polyamide (nylon). It has a soft, dense surface and is a common choice for golf towels.
- Fabric weight (oz/yd² and GSM)
How much a fabric weighs for a given area: ounces per square yard (oz/yd²) or grams per square meter (g/m², often written GSM). One oz/yd² is about 33.9 g/m². A higher number means more fabric, so a 10 oz/yd² fleece has about twice the material of a 5 oz/yd² pique. Weight alone does not tell you about quality; it is most useful for comparing like with like.
Construction and details
- Placket
The finished opening at the neck of a polo or pullover, where the buttons or zip sit. A golf polo's placket usually has two or three buttons.
- Flat-knit collar
A collar knitted as its own flat piece, rather than cut from the shirt's body fabric and folded. It lies flat and keeps a neat edge. Matching flat-knit cuffs are common on pique polos.
- Rib knit (ribbing)
A knit with raised vertical ribs that stretches and springs back, used for cuffs, hems and collars so they sit close. A 1×1 rib alternates one raised rib with one recessed rib.
- Side vents
Short open slits at the bottom of the side seams of a shirt. They let the hem sit flat over the hips and help an untucked shirt hang neatly.
- Side-seamed
Cut and sewn with a seam down each side, rather than knitted as a tube with no side seams. Side seams allow a more tailored shape through the body.
- Welt pocket
A pocket whose opening is finished with a narrow strip of fabric (the welt), so it lies flat. It is common on the back of pants and joggers.
- Kangaroo pocket
A single large pouch pocket across the front of a pullover, open at both sides. You'll find it on hoodies and anoraks.
- Drawcord
A cord threaded through a channel to tighten a hood or waistband. A bungee drawcord is elastic, usually with a toggle to hold it in place.
- Embroidered logo
A logo stitched in thread rather than printed in ink, so it has a raised texture. To look after it, wash the piece inside out and don't iron directly over the stitching.
Fit and sizing
- Relaxed fit
Cut with extra room through the chest and body. Some relaxed-fit pieces run large, so check the measurement chart before you choose your size.
- Regular fit
A standard cut, neither close to the body nor roomy. Your usual size is the best starting point.
- True to size
Fits as you'd expect from your usual size. When a piece "runs large" or "runs small", you may need to size down or up. Comparing the measurement chart with a piece you already own is the most reliable check.
Tops, layers and bottoms
- Half-zip
A pullover with a zip from the collar to around mid-chest. It goes over a polo collar easily and can be opened as you warm up. Brands use "half-zip" and "quarter-zip" loosely, so check the zip length in the photos.
- Quarter-zip
A pullover with a shorter zip at the neck. It does the same job as a half-zip with a smaller opening.
- Mock neck
A short, stand-up collar with no fold, found on some golf shirts. Many courses accept a mock neck in place of a traditional collar, but some private clubs don't, so check the dress code first.
- Crewneck
A round, collarless neckline that sits close at the base of the neck: the classic sweatshirt shape.
- Anorak
A pullover jacket with a partial front zip, a hood and usually a large front pocket. Golf anoraks are often light enough to pack into a bag pocket.
- Jogger
Pants with an elastic waistband, a tapered leg and cuffed ankles. Many public courses accept smart joggers; some clubs expect golf pants with belt loops.
Caps and headwear
- Structured cap
A cap with stiffened front panels, usually backed with a firm material such as buckram, so the crown holds its shape and gives a cleaner line.
- Unstructured cap
A cap without stiffening in the front panels, so it sits lower and softer on the head. It is often called a dad cap.
- Crown (and profile)
The part of a cap that covers your head. Its height is called the profile: low, mid or high. Most crowns are made from six panels that meet at a button on top.
- Brim (visor or bill)
The stiff peak at the front of a cap, also called the visor or bill. It can be curved or flat; its underside is the undervisor.
- Fitted cap
A cap sized to fit without an adjustable strap or snap at the back, usually with a closed back and a stretch band. Fitted caps come in sizes, so measure your head before you choose.
- Toque (beanie)
A close-fitting knitted hat that covers the head and ears, often with a fold-over cuff. Toque is the usual name in Canada; in the US it is more often called a beanie or knit cap.
Dress codes and the course
- Collared shirt
A shirt with a fold-down collar, such as a golf polo. It is the most common dress-code requirement on US courses and is often required at private clubs; whether a mock neck counts varies by club.
- Shirts tucked in
A common dress-code rule, especially at private clubs: shirts worn tucked into pants or shorts while on the course. Many public courses are more relaxed.
- Soft spikes
Golf shoe cleats made of plastic or rubber rather than metal. Many courses don't allow metal spikes; soft spikes and spikeless golf shoes are generally accepted.
- The turn
The break between the 9th and 10th holes, often a quick stop at the clubhouse or halfway house.
- The 19th hole
Golf slang for the clubhouse bar or restaurant, where players go after the round.