Journal · 4 min read
How should a golf polo fit?
Illustrative imageA good polo looks tidy at address and doesn't pull when you turn. Most fit problems come down to five places on the shirt, and you can check all of them in front of a mirror in a minute.
Shoulders#
The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder, where the arm begins. If it drops down your arm the shirt is too big; if it sits up on the shoulder it is too small and will pull across your back on the backswing.
Sleeves#
Sleeves on a classic golf polo end around the middle of the upper arm. They should lie flat without gripping. A flat-knit cuff, rather than a hemmed one, holds its shape better wash after wash and keeps the sleeve neat.
Chest and body#
Reach across your body as if taking the club back. The fabric should move with you without stretching tight across the shoulder blades. A relaxed fit gives more room through the body; a tailored fit sits closer and suits slimmer builds.
The easiest way to choose a size is to measure a shirt you already like: lay it flat and measure straight across the chest, 1 inch below the armholes, then compare that number with the garment chart.
Length#
Raise both arms over your head. If the hem rises above your belt, the shirt is too short to stay tucked through a round. Untucked polos with side vents can be a little shorter, but should still cover the belt when you stand normally.
Collar#
The collar should lie flat and keep its shape when the top button is open. Flat-knit collars hold their line better than collars cut from the body fabric, which can curl after a few washes.
