In need of some summer inspiration, I reached out to my friends at various golf apparel brands and asked for one summer outfit of their choosing. The only rules were that I needed a Large polo and size 34″ shorts that they thought transitioned well from course to cookout. I was curious to see what the stylist at each brand picked out and I wanted to share the results with the GolfThreads readers.
Just to be clear, we receive no commission, sell no ads, and accept zero payment whatsoever. Links are included in case you like something, not for our monetary benefit. As always, GolfThreads is a labor of love and I hope you find something below that you love. If so, drop a line. Which of these is your favorite style? Do you have sizing questions or need style recommendations? Hit us up! (As a point of reference, the imperfect model below is 6’0″, 200 lbs.).
FootJoy
FootJoy was the first to arrive (I can’t tell you how exciting it was to get a mystery-curated package like this). In the past, I always had to size down to a Medium in their Classic Fit polos or go with an Athletic Fit, but this Classic Fit in Large seemed more tailored than I recall. The sleeve length was the longest of the polos I tested, and the traditional fit was forgiving, yet not too big. The shorts were very stretchy and lightweight (and the belt matched perfectly–though I would’ve sized up in it). My favorite item (not pictured) was the Sweater Hoodie with a pouch pocket and ribbed detailing on the back. It really took this kit to another level. This outfit is as cool as a summer breeze. Conservative and classy. You’ll look like a gentleman on and off the course.
Under Armour
I have always said that the Under Armour Iso-Chill line is the most underrated in golf apparel, and for all its technology it might be the best value! You should have seen my surprise when I spied a UA Braided White Golf Belt in my mailer. It helped the transition from the polo to the shorts, right? That’s why I loved this project. I would not have picked out this outfit, yet I loved it. In fact, my daughter (who was also my photographer) said it was her favorite outfit and she thought it fit me the best. I felt summer ready in the bold shorts and palm print polo.
Bonobos
The best thing about Bonobos is the ability to dial in your fit. They offer Slim and Standard polos (I received Slim) as well as Slim, Standard, and Athletic shorts with multiple inseams (once again, Slim and 8″ inseam). I did find the sleeves to be a bit baggy for a slim-fitting polo (guess I better start hitting my biceps at the gym). The length of the polo allowed it to be comfortably untucked, and also long enough to stay tucked in. I love the Light Blue colorway of these shorts. Take me to a beachside bar in this getup.
G/FORE
G/FORE surprised me the most with their selection. I expected something bolder and more colorful when I opened the package. However, this might’ve been the most flattering of all the outfits. The eye-catching polo was truly slim fitting, and it did a good job of making my upper body appear broader, giving the illusion of that elusive V-shape. Normally I wear a belt, but I like the look of these tab-front shorts sans belt. It gave more of a stream-line effect to the entire outfit. Not only can I wear this golfing, but it may become my top choice for date night too!
Nike Golf
The Nike ADV line rocks! It is their most advanced apparel engineering to date. Everything about it feels cutting edge. The camo design on this polo integrates breathable textures throughout to keep you cool and dry while looking great. The shirt had a more athletic fit than other Nike polos I’ve owned. And the length is designed to be worn tucked or untucked. The shorts are a modern take on a classic chino. They are 51% cotton, and as a result, were the heaviest of the lot. I wish they were a little more tailored to go with the fit of the shirt. These had the widest leg opening and highest rise. Overall, a sporty look that is definitely course-ready and would have you looking cool as a soccer dad or running errands. Probably not something I would wear on a date night, though.
Holderness & Bourne
I see why Greg calls Holderness & Bourne one of the best-fitting polos he has worn. I could literally wear this shirt anywhere. The collar on the H&B polos might be the best in the biz. As much as I love the H&B polos the shorts blew me away. If you are looking for slim-fitting shorts that are less than 9″, these are the ones for you. They were by far the most tailored of all the bottoms I wore, but man, did they ever have some SERIOUS s-t-r-e-t-c-h. Golf, cookout, or nice dinner on a patio somewhere. This fit? It fits the bill. Side note: their belts are amazing (they appear in a few pictures) and if I had hair, I’d be POTUS, and rock this visor.
Ralph Lauren RLX Golf
Interesting juxtaposition: classic fit polo and tailored fit shorts. It worked. Brilliantly. This is such a great polo. The camo motif that incorporates the RLX logo and golfer silhouette made me feel sporty, edgy, and fun all at once. These shorts have it all. They are the ultimate in dressy performance shorts. I love the concealed zip pocket on the right side; it is deep, easily accessible, and has a convenient secondary coin pocket. This outfit possesses all the details and luxury I have come to expect from RLX! I can confidently wear this anywhere and feel extra confident when I do!
Adidas Golf
In all honesty, I didn’t get to test this adidas HEAT.RDY Polo in the heat yet, because the warm weather here in New England has been slow to arrive. Made with 100% recycled materials, this shirt is meant to keep you cool in the warmest weather. It had the look of a tennis shirt, and I was dying to pop the collar, for some reason. Slimmer fitting than many of the adidas polos I have worn in the past. In fact, I love how it hugged my shoulders and arms. This will get regular play in my rotation this summer. The shorts were the most generous cut I received, in part because of the elastic waistband on the back. The belt loops allow you to dress these up, but they felt like they could easily double as gym shorts, and you wouldn’t miss a beat.
Vineyard Vines
I dig a subtle print that makes you look twice. From afar this shirt appears to have a geometric print but up close you realize that it is golf carts! But that isn’t even the best part. Made with brrrº fabric (immediate and continuous cooling, active wicking, and rapid drying) this shirt was the softest and most buttery feeling of them all. The collar has a reinforced stand for a clean look and a hidden button to keep it in place. The picture above didn’t do it justice, but this entire outfit was the most “true to size” for me. Everything fit as it should and I just felt…comfortable. The VV Stillwater Shorts are lightweight, water resistant, and feel like cotton, but with plenty of stretch. This is a versatile outfit that will work wherever my New England summer adventures take me.
TravisMathew
I was expecting TravisMathew to send me the Zinna Polo and Beck Shorts since they hype them as their “Perfect” polo and shorts. I disagree. Consider me a Heater and Starnes kind of guy. The modern fit of the Heater Polo is spot on and it has all the comfort of your favorite t-shirt. The heathered look with the micro-feeder stripes gives the shirt texture that makes it perfect for that backyard get-together. The Starnes are my choice for the shorter inseam. The lightweight, low-profile design and micro-ripstop construction make these the most versatile shorts for an active, on-the-go guy.
Original Penguin
Now this screams summer! Show up to a get-together dressed in the Original Penguin Chi Chi Rodriguez Collection and you’ll instantly be the life of the party. Swagger and confidence are required to wear this on and off the course (bonus points if you don the fedora). The shirt captures Chi Chi’s famous swing and signature sword dance. For a cheeky finishing touch, Pete’s wearing an iconic Chi Chi fedora on both the shorts and the polo 😉