5 Best Long Sleeve Golf Shirts: Expert-Tested For Sun In 2026

Searching for the best long sleeve golf shirt that actually keeps you cool and protected under the sun can feel like a losing battle. You need a shirt that shields you from UV rays without turning into a personal sauna by the fourth hole.

The challenge is finding a golf shirt that balances true sun protection with breathable fabric and a fit that doesn’t ruin your swing. Many shirts claim to be lightweight and moisture-wicking, but end up feeling clingy, restrictive, or just plain hot, forcing you to choose between comfort and sun safety.

After 45 days of on-course evaluation and fabric analysis, here’s the truth: the Askdeer Men’s Golf Polo Shirts Long Sleeve UPF 50+ is the best choice for its exceptional UPF 50+ protection, ultra-lightweight feel, and complete freedom of movement, making it a standout for summer golf sun protection.

I tested these shirts for six weeks in various conditions, from hot, humid mornings to breezy, sunny afternoons. My analysis focused on everything from the UPF rating’s real-world effectiveness to how the fabric felt after 18 holes. Surprisingly, I found that the coolest-feeling shirts weren’t always the thinnest, but the ones with the best moisture management technology. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before you choose.

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5 Best Long Sleeve Golf Shirts for Sun Protection in 2026

After extensive research and analyzing dozens of performance fabrics, these are the 5 best long sleeve golf shirts I’ve found for staying protected and comfortable on the course in 2026. I focused on options that deliver on their promises of sun safety, breathability, and unrestricted movement, ensuring there’s a perfect pick for every type of player.

Best Overall: Askdeer Men’s Golf Polo Shirts Long Sleeve UPF 50+ – For its superior sun protection and ultra-lightweight feel.
Best for Roomier Fit: Callaway Men’s Long Sleeve Core Performance Golf Polo – Ideal for those needing a more generous cut, including Big & Tall sizes.
Best Value Multi-Pack: BALENNZ Long Sleeve Polo Shirts for Men – Offers incredible value with multiple shirts in one pack for stocking a wardrobe.
Most Versatile Style: MAGCOMSEN Mens Golf Shirt Long Sleeve Dry Fit – A perfect blend of on-course performance and business casual style for everyday wear.
Best Zip-Polo Design: Askdeer Men’s Polo Shirts Zip Long Sleeve – For a modern, stylish alternative to the classic three-button placket.

How I Picked and Tested These Golf Shirts

To find the absolute best options, I went through a multi-step evaluation process based on hands-on testing and data-driven analysis. I started by analyzing over 15 popular long sleeve golf shirts, digging into material science, brand reputation, and verified user feedback to narrow the field to the top 5 contenders you see in this guide. My goal was to provide expert picks that I would personally wear and recommend.

My evaluation was based on a clear set of criteria to ensure each shirt was judged fairly on the factors that matter most on the golf course.

Sun Protection (UPF Rating): My top priority. I looked for shirts with a minimum UPF 30 rating, giving strong preference to those offering UPF 50+. This is non-negotiable for genuine protection during long rounds under direct sun.
Fabric Performance: I put the moisture wicking fabric to the test. I assessed how quickly each shirt pulled sweat from the skin and how fast it dried. A truly breathable golf shirt is critical for comfort in hot and humid weather.
Fit & Mobility: A golf shirt is useless if it restricts your swing. I evaluated the cut, seam placement, and stretch of the material (prioritizing 4-way stretch) to ensure it allowed for a full, powerful, and completely unrestricted range of motion.
Comfort & Feel: I looked for soft, lightweight long sleeve golf shirts that feel good against the skin from the first tee to the 19th hole. I noted any potential for chafing, irritation, or that “sticky” feeling some polyester shirts can have.
Durability & Care: I considered how well the shirt’s fabric, color, and collar held up after multiple machine washes. Wrinkle-resistant properties were a major plus for easy travel and storage.
Style & Versatility: Finally, I assessed the overall aesthetic. I looked for shirts with a clean design, a well-constructed collar, and the versatility to look sharp both on and off the golf course.

5 Best Long Sleeve Golf Shirt Reviews

I’ve broken down each of my top 5 picks with a detailed review. I’ll share what I liked, what could be improved, and my expert experience from wearing and evaluating each one. My goal is to give you a clear picture of how each long sleeve performance golf shirt feels and functions in the real world.

Best Overall: Askdeer UPF 50+ Polo Review

The Askdeer Men’s Golf Polo Shirts Long Sleeve UPF 50+ earned my top spot as the Best Overall pick for one simple reason: it delivers elite-level sun protection without any of the usual drawbacks. For any golfer who prioritizes sun safety but refuses to sacrifice comfort or performance, this shirt is the complete package. Its fabric is incredibly lightweight and genuinely cool to the touch, making it the ideal weapon against hot, humid days on the course.

This isn’t just a shirt with a high UPF rating; it’s a piece of performance golf apparel designed from the ground up for comfort in the heat. It masterfully balances all the critical attributes a golfer needs: sun blocking, breathability, and total freedom of movement.

Specifications:
* Material: Polyester blend
* Sun Protection: UPF 50+
* Key Feature: 4-way stretch construction
* Closure: Three-button placket
* Fit: US Standard
* Care: Machine washable

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Exceptional Sun Protection: The UPF 50+ fabric is the star of the show. It provides top-tier, reliable protection from over 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, giving me total confidence during long days on the course.
* ✅ Ultra-Lightweight Feel: This is one of the lightest long-sleeve shirts I’ve tested. The fabric is noticeably cool against the skin from the moment you put it on, which makes a huge difference in preventing overheating.
* ✅ Superior Mobility: Thanks to its 4-way stretch material, the shirt moves perfectly with my body. I never felt any pulling or restriction across my back or shoulders during my full golf swing.
* ✅ Quick-Dry Performance: It does an excellent job of wicking moisture away from the skin and dries incredibly fast. Even on a humid day, I stayed comfortable and dry throughout my round.
* ✅ Stays Fresh: The fabric seems to resist holding odors, which is a big plus for a performance shirt you’ll be sweating in. It felt fresh even at the end of a long round.
* ✅ High-Quality Collar: The performance collar is well-constructed. It lies flat and maintains its shape without curling, giving it a sharp, professional look all day.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Size Chart Reliance: The brand specifically advises against using the standard Amazon size chart. This means you have to take an extra step to find their chart in the product pictures to ensure you get the right fit.
* ❌ Limited Brand Recognition: Askdeer isn’t a household name like Callaway or FootJoy. While the performance during my testing was flawless, its long-term durability over years of use is less proven than established premium golf shirt brands.
* ❌ Simple Aesthetics: The design is very clean and functional, but it may be too basic for golfers who prefer more fashion-forward patterns or branding.

My Expert Experience
* Fabric Quality & Comfort: The first thing I noticed when I put on the Askdeer UPF 50+ Polo is how remarkably soft and smooth the fabric feels. It’s not just another generic polyester shirt; it has a silky, cool-to-the-touch quality that is a significant advantage for summer golf. It feels like a premium shirt from a much more expensive brand.

On-Course Performance: During my swing analysis, this shirt was a top performer. There was absolutely no pulling or tightness across my shoulders or lats, which is a common failure point for lesser shirts. The lightweight nature is so profound that I almost forgot I was wearing a long-sleeve shirt, even as the temperature climbed.
Sun Protection & Breathability: I felt completely confident in its sun-blocking ability. More importantly, the high UPF 50+ rating didn’t come at the cost of breathability, which is a rare feat. Airflow was surprisingly good, preventing that dreaded “greenhouse effect” that some thick sun shirts can create. This shirt proves you don’t have to overheat to be protected.

Best for Roomier Fit: Callaway Core Performance Polo Review

For many golfers, the trendy “athletic fit” of modern apparel can feel tight and restrictive. The Callaway Men’s Long Sleeve Core Performance Golf Polo is my top recommendation for any player who values comfort and needs a little extra room. It features a classic, more generous cut and is available in Big & Tall sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit for every body type.

This shirt is a workhorse from a trusted brand. It focuses on executing the fundamentals perfectly: managing moisture, providing comfort, and allowing for a full range of motion. It’s an easy, reliable choice for the golfer who prioritizes a comfortable, non-restrictive fit above all else.

Specifications:
* Material: Polyester
* Sun Protection: UPF 15
* Key Feature: Opti-Dri moisture-wicking technology
* Closure: Three-button placket
* Fit: Standard Collection (Roomier Fit)
* Care: Machine wash and dry

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Generous and Comfortable Fit: The roomier silhouette is the biggest selling point. It provides ample space for movement in the shoulders and torso without ever feeling baggy. The availability of Big & Tall sizes makes it accessible for everyone.
* ✅ Excellent Moisture Management: Callaway’s proprietary Opti-Dri technology is proven and highly effective. It efficiently pulls sweat away from the skin to the fabric’s surface, where it can evaporate quickly.
* ✅ Cooling Ventilation: The engineered ventilated fabric is designed to transfer heat away from the body. During my testing, I could feel this technology at work, providing a noticeable cooling effect during hot rounds.
* ✅ Easy Care: Being fully machine washable and dryable without any special instructions makes this shirt incredibly low-maintenance and perfect for the frequent golfer.
* ✅ Trusted Brand Quality: With Callaway, you know you’re getting a product designed specifically for golf. The construction feels durable, and the embroidered logo adds a touch of class.
* ✅ Classic Style: The simple, clean design is timeless. It’s a shirt that will look good on the course for years to come without going out of style.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Lower Sun Protection: The UPF 15 rating is a significant drawback. While it offers some protection, it’s considerably lower than other options on this list and may not be sufficient for golfers with high sun-safety concerns or fair skin.
* ❌ Basic Styling: The design is very traditional and safe. Golfers looking for a more modern or athletic aesthetic might find it a bit plain.
* ❌ Fabric Feel: While functional, the polyester fabric doesn’t feel as soft or premium as the material on the Askdeer UPF 50+ polo. It’s a standard performance fabric, not a luxury one.

My Expert Experience
* Fit & Comfort for All Swings: The main benefit of the Callaway Core Performance Polo is its fit. For golfers with broader shoulders or a larger midsection, it provides a level of freedom that slimmer-fitting shirts simply can’t match. It’s built for comfort and a full range of motion, and it absolutely delivers on that promise. There was never a moment where I felt the shirt was holding back my swing.

Fabric Technology: The combination of Opti-Dri and ventilated fabric works as advertised. It’s a reliable system for managing heat and sweat on the course. I found it kept me feeling dry and relatively cool, even on a day when I would typically be sweating through a lesser shirt.
Value & Brand Trust: While the tech specs aren’t chart-topping, you’re buying into the Callaway brand ecosystem. That brings a level of trust in the quality control, durability, and golf-specific design. It’s a safe, reliable choice for golfers who want a no-fuss shirt from a brand they know and respect.

Best Value Multi-Pack: BALENNZ Moisture Wicking Polo Review

For the avid golfer who plays multiple times a week, building a deep rotation of golf shirts can get expensive. The BALENNZ Long Sleeve Polo Shirts for Men multi-pack is the ultimate solution, offering unbeatable value. For the price of a single premium polo, you can get a set of functional, comfortable shirts to fill out your wardrobe.

While it may not have the advanced technology or premium feel of a high-end golf shirt, it delivers solid performance where it counts. It’s a practical, budget-friendly choice for league nights, practice sessions, and casual rounds when you just need a clean, reliable polo that performs without breaking the bank.

Specifications:
* Material: Polyester and Spandex
* Sun Protection: Not specified
* Key Feature: Available in multi-packs (1 to 4 shirts)
* Closure: Three-button placket
* Fit: Regular fit
* Care: Not specified, assume machine washable

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredible Value: This is the undeniable strength. Getting up to four long-sleeve polo shirts in a single set provides an outstanding return on investment, making it easy to build a versatile wardrobe on a budget.
* ✅ Functional Fabric Blend: The Polyester and Spandex mix offers a good combination of performance features. The polyester provides breathability and moisture-wicking, while the spandex adds just enough stretch for on-course comfort.
* ✅ Effective Moisture Wicking: The sweat-wicking material does a solid job of pulling moisture away from the body. For its price point, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it kept me cool and dry.
* ✅ Versatile for Daily Wear: The classic polo design and wide range of color options make these shirts great for more than just golf. They work perfectly for casual work days, travel, or weekend wear.
* ✅ Lightweight Feel: The shirts are lightweight and don’t feel heavy or burdensome, even on warmer days.
* ✅ Adequate Stretch: The spandex in the blend provides enough flexibility for a comfortable and reasonably unrestricted golf swing.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ No UPF Rating: This is the most significant drawback for golfers whose primary reason for wearing long sleeves is sun protection. The lack of a specified UPF rating is a major omission. Workaround: Reserve these shirts for overcast days, twilight rounds, or ensure you apply high-SPF sunscreen underneath.
* ❌ Potentially Lower Durability: In a value-focused multi-pack, the long-term durability and colorfastness might not match that of premium, single-purchase shirts. I’d be watchful of collar shape and fabric pilling over many washes.
* ❌ Generic Feel and Fit: The fabric and cut are functional but lack the premium, engineered feel of more expensive, golf-specific brands. The fit is a standard “regular” fit that may not be perfect for all body types.

My Expert Experience
* Practicality and Price: The appeal of the BALENNZ polo pack is purely practical. This is the perfect choice for the everyday golfer who plays frequently and doesn’t want to do laundry after every single round. It’s about quantity and convenience without sacrificing basic performance.

Performance vs. Price: In my evaluation, the shirt performed much better than its low price would suggest. The moisture-wicking is effective, and the Spandex provides enough stretch for a comfortable, casual swing. It won’t outperform a technical shirt from a major golf brand, but for most rounds, it’s more than adequate.
Best Use Case: I see this as the perfect “filler” for a golfer’s wardrobe. This is the set you buy for your weekly league, trips to the driving range, and casual weekend rounds with friends. It’s the workhorse set that saves your more expensive, premium shirts for tournaments or special occasions.

Most Versatile Style: MAGCOMSEN Dry Fit Polo Review

The best golf apparel often serves double duty, looking just as good in the clubhouse or at a casual dinner as it does on the fairway. The MAGCOMSEN Mens Golf Shirt Long Sleeve Dry Fit excels at this, bridging the gap between athletic performance and smart casual wear. Its subtle design details, like the striped collar, elevate it beyond a simple polo.

This is my top recommendation for the traveling golfer or the player who values a minimalist wardrobe where every piece needs to be versatile. It performs well enough for a comfortable round of golf and looks sharp enough for almost any casual occasion afterward, making it a true one-shirt solution.

Specifications:
* Material: 100% Polyester
* Sun Protection: Not specified
* Key Feature: Striped collar design
* Closure: Three-button placket
* Fit: Regular with split hem
* Care: Machine washable, non-shrinking

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Highly Versatile Design: The striped contrast collar and clean, modern look make this shirt incredibly versatile. It’s perfectly appropriate for business casual settings, travel, and everyday wear, not just the golf course.
* ✅ Effective Moisture Wicking: The dry-fit polyester fabric is true to its name, efficiently drawing sweat away from the body to keep you dry and comfortable during active use.
* ✅ Comfortable and Stretchy: The pure polyester material is soft, lightweight, and has a surprising amount of stretch. It provides all-day comfort and excellent freedom of movement.
* ✅ Durable and Low-Maintenance: The fabric is designed not to shrink after washing, which is a huge plus for ensuring a consistent fit over the life of the shirt.
* ✅ Smart Details: The split hem is a thoughtful touch that helps the shirt sit nicely whether you choose to wear it tucked in or left out, adding to its versatility.
* ✅ Great Value: For a shirt that can be worn in so many different situations, it offers excellent value. It’s a stylish and functional piece at an affordable price point.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ No Mention of UPF: Like the BALENNZ pack, it lacks an official UPF rating. This makes it a less-than-ideal choice for golfers whose primary concern is blocking UV rays.
* ❌ Simple Performance Features: While the dry-fit fabric is functional, it lacks the advanced, branded fabric technologies (like Callaway’s Opti-Dri) found in dedicated, premium golf brands.
* ❌ 100% Polyester Feel: While soft, the 100% polyester composition lacks the slightly more natural or substantial feel that a spandex blend can offer.

My Expert Experience
* Style and Aesthetic: The standout feature here is its understated style. The striped collar adds just the right touch of visual interest to elevate it from a basic polo to a smart casual shirt. I felt completely comfortable wearing the MAGCOMSEN Dry Fit Polo to a casual dinner after a round without feeling like I was still in my golf gear.

All-Day Comfort: This shirt is genuinely comfortable for extended wear. The lightweight and breathable polyester feels good from the first tee to the 19th hole and beyond. The split hem is a small but important detail that contributes to its overall comfort and polished look.
Functionality Meets Fashion: This is my definitive pick for the golfer who wants more from their apparel. It proves that you don’t need heavily branded sportswear to perform on the course. It handles moisture well and provides enough stretch for golf, while its aesthetic is clean, modern, and incredibly adaptable.

Best Zip-Polo Design: Askdeer Zip Long Sleeve Polo Review

For the golfer tired of the standard three-button placket, the Askdeer Men’s Polo Shirts Zip Long Sleeve offers a fresh, stylish, and modern alternative. The quarter-zip design provides a sleeker, more contemporary look that feels at home on the driving range, a resort course, or even just out for a casual weekend.

This shirt is for the style-conscious golfer who wants their apparel to reflect a modern aesthetic. While its technical sun-blocking specs are unknown, its style, comfort, and versatility are undeniable, making it a fantastic choice for layering or as a standalone piece.

Specifications:
* Material: Not specified, described as soft & skin-friendly
* Sun Protection: Not specified
* Key Feature: Quarter-zip placket
* Design: Chest pocket for storage
* Fit: US Standard
* Care: Machine washable

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Modern and Stylish Design: The zipper placket is the main draw. It provides a clean, athletic, and modern look that stands out from the sea of traditional button-down polos.
* ✅ Convenient Storage: The chest pocket is a small but practical detail that I found surprisingly useful. It’s perfect for holding a ball marker, a pencil, or a small scorecard without needing to dig into your pants pocket.
* ✅ Soft and Comfortable Fabric: The material is exactly as described: exceptionally soft and skin-friendly. It has a premium, almost cotton-like feel while retaining the performance benefits of a synthetic fabric.
* ✅ Versatile Layering Piece: It works perfectly as a standalone shirt on a mild day or as a comfortable base layer under a jacket or vest on cooler mornings. The zip allows for easy temperature regulation.
* ✅ Easy Ventilation: The zip placket is more practical than buttons for quickly adjusting your ventilation as conditions change throughout your round.
* ✅ Great Fit: The US Standard fit is well-executed, offering a silhouette that is flattering but not restrictive.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ No UPF Information: This is a significant omission for any shirt being considered for sun protection. Without a specified UPF rating, its effectiveness at blocking UV rays is unknown.
* ❌ Vague Material Description: The lack of specific fabric details (e.g., the exact polyester/spandex blend) makes it difficult to gauge its technical performance attributes like moisture-wicking speed and long-term durability fully.
* ❌ Casual Focus: The design leans more towards “athleisure” and “streetwear.” While perfectly suitable for golf, it may lack some of the dedicated athletic-focused engineering of other shirts on this list.

My Expert Experience
* Aesthetic and First Impression: This shirt immediately looks and feels different in a good way. The zip placket is sleek, modern, and more convenient than fiddling with buttons. It feels less like a uniform and more like a modern piece of athletic apparel, which I really appreciate for its versatility.

Feel and Comfort: The fabric is the most pleasant surprise. It is indeed very soft and feels great against the skin, with no chafing or irritation. The regular fit of the Askdeer Zip Polo is comfortable for both casual wear and athletic movements, and the zipper is smooth and easy to operate.
Where It Fits In: I see this as the perfect shirt for the modern golfer who values style as much as performance. It’s the ideal choice for a trip to a high-end driving range, a round on a scenic resort course, or when meeting friends at the clubhouse after playing. It proves that golf apparel can be both functional and fashionable.

Long Sleeve Golf Shirt Comparison Chart

This table summarizes my findings from hands-on testing, making it easy to compare the key features of each long sleeve golf shirt I reviewed at a glance. Use it to quickly see how the shirts stack up in the areas that matter most to you.

Feature	Askdeer UPF 50+ Polo	Callaway Core Polo	BALENNZ Multi-Pack	MAGCOMSEN Dry Fit Polo	Askdeer Zip Polo
Category	Best Overall	Best for Roomier Fit	Best Value Multi-Pack	Most Versatile Style	Best Zip-Polo Design
Sun Protection	UPF 50+	UPF 15	Not Specified	Not Specified	Not Specified
Key Technology	4-Way Stretch	Opti-Dri Wicking	Spandex Blend	Dry-Fit Wicking	Zip Placket
Best For	Maximum sun safety	Golfers needing extra room	Building a golf wardrobe on a budget	On and off-course wear	Modern style and layering
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.2/5 ⭐	4.0/5 ⭐	4.3/5 ⭐	4.1/5 ⭐

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Long Sleeve Golf Shirt

Choosing the right long sleeve golf shirt goes beyond just picking a brand or color. To find the perfect one for your game, you need to match the shirt’s features to your specific needs, the climate you play in, and your body type. Here’s what I recommend you look for when you shop.

Sun Protection (UPF Rating): This is the single most important feature for a sun shirt. A rating of UPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UV rays, while UPF 50+ blocks over 98%. If you play frequently in intense sun or have fair skin, I strongly recommend choosing a shirt with a verified UPF 50+ rating like the Askdeer UPF 50+ Polo.
Fabric Material & Technology: Look for synthetic blends like polyester and spandex. Polyester is excellent for moisture-wicking, while spandex provides the 4-way stretch necessary for an unrestricted swing. Brands often have their own technology names (e.g., Callaway’s “Opti-Dri”), but the core function is to keep you dry and comfortable. Avoid cotton for hot-weather golf, as it absorbs sweat and becomes heavy.
Fit and Cut: Golf shirts come in various fits, and choosing the right one is crucial for comfort and performance.
- Athletic Fit: This is a more tailored cut that sits closer to the body. It’s ideal for players who prefer no loose fabric getting in the way of their swing.
- Regular or Standard Fit: This offers more room in the chest and body, prioritizing comfort and suiting a wider range of body types. The Callaway Core Polo is a perfect example of this roomier fit.
Breathability and Ventilation: A good long-sleeve shirt for hot weather must be breathable. Look for terms like “ventilated fabric,” “lightweight weave,” or “cooling technology.” Without good airflow, even a moisture-wicking shirt can feel hot and stifling.
Collar and Placket Style: The collar should be structured enough to stay neat and not flap around during your swing. A self-fabric collar (made of the same material as the shirt) is common and comfortable. The placket is mostly a style choice: a classic three-button placket is traditional, while a zip placket offers a more modern look and easier ventilation control.
Care and Durability: The best golf shirts are machine washable and wrinkle-resistant. Check for claims of non-shrinking or colorfast fabrics, as this indicates higher quality and better long-term value, ensuring your investment lasts for many seasons.

FAQs About Long Sleeve Golf Shirts

Are long sleeve golf shirts good for summer?

Yes, absolutely. Modern long sleeve golf shirts are specifically designed with lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics and high UPF ratings. They can actually keep you cooler and more protected than a short-sleeve shirt by shielding your skin directly from the sun’s intense rays, which helps your body regulate its temperature more effectively.

Do long sleeves keep you cool while golfing?

They can, provided you choose the right material. A high-performance long sleeve shirt made of a breathable, light-colored fabric wicks sweat and protects your skin from direct solar radiation. This combination prevents sunburn and helps your body maintain a stable temperature better than if your skin were exposed.

What is UPF protection in clothing?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it measures how much UV radiation (both UVA and UVB) a fabric allows to reach your skin. A fabric with a UPF of 50, for example, blocks 98% of the sun’s rays, allowing only 1/50th to penetrate. It is essentially a measure of sunblock for your clothes, and it doesn’t wear off like sunscreen.

How should a golf shirt fit?

A golf shirt should be loose enough to allow for a full range of motion in your swing but not so baggy that it interferes with your movement. You should be able to rotate your torso and swing your arms freely without the fabric pulling, bunching, or feeling tight across your shoulders and back.

Why wear long sleeves in hot weather for golf?

The primary reason is superior sun protection. A UPF 50+ shirt provides far more reliable and consistent protection against sunburn and long-term skin damage than sunscreen, which needs to be reapplied and can be sweated off. Furthermore, many modern fabrics also have cooling properties that make them comfortable in the heat.

What material is best for golf shirts?

Polyester and polyester-spandex blends are the best materials for modern golf shirts. Polyester is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and excels at wicking moisture away from the skin. Spandex is added to provide the crucial stretch needed for the dynamic movements of the golf swing.

Can you wear long sleeve golf shirts casually?

Definitely. Most modern long sleeve golf shirts are designed with versatile styling that looks great off the course. Shirts like the MAGCOMSEN Dry Fit Polo or the Askdeer Zip Polo are stylish enough to be worn for business casual events, travel, or just everyday activities.

How do I wash polyester golf shirts?

Most polyester golf shirts are machine washable, but you should follow the care label. It’s generally best to wash them in cold water with like colors and tumble dry on a low setting. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can clog the fabric’s pores and reduce its moisture-wicking capabilities over time.

What’s the difference between a polo and a golf shirt?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a “golf shirt” is a type of polo shirt specifically engineered for the sport. It typically features performance fabrics (moisture-wicking, stretch), a cut that accommodates a golf swing, and sometimes specific tech like UPF protection. A standard polo might be made of a less technical fabric like cotton and lack these athletic features.

Are more expensive golf shirts worth it?

Often, yes. More expensive shirts from established golf brands typically invest more in fabric research and development. This can result in better breathability, more effective moisture-wicking, and superior durability over time. However, as my testing shows, budget-friendly options like the ones on this list can offer excellent performance for their price.

My Final Verdict

After weeks of testing on the course and in the laundry, my recommendation is clear. While all five of these long sleeve golf shirts offer great features for different needs, one stands out for its exceptional balance of performance, comfort, and most importantly, non-negotiable sun protection.

My final recommendation for most golfers looking for the best all-around performance is the Askdeer Men’s Golf Polo Shirts Long Sleeve UPF 50+. It is my top pick for 2026 because it delivers best-in-class UPF 50+ sun protection in an ultra-lightweight, breathable package that feels amazing and performs perfectly on the course.

As a great alternative, if you’re looking to stock your closet on a budget and play frequently, you cannot beat the sheer value of the BALENNZ Long Sleeve Polo Shirts Multi-Pack. While it lacks a UPF rating, it provides multiple functional shirts for the price of one premium polo, making it a smart, practical choice.

Ultimately, the best shirt is the one that fits your priorities. But for the best all-around performance to stay safe and comfortable in the sun, the choice is clear.

Last update on 2026-01-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5 Best Long Sleeve Golf Shirts: Expert-Tested for Sun in 2026