Article - Golf Shirts for On and Off the Course

28 Feb 2022

 

Winning Golf Shirts On and Off Course

 XCO Group is a notable wholesale supplier of corporate merchandise and team wear, which includes huge ranges of golf shirts and T-shirts. We’ve been in business for some 35 years now, and are well versed in everything related to the sport and the necessary apparel.

The former garment came into use several years before the invention of the latter item. Thus, these two types of upper body garments are intended for distinctly different purposes.

Golf’s Strict Regulations

The rules and regulations that govern the game of golf are particularly strictly applied. Woe betides the person who attempts to wear T-shirts on the golf course or even within the confines of the clubhouse. It’s just not done. Golfers’ dress code does not allow for exceptions. Likewise, gentlemanly behaviour and good sportsmanship on the course is expected. A player who cheats on his scorecard may find that others avoid or shun them.  

Fabric and Fit

Golf shirts are made of a stretchy knit fabric, which is moisture absorbent and breathable. It should not be too tight-fitting, so as to allow for an unrestricted free range of movement in the upper body. Although sleeveless and long-sleeved versions are available, the typical golf shirt has short sleeves that fit loosely across the shoulders and around the upper arms.

Thanks to a Tennis Player

This garment is also worn by tennis players, who require the same features and characteristics to play their game in comfort. Consequently, appropriately coloured golf tops are also sometimes referred to as tennis shirts.

Today, we have an erstwhile tennis player, René Lacoste, to thank for the golf shirt, and not just for the sought-after crocodile logo that now features on Lacoste’s original designer clothing. In 1928, Lacoste appeared at the US Open tennis tournament, wearing a light weight, short-sleeved top, manufactured in a soft, breathable fabric, a totally novel garment at that time. By 1933, this garment closely resembled that golf shirt that’s so popular today.

Defining Features

Golfers soon adopted this item as their own and named it accordingly. Distinguishing and defining features, typical of these shirts are:

·        Length of garment’s body allows for it to be neatly tucked into pants, without pulling out and exposing the player’s lower back during an extreme movement, such as the golf swing.

 

·        Collar – matching or in contrasting colour.

 

·        Placket that features three or four buttons in front, at the neckline.

 

·        May include a pocket, positioned  on garment’s chest.

 

·        Available in a range of plain colours or shirts may feature bands of contrasting colours or stripes.

 

·        Other colour variations may include contrast stitching.

 

·        Washable and durable.

The Tee

The iconic T-shirt was so named because its short-sleeved version’s shape resembled the letter “T” when laid out on a flat surface. This item started out as an undergarment, which later migrated to become today’s ubiquitous top in its own right. Tees are found in virtually every wardrobe. It’s worn as a casual garment, whereas golf shirts may qualify as smart casual wear, when paired with chinos and a sports jacket. 

Originally, this top is said to date back to “sometime between the 1898 Spanish-American War and 1904, when the Cooper Underwear Company” advertised the T-shirt as a “new product for bachelors”, of all people. The slogan or tagline that accompanied the ad read “no safety pins – no buttons - no needle – no thread”, since this then new garment was designed for gents without sewing abilities or wives – bachelors.

One wonders what Coopers reaction might have been, had they looked into the future or seen photographs of ladies and children, all sporting a tee with no other garment over this erstwhile undershirt.

Characteristics of the Tee

 ·        Made of a pure cotton or cotton-rich, lightweight knit fabric, which stretches and readily absorbs moisture a characteristic of cotton.

 

·        Slip-on, pull over top, without any additional openings.

 

·        Round or V neck.

 

·        Available as sleeveless, long or short-sleeved, stand-alone outerwear. Models with cut-away sleeves are known as vests in North America, whereas in South Africa, vests are typically undergarments, worn for extra upper-body warmth or as athletic apparel – designed for track and field athletic events, such as running, gymnastics, discus, pole vaulting, men’s floor exercises and the likes.

 

·        Affordable and inexpensive.

 

·        Available in almost any colour.

 

·        Great for decorating with printed text, photographs or traditional or pop art, as well as corporate brands.

 Its apparent that golf shirts will take you almost anywhere, both on and off the course. Be sure to score winning points by getting your team’s tops from XCO Group’s classic and creative collections.