Whether you’re walking 18 holes or grabbing a post-round drink at the clubhouse, your golf shirt works as hard as you do. Today’s performance polos are engineered for comfort, mobility, and moisture control—often featuring high-tech fabrics that wick sweat, resist wrinkles, and stretch with you. But to preserve that clean, just-pressed look and maintain performance over time, you need to give them the care they deserve. Learning how to care for golf shirts properly not only keeps them looking sharp but protects your investment in quality apparel.
Washing performance polos the wrong way is one of the fastest ways to break down the very fibers that make them great. Heat, harsh detergents, and over-drying can damage moisture-wicking shirts, causing pilling, fading, or even a stiff feel that no longer moves with your swing. To keep your shirts feeling fresh and functioning like new, always start by checking the care label. Most high-end golf polos recommend cold water washes and air drying or low tumble drying—especially if they contain polyester blends or technical knits. These fabrics thrive when treated gently and spared from the extremes of traditional laundry cycles.
Skip the fabric softener altogether. While it might seem like a shortcut to softness, fabric softeners actually coat performance fibers, reducing their ability to wick moisture and breathe. That build-up can eventually trap odors or cause the shirt to retain sweat rather than repel it. Instead, opt for a detergent designed for athletic wear, which removes oils and bacteria without harming the integrity of the fabric. Washing performance polos inside out can also help protect delicate surfaces and preserve their color and finish, especially if you wear shirts with a subtle heathered texture or sophisticated muted tones like those found in many premium collections.
Storage is just as important as washing when it comes to extending the life of your golf shirts. Don’t leave damp or sweaty polos balled up in a gym bag or golf tote. Instead, hang them promptly or lay them flat to air out before tossing them in the wash. Once clean, avoid wire hangers that can stretch out collars over time. Fold or hang your shirts with structure in mind to keep them looking crisp between rounds. If your closet is packed, storing polos in breathable garment bags can help prevent snagging and dust buildup—especially important for your go-to rotation.
At Harlestons, we design men’s golf shirts with performance and longevity in mind, using proprietary blends that resist fading, repel odors, and stand up to regular wear. But even the best fabrics need proper care to live up to their full potential. By making a few small tweaks to how you wash and store your moisture-wicking shirts, you’ll get seasons—if not years—of wear without sacrificing the look and feel that made you love them in the first place. With a little attention to detail, your favorite polo can remain a staple from tee time to dinnertime.
