Performance vs. Cotton: What Golfers Should Really Be Wearing in 2025

Not all polos are created equal—and if you’ve ever played 18 holes in the wrong one, you already know that.

Cotton polos have been around forever. They’re familiar, classic, and easy to find. But performance fabrics are quickly becoming the standard on and off the course—and for good reason. If you're still on the fence, let’s break down the difference between the two and help you figure out what’s actually worth wearing in 2025.

Cotton Polos: What Works, and What Doesn’t

We’re not here to bash cotton. There’s a reason guys have worn it for decades. It’s soft, natural, and doesn’t look too “techy.” But when it comes to playing golf—especially in heat, humidity, or variable conditions—it starts to fall short.

Where cotton struggles:

• It traps moisture – once you start sweating, it gets heavy and stays damp.

• It wrinkles fast – cotton polos can lose their clean look before you even finish the front nine.

• It loses shape – repeated wear and washing often leads to stretched collars and sagging seams.

Cotton has its place, but on the course or while traveling, there are better options that won’t let you down halfway through the day.

Performance Fabrics: Why They’re Taking Over the Game

Modern performance fabrics are designed to solve every one of cotton’s weaknesses—and then some.

USA Palm’s performance polos use materials engineered for movement, breathability, and all-day polish. Whether you’re playing a full round or heading straight from the course to dinner, these fabrics keep you looking and feeling sharp.

What to Look for in a Performance Polo

Here’s where the real difference shows up—feel, function, and versatility. Let’s break down USA Palm’s most popular performance polos:

• Pique Stretch Polo – Our most breathable option, with a soft, woven texture that lets air move through the fabric. Ideal for hot days and long rounds.

• Silky Soft Polo – Light and cool to the touch with a smooth, slightly draped feel. Moisture-wicking and anti-odor. Great for humid conditions or travel.

• Heathered Polo – Soft, breathable, and versatile. Has a slightly textured look that works well on the course and off.

All of them offer stretch, moisture control, and wrinkle resistance—so they hold up round after round and still look great hours later.

Why It Matters (Even Off the Course)

Performance polos aren’t just for golf anymore. They pack better. They don’t wrinkle in your suitcase. They layer well under quarter-zips and jackets. And they’re sharp enough to wear to a casual dinner or weekend event.

Think about it like this: you don’t wear cotton to work out. So why wear it for 4 hours in the sun, walking, swinging, and sweating?

When your clothing helps you stay cooler, move better, and still look pulled together—it stops being just “golf gear” and starts becoming part of your everyday rotation.

Final Thoughts: Upgrade for the Right Reasons

If you’ve stuck with cotton because it’s familiar, we get it. But the game has changed—and so has the gear.

USA Palm’s performance polos are made for real-life golf: variable weather, long rounds, and the kind of schedule that doesn’t always let you change before dinner. They’re comfortable, stylish, and built to last—and once you try one, you’ll feel the difference.

Shop Performance Polos Built for 2025 →