Finding Your Perfect Fit
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Finding Your Perfect Fit

Golf courses all around the world may differ in terms of difficulty and terrain, but most have one thing in common – their dress code.  Golfers have the unique challenge of finding clothes that are both functional and stylish.  The key to choosing the best golf shirt is to consider your body type and your personal style. Finding Your Perfect Fit will guide you through the perils of shopping to look good.

Although golf shirt manufacturers may use different terminology to describe their sizing, they generally offer standard cuts of shirts to fit the three most common body types. When buying the fit that compliments your body type, you are guaranteed to look and feel your best on the course.

An overview of the three common body types

Researcher and psychologist William Sheldon introduced body types called somatotypes in the 1940s.  Although Sheldon theorized that body type influenced personality and social status, we will only focus on the physical characteristics of these body types.

The three main body types are ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. These body types are based on the distribution of muscle mass and fat in the body.

  • Ectomorphs are typically tall and thin, with a small bone structure and little body fat. Men with this shape usually have narrower shoulders and chests.

  • Mesomorphs are typically athletic and muscular, with a medium bone structure.  Their weight distribution around the body is usually relatively even, and they can gain and lose weight relatively easily.

  • Endomorphs are typically short and stocky, with a large bone structure and body fat. They have a slow metabolism, and they often have a hard time losing weight.

Illustration depicting the three somatotypes: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph

Types of fit in golf shirts

Regular Fit

Regular fit shirts may also be referred to as standard fit or traditional fit shirts. They are designed to be comfortable and allow a full range of motion to help golfers complete a smooth swing. 

These shirts have a relaxed silhouette with slightly longer and broader sleeves than slim fit or fitted shirts. The shirt’s body is also looser and longer, which may be a little wider, allowing for extra weight in the abdomen, and the waist is not tapered, extending straight down from underneath the armpits.

Regular fit golf shirts are a good option for golfers who want a comfortable and relaxed fit. They are also a good option for golfers with a larger build or who want a shirt that allows for extra weight in the abdomen.

Illustration of a standard fit golf shirt showcasing its relaxed design

Types of fit in golf shirts

Regular Fit

Regular fit shirts may also be referred to as standard fit or traditional fit shirts. They are designed to be comfortable and allow a full range of motion to help golfers complete a smooth swing. 

These shirts have a relaxed silhouette with slightly longer and broader sleeves than slim fit or fitted shirts. The shirt’s body is also looser and longer, which may be a little wider, allowing for extra weight in the abdomen, and the waist is not tapered, extending straight down from underneath the armpits.

Regular fit golf shirts are a good option for golfers who want a comfortable and relaxed fit. They are also a good option for golfers with a larger build or who want a shirt that allows for extra weight in the abdomen.

Illustration of a standard fit golf shirt showcasing its relaxed design

Slim Fit

Slim fit golf shirts are designed to be more fitted than regular fit shirts, but they are less fitted than fitted shirts.

They have higher and smaller armholes than regular fit shirts, which means that there is less fabric in the underarm area. The sleeves are also shorter and tighter, and the waist of the shirt is slightly tapered. This gives the shirt a more streamlined and athletic appearance. The length of a slim fit shirt is generally shorter, and the waist width is narrower.

Slim fit golf shirts are a good option for golfers who want a more fitted look. They are also a good option for golfers who are looking for a shirt that is both stylish and functional.

Illustration of a slim fit golf shirt showcasing its tailored design

Fitted

Fitted golf shirts are the most form-fitting type of golf clothing available. They are designed for men who are confident in their bodies and want a shirt that shows off their physique. Fitted shirts have a very close fit, with very little excess fabric. The sleeves are short and close-fitting, and the waist of the shirt is tapered. This gives the shirt a very tailored and athletic appearance.

Fitted golf shirts are a good option for golfers who want a very form-fitting shirt. They are also a good option for golfers who are looking for a shirt that is both stylish and functional.

Illustration of a slim fit golf shirt showcasing its tailored design

Slim Fit

Slim fit golf shirts are designed to be more fitted than regular fit shirts, but they are less fitted than fitted shirts.

They have higher and smaller armholes than regular fit shirts, which means that there is less fabric in the underarm area. The sleeves are also shorter and tighter, and the waist of the shirt is slightly tapered. This gives the shirt a more streamlined and athletic appearance. The length of a slim fit shirt is generally shorter, and the waist width is narrower.

Slim fit golf shirts are a good option for golfers who want a more fitted look. They are also a good option for golfers who are looking for a shirt that is both stylish and functional.

Fitted

Fitted golf shirts are the most form-fitting type of golf clothing available. They are designed for men who are confident in their bodies and want a shirt that shows off their physique. Fitted shirts have a very close fit, with very little excess fabric. The sleeves are short and close-fitting, and the waist of the shirt is tapered. This gives the shirt a very tailored and athletic appearance.

Fitted golf shirts are a good option for golfers who want a very form-fitting shirt. They are also a good option for golfers who are looking for a shirt that is both stylish and functional.

In summary: finding your fit

Which fit you choose is often influenced by your body type. We’ve summarised the information in the article into an easy-to-reference guide for when you purchase your next golf shirt.

Body Type: Ectomorph

Ectomorphs are naturally slim, have a lean and narrow body type and usually do not have particularly broad shoulders or chests.

Recommended Fit: Slim Fit, Fitted​

Body Type: Mesomorph

Mesomorphs naturally put on muscle easily and tend to have an athletic or muscular frame. Men with the mesomorph body type typically have broad shoulders and a narrow waist.

Recommended Fit: Regular Fit, Slim Fit, Fitted

Body Type: Endomorph

Endomorphs have rounded body types and are likely to gain weight in their abdomen. They are typically stocky overall and usually do not have as much waist definition as their mesomorph and endomorph counterparts.

Recommended Fit: Regular Fit

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