One of the questions I get asked most often is simple: How do you actually tie your golf shirts and bottoms? The first time someone asked me this, I was a little surprised. I thought it was something that came naturally. Over time, however, I’ve come to realize that it’s not as straightforward as it seems.
Oscar Wilde once said: “One must be a work of art, or wear a work of art.” Putting together a golf outfit isn’t nearly as serious, but there’s an element of truth to it. Done right, you’ll look like a million bucks. Done wrong, it shows.
So here’s how to do it right.
1. Neutral skirts are almost always on the go, but…
If having a versatile wardrobe is your top priority, your best bet is to stick to khaki, white, gray and blue skirts. Period. All of these options go with almost any polo and give you an almost unlimited number of combinations to keep things looking fresh.
That said, whether you’re a bit more of a designer or just like to wear colour, it’s important to make sure everything works together. This is where most tend to go astray.
Take this pairing, for example. At first glance, light blue shorts don’t seem like the natural option. But they work because the blue is already inside shirt. Shorts aren’t introducing a new color; they are taking one out and letting it stand on its own. This is extremely important.
If you’re going to wear color on the bottom, you have two options: erase everything else, or make sure the top complements it in a way that looks intentional. In this case, the shirt does the work for you. Pink adds personality, blue keeps everything grounded and the whole thing comes together naturally.
The goal is not to match, per se, but to look cohesive.
Figure above
2. Classic and simple poles are your best friend
Somewhere along the way, the hard polo has become a bit neglected on the golf course. We all have them but, more often than not, we reach for stripes or prints. This is a big mistake.
The sturdy polo has a quiet power and when it comes to wearing it, it makes your life so much easier. With a plain shirt, you’re simplifying the outfit. You’re not competing with models or trying to balance multiple elements; you are only working with color.
This gives you a lot more flexibility in the lower back.
If color theory isn’t your thing, this is where you start. A solid polo allows you to be a little more adventurous with your shorts or pants without ruining the whole outfit. It creates a clean base and keeps everything balanced. Not everything has to stand out. In most cases, it is better if it is not.
If you are wondering what color pants or shorts I would pair with the photo above Isle Aqua polo by HarlestonsI would go with tamarind. That said, it would look just as good khaki OR white. If polo on the Isle has piqued your interest, MyGolfSpy readers receive a 15 percent discount on Harleston with code MYHARLESTONS15.
3. When layering, you can think outside the box
Admittedly, this is where things can get a little tricky, and success comes with practice.
Once you switch to layering, you’re no longer simply pairing two pieces, but balancing three. This is where most people lose a bit or play it too safe. Take this combination. on paper, lavender and a green-leaning aqua don’t look like they belong together. But they work and work very well.
The reason is simple: they live in the same tonal family. Both colors are soft, slightly muted and easy on the eyes. Nothing is oversaturated, so nothing fights for attention. of Onward Reserve Navy Pants. anchor everything and the result is cohesive, elegant and classic.
You have room for a lot of creativity here. You don’t need to match the colors, you just need them to feel like they belong in the same environment. I tend to think of it as a landscape. This combination feels like spring in the Scottish mountains or along the English dale – delicate, natural and a little unexpected.
If you still feel confused, here is one step by step checklist to help get it right.
- Start with tone, not color.
- Before you worry about whether something is purple, green or blue, ask yourself: is it soft or loud? Silent or bright? If everything you’re wearing falls into the same general tone—soft and muted like this—you’re already most of the way there. From there, you can mix colors more freely than you think.
- Look for overlaps. Even if two parts do not match, there is usually a subtle connection between them. In this case, aqua polo has enough blue in it to bridge the gap between lavender and navy. It’s not obvious, but it’s there and that’s what makes it work.
- You need something to anchor the outfit. That’s where navy pants come in. When experimenting up, your bottom should almost always be neutral. It keeps everything stable and prevents things from getting away from you.
Figure above
4. Accessories and shoes should be (mostly) silent
Believe it or not, your accessories and shoes affect your top and bottom look. Part of what inspired me to write this was Matthew Fitzpatrick’s rather regrettable ensemble during Saturday’s round at the RBC Heritage. He wore a purple polo with dark gray trousers (mostly nice), but decided to combine it with white, yellow and green. Skechers Blade Tours. His choice of shoes sank an otherwise acceptable outfit.
If you’ve learned anything from me by now, it’s that a good golf wardrobe (mostly) thrives on simplicity. Belts are one of the easiest places to get this wrong. A simple tan or brown leather belt will work with almost any shirt and pants combination. Once again, I really like it Jack of Quince Woven Belt.
Despite Fitzpatrick’s shoe gaffe, don’t make the same mistake. This doesn’t mean you have to avoid color completely. In fact, it’s the opposite. Adding a pop of color can work if controlled. As we discussed with layering, that color should be muted and soft. of FootJoy Fieldspecifically in the color of the waterit’s one of my favorite shoes at the moment. The pastel aqua details are subtle but create enough contrast and will work with almost any outfit.
Finally, your handle is where you can have a little more fun, but it still needs to make sense. Choose something that works with the rest of your outfit. In short: don’t wear green gloves with a red-and-blue striped shirt. Right now, I’m playing and loving it Seamus x Clinch Houndstooth Golf Gloves Black and White Out. Again, you’re working with muted tones and a classic pattern that goes with almost anything.
Figure above
Closing thoughts
Pairing tops and bottoms doesn’t have to be scary. In most cases, it’s actually pretty simple if you understand what you’re looking for. Start with neutral basics. Keep things simple at the top. When you decide to push it a little, remember to keep your bottoms quiet. If something is wrong, it probably is. And if you’re ever in doubt, go back to the basics: khaki, white and navy. You can build almost anything from there.
Also, I’m just an email away. If you ever want or need golf styling tips or advice, feel free to shoot me an email. I am always happy to help.
