One of the questions I get asked most often is simple: How do you actually pair your golf shirts and bottoms? The first time someone asked me that, I was a bit taken aback. I assumed it was something that came naturally. Over time, though, I’ve realized that it’s not nearly as straightforward as it seems.
Oscar Wilde once said, “One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.” Putting together a golf outfit isn’t nearly that serious but there is an element of truth to it. Done right, you’ll look like a million bucks. Done wrong, well, it shows.
So, here’s how to get it right.
1. Neutral Bottoms Are Almost Always The Move But…
If having a versatile wardrobe is your top priority, your best bet is to stick with khaki, off-white, grey and navy bottoms. Period. All of those options go with just about any polo and give you an almost unlimited number of combinations to keep things looking fresh.
That said, if you’re a little more style-forward or just like wearing color, it’s important to make sure everything actually works together. This is where most tend to go astray.
Take this pairing, for example. At first glance, light-blue shorts don’t feel like the natural option. But they work because the blue is already in the shirt. The shorts aren’t introducing a new color; they’re pulling one out and letting it stand on its own. That’s extremely important.
If you’re going to wear color on the bottom, you have two options: mute everything else or make sure your top complements it in a way that feels intentional. In this case, the shirt does the work for you. The pink adds personality, the blue keeps everything grounded, and the whole thing comes together naturally.
The goal isn’t to match, per se, but to look cohesive.
Pictured Above
2. Classic, Simple Polos Are Your Best Friend
Somewhere along the way, the solid 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 instead. That’s a big mistake.
The solid polo has a quiet power to it and when it comes to getting dressed, it makes your life a lot easier. With a plain shirt, you’re simplifying the outfit. You’re not competing with patterns or trying to balance multiple elements; you’re just working with color.
That gives you far more flexibility on the bottom.
If color theory isn’t your thing, this is where you start. A solid polo lets you be a little more adventurous with your shorts or pants without the whole outfit falling apart. It creates a clean foundation and keeps everything balanced. Not everything needs to stand out. In most cases, it’s better if it doesn’t.
If you’re wondering what color pants or shorts I’d pair with the above-pictured Isle Aqua polo from Harlestons, I’d go with navy. That said, it would look just as good with khaki or off-white. If the Isle polo has piqued your interest, MyGolfSpy readers get 15 percent off at Harlestons 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 move into layering, you’re no longer just pairing two pieces, you’re balancing three. That’s where most people get a bit lost or play it too safe. Take this combination. On paper, lavender and a green-leaning aqua don’t sound like they belong together. But they work and they work really 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 overly saturated so nothing is fighting for attention. The Onward Reserve navy pants anchor everything and the result is cohesive, elegant and classic.
This is where you have room for a lot of creativity. You don’t need to match colors, you just need them to feel like they belong in the same environment. I tend to think of it like a landscape. This combination feels like spring on the Scottish moors or along the English heathland—subtle, natural and just a little bit unexpected.
If you’re still feeling confused, here’s a step-by-step checklist to help get it right.
- Start with tone, not color.
- Before you even worry about whether something is purple, green or blue, ask yourself: is it soft or loud? Muted 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 overlap. Even if two pieces don’t match, there’s usually a subtle connection between them. In this case, the aqua polo has just enough blue in it to bridge the gap between the lavender and the 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 the navy pants come in. When you’re experimenting up top, your bottoms should almost always be neutral. It keeps everything stable and prevents things from getting away from you.
Pictured Above
4. Accessories & Shoes Should Be (Mostly) Muted
Believe it or not, your accessories and shoes do impact how your tops and bottoms 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 grey trousers (mostly fine) but decided to pair it with white, yellow and green Skechers Blade Tours. His shoe choice sank an otherwise acceptable outfit.
If you’ve learned anything from me by now, it’s that a good golfing wardrobe (mostly) thrives on simplicity. Belts are one of the easiest places to get this wrong. A simple brown or tan woven leather belt will work with just about any combination of shirts and pants. Once again, I really like the Jack Woven Belt from Quince.
Apropos of Fitzpatrick’s footwear gaffe, don’t make the same mistake. That doesn’t mean you need to completely avoid color. In fact, it’s the opposite. Adding a pop of color can work if it’s controlled. As we discussed with layering, that color needs to be muted and soft. The FootJoy Field, specifically in the aqua colorway, is one of my favorite shoes at the moment. The pastel aqua detailing is subtle but creates just enough contrast and will work with almost any outfit.
Lastly, your glove is where you can have a bit more fun, but it still needs to make sense. Choose something that works with the rest of your outfit. Long story short: don’t wear a kelly-green glove with a red-and-blue striped shirt. Right now, I’m gaming and loving the Seamus x Clinch Golf Black and Off-White Houndstooth Glove. Again, you’re working within muted tones and a classic pattern that goes with just about anything.
Pictured Above
Closing Thoughts
Pairing your tops and bottoms doesn’t need to feel daunting. In most cases, it’s actually pretty simple if you understand what you’re looking for. Start with neutral foundations. Keep things simple up top. When you decide to push it a bit, remember to keep your bottoms muted. If something feels off, it probably is. And if you’re ever unsure, go back to the basics: khaki, off-white and navy. You can build just about anything from there.
Also, I’m just an email away. If you ever want or need golf styling tips or advice, feel free to send me an email. I’m always happy to help out.
