Golf apparel continues to evolve, not just in materials but also when it comes to the patterns and prints which we are seeing golfers enjoy. Sure, some aren’t for everyone, but golf is supposed to be fun, and Straight Down is a company that runs with that.
I was lucky enough to get a polo in to take a closer look at for a full THP rundown. Does it deliver? Definitely.
Quick Take
A new favorite in the golf wardrobe. Without a doubt one of the absolute lightest performance golf polo materials anywhere on the marketplace, it might even trick you into thinking it’s silk. Fun prints combined with the materials, good durability, and a true to size athletic leaning fit make for a top-notch piece of apparel.
The Straight Down Story
I think it is worth taking a quick look into the brand itself because most likely aren’t familiar with it, and frankly it’s a pretty cool history.
Straight Down was actually founded way back in 1989, so although their recent surge into golf shops across America may make them feel new era, they are not at all a fly by night apparel brand. The company has been family owned for the past 30 years and they are in it for their love of golf, a passion they try to shine as bright as possible.
One way they have done that is in 2021 the brand committed to the goal of making 95% of their products from shoes to shirts and everything in-between out of recycled polyester and recycled cotton fibers from discarded clothing. This is to help push the industry to more sustainable methods while also proving that recycled can still mean top of the line comfort. It is always neat to see a company put their money, and reputation, on the line to back up their ambitions.
Straight Down – Axe to Grind Polo
I was sent the “Axe to Grind” polo for this review and frankly, there could not have been a more fun and apropos pattern for this Okie. The deep rich navy polo is adorned with alternating patters of buffalo and throwing axes in white which allow them to pop just enough to not come off as gaudy. No, it won’t be for everyone, but I have gotten a lot of compliments on this one in tournaments around here since getting it in hand.
The design itself is an athletic leaning fit that for me was true to size (large) and it balances having enough snug in the arms while also not having an overzealous taper to the body of the shirt. The three-button placket is clean and allows for a variety of dress options.
However, I have sat on the biggest part of the story for long enough. This material is insane. The Axe to Grind is made of what Straight Down refers to as their “Airfiber” material that is 100% polyester. Now, pay attention to this very carefully as you read it, this feels like silk. When I opened the package, I was in awe because as a golf polo addict who only wears performance materials, this is unlike anything I have ever held in hand.
My immediate concern was likely the same as you, will it hold up? In a word, yes. As of writing this article, I have washed the shirt three times and worn it in three different outings (two tournaments and one night out), and the stitching has held up flawlessly and it has no snags or pulls anywhere on it. Impressive for a shirt that feels as light as air.
More options are always good, and Straight Down continues to not just work their way into stores and golf shops across America, they are also diversifying their products to run the gamut of golf apparel. It is also important to point out that though patterns like this one I reviewed are fun, they also know that they aren’t for everyone, so more subdued option are in their lineup as well.
The Axe to Grind polo comes in at $84.00 and is available in sizes S through XXL. While that price may cause some issues for some, it is well within the trend of the market, especially given the quality. For more information on Straight Down apparel and to see other options available, please visit their website www.straightdown.com.
Have you tried Straight Down apparel before? Jump into the conversation below or directly on the THP community and let us know your thoughts!
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 10009082, member: 65950″]
Call me cheap but I’m not really willing to pay $88 for a polo shirt. 25% off may get me to bite and try them out though.
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[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10009126, member: 1579″]
Everyone has their price, good news is sales happen and good deals can always be found.
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Must be doing something right, most of the XXL Polos they are out of stock in….
I am about to get Straight Down drunk.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10032683, member: 2320″]
I am about to get Straight Down drunk.
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I knew once you tried them, you would be hooked. So good.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10032683, member: 2320″]
I am about to get Straight Down drunk.
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Told you. 😉
More converts to these this weekend in Myrtle. They’re the real damn deal.
I bout a shirt at true blue. Have not worn it yet but it appears quality.
[QUOTE=”NVGOLFER80, post: 10034077, member: 53139″]
I bout a shirt at true blue. Have not worn it yet but it appears quality.
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ITS AAAAWWWWWEEEESSSSSOOOOOMMMEEEEEE :LOL:
I checked out the website and I can’t find anything attractive about straight down product. I am more of a Uniqlo and Lacoste brands. I have this Uniqlo polo with the Mercedes logo as seen with Adam Scott:
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[QUOTE=”golfguy2021, post: 10034134, member: 65869″]
I checked out the website and I can’t find anything attractive about straight down product. I am more of a Uniqlo and Lacoste brands. I have this Uniqlo polo with the Mercedes logo as seen with Adam Scott:
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They have several non patterned designs and the quality certainly rivals those you mentioned.
[QUOTE=”golfguy2021, post: 10034134, member: 65869″]
I checked out the website and I can’t find anything attractive about straight down product. I am more of a Uniqlo and Lacoste brands. I have this Uniqlo polo with the Mercedes logo as seen with Adam Scott:
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Lots of options out there in clothing these days. Straight down has some fun patterns but does not mean everyone will like them.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10034136, member: 1579″]
They have several non patterned designs and the quality certainly rivals those you mentioned.
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It depends on what people mean by quality. Most Uniqlo stuff we encounter is pretty heavy on the cotton side of things. There are a few of the Dry-Ex line that are 100% poly, but I have not encountered high quality with their items. Glad to hear some others have though. Reminds me more of the Gap from a while back.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10034145, member: 3″]
It depends on what people mean by quality. Most Uniqlo stuff we encounter is pretty heavy on the cotton side of things. There are a few of the Dry-Ex line that are 100% poly, but I have not encountered high quality with their items. Glad to hear some others have though. Reminds me more of the Gap from a while back.
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Eww. Hard pass on the cotton.:oops:
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10034145, member: 3″]It depends on what people mean by quality. Most Uniqlo stuff we encounter is pretty heavy on the cotton side of things. There are a few of the Dry-Ex line that are 100% poly, but I have not encountered high quality with their items. Glad to hear some others have though. Reminds me more of the Gap from a while back.[/QUOTE]
I don’t know where you get that idea from. Most of my Uniqlo clothes are dry-ex, like this one, perfect for golf:
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[QUOTE=”golfguy2021, post: 10034391, member: 65869″]
I don’t know where you get that idea from. Most of my Uniqlo clothes are dry-ex, like this one, perfect for golf:
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To each their own on styling, and am saying this as respectfully as possible, but I don’t see how this is more attractive than what Straight Down offers.
Was trying to save up for one of these, but blew all my savings on Wolfermann English Muffins instead………..
[QUOTE=”golfguy2021, post: 10034391, member: 65869″]
I don’t know where you get that idea from. Most of my Uniqlo clothes are dry-ex, like this one, perfect for golf:
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And perfect for a soccer game. I kid I kid.
I have two Uniqlo shirts that are Dry Ex including the blue one featured on their site last week and it’s 75/25 cotton to poly.
I’m glad you enjoy them, it’s awesome finding a brand you like. I didn’t care for it, but everybody has favorites.
[QUOTE=”Jeff Spicoli, post: 10034408, member: 10545″]To each their own on styling, and am saying this as respectfully as possible, but I don’t see how this is more attractive than what Straight Down offers.[/QUOTE]
I guess the advantage of Uniqlo over Straight Down is that Uniqlo is cheaper than Straight Down, IMHO.
[QUOTE=”golfguy2021, post: 10034509, member: 65869″]
I guess the advantage of Uniqlo over Straight Down is that Uniqlo is cheaper than Straight Down, IMHO.
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You’re right about that, it’s definitely cheaper.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10032847, member: 3″]
I knew once you tried them, you would be hooked. So good.
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So far super impressed with the cut, the shape of the collar, and the give in the material for movement.
I’m FAR from a white golf shirt kind of guy, but I am glad I’ve officially added one to the closet. It’s fantastic.
Anyone own the Optic Quarter Zip in Phantom Grey. I am wondering if it’s a true grey or comes across greenish. I can’t tell from the pic.
SD emailed to tell me that Phantom Grey is more Grey than Green With that knowledge I bought the 1/4 zip in [B]Indigo[/B]. Looking forward to having it.
Bought my first SD 1/4 zip yesterday. Walked into the pro shop at Turtle Point on Kiawah and there was the exact item and some polos. This is beautiful stuff.
I only own one Straight down shirt. I like it…
These two I picked up at True Blue last week are SOOOOOOOO GOOD!
They had the Diddley polo at the shop I was at. Really fun design.
I wish their website was a little better. I think it doesn’t show you how nice this stuff is. Pictures are kind of small or my old eyes don’t work as well.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 9999583, member: 1579″]
This.
And mine has now been washed and worn 5 times since writing this piece, and still no issues with snags or seams.
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[USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] ?
You’ve been very consistent with the number of times worn versus washed throughout, ?
It may not have ever been mentioned on this website (and that is newsworthy!, lol) but generally if I’ve worn something 18 times it’s been washed 18 times? ???? ?.
That said I’ll wait for a sale to try, my clothes for the year revolve around Budget Golfs Summer Clearance. I don’t even know what size to even think of trying either. I currently have an undershirt in medium on and a Polo that is an XXL. It’s a little droopy but a hanger on since I killed the fat guy this past year. Waist is down to 32” but I can’t wear that size pants as my thighs are too big. I have on a pair of Puma pants on in 34” and I like the 36” ones better. The 32” ones look comical as far as how tight they are on the rest of my legs.
Weight wise I’m probably a large? But I’m pretty broad so some companies an XL in shirts makes sense. Some companies a Medium is loose. It just depends on if they put the room in the chest and shoulders or the belly. I only have 2/3 now.
I saw the company weighing in. Is there anyone in the Mansfield/Ashland OH area that carries them so I could check one out? At that price point I don’t order blind. Sure, for $20 on Budgets summer clearance, I’ll just kinda guess and take my chances. But for close to $100 for a shirt I’m a different Customer. I want to to see and feel and make sure I get a size that works.
I was looking at the mixer polo. Fun stuff.
The ace of spades has my name all over it
[QUOTE=”annsguy, post: 10039063, member: 19928″]
They had the Diddley polo at the shop I was at. Really fun design.
I wish their website was a little better. I think it doesn’t show you how nice this stuff is. Pictures are kind of small or my old eyes don’t work as well.
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I got this Straight Down Diddly polo a couple of weeks ago as a tee prize in a member/guest tourney. It has become my favorite golf shirt….EVER !
I like the guitars and banjos on it, but I wish they did one with drums !
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[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10038640, member: 1579″]
These two I picked up at True Blue last week are SOOOOOOOO GOOD!
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I wore mine this weekend.
Also, I need more.
Now you have me checking the tracking on my order….. Here tomorrow,
[QUOTE=”Drumdog, post: 10040901, member: 2807″]
I got this Straight Down Diddly polo a couple of weeks ago as a tee prize in a member/guest tourney. It has become my favorite golf shirt….EVER !
I like the guitars and banjos on it, but I wish they did one with drums !
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I have this one in white. It’s one of my favorites.
Just saw the Straight Down package at the door. The presentation is outstanding. From bag they sent it in to the return info to the actual product. Love the 1/4 zip. It’s like 99 in the shade so I’ll try it another day. I’ll be buying more.
Yes, very nice to the touch.
[QUOTE=”Roberto Kentavr, post: 10044141, member: 66774″]
Yes, very nice to the touch.
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The material is :love:
So happy to see the love for Straight Down, they are a local brand and are very popular around here. Mike, the owner is also a hell of a stick, so it’s definitely a golf company owned by folks that are passionate about the sport.
I used to get my company logo on polos and 1/4 zips, I’m pretty sure they still offer that service. I’ve had some of their items for years and they hold up incredibly well. Probably the best collar on a polo I’ve ever found.
Someone tell me why I shouldn’t buy more. Fast. Please. :LOL:
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10064679, member: 1579″]
Someone tell me why I shouldn’t buy more. Fast. Please. :LOL:
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no. Buy me some too.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10064689, member: 2320″]
no. Buy me some too.
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Did you see all the new styles TB and Cale put out after we left! :love:
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10064695, member: 1579″]
Did you see all the new styles TB and Cale put out after we left! :love:
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No?!?!?!?
I saw some weird pineapple stuff.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10064710, member: 2320″]
No?!?!?!?
I saw some weird pineapple stuff.
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One of the social pics had a bunch of wild ones. We should go back
I got a couple new Straight Down polos from my Dad for my birthday. I need to grab some pictures to show you guys.
One of them has dogs riding surfboards on it. I did not know i wanted that, but turns out, YES!
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10103486, member: 2320″]
I got a couple new Straight Down polos from my Dad for my birthday. I need to grab some pictures to show you guys.
One of them has dogs riding surfboards on it. I did not know i wanted that, but turns out, YES!
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I wore two this past weekend and they continue to be one of my favorites for quality.
I still lean back a little towards the latest Puma stuff though for all out comfort.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10103486, member: 2320″]
One of them has dogs riding surfboards on it. I did not know i wanted that, but turns out, YES!
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I want it but wish it was in another besides dark blue. Maybe I’m looking at it wrong. Is 12 (and 5 navy) too many blue shirts?
[QUOTE=”Parrot, post: 10103510, member: 48815″]I want it but wish it was in another besides dark blue. Maybe I’m looking at it wrong. Is 12 (and 5 navy) too many blue shirts?[/QUOTE]
Nope. My wife won’t allow me to buy another shade of blue shirt. It’s all I own from Carolina blue to navy and everything in between.
Good news is she’ll never know, what’s another shirt among 20 blue shirts?
[QUOTE=”Minarets, post: 10104744, member: 3000″]
Nope. My wife won’t allow me to buy another shade of blue shirt. It’s all I own from Carolina blue to navy and everything in between.
Good news is she’ll never know, what’s another shirt among 20 blue shirts?
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Going full blue is a very healthy obsession. I support you.
Had to laugh when I got the email saying that their Tavern Series polos are back in stock. The “Bull’s” polo is named after our most revered college-y dive bar. Countless bad decisions stem from their signature drink the Bull Sweat. From what I can see the shirt is much nicer than the shot.
[USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] you’ll never guess what polo picture my wife sent me the other day. Okay, since it’s in this thread I’m sure you will. I think it was a threat because she sent me a super loud shirt, then in the mail came a far more plain model. It was tight in the shoulders even being 2xl so it’s getting returned but I thought it was fun she found this.
Ohhhhh I want these!!!
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[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10374503, member: 2320″]
Ohhhhh I want these!!!
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