(Image credit: Michael Weston)

Golf Monthly Verdict

Abacus says this garment acts like a second skin, and this is a good way of describing it. You'll need to find another layer to combine it with in colder weather, but it's soft, breathable and stretchy - so that's unlikely to cause any problems.

Reasons to buy

+
Sporty design
+
Lightweight and very breathable

Reasons to avoid

-
Not a garment you'd turn to in extremely cold weather - you'd be better off with a base layer

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By Michael Weston

published 17 November 2021

Abacus might not be a name some golfers are familiar with, but it has established quite a reputation in Europe. It’s also trusted by many LPGA Tour and PGA Tour players – and we wouldn’t be surprised to see that number grow over the next few years.

The Yale Longsleeve shirt is made of stretchy, lightweight fabric, and parts of the shoulders and sleeves come with contrast colour for a sporty look. Just like the Abacus Dunes Hybrid jacket, it’s easy on the eye, especially in forest (green).

We went out on a chilly morning to see how it performed.

If you're looking to stock up with more layers, be sure to check some some of the best golf tops and best golf jumpers.

How tall am I/what is my build?
6ft 1 inches, slim build.

What do I normally wear – does it come up big/small?
Medium normally fits perfectly for polos, mid layers, sweaters and jackets.

How did it fit/feel/perform?
It offers a comfortable fit – it’s lightweight and extremely breathable. This is because of the brand’s Drycool fabric, which allows the wearer to stay comfortable and dry even in warm and humid conditions.

It’s stretchy and soft, too, and doesn’t restrict your golf swing in the slightest. In truth, it’s hard to pick a fault. All we can say is that it’s not a garment designed to offer great protection from the harsher weather conditions. However, you can still wear it underneath a rain jacket or sweater and it will feel perfectly comfortable.

Any extra details you notice?
The logo on the back (neck) completes its athletic style. It has a good quality zip, too, which may sound like a small detail, but ones that catch and snag on the material are infuriating.

Can you wear it off the course?
This is more one for the golf wardrobe.

How does it come out after the wash/do you need to iron it?
As per the brand’s recommendation, wash separately, do not soak, and hand dry straight away. Do not iron on the print, either. It dries extremely quickly, and the early signs are that it keeps its shape perfectly.

Michael has been with Golf Monthly since 2008. As a multimedia journalist, he has also worked for The Football Association, where he created content to support the men's European Championships, The FA Cup, London 2012, and FA Women's Super League. As content editor at Foremost Golf, Michael worked closely with golf's biggest equipment manufacturers, and has developed an in-depth knowledge of this side of the industry. He's now a regular contributor, covering instruction, equipment and feature content. Michael has interviewed many of the game's biggest stars, including six world number ones, and has attended and reported on many Major Championships and Ryder Cups. He's a member of Formby Golf Club.

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