The Best Bowling Button Up Shirts
Button up bowling shirts have been a staple amongst bowlers for decades. Their classic, retro style has been widely adopted by many outside of bowling as well, including classic rock fans and bands. For much of the younger generation though, some of these classic styles aren’t as slim and form fitting as they would like? Not to worry, though, there are still some great options that incorporate the classic bowling style with more modern colors and fit.
We have tested out dozens of different brands and types of button up bowling shirts. Below you will find our top choices and recommendations for both the classic loose style bowling shirts, as well as more modern, slim-fitting bowling shirts.
Top Picks for Button Up Bowling Shirts
Benny’s Blue Flames Bowling Shirt
Pros
Cons
The Benny’s Blue Flames button up bowling shirt is a good, quality shirt. It is well made, and the materials used are high quality. The blue ghost flames look just as good in person as they do on the picture.
The fit is definitely a more classic fit, much more on the loose side than the slim side, but not so loose that it looks like you are wearing the wrong size. It is comfortable and fits larger individuals (XL and above) particularly well.
Port Authority Bowling Retro Camp Shirt
Pros
Cons
The Port Authority Retro Camp shirt is constructed with a soft peached twill and is wrinkle resistant, which makes it easy to care for. Quality on this shirt is top notch from the stitching to the materials. This was probably the best quality shirt of all the shirts we tested. It feels substantial, yet is soft and very comfortable.
It has a looser fit, which makes this shirt a good option for you larger individuals. The styling of this shirt is certainly retro bowling, but would also work in slightly more formal settings, such as a nice restaurant or a wedding reception.
Dickies Men’s Bowling Two-Tone Shirt
Pros
Cons
The Dickies Men’s Two-Tone shirt is more of a slim fit than most bowling shirts. While stile not a true slim fit, it still has a nice form-fitting look. And there’s not a lot of stretch or forgiveness with this shirt. For those of you with slightly larger bellies, this may not be the best option for you.
This shirt is nice quality. Dicky’s clothing is known to be durable, and these shirts are extremely durable – certainly the most durable shirt we tested. It’s constructed of a polyester blend which contributes to its durability, but also makes it slightly less breathable, and therefore a bit warmer than some of the other shirts.
COOFANDY Disco Style Bowler's Shirt
Pros
Cons
The COOFANDY Disco Style Shirt is the flashiest shirt on our list. While it maintains the retro bowling look, the metallic style is very unique and will ensure that you stick out in any venue. The shiny material is made of terylene and spandex, giving it a good amount of stretch. This stretch made this shirt very comfortable – the most comfortable of all the bowling button up shirts we tested.
The COOFANDY Disco Style Shirt is the flashiest shirt on our list. While it maintains the retro bowling look, the metallic style is very unique and will ensure that you stick out in any venue. The shiny material is made of terylene and spandex, giving it a good amount of stretch. This stretch made this shirt very comfortable – the most comfortable of all the bowling button up shirts we tested.
Cubavera Men’s Bowling Shirt
Pros
Cons
The Cubavera Men’s bowling shirt features a double pin stripe and a rayon polyester blend construction. This is another one of those shirts that certainly maintains the classic bowling look but can also be worn for a night out on the town, to a concert, or to a nice dinner.
The stitching is excellent on this shirt. The two stripes are actually inserts that are sewn in, which looks really nice (the picture doesn’t quite do it justice). The fit on this shirt is loose and comfortable. And it is surprisingly breathable, so you won’t get too hot.
Hilton GM Legend Shirt for Bowling
Pros
Cons
The Hilton GM Legend shirt is made of a soft, lightweight twill that is a 60/40 cotton polyester blend. This is the quintessential bowling shirt look that were originally popular as old-school diner or parlor shop uniforms. They’ve got the timeless look and offer a multitude of colors to choose from.
This shirt is only for those who want a nice, loose fit, and is especially accommodating of bulging bellies. Quality was decent. Certainly not bad, but not as good as some of our other top picks. Overall, this is a nice shirt with maybe the most recognized classic bowling look.
Conclusion
The right bowling button up shirt will improve your confidence and your enjoyment when bowling. It will also help you stand out from your competitors, and even your teammates if that's what you desire. It will be a reflection of your personality, as well as how you take your game seriously and that others should take your game seriously too.
If you pick the correct shirt, you will also be able to wear it to parties or nights out on the town. It will provide a classic style that will fit many different occasions. And when the right people see it, they'll know you're a bowler and it can be a great conversation starter.
Any of the button up bowling shirts listed above are great options. If you are having a hard time deciding because you like more than one or because you are just a generally indecisive person, pick two or three (or more!) and you'll have extras for those times you forget to do your laundry, have a mishap when eating dinner, or just to have more choices in your closet.