ST550 vs ST650: Which Sport-Tek Polo Fits Your Needs?
By: ShirtsBargain Posted on: Sep 12, 2025The sports apparel market steadily grows, and North America dominates the market with $80.4 billion in revenue currently. Sport-Tek polo shirts have captured a significant share of the American market in the performance apparel segment, thanks to their blend of performance, durability, and affordability. They make excellent uniform options, and are a top preference among ShirtsBargain’s customers in the hospitality industry.
Known for moisture-wicking fabrics and color retention with PosiCharge technology, these polos deliver consistent comfort on the field, at the office, or during casual outings. In 2025, Sport-Tek remains one of the top wholesale brands in the market and in ShirtsBargain for performance polos, favored by sports coaches and golf clubs alike for their versatility and value.
If you're considering Sport-Tek polos for your team or group, two popular options stand out: the ST550 PosiCharge Competitor Polo and the ST650 Micropique Sport-Wick Polo. Both are known for exceptional quality in both design and construction. But their differences may help guide your best choice depending on your specific needs.
ST550 vs ST650: The Key Differences at a Glance
Sport-Tek apparel offerings deliver a lot of benefits on top of excellent customizability. Both these polos from Sport-Tek weigh exactly 3.8 ounces and offer athletic fits, but their construction tells different stories despite being polyester knits.
Fabric Differences of ST550 and ST650
The Sport-Tek ST550 is crafted from 100% polyester interlock fabric, which gives it a slightly firmer texture and durability. This, combined with Posicharge fabric technology, makes this polo breathable and color fast, making it suitable for active use in warm-weather conditions and as custom-branded uniforms. It’s the polo version of the brand’s iconic ST350 Competitor t-shirt, which is a top pick for a variety of buyers.
The Sport-Tek ST650 is a step-up fabric-wise, featuring a 100% polyester tricot micropique fabric. This makes the ST650 softer and gives it a luxurious, silky texture. The fabric also provides enhanced snag resistance and wrinkle resistance compared to the interlock of the ST550. Additionally, the Sport-Wick moisture-wicking technology can keep the wearer cool and dry, making the ST650 suitable for fitness activities or work environments demanding comfort.
Fit & Design Features of ST550 and ST650
Both polos offer an athletic fit suitable for team uniforms or branded corporate wear. However, the ST650 includes side vents for easier tuck-ins and double-needle stitching for extra durability, making it a more practical option for workwear.
The ST550 features a removable tag for simple rebranding and comes in 17 color choices, whereas the ST650 features a tag-free label and has 19 colors, providing a slightly broader palette for matching team or brand colors.
Performance, Pricing, and Customization Comparison
Both styles, being polyester knit garments, offer exceptional moisture management and durability, making them very useful for sports teams and hospitality staff. The ST550 is preferred more by budget-conscious buyers needing a reliable performance polo, while the ST650 fits buyers willing to invest a bit more for enhanced fabric quality and premium comfort.
For regular sizes, the ST550 is among the best-performing polo shirts under $10. In ShirtsBargain, the wholesale pricing goes lower and even further with our bulk discounts. The ST650, despite being a premium polo shirt, can come in between $15 and $18. Once again on ShirtsBargain, you can expect the ST550 to start around $5.95 per piece, while the ST650 is priced near $15.32 per piece, reflecting its premium materials and construction. Learn more with our guide on Sport-Tek wholesale apparel.
Customization options are strong for both styles:
- Suitable for sublimation, heat transfer vinyl (HTV), and direct-to-film (DTF) printing.
- Can take machine embroidery well.
- Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is not recommended due to the fabric weave.
Use Cases of ST550 and ST650
- A school soccer team might choose the ST550 to outfit players with breathable, color-locked polos at an affordable cost.
- A golf club may select the ST650 for staff uniforms to benefit from the silky texture and extra moisture-wicking during long days on the course.
- Hospitality businesses can use either polo, but those prioritizing employee comfort and prolonged wear often lean toward the ST650’s Sport-Wick fabric.
Conclusion: Which Polo Fits Your Needs?
Choose Sport-Tek ST550 PosiCharge performance polo if you want a lightweight, durable blank polo that delivers performance on a budget. Ideal for teams outfitting large groups with dependable quality.
Go for Sport-Tek ST650 Sport-Wick performance polo if you prefer a soft, snag-resistant fabric with advanced moisture-wicking for enhanced comfort and durability. Great for smaller orders where fabric feel and longevity matter most.
Check out both polos at ShirtsBargain for competitive wholesale prices, bulk discounts, and customization services that help teams and businesses look their best without overspending.