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Fashion / Men's Style
By Matthew Velasco, CNN Underscored
Published 7:04 AM EDT, Thu March 21, 2024
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Polo shirts are the best of both worlds and work with just about anything in men’s style; they have the classic look of a button-down coupled with the comfort of your favorite T-shirt. Appropriate year round, they can be worn with cashmere sweaters or shorts, to the office or to a tennis match. They’re especially versatile for whatever temperatures spring throws at you, which is why we rounded up our favorite polos for the season, from trendy and classic to comfortable and bold.
“A polo shirt is a wardrobe staple and, for many men, it will be an item that gets the most wear,” says sustainable fashion expert and model Brett Staniland, who also recommends looking for polo shirts made with durable, natural fibers like cotton and linen. Content creator and model Jeff Yamazaki agrees, noting, “Cotton polos last longer and hold up in the wash, especially in the collar and sleeve area.” He says to look for supima cotton, a specific fiber known for its durability and softness, when shopping.
In addition to fabric, style experts agree that fit and function should be deciding factors in your search. Yamazaki suggests considering where and how the polo shirt will be worn. Is it for golf or going out? Are you wearing it mainly underneath a jacket or just as is?
Staniland says that although there are plenty of trendy options popping up, the tried-and-true polo (with a simple collar, cuffs and buttons) will never go out of style, making it well worth your money in the long run. “The classic style polo shirts will always reign supreme,” he says. “With the rise of [the] ‘old money’ aesthetic, there are more preppy styles like rugby shirts cropping up. But true old money knows the more versatile polo shirts are the best, so stay away from patterns and badges and stick to a simple button-up.”
Ahead, we consulted men’s style experts on the best polo shirts to incorporate into your everyday wardrobe.
Staniland swears by this cotton long-sleeve from Asket, which is made with a ribbed knit texture and lined with mother-of-pearl buttons. “Asket is a transparent brand that gives a breakdown of how much the whole supply chain costs, from raw materials to manufacturing and transport,” he says, adding that the brand’s longevity is unmatched. “My black polo is coming up to four years old, and the cost per wear is getting lower and lower.”
J.Crew’s tried-and-true polo shirt comes in a quartet of staple colorways — black, emerald green, navy and white — which, in addition to its cotton fabric, makes it a versatile addition to your seasonal wardrobe.
Mix up your go-to polo with this knitted option from Cos. This short-sleeve piece is designed in organic cotton and features a slightly more relaxed fit compared to a traditional polo shirt.
Vince is renowned for its supple cashmere, and the quality of its cotton is likewise top-notch. The brand is known for simple, no-fuss silhouettes and we especially enjoy this slub polo shirt, which is available in a range of essential shades.
The relaxed fit of this Luca Faloni number makes it a favorite of Staniland, who enjoys its classic silhouette and neckline. “It has a deep button-up and a slight cut-away collar which adds an Italian essence,” he says.
This lightweight merino wool polo is just begging to be worn on your next summer vacation. From the lime green fabric to the ’60s-style design, this short-sleeve shirt is perfect for lounging poolside or layering beneath a sweater when temperatures begin to drop.
Staniland recommends sweat-wicking fabrics for the summer months and suggests this lightweight polo from Orelbar Brown that is designed with cotton terry fabric. The shirt is also available in a variety of colors, from light blue to blush pink, making it an easy addition to your warm weather wardrobe.
Banana Republic’s slim-fit polo is truly the best of both worlds. This cotton piece can be dressed up or down and is designed with the brand’s Quick Dry Performance Technology, which helps to eliminate sweat and odor.
“If you’re on a budget, nothing beats Uniqlo,” Yamazaki says. “The quality to price ratio is always incredible and as a guy who’s on the slimmer side, I can always count on its clothes to fit me well without looking too baggy or slim, or spending a ton of money.” Yamazaki also enjoys Uniqlo’s cult-favorite, sweat-absorbing AIRism polo shirts for warmer climates.
Our experts recommend checking out British label Sunspel, specifically the Sea Island cotton polo made from a strain of cotton unique for both its soft, luxurious feel and its long-lasting qualities. “[Sunspel] is renowned for the quality of its classic T-shirts and polo shirts,” Staniland says. “[This] button-up provides a great fit with well-placed seams.”
No polo collection would be complete without a piece from Ralph Lauren. This cotton shirt features the brand’s signature pony insignia and a split-edge hemline. For an alternative to your standard colors, check out a variation on the classic shirt, which is complete with a striped collar and sleeves.
If stripes or patterns aren’t your thing, a great way to elevate your polo game is through embroidery. This Ami polo features the brand’s signature logo on the front side of the shirt and a classic fit elsewhere for the perfect blend of form and function.
“This polo ticks every box, and I particularly like the slightly pointed collar, which adds a bit of a distinguished twist,” Staniland says of this merino wool button down from British label Jon Smedley, which comes in classic colorways like black, brown, indigo and red. You can also get a similar style from the brand at Nordstrom.
This knitted option from Abercrombie & Fitch is not only a cost-effective pick. Its half-zip detail and textured fabric make this the ultimate choice for those looking to elevate the look of a traditional polo shirt into something that’s on-trend.
Finding a budget-friendly 100% cotton polo can be a challenge. Thankfully, Gap has you covered with this long-sleeve, affordable option. Choose black or navy for a traditional look or indulge in this shirt’s striped-collar versions, which come in gray, red and indigo.
This ribbed knit long-sleeve from Madewell is a more casual twist on the tried-and-true polo. Its pewter blue composition and lightweight cotton fabric make this an overall wardrobe staple, especially for transitional seasons like fall and spring.
For a trenider pick, Yamazaki recommends Akashi Kama’s jacquard knit polo, which features a beige leaf pattern throughout. “I wear [this] quite often to restaurants, events and date nights,” he says. “The Japanese-inspired pattern detail is unique and subtle, while the slightly oversized fit gives a fresh and modern feel. As a Japanese American, I love how Akashi Kama uses some of the best Japanese fabrics while incorporating beautiful patterns to create its polo shirts.”
Lacoste is known for its timeless short-sleeve polos, which makes complete sense given that the brand’s founder, Rene Lacoste, invented the style in 1926 after deciding his tennis shirts were too stiff. Lacoste continued that tradition with its contrast trim polo, which features organic cotton and the iconic crocodile embroidery. If you’re looking for something more traditional, check out the Original line, available in almost 60 colors.
Those who struggle with finding that perfect fit should check out Proper Cloth, which boasts a unique custom sizing option to craft polo shirts around your specific measurements. “Proper Cloth does an amazing job at custom-fit and made-to-order pieces. I can be confident that the polo shirt I’m buying is going to fit me perfectly. For that I’m willing to pay more, and the quality of the fabrics Proper Cloth uses are always high-quality,” Yamazaki says of the brand’s cotton-blend hero pieces.
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Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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