Although polos have been essential in men’s clothing for decades, the design and functionality have changed quite a bit from its 1800’s origins … where you guessed it, began on the polo fields. Nearly a century later, Jean René Lacoste reinvented the classic polo for the tennis court. Entirely changing the game by creating a sophisticated sport look to the court with a streamlined silhouette with shorter sleeves.
Almost as ubiquitous as a t-shirt, today, the polo has taken another alteration, slimmer in silhouette and varied fabrics — polos have entered both the high fashion and streetwear markets. Believe it or not, the polo shirt might just be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. Able to be dressed up and paired with a pair of trousers for a more business casual look, or shorts and sneakers to hit the tennis courts.
The best polos for men will be able to do all of that while keeping you stylish and comfortable. Below, we rounded up some of the best polos to add to your wardrobe now.
Related Guides
Best for Adventuring: Filson Lightweight Pocket Polo
Made with fine Peruvian Tanguis cotton, this polo offers breathable comfort against the skin. The Pocket Polo is also pre-washed to control pilling and shrinkage, and its side-seam vents are reinforced with herringbone tape to retain its shape over time. Filson’s got a good one here.
Best for Everday Wear: Devereux Monaco Polo
A buzzy athleisure upstart, Devereux makes some durable threads that will last year for years to come, and this moisture-wicking polo is no exception.
Best for WFH: Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Polo 2.0
Lululemon is a purveyor of activewear that feels like a second skin, so it’s no surprise that the brand’s polos are equally comfortable.
Best for Moisture-Wicking: Rhone Delta Pique Polo
Just like their winning workout shirts, Rhone’s polos provide plenty of utility, style, and comfort thanks to their proprietary fabric that’s moisture-wicking, and can keep your body from getting too hot or cool. We love a multitasker.
Best for Brunch: Devereux Whiskey Tango Polo
Warm-weather-ready, and with a lively all-over print, the Whiskey Tango is built for both the golf course and Sunday brunch. Take note that Devereux makes this polo with a slightly relaxed fit. They recommend sizing down if you prefer a slimmer fit.
Best Sport-Inspired Polo: Lacoste Sport Breathable Anti-UV Piqué Polo
We can’t do a roundup without including the OG of the modern polo shirt (aka tennis shirt). Lacoste updates its classic short sleeve shirt in a lightweight polyester that looks great on and off-court.
Best Fashion-Forward Polo: Ted Baker Sello Textured Polo
If you want to step up your polo game, this Ted Baker one is for you. Its textured fabric, contrast piping, and quarter-zip details make it great for adding another dimension to an outfit that would otherwise lay flat. Think about wearing it as a standalone jumper, or layer it with a chore coat.
Best White Polo: The Row Nahor Cotton-Piqué Polo Shirt
This timeless silhouette pairs well with khakis, shorts, or under a blazer. Costing as much as a plane ticket, it’s a choose-your-own sartorial adventure.
Best Designer Polo: Saint Laurent Black and White Striped Polo
You don’t have to be a rocker to work Saint Laurent’s bold, striped polo.
Best for Golf: William Murray Golf Remastered Polo
Leave it to Bill Murray to add vibrant patterns to your wardrobe with his new, colorful golf apparel, particularly this beautiful azalea patterned polo.
Other Great Polos
Aether Knit Polo
This is made with 100% Supima cotton, which means it’s lighter and more durable than traditional cotton.
Mack Weldon Vesper Polo
Featuring a breathable fabric and a seemingly unflappable collar, there’s a lot to like with Mack Weldon’s shirt.
Cuts Polo Curve Hem
We’ve got plenty of love for Cuts, a new clothing brand that specializes in no-nonsense tops. This polo, which has a curved hem and a proprietary lightweight fabric, works well for formal and casual occasions.
How a Polo Shirt Should Fit
Before you cop a polo, you need to make sure it fits correctly. A shirt that’s too slim can make you look like a tightly packed sausage. You should be able to pinch about two inches of fabric around your sides. Like suit jackets, there should be no puckering at the shoulders of your polo, and the sleeves should fall on the lower half of your bicep. You have a bit more leeway with your hem, but ideally, it should end an inch or two below your waist.
Editors' Recommendations
- All of the 2021 Oscar Nominations and Where to Watch them
- New York City Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Eat, and More
- Grooming Journals: Anthony Urbano’s Mindful Skincare Routine
- The Best Luggage Brands for Every Type of Traveler this 2021
- 10 Easy Ways to Go Green in 2021
