To be honest, the polo shirt hasn't had the easiest time. For a while, it was shorthand for a kind of office-schlub, sad-sack resignation to the worst impulses of business casual. Then finance-bro versions came along and became the de facto uniform of Wall Street post-grads and lawn-mowing dads alike. And obviously they've become invisibly branded with the phrase "I <3 golf." Yeah, it's been a struggle.
So we totally get why you might be a little hesitant to don a polo shirt. But in acknowledging the polo shirt's checkered past, we hope that we've also given you the foundation to trust us when we tell you the polo is back, baby, and it's looking better than ever. There's a whole slew of polos on the market, ranging from the classic Ralph Lauren style to sweater-y, mid-century-ish versions. These are polo shirts for hanging out and hanging loose. The only polo shirts you'll find here are made for the good life.
best stylish polo
Todd Snyder Made in L.A. Tipped Montauk Polo Shirt
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best simple polo
Banana Republic Luxury-Touch Performance Polo Shirt
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best all-occasion polo
Abercrombie & Fitch Cotton-Modal Polo
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best athletic polo
Lululemon Evolution Short-Sleeve Polo Shirt
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best versatile polo
Amazon Essentials Regular-Fit Cotton Pique Polo Shirt
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best go-to polo
Polo Ralph Lauren The Iconic Mesh Polo Shirt
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best designer polo
Burberry Logo-Embroidered Cotton-Piqué Polo Shirt
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Now, the polo is one of the smartest pieces of clothing a guy could own. It doesn't matter the season—the same styles that you wore solo in spring and summer make for great layering pieces in winter and fall, whether under a blazer, sweater, or cardigan. Hell, some of these polos are even cashmere—a fabric you couldn't pay us to wear when it's over 60 degrees. If you don't believe us yet, maybe these 20 polo shirts will convince you otherwise.
best performance polo
Everlane The Performance Polo
best performance polo
Everlane The Performance Polo
Pros
- Sweat-wicking fabric
- Stretchy
- Quick-drying, anti-odor technology
Cons
- Buyers report it's tight for broader shoulders
A go-to option if ever there was one. Wear. Wash. Repeat.
| Material | Cotton, Elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Colors | Black, White |
| Fit | Standard |
best stylish polo
Todd Snyder Made in L.A. Tipped Montauk Polo Shirt
best stylish polo
Todd Snyder Made in L.A. Tipped Montauk Polo Shirt
Pros
- Color doesn't fade in wash
- Has chest pocket
Cons
- Buyers report it runs short
Leave it to Todd Snyder to make a polo—so often considered a staple of East Coast prep—into a paragon of laid-back, West Coast style.
| Material | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Colors | Black, White, Navy, Olive |
| Fit | Standard |
best simple polo
Banana Republic Luxury-Touch Performance Polo Shirt
best simple polo
Banana Republic Luxury-Touch Performance Polo Shirt
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Pros
- Anti-odor, moisture-wicking fabric
- Vented sides for flexibility
Cons
- No distinctive look or features
Soft to the touch and stylish in looks, this is the go-to option for a no-nonsense polo.
| Material | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Colors | Black, Navy, Dark Gray, White |
| Fit | Standard |
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best affordable polo
Hanes X-Temp Short Sleeve Polo Shirt
best affordable polo
Hanes X-Temp Short Sleeve Polo Shirt
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Pros
- Great price
- Anti-odor fabric
Cons
- Buyers report it runs wide
For under $10, this soft style is a steal.
| Material | Polyester, Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–6XL |
| Colors | 8 |
| Fit | Boxy |
best all-occasion polo
Abercrombie & Fitch Cotton-Modal Polo
Pros
- Has four-way stretch
- Moisture-wicking fabric
Cons
- Buyers report the fabric feels thin, like a T-shirt
A casual, everyday vibe that can be smartened up in a jiffy with a blazer and loafers, or dressed down with denim.
| Material | Cotton, Modal, Elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Colors | Teal, Black, White |
| Fit | Standard |
best athletic polo
Lululemon Evolution Short-Sleeve Polo Shirt
best athletic polo
Lululemon Evolution Short-Sleeve Polo Shirt
Pros
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Flexible material designed for golf
Cons
- More difficult to dress up than other options
Sweat-wicking, odor-preventing fabric makes this the ultimate polo for an active day.
| Material | Polyester, Lyocell, Elastane, Nylon |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–5XL |
| Colors | Heathered Black, Black, Nautical Navy, Iron Blue, Trench |
| Fit | Slim |
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best versatile polo
Amazon Essentials Regular-Fit Cotton Pique Polo Shirt
best versatile polo
Amazon Essentials Regular-Fit Cotton Pique Polo Shirt
Pros
- Lightweight, breathable fabric
- Can dress up or down
- Side vents for mobility
Cons
- Buyers report fabric retains stains
- Color isn't an exact match to images
Wear this with slacks and loafers or jeans and sneakers—whatever the occasion is, it'll rise right to it.
| Material | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–6XL |
| Colors | 44 |
| Fit | Standard |
best go-to polo
Polo Ralph Lauren The Iconic Mesh Polo Shirt
best go-to polo
Polo Ralph Lauren The Iconic Mesh Polo Shirt
Pros
- Foolproof style
- Plenty of color options
- Breathable fabric
Cons
- On the pricier side
- Ribbed arm cuffs can squeeze wider arms
Name one thing more classic than a Ralph Lauren polo. We'll wait.
| Material | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Colors | 63 |
| Fit | Standard |
Pros
- Four-way stretch
- Moisture-wicking, anti-odor fabric
- UPF 30 rated
Cons
- Thin fabric
In the rare occasion that you do intend to wear your polo to the golf course, Vuori's knit polo is perfect for doing just that. It's quick-drying and moisture-wicking, so you will keep dry in the heat.
| Material | Polyester, Elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S–XXL |
| Colors | 12 |
| Fit | Athletic |
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best designer polo
Burberry Logo-Embroidered Cotton-Piqué Polo Shirt
best designer polo
Burberry Logo-Embroidered Cotton-Piqué Polo Shirt
Pros
- Sleek and elegant
- High-quality construction
- Easy to dress up or down
Cons
- $$$
- Tonal branding is near-invisible (though this could also be a pro, depending on your perspective)
Burberry knows its way around the classics. This polo is smart and sharp.
| Material | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Colors | Black, Midnight Blue |
| Fit | Standard |
best OG polo
Lacoste Original Petit Piqué Cotton Polo
best OG polo
Lacoste Original Petit Piqué Cotton Polo
Pros
- High-quality mother-of-pearl buttons
- Iconic look
Cons
- Buyers report fabric feels thin
- Inconsistent sizing
Lacoste is, after all, an OG in the world of polos. If anyone's perfected the art that they created, it's these guys.
| Material | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS–5XL |
| Colors | 32 |
| Fit | Standard |
best sueded cotton polo
Buck Mason Sueded Cotton Polo
best sueded cotton polo
Buck Mason Sueded Cotton Polo
Pros
- Small-batch dye process gives a unique, vintage look
- Cotton has been sueded for extra softness
Cons
- Faded look is hard to dress up
Small-batch garment dyeing creates a timeworn effect in this faded wash. Disclaimer: it's not suede—it's sueded for softness.
| Material | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Colors | 9 |
| Fit | Slim |
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Pros
- Sleek, high-end look
- Super soft
Cons
- $$$
The house's iconic bee makes an appearance on a subtly striped polo shirt. Luxury meets function in elegant ergonomics.
| Material | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS–3XL |
| Colors | Black |
| Fit | Standard |
best luxe polo
Gucci Geometric G Cotton Piquet Polo Shirt
best luxe polo
Gucci Geometric G Cotton Piquet Polo Shirt
Pros
- Bold look
- Front chest pocket
Cons
- Expensive
For a classy statement look, there's no going wrong with Gucci.
| Material | Cotton, Elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–3XL |
| Colors | Blue |
| Fit | Boxy |
best chic polo
Ted Baker Short Sleeve Slim Fit Polo Shirt
best chic polo
Ted Baker Short Sleeve Slim Fit Polo Shirt
Pros
- Wide size range
- Versatile look
Cons
- High price tag for no extra features
Ted Baker imbues everyday elegance into a versatile, preppy polo that's easy to dress up or dress down.
| Material | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-8XL |
| Colors | Red, Navy, Blue, Black, Green |
| Fit | Slim |
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best logo polo
Stone Island Logo-Appliquéd Piqué Polo Shirt
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Chic, unique look
Cons
- Those with broad shoulders need to size up
The Stone Island logo is basically a seal of approval at this point—especially on a polo this sharp.
| Material | Cotton, Elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–3XL |
| Colors | Navy, Army Green, Purple, Black, White |
| Fit | Standard |
best basic polo
Uniqlo Dry Pique Short-Sleeve Polo Shirt
best basic polo
Uniqlo Dry Pique Short-Sleeve Polo Shirt
Pros
- Great price
- Lightweight fabric is moisture-wicking and resistant to pilling
- Maintains shape after washing
Cons
- Runs short
- Color isn't an exact match to images
Uniqlo doing what Uniqlo does best: providing simple, well-made basics at a fantastic pricepoint.
| Material | Cotton, Polyester |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 2XS-3XL |
| Colors | Black, Blue, Navy, Gray, White |
| Fit | Standard |
softest polo
Naadam Fancy Cashmere Short Sleeve Polo
softest polo
Naadam Fancy Cashmere Short Sleeve Polo
Pros
- High-quality, sustainable cashmere
- Lightweight yet warm
Cons
- Runs small
It's in the name: this is fancy. It's not too fancy, though, but with that 100% Mongolian cashmere fabric, you'll certainly feel like a king.
| Material | Cashmere |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-2XL |
| Colors | Navy, Black, Cement, Timber |
| Fit | Standard |
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best retro polo
Casablanca Print Organic Cotton Piqué Polo
Pros
- Fun, unique look
Cons
- Pricey
The label's Tennis Club Check print elevates country club prep by giving it an edgy twist. This retro polo is bringing back all the vintage vibes.
| Material | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–XL |
| Colors | White |
| Fit | Standard |
best Italian polo
Moncler Tipped Cotton Piqué Polo
best Italian polo
Moncler Tipped Cotton Piqué Polo
Pros
- Cool, sleek branding
- Easy to dress up or down
Cons
- Pricey
You know Moncler for its puffy parkas, but you love it for its polos. Or at least you will once you try this one on.
| Material | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S–XXL |
| Colors | Ice, Black |
| Fit | Slim |
