Tested: The Best Men’s Polo Shirts for Every Occasion

Polos are one of those menswear staples whose relevance has been proven in the face of controversy time and time again. For even despite the questionable block cuts of the ’90s, the dorky designs of the aughts, and — the worst of them all — the tech material bro culture of today, the garment remains unshakably resilient in its ability to elevate a guy’s appearance. Then again, the polo is a shirt that transcends style right from the very beginning.

All that is to say, polos might be considered ‘back’ but that’s because they never really left. On the contrary — hidden amongst the worst of the garment’s associations is a treasure trove of fashion-approved fits. From towel-like terry cloth to retro ribbed finishes to super-soft Italian silk, the polo is a shirt abound with options. As such, it can be pretty overwhelming to find the options worth your time and money. Never fret, though; as always, we’re here to help, and we’ve put together this hands-on guide to get you on your way. What follows are what we consider to be the best polo shirts for men because the style’s gotten a bit of a bad rap in recent years, and we’d like to set the record straight.

How We Tested

You’ve made it to another one of our Tested guides, where we get up close and personal with some of our favorite gear and apparel from brands that we trust. Our selection process is always thorough, surveying both the online and offline landscape and, of course, our personal experience as a team. This time around, we’re taking a look at the absolutely classic polo shirt.

We kick off our testing by inspecting each polo on its own, taking a look at the stitching, color, and overall build quality before putting it on. After wearing each pick, we take note of the fabric’s softness and breathability, along with how everything fits. After that, it’s time to check out the small details: does the polo come with anti-microbial properties? A shirt pocket? Was it sustainably made? These are just some of the questions we ask to make sure we cover every base. This testing allows us to really get to know the polos, and better understand what scenario/styles each pick is best for.

Measurements: I’m 6’2″ and wear a size XL shirt, so we went with an XL for each pick you see here in the guide. I do prefer a relaxed fit when it comes to polos, so I went for that if the brand offers it.

What to Look For

Material: While falling victim to shrinking over time, cotton is often a higher-end material that will be found in more formal polo shirts. That said, a lot of cheaper options will use a less-expensive cotton base as well. Blended materials such as polyester-cotton will be better for the workplace or casual settings. As for performance-ready attire, you’ll find polyester and/or nylon materials, often blended with stretchy spandex and offering moisture-wicking properties.

Fit: When finding the right size for your polo shirt, knowing if the model is true-to-size is important. That said, you should determine your own size by a few factors. For one, the hem of the shirt should fall right below the waistline, which may cause a taller wearer to go a size up. Likewise, the shirt itself should be fitted but not too tight. 

Sleeves: As opposed to the shirt’s fit, the sleeve length will be determined by the application. The safe choice will be for the cuff to fall about halfway between your shoulder and elbow. However, for less casual occasions, you may want to opt for longer sleeves, whereas shorter sleeves will be better for a more retro appearance.

Uniqlo AIRism Cotton Pique Polo Shirt

Best Starter Polo: If you want to dress for success without breaking the bank, Uniqlo’s AIRism Full Open Short-Sleeve Polo is easily your best bet. Like all of the Japanese label’s offerings, it goes big on value, combining a quick-drying cotton-polyester fabric blend with a streamlined silhouette to result in a shirt that keeps you feeling as cool as you’ll look. And with its hidden buttons, fine thread count, and seamless design, it offers a more minimalist take on the classic polo finish.

Kicking our selection off, we went with a polo shirt from UNIQLO’s AIRism lineup that uses a blend of cotton and nylon with Cool Touch and quick-drying DRY technology (something that’s super nice if you plan on getting active). The idea of the fabric is to mimic the look of cotton while giving you a more breathable experience, and I could definitely feel that. You’re getting premium shell-look buttons, and a nice medium-length cut that’s great for going tucked or untucked (bolstered by the pretty minimalist style here that goes with anything). Weight here is leaning towards lightweight, and this lightweight construction pairs perfectly with the cool fabric feel and moisture-wicking capabilities, making this the perfect summer polo (especially since there are 11 colors to choose from).

The stripped-back, pretty basic look here is great and versatile, and probably a big selling point for a lot of people, but others may prefer a more interesting look (or going with a brand that has more history in the space). 

Verdict: Designed for lightweight comfort that’s smooth and cool to the touch, this polo from UNIQLO may be basic, but that makes it the perfect versatile starting point and a great summer pick. 

Proof 72-Hour Merino Two-Button Polo Shirt

Best Performance Polo: Let’s be honest, sometimes you just can’t get to a washing machine when you’re hiking or traveling. Other times you simply forget to do laundry before squeezing in a gym session after work. Giving you at least three days of performance with no fuss, Proof’s 72-Hour Merino Polo is constructed with a special blend of 16.5-micron Merino wool (89%) sourced from farms in New Zealand and nylon (11%) that’s both odor-resistant and moisture-wicking. Proof makes a 72-Hour T-Shirt as well, but for transitioning from the gym to the office, this Polo is your best bet.

We’ve got hands-on with a few pieces from Proof’s 72-Hour lineup (most recently in our guide to the best long-sleeve tees), and we’re always impressed with how comfortable, lightweight, and of course, odor-resistant every piece is. The label’s polo is obviously no exception, boasting the same super lightweight and soft 72-hour merino fabric (composed of micron merino wool and nylon), along with UPF 30+ sun protection to keep you safe out in the sun. The natural properties of the wool are great for moisture control and temperature regulation, which felt really nice while testing this out in the Los Angeles sun. You’re getting a slim, performance-style fit here that does stray a bit from the more classic, slightly relaxed polo fit, but it doesn’t feel too constricting, and again, the 72-hour material keeps things feeling (and smelling fresh).

As much as I love the convenience of snaps, others may prefer a more classic buttoned look when it comes to polos. That said, this is a performance polo, and it’s designed to be worn while getting active/traveling. Also, while it looks a tad sheer in the photo above, I didn’t find it to be see-through at all during testing.

Verdict: This performance polo is made to be the perfect travel companion, with a guarantee that it won’t smell even after 72 hours of unwashed wearing. On top of that, it has a clean technical look with button snaps for easy wearing. 

Outerknown Hightide Terry Polo

Best Beach-Ready Polo: Sure, Outerknown might not be the first name that comes to mind when looking for more formal attire, but the Kelly Slater surf brand is chock-full of sustainable style. For instance, its Hightide Terry Polo shirt comes crafted from a combination of organic cotton and 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, meaning that it skips out on chemicals and cuts down on plastic waste. And because it’s knit from terry cloth material, you better believe that it’ll keep you cozy in towel-like comfort that gets you ready for any weekend excursion.

Outerknown always finds a way to inject some coastal style into whatever they tackle, and the Hightide Terry Polo is no exception. Kelly Slater’s surf-inspired brand offers a Hightide lineup of clothing (we got hands-on with the Hightide Sweatpants over in our guide to the best lounge pants, and it was a personal favorite of mine) which uses a sustainable blend of 80% organic cotton and 20% recycled polyester to make a luxurious terry fabric that feels like your favorite beach towel. Seriously, this is one of the most comfortable polos in the guide here, and the perfect summer pick to complement your beach wardrobe. The fit is true to size in every sense (with a nice medium weight that’s perfect for this style), fitting exactly how a classic polo should, and it’s finished with a chest pocket for some added style and utility. 

I can’t rave enough about how comfortable and soft this polo is (I’m a huge fan of terry cloth), but I understand that this may not be for those looking to get a more classic polo. That said, I feel that the shirt strikes a solid balance between the label’s signature style and the old-school polo style. 

Verdict: Made with an incredibly soft terry cloth that feels like a beach towel, this pick from Outerknown is the perfect pick for any coastal dwellers or anyone who’s looking to get their summer wardrobe ready.

Alex Mill Vintage Wash Polo

Best Vintage Polo: There’s something about Alex Mill’s apparel that always just fits right and looks great, which is why we felt they made the perfect label to include here. For our polo guide, we went with the label’s Vintage Wash Polo, which is made with a mix of cotton and recycled yarns and finished with a beautiful vintage wash for an old-school look (along with a chest pocket).

Hailing from one of our favorite New York labels, this polo from Alex Mill takes that classic style and infuses it with a beautiful vintage wash, resulting in a polo that’s exceptionally soft with a unique faded look. It’s also made with 76% recycled cotton for a sustainable edge and finished with a chest pocket up top, ribbed sleeves, and a chunky collar. While the fit here is true to size, the relaxed drape results in a more laid-back look and feel that I really appreciate, bolstered by the relaxed collar. This is also a polo version of the label’s popular Vintage Wash Pocket Tee, so if you’re a fan of that, then you’ll definitely love this polo.

This is admittedly a super minor gripe, but ribbed sleeve cuffs aren’t for everyone, and it would be nice to have an option that’s similar to the OG Vintage Wash Pocket Tee that doesn’t have ribbed cuffs. 

Verdict: Vintage-washed and made with a mix of cotton and recycled yarns, Alex Mill comes through with a refined yet relaxed polo that’s tastefully washed out and supremely soft.

lululemon Metal Vent Tech Polo Shirt

Best Breathable Polo: lululemon’s Metal Vent Tech tee is arguably already the most prominent piece in its catalog, boasting a seamless, chafe-free construction that is as beneficial for days at the gym as it is for tepid trips to the office. The athleisure giant recently updated its ever-popular piece to have extra roominess in the chest area for an even more relaxed fit when you need it most. Giving the polo additional versatility, the meshed nylon and polyester construction will make sure that your skin can still breathe even when your workout heats up

For you golfers out there, this polo from lululemon is designed for hitting the links, with a breathable construction composed of nylon and recycled polyester. On top of that, you’re getting the label’s Silverescent technology (powered by X-STATIC) which keeps the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric at bay, along with a design that cuts down on the seams to prevent chafing. There’s also some added elastane for stretch and shape retention, bolstered by the breathable mesh construction to keep you cool in the sun. Even if you aren’t golfing, this is just a great, breathable polo that’s lightweight and super comfortable, and the seamless construction really does help prevent chafing and discomfort. The fit here is advertised as slim, and it definitely is, but I didn’t find it to be too constricting. 

Again, you’re getting a slim fit here, which I personally didn’t find to be too slim (even as a larger guy), but others may want to go for a size up for a roomier feel. Also, considering the athleisure slant here (and the lack of cotton), this isn’t technically a classic polo, which may be an issue for some.

Verdict: Hit the links (or tackle summer) in style and comfort with this polo from lululemon, equipped with Silverescent technology to keep odor at bay, and a seamless design to prevent chafing.

Ralph Lauren Soft Cotton Polo

Best Polo Overall: No list of polo shirts would be complete without an option from Ralph Lauren. After all, the brand’s eponymous designer is the one who made the garment an international icon in the 1970s. This Soft Cotton shirt largely keeps with the OG polo aesthetic, though it’s been updated with a slightly more relaxed fit, a luxurious cotton interlock construction, and an ultrasoft finish. Oh, and of course, it sports the iconic polo player embroidered on the left chest.

This really wouldn’t be a true polo guide without Ralph Lauren, and we went with a super soft cotton pick that looks just as good as it feels. It’s a relaxed version of the label’s OG ‘70s-era polo, made entirely with a luxe cotton interlock with a full cut through the chest, waist, and sleeves, and low arms that fall closer to your elbows. You’re getting a three-button placket, a ribbed Polo collar, and ribbed armbands at the sleeves for a closer fit around the arms. Of course, it’s finished with that classic Pony logo at the chest, this time embroidered with color to give it some pop. Fit here is true to size, leaning towards relaxed, with extra room in the chest down to the waist, and the length is versatile enough to rock untucked, or tucked if you want a more professional look. I can’t rave enough about how soft this polo is, and this softness plays really well with the medium-weight construction, giving you a relaxed fit and feel that’s just great. 

Since this runs just a tad large, I recommend sizing down if you prefer a more true-to-size fit, but I didn’t find it to be large enough to warrant a size down for everybody. Other than that, there’s really nothing I have to criticize about this shirt, other than the price, which is a bit steep for something made overseas. 

Verdict: Ralph Lauren is a true authority in the polo space (they have a line boasting the same name, after all), and this relaxed version of the label’s iconic polo is one of the softest I’ve ever worn. 

Sunspel Riviera Polo Shirt

The Bond-Approved Polo: If a shirt’s good enough for Bond’s steely-eyed style, it’s good enough for us civilians living in the real world. First created for Daniel Craig’s performance in Casino Royale, Sunspel’s Riviera polo is a shirt that’s since become a staple in the world of men’s fashion. Spun from a breathable cotton mesh and cut with a trim fit, this is one option that’s as hard-working as it is handsome. In short: It’ll have you looking ready for Her Majesty’s Secret Service, though we can’t promise you keys to the DB5.

Sunspel has mastered British luxury, and as a company that’s been around since the 1800s, you can trust that everything from the label is always high quality and timeless. On top of that, much of the label’s apparel has been worn by different Bonds throughout the years, like this polo that Daniel Craig wore in Casino Royale. But it’s not just the star power that makes this polo great; you’re getting a super soft Supima cotton in a breathable mesh construction that was originally developed back in the ‘50s for the French Riviera. You’re getting a soft textured skin feel from the mesh cotton that’s great for warm weather, and a slimmer fit that’s more flattering than it is constricting. Also, while it may look a bit sheer here in our images, I didn’t find it to be see-through at all, but we went with a darker navy color here, and this could be different for other colors. 

I personally didn’t think the slim fit was too tight, but others may want to go for a size up to guarantee a comfortable fit (especially if you’re on the bigger side). This pick is also a bit pricey for a polo, but you really are getting such great quality (and heritage to back it up), so I can confidently say it’s worth it. 

Verdict: Worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale and designed for the French Riviera, this polo from Sunspel is oozing with class, bolstered by a breathable Supima mesh construction that’s perfect for warm weather. 

Polo Comparison Chart

Polo Shirt history

The polo shirt dates back to the late 19th century, originating from the clothes worn by polo players during their games, and it was the legendary René Lacoste that started it all in the ’20s. Lacoste’s introduction of a short-sleeved cotton shirt revolutionized sports apparel (best recognized by that iconic crocodile logo), and it went on to transcend its athletic roots to become a symbol of casual (and sometimes dressy) style. Popularized by influential figures like JFK, the polo shirt evolved into a timeless wardrobe staple, known for its versatility and staying power in both athletic and casual settings.

How to style a polo

When it comes to styling a polo shirt, it’s all about striking that perfect balance of casual and dressy. Going with something like chinos or jeans for a classic look is always a safe bet, and if the weather calls for it, layering it under a lightweight jacket like a bomber or denim jacket is a good move, too. For a more classy look, go with tailored trousers or dressier shorts (along with something like a blazer). Pay attention to fit, too, as you want a shirt that drapes comfortably without being too tight or loose. 

Honorable Mentions

René Lacoste single-handedly invented the tennis shirt back in the 1920s, so it should come as no surprise that his brand makes the cut. With the Smart Paris Polo, you’re getting the same stretchy cotton piqué construction, ribbed sleeves, and clean collar as his game-changing innovation. However, in order to create a modern, more refined style, Lacoste has concealed the button placket and embroidered the signature croc in an understated monochromatic colorway. Left up to us, we’d rock it in black, but you can’t go astray with any of the many available hues.

Crafted using remarkably soft cotton pique, the Premium Double L Polo from L.L.Bean is a sturdier alternative to typical affordable options from mall brands, like UNIQLO or Banana Republic. Made for comfort, the Double L Polo with Pocket is made for excellent breathability, with a printed label that won’t irritate. Equipped with a no-roll collar and a tonal herringbone pattern that’s subtle yet classic, the shirt has a trimmer fit that sits higher on your shoulder, which may not be optimal for broader individuals. 

Button-free polos might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this Slub Jersey Montauk Polo from Todd Snyder features the exact quality you’d expect from the U.S.-based style brand. Designed to look better every time you throw it in the wash (which also means you’ll have to wash it separately from your other clothes), the natural indigo-dyed shirt comes in several shades of blue, and also black, and is given a trim fit for a classier yet relaxed look. If you’re a fan of Todd Snyder’s standard Montauk Polo, note that this version is slightly thicker.

Expensive? Yes. But that’s the price you pay for making a statement. And we found it crucial to highlight a brand whose sartorial prowess ranks second to none right now, especially amongst a style that leans toward the business casual end of things. Featuring a quintet of buttons down from the collar, Thom Browne’s Chest Pocket Polo is the only $400 option on this guide, but with that, you’ll get a brilliant fit made from the finest cotton you can find. Fortunately, the aggressive sleeve stripes on the brand’s other polo are swapped for the understated stripe detailing on the top of the pocket, making this one less in-your-face.

Okay, we’ll admit that this one is pushing the polo definition just a bit, but we can’t get enough of the vintage style. Between the full button-up closure, the cable-knit design, and the heavier-weight fabric, J.Crew’s Cotton Cable-Knit Polo Cardigan sweater has all the makings of a first-rate fashion piece that would have made Steve McQueen very proud. Throw this on with a pair of jeans or chinos and you’re bound to make an impression in any room you enter.

Leave it to Corridor to transform a polo into a practical sweater. The brand takes its knitted silhouettes very seriously, whether it’s embroidered sweaters or even tie-dye polos. Implementing an oversized fit constructed of plush, long pima cotton fibers with a wavy pattern that even extends to the bottom of the breast pocket, this Peru-made Scallop SS Slouchy Polo may have a specific type of wearability, but if you can pull it off, you’ll be a hit anywhere you go.

The Best Pants to Wear This Summer

Though a polo shirt will go a long way in helping you look your best, you can’t neglect the rest of your outfit. Pair it with one of our picks from our guide to the best summer pants for men and you’ve got a winning combo that’s comfortable no matter the occasion.