Along with the fashion cycle, some menswear staples earn their stripes simply by standing the test of time, proving themselves to be timeless and proven despite the changing seasons and the ebb and flow of trends.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m shopping for style essentials, I tend to look for pieces that bring variety and versatility, and that’s where polo shirts shine.
I appreciate that a polo is more polished than a t-shirt, with a shiny collar that covers the face, yet many of the best polos for men these days are made from a fabric that’s comfortable enough to rival your favorite t-shirt. And comfort, in my experience, is key.
You can never count out a polo shirt, is what I’m trying to say. The best men’s polo shirts take on a modern touch, whether it’s better fabric or more comfortable than old-school polo shirts – or a better fit, or cooler colors – while staying true to the style’s roots.
During these times, you can find polo shirts on the links, back in the clubhouse, on the runways, in the backyard blowing the breeze at happy hour—and hopefully, in your closet. These are my picks for the best men’s polo shirts to buy right now.
Why did I choose it?
Perhaps the best example of a timeless polo made modern? Buck Mason’s knit polo, made from a fine cotton jersey and designed more like a jersey than a traditional polo. That means it wears well on its own but is classy enough to be worn with a lightweight blazer. Plus, the neutral color means it goes well with anything.
Buck Mason Natural Avalon Knit Polo
Perhaps the best example of a timeless polo made modern? Buck Mason’s knit polo, made from a fine cotton jersey and designed more like a jersey than a traditional polo. At the moment, I can’t get enough of the simple refinement that a sweater polo brings to my wardrobe.
If you’ve been on the fence about trying one, it’s best to start with, well, one of the best. This option wears well on its own but is classy enough to be worn with a lightweight blazer. Plus, the neutral color means it goes well with anything.
72 Hour Merino Polo Proof
Defining something as one of the best sets the bar too high to clear, doesn’t it? When it comes to polos, I look for a combination of both comfortable and durable fabric, easy-to-stylize designs (including classic colors), and the right combination of quality and relative affordability.
Good polo shirts are cut above the rest in ways you might not expect – like the use of merino fabric in this aptly named 72-Hour Polo from Proof. House brand Huckberry took the polo shirt out into the unknown, using an anti-microbial, moisture-wicking fabric to transform the preppy polo into a staple you can wear on the road and back again. Get one in as many colors as possible.
Vuori Strato Tech Polo
The polo gets a major performance upgrade from fan favorite Vuori menswear, with a design more akin to my favorite workout shorts than the heavy polos of years past.
The Strato Tech fabric is the softest yet, with the ability to wick away moisture and keep you cool during long days on the trail and hours of hiking or trail under the hot sun. Speaking of: Built-in UPF 30+ technology makes this wearable even on scorching days.
Sunspel Riviera Polo Shirt
If you want to pull out the big guns and drop your hard-earned cash on a polo shirt, you better look for a brand you know you can trust, a brand that knows a thing or two about tradition, history and style. It’s worth spending on a product with pedigree, which uses premium materials with a timeless design.
Those were the key factors in my choice of “The Splurge”, which combines cotton fabric with luxurious spaces and construction made in Portugal and the heritage of classic English design by Sunspel.
But the coolest thing about the Riviera Polo Shirt? Official 007 shirt, worn by the legendary Daniel Craig. Casino Royale.
It took me a while to get there, but finally, after years of reading about this stylish polo, I went out and bought one. The fabric is soft and supple yet durable, the construction is excellent, and the fit is flattering even if you’re not built like 007.
Billy Reid Pensacola Polo
The great thing about Alabama designer Billy Reid is that he designs clothes only for himself, resulting in a line of polished, timeless and timeless men’s style essentials.
Take the Pensacola Polo, first introduced more than two decades ago by Reid. It’s laid back like a soft t-shirt, made from garment-dyed pima cotton to feel premium against your skin. It also boasts Reid’s signature stripe logo on the side openings, and the chest pocket adds visual interest.
Charles Tyhrwitt Smart Jersey Polo
Charles Tyrwhitt delivered on all fronts with a fitted polo with a slightly shimmery fabric, the kind you’d wear to grab a rooftop margarita or hit the links.
The two-button design is a change of pace from the traditional three- or four-button designs, helping this garment to almost resemble a t-shirt while still delivering the polish of a polo.
Ralph Lauren Iconic Polo Shirt
It might be a stretch to say that no list of the best polo shirts for men is complete without a selection from American style guru Ralph Lauren, but it’s also completely true.
Simple, subtle designer shirts are known around the world from the distinctive chest logo, and the range of bold color options. The ribbed sleeves show off your arms, and the option to grab a slim fit version is a nice bonus too.
Taylor Stitch Jacquard Polo
Taylor Stitch was founded on a mission to create the best men’s button-down shirts – covering your top half when it comes to breezy polo shirts. And as expected, they don’t do it like your average brand, from using a useful chest size to finding some of the best fabrics on the market.
I’ve tried the Taylor Stitch Jacquard Polo, and it wears well, fits great and looks great with everything from blue jeans to chino shorts. They used a custom woven jacquard weave with natural cotton, which adds visual interest to a casual summer look.
Mack Weldon Vesper Polo
Remember the Sunspel polo mentioned above? If you want to use the same style inspiration for half the price, reach for the Vesper Polo from menswear maestros at Mack Weldon.
Thankfully, I also made it a point to get my hands on one, and the quality is pretty consistent – at a lower price than the Sunspel option. The name is an homage to James Bond’s Vesper cocktail, as is the breathable performance mesh and color options like Total Eclipse Blue. Wear it like Bond would, with tan chinos.
IJ.Crew Cotton Pique Classic Polo
Take it from me: Any chance to save on a menswear essential like a polo shirt is an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up. But it’s not all about saving a few extra bucks: The details still have to be on point, and that’s the most important thing. If you’ve ever tried a cheap polo, you know the feeling I’m talking about right away.
Here, I’m looking for a comfortable, flexible and smooth fabric, the ability to easily style and colors that suit every palette.
To tick all those carefully selected boxes, I turned to J.Crew, the quirky American menswear retailer that knows how to dress every man – whether you consider yourself a polo shirt fan or not.
They’ve made it easy to get into preppy style with a casual, timeless take on flattering options like navy with white trim.