The polo is one of the most timeless shirts a man can own. The short-sleeves, collar, and versatile wear hasn’t gone out of style, and doesn’t seem like it will for a while. However, this makes it difficult to shop for, since there are so many versions of the classic shirt now on the market. Some polos lean towards athletic wear, while others need to be ironed and steamed in order to get the best look.
Even further, you don’t want to make the mistake of wearing a more casual style to a fancy event, or choosing one made with luxury fabric to simply hang out with friends. Pretty much each menswear brand has their own take on the polo, based on what the company values and manufactures.
The polo world is large and can be difficult to properly navigate. That’s why we’re here. Whether you’re looking for a polo that you can wear to the office, out running errands, on a night out, or anything in between, we’ve curated the best polos for all your needs. Here’s a comprehensive list of the Best Polos for Men.
Uniqlo
Uniqlo’s Dry Pique Short-sleeve Polo Shirt is a standard fit that is true to size, but if you’re looking for a bit of a looser fit, it is recommended to size up. The sleeves are slightly extended to improve the wearer’s mobility. The body of the shirt is made of 72% cotton and 28% polyester, which makes it soft but still structured.
The ribbed collar and sleeve cuffs are also a blend of polyester and cotton, which helps prevent stretching after wash and wear. The material has been specially treated with a dry function, which increases comfort smoothness. The Pique element in the fabric also adds to the texture, making it slightly quilted. The shirt comes in nine colors, some neutrals and some bright hues, and the sizes range from XXS-3X.
Sunspel
Sunspel is a British clothing brand that creates classic clothing items with a luxury, contemporary feel for women and men. The company prioritizes local sourcing and production for all their products and is known for their cotton. Sunspel’s Sea Island Cotton Knit Polo Shirt is a standard fit polo, and it’s recommended to stay true to size when purchasing.
The shirt has three buttons down the center and the sleeves are a bit shorter than other models. It is made with 100% Sea Island Cotton, which is one of the rarest and sought-after types of cotton in the world. The shirt is incredibly soft, and won’t fade or change shape over time. It’s extremely breathable and a great summer staple. The shirt comes in four colors and the sizes range from XS-XXL.
H&M
H&M is a global clothing retailer that makes casual, everyday wear for women, men, kids and babies. Their clothing is trendy with a slightly European feel. H&M’s Cotton Polo Shirt is a standard fit polo, and it falls at a regular length, so it is recommended to stay true to size when ordering this item.
The shirt has two buttons down the center, and the collar is a bit shorter than other options. The sleeves have cuffs and fall a bit longer on the arm. It is made with 100% cotton, giving the garment a solid structure. It’s soft but slightly textured, and the cuffs and collar are ribbed material, preventing stretching and shrinkage. It comes in a dark blue color and the sizes range from XS-3X.
Lacoste
Lacoste is a French luxury clothing brand that creates high-quality garments for women, men, and children. The company produces clothes that range from sportswear pieces to elegant garments. Lacoste’s Paris Regular Fit Stretch Cotton Piqué Polo is a shirt that comes in a standard fit. It’s made with 94% stretch piqué cotton and 6% elastane, which helps with additional mobility.
The collar and sleeve cuffs are made with 100% cotton. The shirt has a concealed button placket down the front which gives it a unique look, and it also has small slits on the side which adds a refined element to the shirt. The shirt is embroidered with the crocodile on the chest, and this embroidery matches the color of the rest of the shirt, making the logo more subtle. The shirt comes in a wide variety of 16 colors and the sizes range from S-4X.
Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Ralph Lauren is an American-based global brand that creates luxury lifestyle clothing for women, men, and children. Their Purple Label is their premium men’s line. Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label Custom Slim Fit Piqué Polo Shirt offers a slightly slimmer fit option. The collar and sleeve cuffs are ribbed, and it comes with three buttons down the center of the shirt which are made with mother-of-pearl.
It’s made of 100% piqué cotton and has a very lightweight feel. The cotton has been mercerized twice, which increases the fabric’s strength and keeps the color looking fresh. Additionally, the shirt has the classic Purple Label logo on the breast. It comes in 12 bright colors that are true to the Ralph Lauren style, and the sizes range from XS-XXL.
Lululemon
Lululemon is an athletic wear brand that creates high-quality pieces made for movement. The company makes clothes for women, men, and children, and it originated as a yoga brand. Lululemon’s Evolution Short Sleeve Polo Shirt comes in a slim fit. It’s recommended to size up one if you prefer a looser fit. Lululemon’s specialty is garments that can be comfortably worn for a multitude of occasions.
This polo is made of 82% polyester, and the rest is a mix of lyocell, Lycra elastane, and X-static nylon. This blend of fabrics helps wick sweat, prevent odor, and keep you dry during intense activity. The shirt has three buttons down the center and has a soft, athletic wear feel. It comes in six colors and the sizes range from S-XXL.