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Forget boring, business-casual vibes. These tops are made for both work and play. Custom Polo T-Shirts
To be honest, the polo shirt hasn't had the easiest time. For a while, it was shorthand for a kind of office schlub, and then it became the de facto uniform of Wall Street postgrads and lawn-mowing dads alike. It's been a struggle. So we get why you'd be hesitant to don this type of shirt. But in acknowledging the polo's checkered past, we hope we've also given you a solid foundation to trust us when we tell you the polo is back, baby, and it's looking better than ever.
A polo not only makes a great layering piece under a blazer, sweater, or cardigan, but it's also one of the smartest items of clothing you will own. To help you choose, our fashion experts tested and reviewed various options, from classic Ralph Lauren styles to knits and mid-century-ish versions, to find the 17 best. Go on, check 'em out for yourself.
A go-to option if ever there was one, Everlane's polo is versatile enough to go from the green to the office. It has a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric, which makes the shirt's sleek appearance even better, and a hidden-button placket for a minimalist look. When you're running late to work and literally running, you'll truly appreciate the two-way stretch and the unrestricted movement it provides. One reviewer says: "Looks great, and there is no shrinking or color loss during each wash."
Leave it to Todd Snyder to turn a polo—so often considered a staple of East Coast prep—into a paragon of laid-back, West Coast style. This L.A.-crafted one with contrast piping is relaxed and button-free for a timeless, streamlined look. It seamlessly transitions from summer to fall to spring, so keep this one handy.
One reviewer says: "Love the no-button styling that sets this shirt apart from your typical polo."
I know what you're thinking. Wait, Hanes makes polo shirts? Well, for under $10, the brand's soft style is basically a steal. It has a classic, versatile look that can be dressed up or down, a standard fit, and (perhaps best of all) anti-odor fabric that you'll come to cherish. And because Hanes does comfort like no other, the brand has even made sure to go with an itch-free, tagless design.
One reviewer says: "I recently purchased a Hanes polo shirt, and it has quickly become a staple in my wardrobe. For an incredibly affordable price, this shirt offers exceptional quality that rivals more expensive brands."
Sweat-wicking, odor-preventing fabric makes this the ultimate polo for an active day. Although Lululemon designed it for golfing, you'll realize you can take this classic style out for a spin just about anywhere. We especially like how this option is made with Lycra, meaning it will never stretch out or lose its shape, which also helps create a slimming effect from your chest down to your waist.
One reviewer says: "I love these. The size is consistent every time I buy one. Best golf shirt I own and way better pricing compared to some other high-end brands."
We dare you to name one thing more classic than a Ralph Lauren polo. (We'll wait.) I mean, "iconic" is literally in the name. With a wide range of colors, relaxed cotton mesh fabric, and an infallibly chic style, this is an option that will never do you wrong. In my book, this is the polo of all polos—and having a few colors in your rotation will serve you well.
One reviewer says: "This shirt is lightweight, soft on the skin, and breathable; it's my everyday work shirt."
Uniqlo is doing what Uniqlo does best here: providing simple, well-made basics at fantastic prices. This polo is affordable, versatile, and lightweight, making it an instant editor favorite. Our testers pointed out how the quick-drying fabric makes it suitable for just about any activity without having to worry about embarrassing sweat stains.
One reviewer says: "Love these shirts. Nice quality, comes in different colors, too. Great for everyday wear or layering."
On the rare occasion you actually intend to wear your polo to the golf course, Vuori's knit version is perfect for doing just that. This style is a bestseller for a reason: It's crafted with four-way stretch, has anti-odor properties, and is built with sun-screening UPF materials. Plus, it's quick drying and moisture wicking, so you'll keep cool in the heat.
One reviewer says: "I look forward to any time I get to wear this polo. I am so excited about it that I've already ordered it in multiple other colors. My only advice is to size up because it tends to run on the smaller side."
Burberry knows its way around the classics. This polo is smart and sharp, with a slim fit, a subtle embroidered logo, and all the understated elegance that money can buy. Our editors especially like the details that make it even better: herringbone stitching that provides durability and chicness, and that muted monochrome logo.
One reviewer says: "You get what you pay for, and this Burberry polo shirt is worth every penny. It's made with incredible attention to detail, and I know that it's an investment that will last me for years to come."
If you don't know Buck Mason's sueded cotton polo, now is the time to get familiar. Crafted in small batches, these garment-dyed polos have a faded, pre-loved look and a sueded finish for premium softness.
One reviewer says: "The fabric is soft and breathable, making this polo ideal for any occasion. Whether I'm dressing it up with a blazer or keeping it casual with jeans, it's a versatile foundation for countless outfits."
Lacoste made its very first polo shirt in 1933, so basically, these guys are the OGs. Our commerce editor wrote all about how great this polo is—it's timelessly chic, versatile as hell, and, in his words, "That piqué cotton is tough enough to handle it, and as it gets more worn in, it looks even better on you."
The Stone Island logo is basically a seal of approval for fashion-heads at this point—especially on a polo this sharp. The brand that made its name crafting tough, cool outerwear to handle the elements has also managed to perfect a sleek, refined classic, clearly.
Dior's iconic bee makes an appearance on this subtly striped polo shirt. Made from cotton piqué, it has contrast piping details, which our editors thought made it stand out from other designer polo shirts.
Here's the thing about Banana Republic: It remains affordable and stylish without sacrificing quality. Pair this polo with jeans, trousers, or even shorts; you can't go wrong. And while we love the classic white option, if you're looking for something a little bolder, it comes in eight other eye-catching colors.
One reviewer says: "This shirt fits amazingly; it's not too loose or tight. The staple colors look really good and go with just about anything you have in your closet."
Percival has quickly become an editor-favorite (and celebrity-favorite) menswear label, largely for textured designs like this one. It's soft yet breathable, with an infallibly cool look. We suggest pairing it with a linen suit or layering it under an overshirt. I still maintain what I wrote about it earlier this year: "To me, the mark of a Cool Guy is someone who can take timeless styles and make them look and feel like something you haven't seen before. This, it turns out, is the entire basis of Percival—subverting the classics, building a wardrobe out of traditional pieces with a twist."
For a classy statement look, there's no going wrong with Gucci. This polo doesn't shy away from being bold, with the brand's signature motif featured in all-over embroidery.
Here we have a polo that proves you can look good at any price. With a classic fit through the shoulders, chest, and waist, this Amazon Essentials polo shirt can be worn with slacks and loafers or jeans and sneakers—whatever the occasion, it'll rise right to it. Our testers noted how breathable and lightweight the fabric is and thought the side vents helped keep their movement unrestricted.
One reviewer says: "This shirt is easy to wash and can be hung up with minimal wrinkles. It looks really good and is comfortable to wear."
It's in the name: This is fancy. But not too fancy. Featuring a relaxed point collar, a three-button neckline, and a soft, silky feel, this option is made with 100 percent Mongolian cashmere fabric, so you'll certainly feel like a king in it.
One reviewer says: "Excellent quality for a modest price. The style is timeless and elegant. The cashmere is super soft and breathable to regulate your body temperature, keeping you warm and cool with the change of temperature around you. After I bought my first polo, I went back to the Naadam website and I bought all the other colors."
Think of these five things when you're shopping for a polo shirt: fabric, style, occasion, color, and buttons. We've done some of the work for you by indicating the fabric and fit of every polo on this list, so whether you want a slim, quick-drying, moisture-wicking option to wear on the golf course or a standard-fitting cashmere option to dress up for work, you're not short of choices.
Style and Occasion Style and occasion are two elements that go hand in hand. A bold look, like a polo from Gucci or Casablanca, probably isn't your best bet if you prefer an understated, minimalist vibe, but something just as high-end—like the bee-embroidered pick from Dior—will do perfectly. If you're just going to work, chances are you can get away with almost any option. But we wouldn't recommend wearing, say, the Lululemon or Vuori polo to a formal dinner. Like any piece of clothing, always think of where you'll be wearing it before you make the purchase. If you're the type of guy who travels a lot, you'll want to look for polos that are made of wrinkle-resistant materials and can easily pair with what you pack in your suitcase, but if you're planning on wearing it casually, those restrictions don't apply.
Color If you're building out your wardrobe or just looking for staples that will go with the things you already have, you'll want to purchase a polo in a basic color like white, black, gray, or navy. Trust us when we say that this rotation will become the most frequented in your closet. But, of course, you should also add some colorful patterned polos to your arsenal for special events, nights out, and, hell, even weddings. Buttons When shopping for polos, one of the first things you'll notice is the various number of buttons. There are options with two, three, or four buttons (while some have none and use a zipper instead), but our general rule of thumb is that the more buttons you have, the more formal the shirt will look. So if you want an elevated appearance, remember, the more buttons, the merrier.
Our editors and reviewers tested multiple options to find the best polo shirts for men. Each pick in this comprehensive guide was evaluated for comfort, value, and overall performance, with special attention to material and fit. Some of the best materials for polo shirts include... Cotton piqué: Known for its unique textured weave, this material is breathable and durable and provides a classic, stylish look. Polyester: Lightweight and moisture wicking, it's ideal for athletic activities and hot weather. Cotton/polyester blends: These materials combine the comfort of cotton with the durability and wrinkle resistance of polyester. Performance fabrics: These include blends with spandex or elastane for stretch, providing comfort and freedom of movement.
Keep the fit in mind. Shoulders: The shoulder seams should align with the edge of your shoulders. Chest: The shirt should be snug without feeling tight, allowing enough room for movement. Sleeves: The sleeves should hit around the mid-bicep and fit comfortably without being too tight or too loose. Length: The shirt should fall about midway down your fly, long enough to tuck in but not excessively long if left untucked. Waist: It should taper slightly toward the waist, creating a fitted but comfortable silhouette. Overall fit: Aim for a slim fit that contours your body shape without being restrictive.
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