When you’re considering men’s fashion, there’s one firm staple that should be part of every wardrobe: the trusty polo shirt.
A classic and timeless piece, it’s a versatile item that works whatever the season.
There were once a couple of brands that were almost synonymous with the polo sector (in the same way that Smirnoff is to vodka or Gordon’s to gin), but newer and style-conscious labels are hot on their heels with adventurous designs that liven up the sea of monochrome colourways. So you have to consider, is it the classic look that you’re after or is a more stylised interpretation just the tonic to your wardrobe cocktail?
Polo shirts – both short and long sleeve – are usually made with a knitted cotton pique (a woven and waffle-like construction) or with a jersey fabric (a smoother and flatter texture) and, as the name suggests, were originally worn by polo players in India around the mid-to-late 1800s, hitting UK shores by the roaring 1920s.
They soon evolved into the tennis and golf arena due to their versatile aesthetic and flexibility of movement. Now, they have solidified their place in the everyday fashion rotation of put-together gentlemen around the world, eschewing their sporty connotations for a sleek, sophisticated look that nails smart-casual dress codes.
If you’re looking for fresh additions to liven up your wardrobe, we’ve searched far and wide to bring you the best polo shirts to buy right now.
Shop our edit of the best polo shirts for men below
AllSaints Miller Open Stitch Relaxed Fit Polo
The Miller polo is the latest offering in a long line of timeless classics from All Saints. Its cotton blend fabric that allows for a bit of stretch gives it a cool relaxed fit and the open stitch laddering combined with vertical ribbing and button-up collar make for a stylish and lightweight summer addition to your wardrobe. Short-sleeved and boasting skinny ribbed trims, it effortlessly pairs with your summer shorts.
Available in Herb Green or Black
Buy now £129.00, AllSaints
Paul Smith Contrast Colour Polo Shirt
This relaxed fit 100 per cent cotton beige short sleeve polo from Paul Smith boasts a geo jacquard pattern with a contrast stripe zip collar for perhaps the most stylish and smart polo on the market. There’s no mistaking the iconic Paul Smith attention to detail and with the logo proudly embroidered between the shoulder blades and matching ribbed collar and cuffs this polo can pair seamlessly with a chilled pair of shorts or a relaxed jacket and trouser combo.
Buy now £325.00, Paul Smith
Hilfiger 1985 Collection Tipped Slim Fit Polo
1985: the year Tommy Hilfiger created his self-titled label. The 1985 collection brings more sustainable materials to its archive.
This short-sleeve slim fit stretch organic cotton pique polo with three-button placket and tipped collar and cuffs is a timeless classic and can pair with your Hilfiger jeans or a more relaxed pair of summer shorts.
Utilising classic Hilfiger signature colours with contrasting accents on the cuffs and collar and the iconic Tommy flag embroidered onto the chest, you will add a touch of mod to your wardrobe.
Buy now £85.00, Tommy Hilfiger
Alex Crane Knit polo
Fresh from Brooklyn, a plant-based knit polo made from sustainable-grown soft French linen that gives you the smart look of a polo but with a lightweight summer breeze tee shirt feel. Dyed with organic GOTS-certified pigments and with two coconut shell buttons on the relaxed collar it’s sustainable credentials fit in snugly with the Alex Crane portfolio of garments.
Available in Night Black, Dusk Blue, Bone and Lines.
Buy now £100.00, Alex Crane
Ron Dorff Cotton-Linen V-Neck Polo
Following on from their distinctive line of timeless sporty classic polos, this new lightweight and breathable cotton-linen knit polo from Ron Dorff is the perfect summer top.
Sans buttons or zips and just a relaxed open v-neck placket with classic RD striping detail on the short sleeves, this gently tapered fitting polo will pair well with your summer shorts. Two black-lacquered eyelets on the waist side ensures the retro look you’re after.
Choose from off white or deep blue.
Buy now £140.00, Ron Dorff
Percival Blackjack Negroni Knitted Polo
This must-have relaxed knitted polo using 100% organic cotton is ideal for the summer months. Sporting airy basket weave knit stitch detailing with a ribbed hem, cuffs and an understated collar, this polo from Percival is perfect paired with jeans, trousers or shorts for those hazy evenings out in a beer garden or in the office.
Choose from Black, Cream or Mustard.
Buy now £129.00, Percival
Lestrange The Fine Knit Polo
Made and spun from certified Italian organic cotton using a special gassed process for a smooth and luxurious feel, this laidback and relaxed fit makes for the ideal transitional polo. The minimal cut of the placket and collar gives it a refined and modern look alongside the ribbed sleeve. Lestrange invests in removing carbon from the atmosphere with every purchase too.
Available in navy and ecru.
Buy now £99.00, Lestrange
Sunspel Riviera Polo
The unique mesh of this polo is crafted from the finest 100 per cent Supima cotton fabric (which is fully traceable and sustainably sourced) and was initially developed in the 1950s for the French Riviera and later adorned by Casino Royale’s James Bond - making this the pinnacle of Bond style. It’s breathable and lightweight and cut for a slim fit. A modern classic fit for Daniel Craig.
Available in 17 colours.
Buy now £135.00, Sunspel
ARC’TERYX Veilance Frame polo
For a more technical polo, look to Arc’teryx – experts in outdoor terrain wear. This breathable short-sleeve option uses ultra-fine Merino wool that has been certified as the Responsible Wool Standard and has been chosen for its softness, odour resistance and thermoregulatory qualities. This is combined with a nylon core for durability.
The slim front zip with micro-serged seams stretches down to the sternum for a nice design touch and the fit allows for mobility and airflow when active, a feature enhanced by the gusted underarms.
Available in Asteroid, Black and Black Sapphire.
Buy now £180.00, ARC’TERYX
Fred Perry Twin Tipped Regular Fit Polo Shirt
Synonymous with polo shirts, the brand Fred Perry continues to serve up a timeless classic polo range. This 100 per cent cotton option with its signature pique, two-button placket and twin-tipped collar is perfect for summer days.
Incorporating the Fred Perry 5-4-4 ratio on the tipping and the iconic laurel wreath proudly adorned on the chest, this polo oozes British heritage and class. It’s also worth noting that Fred Perry is a member of the Better Cotton initiative and endeavours to reduce its impact on the planet by using recycled materials.
Buy now £75.00, John Lewis
Verdict
As someone who prefers a polo to a shirt in the office and likes a subtle touch of style in clothing, the All Saints Miller Open Stitch Relaxed Fit Polo with its open stitch laddering and stretch for a casual cool fit is my polo shirt of the summer. The herb green pairs effortlessly with my wardrobe and it’s versatile enough to wear out in the evening after a day in the office.
Close runner-up is the Paul Smith Contrast Colour Polo Shirt with its geo jacquard pattern and contrast stripe zip collar. Stylish, smart and with its iconic PS embroidery a perfect polo for the more formal occasion without switching to a shirt.
