When you’re considering men’s fashion, there’s one firm staple that should adorn every wardrobe – the trusty polo shirt. A classic and timeless piece, it’s a versatile item that works whatever the season.
There was 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 more adventurous designs that bring a certain effervescence to their offerings. So you have to consider... is it the classic look that you’re after or is a more stylised interpretation just the tonic?
Polo shirts – both short and long sleeve – are usually made with a knitted cotton pique (a woven and waffle-like pattern) 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.
Today, new materials such as merino wool and silk have been added to the traditional polo construction and our favourite fashion labels have injected their own designs and finishing touches to the otherwise classic look. But is it a t-shirt? Is it a shirt? Or is it something in-between? I like to look at it as a piece of iconic apparel in it’s own right that has evolved and stood the test of time, despite being somewhat overshadowed by the more popular items of clothing.
Whether you’re playing golf and need a polo that allows for free movement and materials that manage ventilation; working in the office and looking to pair your slacks with something collared but a little more casual than a stiff shirt; or supping on a couple of pints in the pub with your mates and want to look good – polo shirts are your flexible friend. Who knew that the humble polo shirt could be so versatile?
So whether you’re a gracious golfer, tenacious tennis player or, like me, an office-cum-evening socialite, choose one of the following polo shirts and wear it with pride.
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Reiss Merino Wool Open Collar Polo Shirt
Colours: Azure, Bronze Green, Dark Military Green, Dove Blue, Kale, Mahogany, Russet, Wheat Melange, Woodrose
As is typical with Reiss, the brand has added a modern touch to the classic polo with an open collar and luxurious finish. Crafted in Merino wool, it’s naturally breathable and odour-resistant so it will see you from AM to PM in comfort and style.
Buy now £88.00, Reiss
AllSaints Figure Short Sleeve Polo Shirt
Colours: Biscuit Taupe
Crafted from soft cotton, this polo ensures an incredible comfort with the softest of touches. A distressed raw edge finish is married with a classic button up neck and collar for a contemporary update on the classic.
Buy now £65.00, AllSaints
Castore Midnight Gold Navy Essential Polo
Colours: Hunter Green, Midnight, Royal Blue and White Golf
This short sleeve polo shirt has been crafted from a lightweight fabric that is comfortable and breathable. Designed for the golfers amongst us due to its flexibility for a greater range of movement while you take your swing, it’s also a stylish addition to your office wear wardrobe - dress code depending.
The classic Castore logo proudly adorns the left breast and overall it hangs really nicely - and it’s also very comfortable to wear.
Buy now £45.00, Castore
Paul Smith Colour-Block Stripe Cotton Polo Shirt
Colours: Multicolour
Stripes are quintessentially Paul Smith - so why not show your love for the brand in this colourblocked design that’s made in collaboration with Pop Trading Company? No need for a logo emblazoned anywhere – if you know, you know.
Cut from 100 per cent organic cotton, the luxurious feel we have come to expect from the luxury label is apparent. The signature attention-to-detail oozes through the dry-handle textured cloth and colour-block panelling.
Buy now £275.00, Paul Smith
Missoni Space-Dyed Cotton-Piqué Polo Shirt
Colours: Blue, multi-colour
What’s not to love about this luxury Italian fashion house? Missoni’s style is so distinct and instantly recognisable with striking stripe designs and classic Italian tailoring. We love this blue colourway with its ‘spacedye’ pattern, short sleeves, and contrast collar.
It has a regular fit, a tonal collar and a three-button placket that are the icing on top of this perfectly finished cake. The impeccable stitching is worth the price tag alone. It’s the ultimate quality polo.
Buy now £210.00, Mr. Porter
Paul Smith 'Artist Stripe' Tipping Polo Shirt
Colours: Brown, Dark Navy
Looking for a more demure piece by the wondrous Paul Smith emporium? This is a classic, regular fit polo but with those considered details that we’ve become accustomed to by the designer’s namesake label. It’s cut from merino wool that is not only lightweight and breathable but also soft to the touch with just the right amount of stretch.
Buy now £225.00, Paul Smith
Abercrombie & Fitch Tipped Johnny Collar Sweater Polo
Colours: Black, Green
American lifestyle retailer Abercrombie’s offering is a contemporary cotton-blend polo. Its lightweight and relaxed-fit properties will keep you cool throughout the day, whilst the open collar and checkerboard detailing gives it a 2023 update.
Buy now £52.00, Abercrombie & Fitch
Superdry Organic Cotton Studios Jersey Polo Shirt
Colours: Light Grey, Navy, Black
Made from organic cotton, this short sleeve, relaxed fit polo shirt is a versatile addition to your wardrobe. Double down with joggers or up your game with jeans or casual trousers. This polo shirt will hold its own no matter the occasion. Aside from the three-button placket and standard collar, it’s a rather understated design, but the the super soft cotton will feel substantial and comfortable.
Buy now £39.99, Superdry
Lacoste Men's Classic Fit Monogram Print Contrast Collar Polo Shirt
Colours: Green / Beige, Beige / Bordeaux
The first thing that will you will notice about this shirt is the understated all-over Lacoste monogram. At once considered and effortlessly cool, the expert in the field strikes again.
In a classic comfortable fit with contrast buttons and the signature embroidered crocodile at the chest, it’s got all the makings of the perfect polo.
Buy now £120.00, Lacoste
Fred Perry M3 Made In England Polo Shirt
Colours: White / Navy, Black / Champagne, Navy / Ice, Oatmeal / Black
No polo shirt review would be complete without Fred Perry. The brand’s simple polo shirt designs hold iconic status amongst fans of the style and has a firm grip on the golden age of 1930s British tennis.
This timeless one-colour piece focusses on lightweight functionality and is ideal for wearing either on the tennis court or if you’re out and about. It’s designed by the man himself, British tennis player and world No.1 Fred Perry and is made in the classic ‘Fred Perry fit’ using 100 per cent cotton, which is not surprisingly, as Fred’s father was a cotton spinner.
The standard collar and two-button placket are complimented by the laurel wreath on the chest. No frills, no need – just a stunning polo proud of its heritage and proud to be made in England.
Buy now £85.00, Dandy Fellow
Under Armour Iso-Chill Polo
Colours: Glacier Blue / Midnight Navy, Blue Mirage / Midnight Navy, Pink Shock / Midnight Navy
The polo has the incredible ability to pull heat away from your skin to keep you ‘calm, cool and crushing at max capacity’ and it’s all down to the Iso-Chill fabric. This secret science is genuinely impressive before you’ve even put it through its paces, but when you do, it proves its worth. Offering freedom of movement, sweat-wicking and quick-dry credentials, it even incorporates anti-odour technology to stop the whiff.
Buy now £55.00, Under Armour
Ralph Lauren Custom Slim Fit Soft Cotton Polo Shirt
Colours: Refined Navy / Lafayette Blue / White
It would be remiss of me to not include Ralph Lauren in our polo shirt review. The brand offers an embarrassment of riches when it comes to this style. There’s a wide range of colours and fits all of which promise the highest quality and the attention to detail that we’ve become accustomed to from the American label.
From the iconic Ralph Lauren pony motif proudly embroidered on the left chest to the open neck, it’s a luxurious investment that is sure to stand the test of time. Pure class.
Buy now £135.00, Ralph Lauren
AllSaints Mode Merino Short Sleeve Polo Shirt
Colours: Ashed Purple, Biscuit Taupe Marl, Black, Seafront Blue Marl
This polo is also crafted from responsibly certified 100 per cent merino wool but has a short sleeve cut and is available in different colours, while remaining equally as luxurious and comfortable to wear. As you may suspect, it’s more suited to the warmer weather that’s on its way.
With the classic Ramshull icon embroidered on the chest and three-button placket, its another timeless classic from AllSaints. Pairs equally well with jeans, informal office trousers and even joggers.
Buy now £85.00, AllSaints
