The best men’s polo shirts are more formal than a button-down, yet a bit dressier than a t-shirt or a tank top. You could, in good conscience, head to the office or a nice restaurant in a polo shirt. With the right styling, you could even wear one under a suit. Once you own a few, you’ll soon realize that there’s almost no setting where a polo shirt doesn’t do the trick.
The best polos for men are sporty but polished enough to wear all day.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERBut aside from its versatility, the polo shirt is notable for its almost universal level of comfort. Polos tend to hang loose around the frame and the adjustable neck ensures near-constant breathability. And while they may have gotten their start on the tennis courts, these basics now comes in a variety of styles for different occasions. Here, the best men’s polo shirts that we highly recommend, wherever you may be headed.
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Huckberry
Sizes: XS to 3XL | Colors: 10 in total, including Black and Oxblood| Material: 89% micron merino wool, 11% nylon
The best overall polo shirt for men comes from Huckberry, a customer-funded company that focuses on making apparel suited for adventure. Whether if you’re running errands or grabbing drinks with the guys, this polo stays crisp, thanks to the temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking merino fabric (which also resists odors). It comes in a range of muted tones and sizes up to 3XL. Plus, the $98 price is budget-friendly.
Dickies
Sizes: S to 4XL | Colors: 8 in total, including Navy and White | Material: 60% cotton, 40% polyester
Dickies’s polo goes the minimal route with a three-button closure and no-pocket front. The simplicity of the shirt’s design makes it an ideal canvas for a wide variety of styling options. Plus, $18 price tag makes it hard to beat. Just keep in mind that it has a relaxed fit that’s more casual than formal.
Bonobos
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: 14 in total, including Cerulean Blue and Lavender Stripe| Material: 98% pima cotton, 2% spandex
Unlike our best overall pick, this polo shirt comes in plenty of vibrant colors and patterns that work for business meetings or afternoon golf sessions. It has some stretch without compromising the original fit, which shoppers love. The Stretch Pique Polo also features flat-knit rib trims and fabric that repels odors, wrinkles and stains. To maintain its shape, dry clean or wash and line dry it.
Todd Snyder
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: 8 in total, including Black and Green| Material: 51% cotton, 47% tencel, 2% lycra
If you’re looking for a polo to layer with sweaters or a sports coat or suit, add this one to your wardrobe. This Todd Snyder pick has a classic design with a three-button placket and structured collar, and is cut from a yarn-dyed, Turkish cotton tencel blend that makes it soft, fitted and breathable. Only downside is that it’s a bit pricey.
Amazon
Sizes: XS to 4XL | Colors: 15 in total, including White and Khaki | Material: 100% cotton
Polos comes in many different fits—slim, loose, tapered. If you want a classic option that’s neither too tight or baggy, this Tommy Hilfiger is one the best fitting. The short sleeve shirt is cut from cotton pique fabric that creates a breathable and relaxed design but finished with tailored details, such as ribbing around the hem and collar, for a pulled-together look.
Nike
Sizes: XS to 4XL | Colors: 7 in total, including White and Red | Material: Recycled polyester, organic cotton
If you want a polo that can accommodate broader shoulders and a larger build, consider Nike’s sustainably-made shirt. It has built-in stretch along with the brand’s innovative sweat-wicking fabric that keeps moisture under control, so you can wear it all day. This pick also comes in a range of bright and neutral colors and up to 4XL sizes.
Amazon
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: 15 in total, including Andover Heather and Yellow| Material: 100% cotton
Ralph Lauren is a trusted luxury brand for a reason: Unmatched quality and classic designs. This polo is no exception—there are short sleeves with ribbed armbands, a flat collar and a signature embroidered pony. You can select from dozens of polo colors on the brand’s website, and also add a monogram. The fabric also holds up well over time, since it’s woven from 100% cotton that’s washable. Some shoppers say the fit runs small, though, so you might size up.
Vineyard Vines
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: 7 in total, including Mai Tai Tejeda and Ocean Breeze | Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
This polo from Vineyard Vines is as easygoing as it gets. The polyester and spandex blend makes the fabric soft against the skin and breezy for days spent or long hours outdoors in the office. It comes fitted with a three-button placket that can be fully buttoned or left undone for a casual feel. Bonus: The polo also provides UPF 30+ for protection against UV rays. The colors are very subtly striped, but if you want solid options, consider the Dunmore Polo.
Lululemon
Sizes: XS to 5XL | Colors: 6 in total, including Heathered Black and Nautical Navy | Material: 82% polyester, 10% lyocell, 5% lycra elastane
Polo shirts used to serve only for work purposes, but now you can have one for everything, even performance. If you are constantly active and on the go, you need a top that does it all. Lululemon’s polo keeps you dry and odor free, so you can be out in the sun or hot weather for activities, worry-free. The top does have a slim fit, which some shoppers don’t prefer.
Vuori
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 10 in total, including Charcoal Heather and Redwood Heather | Material: 96% polyester, 4% elastane
This polo includes Strato Tech—a comfortable design that also has UPF 30+. The top has an array of features, like an athletic fit that doesn’t cling to the body. The piece is great for long days, when you want optimal comfort.
Lacoste
Sizes: XS to 4XL | Colors: 40 in total, including Black and Navy Blue | Material: 100% cotton
No list of Polo shirts would be complete without a Lacoste mention. The French brand, created by the pioneering tennis player Rene Lacoste, quite literally invented the style. The slim fit polo is available in more than 40 colors, and Lacoste works with some of the best cotton on the market, so this style is breathable and made to last. Note that if you like a roomier style, try the Classic Fit.
Theory
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 10 in total, including Fossil Melange and Baltic | Material: 72% modal, 23% recycled polyester, 5% spandex
No brand can nab an elevated basic quite like Theory. Their take on the polo incorporates modal for extra breathability, which also elevates the look and feel. The top is a bit pricey for a simple polo, unless you plan to wear it frequently.
Faherty Brand
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: 8 in total, including Sea Navy Melange and Tidal Reef Stripe | Material: 58% pima cotton, 38% modal, 4% elastane
Faherty’s short sleeve polo shirt has the stretch and movement qualities of a performance top, but the shape of a business casual shirt. If you want the best of both worlds, keep a few of these on hand. There is a spread collar that conceals buttons, which helps prevent it from flying up. The shirt also has tapered sleeves and a vented hem for a relaxed look with minimal details.
Banana Republic
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: 12 in total, including Camo Green and Pink Heather| Material: 100% cotton
A refined polo shirt should be two things: Soft and stylish. This one from Banana Republic checks all the boxes—it even absorbs sweat. The top is crafted from a performance fabric that is treated with a brand-specific mercerization treatment that adds additional fluidness to the polo. The combination gives the shirt a silk-like look, and reduces shrinkage.
Under Armour
Sizes: XS to 4XL (Regular, Tall)| Colors: 27 in total, including Black and Red| Material: 100% polyester
Whether you’re golfing, hiking or playing tennis, Under Armour’s UA Tech Polo is a versatile option. It offers a four-way stretch that helps the shirt move with you through every swing. The fabric quickly wicks sweat and dries almost instantly.
Columbia
Sizes: XS to 6XL | Colors: 34 in total, including Collegiate Navy and Sage| Material: 100% polyester
This polo top has one of the best size and color selections we’ve seen. There are 34 colors and prints and a diverse range of sizes, including big and tall. Columbia’s approach to a polo shirt comes with plenty of features like Omni wick, a moisture-wicking technology specifically made for the outdoors. The top is also made with a classic fit—no slim designs or baggy edges.
Amazon
Sizes: XS to 6XL (Big & Tall) | Colors: 42 in total, including Light Grey and Black & White Stripe | Material: 100% polyester
For those needing larger sizes, Amazon Essentials’ Regular-Fit Polo Shirt is an excellent option for the price. The polo costs $19 and has features that you would typically see in a more expensive pick. It’s lightweight, has a button closure and UPF 50 sun protection. The polo does have thinner materials, so it’s incredibly lightweight and not suitable for cooler seasons.
Scotch & Soda
Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: Multi | Material: 100% organic cotton
Who said polos needed to be solid? Scotch and Soda flips all the rules with a multi-color striped version that puts fun first. Yes, it’s a bit bold but here’s the perfect polo for when you want to make a statement. It is pricy when it’s not on sale.
Nordstrom
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 5 in total, including White and Black
Whether you’re on the golf course or the tennis court, this polo was made with sports in mind. Thanks to a stretchy, sweat-wicking technology, you can stay comfortable and active for longer. The polo has many desirable features, but it’s not as formal as other options.
In researching this list of polos, we kept in mind material, variety of color, fit and brand expertise. We wanted to provide something for everyone: from the low-key dresser to the lover of stripes, from workwear to athletic apparel. We also wanted the range of prices to feel accessible to all buyers, no matter their budget.
A shirt made from 100% cotton tends to be more breathable, and it stands to reason that this fabric also makes a polo more comfortable. Blended fabrics, on the other hand, are typically used to increase durability and stain resistance at a lower price point.
Most polos on the market are built from a piqué knit, which is a specific weaving technique that gives polo shirts their characteristic waffle-like texture. This piqué knit allows shirts to not only be stretchy and flexible, but breathable as well.
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