Polo shirts offer the perfect blend of style and comfort, making them a versatile staple in any man’s wardrobe. With their classic button-down look and the ease of a T-shirt, they’re suitable for everything from office attire to weekend outings. Whether paired with cashmere sweaters or shorts, they adapt seamlessly to various settings and seasons. To help you find the perfect polo for spring, we’ve gathered expert recommendations, ranging from trendy to classic styles.
Expert Insights
“A polo shirt is a wardrobe essential and often one of the most frequently worn items for many men,” says sustainable fashion expert and model Brett Staniland. He advises seeking polos made from durable, natural fibers like cotton and linen for longevity. Content creator and model Jeff Yamazaki adds, “Cotton polos last longer and withstand washing, particularly in the collar and sleeve areas.” He specifically recommends supima cotton for its durability and softness.
When shopping, fit and function should be top priorities. Yamazaki suggests considering the shirt’s intended use—whether it’s for golf, casual outings, or layering under a jacket.
While trendy designs may catch your eye, Staniland emphasizes the enduring appeal of the classic polo. “The tried-and-true polo with a simple collar, cuffs, and buttons is always a worthy investment,” he explains. As the ‘old money’ aesthetic gains popularity, Staniland notes a rise in preppy styles like rugby shirts. However, he suggests opting for timeless polo shirts in solid colors without patterns or logos for maximum versatility.
Top Polo Picks
Below, we’ve curated a selection of the best polo shirts to elevate your everyday wardrobe, based on insights from men’s style experts. Whether you prefer classic cuts or contemporary designs, there’s a polo here for everyone.
Asket The Long-Sleeve Pique Polo
Staniland swears by this cotton long-sleeve from Asket, which is made with a ribbed knit texture and lined with mother-of-pearl buttons. “Asket is a transparent brand that gives a breakdown of how much the whole supply chain costs, from raw materials to manufacturing and transport,” he says, adding that the brand’s longevity is unmatched. “My black polo is coming up to four years old, and the cost per wear is getting lower and lower.”
$110 at Asket
Fine Ribbed Cotton Cashmere Polo Shirt
This cotton cashmere polo is the perfect blend of luxury and everyday comfort. The fine ribbed detailing adds a subtle touch of sophistication, making it nice enough for the office, but cozy enough to throw on on a weekend. Designed with a refined yet relaxed fit, this polo strikes a balance between style and functionality, making it a must-have for the fall.
$98 at Huckberry
J.Crew Classic Piqué Polo Shirt
J.Crew’s tried-and-true polo shirt comes in a quartet of staple colorways — black, emerald green, navy and white — which, in addition to its cotton fabric, makes it a versatile addition to your seasonal wardrobe.
$80 $50 at J.Crew
Cos Textured Knitted Polo Shirt
Mix up your go-to polo with this knitted option from Cos. This short-sleeve piece is designed in organic cotton and features a slightly more relaxed fit compared to a traditional polo shirt.
$99 at Cos
Vince Classic Slub Polo Shirt
Vince is renowned for its supple cashmere, and the quality of its cotton is likewise top-notch. The brand is known for simple, no-fuss silhouettes and we especially enjoy this slub polo shirt, which is available in a range of essential shades.
$95 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Luca Faloni Brera Polo Shirt
The relaxed fit of this Luca Faloni number makes it a favorite of Staniland, who enjoys its classic silhouette and neckline. “It has a deep button-up and a slight cut-away collar which adds an Italian essence,” he says.
$175 at Luca Faloni
Bonobos Merino Cabana Polo
This lightweight merino wool polo is just begging to be worn on your next summer vacation. From the lime green fabric to the ’60s-style design, this short-sleeve shirt is perfect for lounging poolside or layering beneath a sweater when temperatures begin to drop.
$115 at Bonobos
Orlebar Brown Terry Toweling Polo
Staniland recommends sweat-wicking fabrics for the summer months and suggests this lightweight polo from Orelbar Brown that is designed with cotton terry fabric. The shirt is also available in a variety of colors, from light blue to blush pink, making it an easy addition to your warm weather wardrobe.
$195 at Orlebar Brown
$195 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Banana Republic Slim Luxe Touch Polo
Banana Republic’s slim-fit polo is truly the best of both worlds. This cotton piece can be dressed up or down and is designed with the brand’s Quick Dry Performance Technology, which helps to eliminate sweat and odor.
$50 $25 at Banana Republic Factory
Uniqlo Dry Pique Polo Shirt
“If you’re on a budget, nothing beats Uniqlo,” Yamazaki says. “The quality to price ratio is always incredible and as a guy who’s on the slimmer side, I can always count on its clothes to fit me well without looking too baggy or slim, or spending a ton of money.” Yamazaki also enjoys Uniqlo’s cult-favorite, sweat-absorbing AIRism polo shirts for warmer climates.
$30 at Uniqlo
Sunspel Sea Island Cotton Polo Shirt
Our experts recommend checking out British label Sunspel, specifically the Sea Island cotton polo made from a strain of cotton unique for both its soft, luxurious feel and its long-lasting qualities. “[Sunspel] is renowned for the quality of its classic T-shirts and polo shirts,” Staniland says. “[This] button-up provides a great fit with well-placed seams.”
$385 at Sunspel
Polo Ralph Lauren Mesh Polo Shirt
No polo collection would be complete without a piece from Ralph Lauren. This cotton shirt features the brand’s signature pony insignia and a split-edge hemline. For an alternative to your standard colors, check out a variation on the classic shirt, which is complete with a striped collar and sleeves.
$110 at Bloomingdale’s
John Smedley Dorset Extra-Fine Merino Wool Polo Shirt
“This polo ticks every box, and I particularly like the slightly pointed collar, which adds a bit of a distinguished twist,” Staniland says of this merino wool button down from British label Jon Smedley, which comes in classic colorways like black, brown, indigo and red. You can also get a similar style from the brand at Nordstrom.
$340 at John Smedley
Abercrombie & Fitch Half-Zip Sweater Polo
This knitted option from Abercrombie & Fitch is not only a cost-effective pick. Its half-zip detail and textured fabric make this the ultimate choice for those looking to elevate the look of a traditional polo shirt into something that’s on-trend.
$60 at Abercrombie & Fitch
Gap Pique Polo Shirt
Finding a budget-friendly 100% cotton polo can be a challenge. Thankfully, Gap has you covered with this long-sleeve, affordable option. Choose black or navy for a traditional look or indulge in this shirt’s striped-collar versions, which come in gray, red and indigo.
$50 $35 at Gap
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