
The 9 Best Men’s Polos You Need to Add to Your Wardrobe Right Now
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Crisp, upscale, and oh-so-classic, the polo shirt is the unsung hero of summer workwear. Its (usually) short sleeves allow you to stay cool, while the collar allows you to stay business casual in style throughout the season.
Not to mention the style’s wildly fascinating history that makes it even more appealing to wear—a history that dates back to 19th century Indian and British royalty, before it made its way to polo fields in the UK, to the tennis courts in France (on the back of René Lacoste, no less), and finally to the U.S., where its popularity skyrocketed and never came down.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect summer polo, you’re in luck, as we’ve rounded up 10 of the best polo shirts available right now. All you need to do is click, buy, and style it to make it your own.
For fun and games: Vuori Strato Tech Polo, $68 at Vuori Clothing
Hopefully you’ve got a few meetings planned on the golf course this summer. You’ll want to be sure to snag a Vuori Strato Tech Polo for just those days. The performance knit fabric comes with a four-way stretch, allowing you to move in every direction with ease, while its moisture-wicking, anti-odor properties keep you dry and smelling great. The shirt also sports UPF 30+, making it a prime choice if you’re planning a day in the sun.
For something that goes with everything: Billy Reid Organic Cotton Polo, $89 (was $128) at Billy Reid
Looking for something to mix and match with all the pants and shorts in your closet? Look no further than this easy-to-wear Billy Reid Organic Cotton Polo. The shirt, constructed from super soft Pima cotton, is made to wear on its own or layered under a sweater on cooler days and summer nights. The slim fit flatters every body type, and it comes in three distinct colorways—a cheerful denim blue, a vibrant leaf green, and a simple black that will, without question, become your go-to everyday shirt.
For a touch of texture: J. Crew Polo Cardigan Sweater, $98 at J.Crew
Give your look a little dimension with J. Crew’s polo cardigan sweater, which comes with a geometric cable-knit design. The short-sleeve style gives a stellar ‘60s vibe, which makes even more sense when you read that the designers were inspired by “vintage fishermen's sweaters.” The shirt features tortoiseshell buttons for an added pop, and comes in three distinct colors: natural, faded grove, and Mediterranean. All three would pair nicely with chinos or black slacks.
For a fun pop of color: Billy Reid Pensacola Polo, $98 at Billy Reid
With beach days, BBQs, and plenty of poolside fun in your future, you need a polo to match that “all the fun in the sun” vibe. Luckily, Billy Reid’s Pensacola Polo matches it perfectly. The bright, poppy shirt first debuted in 2002 and received updated fit and details along the way. Once again, this shirt is made with organic Pima cotton and comes in a few snazzy colors, including denim and pale blue, but our personal favorites are the sea blue and chartreuse colorways, both of which make for an eye-catching look this season.
For something warmer: Lululemon Long-Sleeve Polo Shirt, $148 at Lululemon
Nights around a summer bonfire call for a little heavier fit, and Lululemon’s Long-Sleeve Polo Shirt will absolutely keep you toasty while roasting s’mores. The shirt, made with 100% Recycled polyester, comes in Lululemon’s famed relaxed fit, giving plenty of room in the chest and torso, providing a more draped rather than fitted effect. As an added bonus, the shirt is also made using the brand’s No-Stink Zinc, which prohibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
For a barely-there logo: Faherty Sunwashed Pique Polo, $118 at Faherty
Polos became rather famous thanks to a teeny, tiny horse emblazoned on the left breast pocket of one brand of t-shirt. You can pay homage to that with Faherty’s Sunwashed Pique Polo. The shirt, made from a cotton and lyocell blend, comes with just the right amount of stretch and softness to move in all summer long. Its slightly faded color gives it a warm, lived-in look, and its blink-and-you-miss-it sunrise logo gives just the right touch of fun. Pick it up in dusk, blue breeze, quartz, or our favorite, washed black.
For a club-ready look: J. Crew Raglan-Sleeve Terry Polo Shirt, $89.50 at J. Crew
is the right choice for you. Made with 100% cotton, this shirt is as plush as they come, thanks to its construction, which uses a two-yarn knitting technique to give the mile-high piles. The short sleeves are capped at the ends, providing a taught look, and drapes effortlessly over the torso. It’s a stellar choice in ivory for those playing a tennis match, but also comes in mountain pine, caramel, navy, and a daisy and paisley print for those who just want to feel like they are wrapped up in their favorite towel all season.
For something different: Bonobos Soft Air Zip Sweater Polo, $109 at Bonobos
Want to spice up your polo styling? Try on the Soft Air Zip Sweater Polo by Bonobos for a change. The cotton blend, short-sleeve sweater comes with wide ribs for a flattering texture in a baby blue hue that is flattering on literally everyone, while the collar sports a thin white stripe for a little added pizzazz. But the best part is the brand swapping out the buttons for a zipper closure, giving the classic style a modern twist.
For a timeless wardrobe staple: Polo Ralph Lauren Men's Classic Fit Polo Shirt, $90.48 at Amazon
Come on. You didn’t think we’d make a list of the best polo shirts without mentioning Ralph Lauren, did you? Every person looking to add polos to their wardrobe needs at least one of these enduring shirts. The shirts, made with 100% cotton, are made for everyday wear. And, as one commenter astutely added on Amazon, “The shirts don’t shrink, the colors don’t fade, and they don’t go out of style.”
Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.