The best polo shirts for men are polished yet comfortable—a bit dressier than a t-shirt but less formal than a button-down. After ranking and reviewing many options, we selected Huckberry’s Proof 72-Hour Polo Shirt as the best men’s polo overall since it’s cut from soft merino that’s naturally odor resistant and breathable for all-day wear. It looks great with casual jeans or dressed up with work pants. We also found other top-notch polo shirts for different situations, whether you want one that’s affordable, sweat-wicking or ultra-lightweight.
The best polo shirts for men are sporty and polished enough to wear all day.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
Here’s how we evaluated the contenders: Our team rated each polo on fabric content, fit (classic to relaxed to slim), style (collar design, buttons), quality and price, among other factors. Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar weighed in on the final picks, and she also offered expert shopping pointers as well as answers to commonly asked questions about the best polo shirts for men. We also had men’s fashion expert Kyle Albrecht, founder and lead stylist at Social Garb, evaluate each pick.
What’s notable: The breathable merino fabric resists sweat and smells, it has comfortable snap buttons and it has built in UPF 30+ for sun protection.
What could be better: This style can run small and some reviewers find the fabric to be thin.
Huckberry focuses on rugged-yet-refined apparel meant for active days. Their 72-Hour Merino Polo impressed us with its temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking merino fabric that’s soft to the touch, and also naturally resists odors. This polo comes in a range of stylish colors and sizes up to 3XL. The price is affordable compared to other more expensive polos on the market, making this an excellent choice overall. “This is a higher end fabrication, but it’s also easy to maintain,” says Albrecht. “It’s more fashionable than other options and also easy care.”
What our editor says: “Huckberry thoroughly tests their clothing in the field, which I appreciate. Their polo combines a performance fabric with stylish design touches, so you can wear it for work, travel or high-activity days. This versatility and quality made it our top pick.”
Sizes: S to 4XL | Colors: 8 total | Material: 60% cotton, 40% polyester | Placket design: 3 buttons | Fit: Relaxed | Weight: Medium
What’s notable: This shirt is made from quality cotton pique knit fabric at an affordable price. The design is also tagless and wrinkle-resistant.
What could be better: The loose, relaxed fit is not ideal for more dressy situations.
Dickies’s polo is simple and straightforward, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need in a shirt, whether you’re wearing it outside for work or casual days with chinos. This pick has a tagless design, which is a thoughtful detail for those with sensitive skin. Also nice: The dyed buttons that match each color of the shirt. Keep in the mind the fit is slightly oversized. “This is a classic workwear brand—it’s good quality at an accessible price point,” says Albrecht. “This shirt is intentionally more boxy and oversized. It’s a good option if you don’t want to emphasize your midsection, but still want a nice, consistent silhouette.”
What our editor says: “Dickie’s clothing holds up pretty well to wear and tear, thanks to the quality of the workmanship. At $18, you can’t go wrong with having a few of these polos in your wardrobe.”
Best Performance Polo Shirt
A Polo That Can Handle Workouts
Lululemon
Lululemon Evolution Short-Sleeve Polo Shirt
Sizes: XS to 5XL | Colors: 10 total | Material: 82% polyester, 10% lyocell, 5% lycra elastane | Placket design: 3 buttons | Fit: Slim | Weight: Medium
What’s notable: The sweat-absorbing fabric resists odor-causing bacteria, and it has a nice texture and soft hand feel. The versatile design can be layered under a jacket or worn solo.
What could be better: Some reviewers find it runs small in the chest.
If you’re constantly active and on the go, you need a polo that can stand up to sweat and movement without getting wrinkled or coming apart at the seams. Lululemon’s polo is cut from a well-constructed, moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you dry and odor free, so you can be out in the sun or running around. The fit is slim, so it skims your body, for a clean look. “Lululemon has good consistency in their fit and sizing,” says Albrecht. “The slim profile of this polo is pretty versatile in terms of body types and shapes. It’s modern but not overly tapered at the waistline.”
What our editor says: “While we picked this for the performance polo category, it doesn’t mean you can’t wear this shirt casually—especially if you want to stay cool while out at night or relaxing on the weekends. Lululemon’s clothing tends to be pricey but this polo is actually quite reasonable considering its technical capabilities.”
What’s notable: This versatile shirt is great for work, travel or activities, like golf. The built in stretch in the fabric provides a comfortable fit.
What could be better: You have to gently wash and hang dry to maintain its shape.
If you need a polo that’s stylish and work appropriate, Bonobos’ polo scored highest in our review. We like that it’s cut from soft pima cotton with a bit of spandex for stretch and movement. “If you’re choosing one, go-to polo in a classic pique with good color options and at friendly price point, this is a great option,” says Albrecht. It has a slim fit that pairs well with slacks and can easily pull double duty on the golf course or a plane for travel days, thanks to the breathable, lightweight design.
What our editor says: “This is a smart polo that passed a lot of my tests for what a work should have, from the flat-knit rib trim to the fabric that repels odors, wrinkles and stains. Some reviewers say this shirt loses its shape in the wash, though, so I’d dry clean it or wash carefully and line dry it.”
Best Stylish Polo Shirt
Well-Made Pick That Looks Sharp
Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder Fine Pique Polo
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: 8 total | Material: 51% cotton, 47% tencel, 2% lycra | Placket design: 3 buttons | Fit: Classic | Weight: Medium
What’s notable: This high quality, durable and stylish design won’t shrink in the wash.
What could be better: It’s on the expensive side.
If you’re looking for a polo to layer with sweaters or a sports coat or suit, add this one to your wardrobe. “I can’t say enough good things about this brand,” says Albrecht. “Their approach to classic, elevated menswear with a European touch is unparalleled at this price point.” 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. “You’ll get a really nice soft wear experience with this,” says Albrecht. “This polo is rich both visually and in terms of the feel. It’s a tencel blend, which makes it super soft, and it has a little bit of flow and effortlessness.”
What our editor says: “I find that Todd Snyder clothing is often worth the splurge for the impeccable designs and quality materials. This polo has a great textured finish to it, which makes it a bit more interesting than your average polo and it’s easy to dress up or down.”
Best Quality Polo Shirt
A Shirt That Stands The Test Of Time
Amazon
Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Classic Fit Polo Shirt
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: 16 total | Material: 100% cotton | Placket design: 2 buttons | Fit: Classic | Weight: Medium
What’s notable: This breathable,100% cotton shirt has a ribbed collar and armbands as well as a longer “tennis tail” for tucking in at the back.
What could be better: This style runs small.
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. “This is a classic pique polo,” says Albrecht. “It has vintage appeal, it’s long lasting and wears well over time. You’ll also get great cost per we wear.”
What our editor says: “Ralph Lauren’s polos have a reputation for being some of the best quality—they’re made from heavy cotton and after dozens of washings, the fit is still the same. The embroidered logo is classic yet understated in this design. ”
What’s notable: This shirt is cut from quick-drying and moisture wicking fabric, and it has built-in interior collar stays.
What could be better: The size range only goes up to 2XL.
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. The colors are very subtly striped, but if you want solid options, consider the Dunmore Polo. “This polo is polyester and spandex so it can transition well from casual work to the golf course,” says Albrecht. “It’s lightweight, tends to be quite breathable, has upf 50 protection and wrinkle resistance.”
What our editor says: “If you want a comfortable polo for everything from golfing to running errands, this pick is at the top of my list. Thoughtful features, like the quick-dry and moisture-absorbing fabric, prevent overheating if you run hot, and the fit is relaxed and fluid.”
Best Lightweight Polo Shirt
An Option That's Light As A Feather
Vuori
Vuori Strato Tech Polo
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 10 total | Material: 96% polyester, 4% elastane | Placket design: 3 buttons | Fit: Classic | Weight: Light
What’s notable: The four-way stretch fabric is extremely breathable and light, and it dries quickly.
What could be better: This has a more casual feel than some other options, so if you’re looking for something thicker or more structured, you may want a polo cut from cotton pique.
Vuori’s polo is cut from a technical Strato Tech fabric—a sweat-wicking, soft knit with UPF 30. It’s got an athletic fit that doesn’t cling to the body and is great for long days, when you want optimal coolness and comfort. “Vuori’s fabrications are high end, the price point is friendly, and they have lots of availability in terms of sizing,” says Albrecht. “I also like that they have easy-to-wear color options—the colors are more muted and the earthy, neutral tones are really attractive to lots of guys.”
What our editor says: “Vuori’s polo is a nice blend between sporty and casual; it’s light, airy and dries fast so you can wear it on a bike commute to work, during a business lunch or for a quick workout after work. Reviewers comment on how the fabric is ‘pajama soft’ and holds up well to a lot of wear and washings.”
What’s notable: It’s affordable and comes in many colors, from neutrals to brights.
What could be better: This style runs large, so bear that in mind when ordering.
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 piqué 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. “This is a great value option with branding that’s not over the top or too flashy,” says Albrecht. “It comes in lots of great colors and sizes.”
What our editor says: “This polo is made with 100% cotton, which means it will hold up well to wear over time, and delivers a lot of value for an affordable price. I also like that it’s cut looser across the chest and shoulders for comfort, and that it’s machine washable.”
Best Dress Polo Shirt
A Shirt That Is Soft And Stylish
Banana Republic
Banana Republic Luxury-Touch Polo
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: 5 total | Material: 100% cotton | Placket design: 2 buttons | Fit: Slim | Weight: Medium
What’s notable: It’s cut from a unique, silk-like fabric, it comes in regular and tall sizes and it has vented sides for comfort.
What could be better: It’s a slim fit, which may not work for all.
A refined dress polo shirt should be two things: Soft and stylish. This one from Banana Republic checks all the boxes—it even absorbs sweat for long days at work. The top is crafted from a performance fabric that is treated with a specific “mercerization” treatment that adds additional fluidness to the polo. The combination gives the shirt a silk-like look, and reduces shrinkage. “What’s cool about this luxe take on a polo is that it feels like a knit but it’s an accessible construction,” says Albrecht. “The thinner collar is nice because it will lay flat without curling, and the arm bands and the lower hem feel a bit more fitted and design-oriented.”
What our editor says: “I love how you can wear this polo on its own or with a suit. The fit is tailored yet comfortable, which is exactly what you want for a dress polo, and it comes in office-appropriate colors. I’d also suggest this for a wedding or sophisticated evening out.”
At Forbes Vetted, our editors and contributors are experts in their field and we leverage that experience to bring our readers the best possible shopping recommendations. Our fashion coverage is headed up by a team of writers and editors, including our deputy editor, Kari Molvar, who is a veteran of lifestyle journalism, with years of firsthand testing and reviewing. Our aim is to bring a critical eye and informed opinion to shopping so you can make smart and knowledgeable choices. We carefully vet all of our selections and have personally tried on, worn, washed and styled an extensive array of clothing, accessories and footwear. Menswear is a particular focus for the Vetted team, and we’ve published numerous shopping guides on the topic, including those on the best suits, the best chinos and the most comfortable dress shoes for men.
How We Chose The Best Polos For Men
In researching this list, we considered a variety of men’s polo shirts from well-known and trusted brands that specialize in athletic and leisure clothing as well as those that offer dressier pieces, such as Todd Snyder and Banana Republic. We took detailed notes on their fit, fabric, comfort, style, design, versatility and performance details, scoring them on their ability to offer such benefits as built-in stretch, sweat-wicking comfort and breathability in all types of weather. In addition to our own experience with the brands represented in the list, we also read reviews from real users who have worn the polos, paying close attention to comments on the fit, whether the polos ran to true to size and how they retained their shape after washing. The polos with the highest scores then went through a final analysis to ensure they came in inclusive sizes to fit a diverse range of body types and provided excellent value at reasonable prices. Lastly, we prioritized styles that were classic but modern enough to be worn now and years from now. This article was last updated in April 2024.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Polos
When it comes to men's fashion, polo shirts have long been a wardrobe staple. The best ones are versatile, comfortable and stylish. “The practicality of a polo shirt is unmatched,” says Albrecht. “You can wear them with a slack or a sneaker—they’re very accessible.” Here are some key shopping pointers to keep in mind:
Fit And Style: Just because you can wear polos casually doesn’t mean the fit is not important. A well-fitted polo shirt strikes the balance between slim and relaxed; it should be tapered but not overly tight. You want it to move freely over the contours of your body, from the shoulders to the waist, without binding. Excessively loose fits can look a bit messy while overly tight designs can restrict your movement. Different occasions call for different fits, too—classic and slim styles are best for dressier situations whereas relaxed designs are comfortable for casual weekends and travel.
Fabric And Materials: “Two of the most common fabric fabrications for polos are cotton pique or a tech performance blend,” says Albrecht. Piqué knit is a specific weaving technique that gives polo shirts their characteristic waffle-like texture. This knit allows shirts to not only be stretchy and flexible, but breathable as well. While many classic polos are cut from cotton, newer styles also incorporate polyester and synthetic materials. For sportier outings, technical, performance fabrics help wick sweat and moisture. Remember that blended fabrics maintain their shape better than pure cotton but may age differently over time, so choose wisely.
While tech polos are functional, they can be too casual, Albrecht says, and guys who may be more interested in contemporary looks may look for different fabrics. Albrecht likes Suit Supply’s Buttonless Polo Shirt, which is a modern, well-fitting polo made out of California cotton and mulberry silk. “What’s nice about it is that you can size up if you’re feeling insecure about it being clingy,” he says.
Button Or No Button: Polo shirts are known for their distinctive buttons, which can range from two to three, or even be replaced by a buttonless collar or a zip. The number of buttons can influence the shirt's formality, with more buttons often indicating a dressier look. “Three buttons is the most traditional,” says Albrecht. “Buttonless is a more modern polo approach.” Button choice is not just functional but also adds to the style of the shirt, so consider your personal preference and the occasion.
Color And Pattern: A well-rounded polo shirt collection includes solid-color staples in classic hues such as white, navy, black or gray. These versatile options can be dressed up or down for various occasions. “Most guys for some reason have a hard time with shades of green, but tones like olive and forest are also easy to integrate into an everyday capsule wardrobe,” says Albrecht. To add a touch of personality and character, consider polo shirts with subtle patterns like stripes or color-blocking, which can be great for vacations, layering or nights out. The key is to strike a balance between timeless classics and stylish variations in your wardrobe.
Which Brands Make The Best Polo Shirts For Men?
While this might be a matter of opinion and will depend on who you ask, there are certain well-known brands that consistently produce high-quality polo shirts, such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Todd Snyder and Bonobos, among others in this guide. These brands stand out for their craftsmanship and attention to detail. For performance-oriented polo shirts, athleisure brands like Vuori, Lululemon and Vineyard Vines are your best choices.
Should Men’s Polos Be Tucked In?
Both tucked and untucked are correct, says Albrecht. Whether or not to tuck in a polo shirt depends on the occasion and your personal style. In more formal settings or when dressing up, tucking in polo shirts creates a neater and polished appearance. “If you want your polo to look more tailored and elevated, tuck it in,” says Albrecht. However, for casual or relaxed occasions, leaving polo shirts untucked is both comfortable and stylish. “Your shirt should hit just below your belt line or at your upper fly when it’s untucked,” he says. “That’s how you can tell if it’s the right fit.” The bottom line: Read the room to get a sense of the dress code, the formality of the event and your comfort level.
What Fabrics Are Best For Men’s Polo Shirts?
Cotton is a classic and popular fabric for polo shirts, known for its softness and breathability. Cotton piqué is a specific type of cotton fabric often used for its sporty look and texture. Additionally, blended fabrics that mix cotton with synthetics like polyester or elastane can offer performance features such as moisture-wicking and stretch. Some polos also come with built-in UPF sun protection as an added bonus.
What Should I Wear A Polo Shirt With?
One of the benefits of a men’s polo shirt is that it can go with a lot of different style items. “The value proposition of a polo is that it’s incredibly versatile,” says Albrecht. One option is to “pair your polo with a chino pant and a fashion sneaker,” he says. Or, for something more dressy, “to elevate your look, wear a polo with a casual, unlined and unstructured blazer.” For spring and summer, Albrecht advises pairing a polo with a chino short and a pair of loafers. In general, avoid pairing a polo with a pant that feels too dressy, like suit pants. “For instance, a pique polo is a more casual style—if you pair it with a formal slack it will feel disconnected.”
What Polo Shirts Are Best For Playing Golf?
A technical fabric that breathes and is sweat-wicking is key when playing golf, especially when temperatures climb. In our review of the best golf polo shirts, we chose Peter Millar Performance Jersey Polo as the top option overall. Other brands such as B.Draddy, G/Fore and Lululemon are popular choices at golf courses around the country.
What About Lacoste Polos?
French tennis player René Lacoste is credited with creating the polo in 1926, according to The Fashion Encyclopedia, a trusted reference guide to the fashion industry and its history. At the time, tennis players were required to wear long-sleeved, starched shirts. Lacoste found these shirts to be uncomfortable and restrictive, so he designed his own shirt with short sleeves, a collar with two buttons and a tail that could be tucked in or left out. He also added a crocodile logo—a reference to his on-court nickname, "The Crocodile." Lacoste’s shirt was soon adopted by polo players and other athletes for the same reasons it was a hit with tennis players—it was comfortable, breathable and stylish. If you’d like to add this classic to your collection, here’s our top Lacoste pick:
A Favorite Polo For Generations
Lacoste
Lacoste Slim Fit Polo
Modeled after Lacoste’s original 1926 polo, the brand’s slim fit polo is as stylish as ever. It’s available in more than 40 colors, and Lacoste works with some of the best cotton on the market, so this polo is breathable and made to last. Note that if you like a roomier style, try the Classic Fit.
