17 Best Men's Polo Shirts Right Now Go Way Beyond the Golf Course—and Add Effortless Cool

Wearing a polo shirt makes you look more put-together during warm months, sure, but don't sleep on its stylish qualities in colder-weather months with some smart, warm layering. It's a step above t-shirt and just slightly below collared dress shirts but always a staple of every guy's wardrobe. While discussing such a foundational garment may seem trivial initially, when it comes to the best polo shirts for men, there are so many options, ranging from work to workout, traveling to tailoring, that choosing the perfect polo for you warrants some considerations.

Polo shirts come in many cuts, styles, and materials. Thanks to the popularity of stylish films like 1999's The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Matt Damon and Jude Law, there's been a renaissance of knit polos, adding an elegant twist to this menswear classic. Additionally, the cotton piqué polo shirt, initially made famous by Lacoste, is having a comeback.

Moreover, preppy styles constantly weave in and out of fashion. Rugby shirts have increased in popularity. Golf clothes, once strictly associated with those who play the sport, have also evolved; brands have made golf wear a style statement on and off the course.

Though polos cater to specific functions, the Alex Mill Vintage Wash Polo is the best polo shirt for everyday wear. Our list, however, features the best polos for travel, work, suiting, and more. The world of polos is vast, but we've done the research to bring you the best polo shirts for every circumstance. Pair one with the best linen pants for a great summer fit.

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Best Polo Shirts for Men at a Glance

• Best Overall Polo Shirt: Alex Mill Vintage Wash Polo Shirt
• Best Performance Polo Shirt: Under Armour UA Tactical Performance Polo 2.0
• Best Resort-Style Polo Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch Cable Stitch Johnny Collar Sweater Polo

Best Men's Polo Shirts

Best Overall Polo Shirt: Alex Mill Vintage Wash Polo Shirt

Alex Mill Vintage Wash Polo Shirt may not boast technical attributes nor be appropriate for working out or formal tailored looks, but it is the best all-around choice for regular lifestyle wear. It's all in the details of this amazingly fitting polo, which drapes perfectly on your frame. While some polos can easily veer into the stuffy territory, this Alex Mill option is effortlessly cool yet understated—the polo for all guys, even those who might not typically wear them. Crafted from 100 percent breathable cotton, it is vintage-washed with faded seams for a lived-in aesthetic. With three buttons and a pocket, the texture has a super-soft-yet-crisp feel with a perfect drape and relaxed collar. In other words, meet your new everyday polo.

Best Retro Knit Polo Shirt: Marine Layer Liam Sweater Polo

Marine Layer captures the retro knit polo vibe perfectly with the Liam Sweater Polo. While these polos can sometimes teeter into novelty, Marine Layer gets it spot-on, paying homage to 1950s and '60s styles with vintage-inspired color schemes that feel fresh and wearable. The buttonless open collar (aka Johnny collar) adds polished charm, while the wool-cotton blend oozes texture with breathability. Relaxed yet stylish, this polo isn't just a wardrobe staple—it's a trend-proof classic. The knit polo has graduated from trendy to timeless, and we're all in.

Best Performance Polo Shirt: Under Armour UA Tactical Performance Polo 2.0

You can easily work out in Under Armour UA Tactical Performance Polo 2.0, upgraded with lighter fabric and designed for those who lead an active lifestyle. Its poly-blend, smooth, anti-pill fabric boasts a textured, snag-free finish. With four-way stretch material that moves in every direction, the material wicks sweat away and dries fast, keeping you comfortable during intense activity. The UPF 40 protects your skin from the sun's rays, while the pen pocket on the left sleeve is a nice detail. With a fuller cut, this polo is fitted but not overly tight, allowing a range of movement.

Best Resort-Style Polo Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch Cable Stitch Johnny Collar Sweater Polo

Picture yourself lounging poolside in a quaint resort town, embracing some well-earned relaxation. In such a scenario, a polo that imbues comfort and elegance is the only style swerve. The cable weave on Abercrombie & Fitch Cable Stitch Johnny Collar Sweater Polo equals vacation vibes, setting a breezy tone with polish to spare. Crafted in a luxe cotton knit fabric, it has a slightly boxy, cropped silhouette, resort-style camp collar, and a banded hem and cuffs (where a separate strip of fabric is sewn on). This polo will elevate your pool or resort look with its innate airy vibe. Mojito not included, but definitely recommended.

Best Polo Shirt for Travel: HyperNatural El Capitán Classic Fit Micro-Piqué Polo

Hypernatural polos have made quite the buzz in the polo-sphere with minimal yet extremely thoughtful, innovative, and soft designs. The luxurious HyperNatural El Capitán Classic Fit Micro-Piqué Polo offers performance without polyester. It features the finest quality and details you expect from the brand, combined with the natural performance benefits of Jade, Chitin, and Creora spandex. Cool to the touch, breathable, odor-resistant, and super soft with stretch, this polo will keep you cool, comfortable, and stylish wherever you travel.

Best Golf Polo Shirt: Bonobos The Performance Golf Polo

Many brands are redefining golf apparel with well-considered, fashionable takes on classic gear. While there’s no shortage of golf polo shirts, recent years have seen golf wear become much more stylish, proving that golf and style are anything but mutually exclusive. Personally, I value simplicity, functionality, and a brand that knows its craft, which is precisely why the Bonobos The Performance Golf Polo shines. Designed specifically for the course, it features performance stretch fabric and UPF 50 protection for comfort and practicality. Best of all, it doesn’t scream “golf course attire,” making for a versatile polo to take you from the putting green to the restaurant with ease.

Best Dress Knit Polo Shirt: Madewell Johnny-Collar Short-Sleeve Sweater Polo

The best dress knit polo shirt balances minimalism, elegance, and versatility. Madewell Johnny-Collar Short-Sleeve Sweater Polo delivers on all fronts. A subtle waffle texture adds just the right amount of visual sophistication, while the buttonless open collar lends retro charm for a polished yet relaxed vibe. Unlike a typical shirt, this sweater polo is more relaxed and comfortable yet still refined. You can rock it with a blazer, suit, leather jacket, or on its own with dress trousers (or even make it a jacket of its own with a t-shirt underneath). Available in a handsome jewel-tone green or navy hue (and long-sleeved) version, it’s a versatile piece that works well in most scenarios that require some panache.

Best Rugby-Style Polo Shirt: Rowing Blazer Men’s Block Stripe Rugby

The rugby polo has made a strong comeback, and for Rowing Blazers, it's a piece deeply embedded in the brand's DNA. Its polos span a range of styles—from bold, ornate colorways to more subdued, tonal designs—yet every piece pays homage to the sport while showcasing unique flair. Rowing Blazer Men’s Block Stripe Rugby reimagines the sportswear staple with thoughtful updates. Ribbed cuffs, a three-button placket, and contrasting hues enhance the vintage aesthetic, making it an excellent option for guys looking to elevate their style with an approachable design. Crafted from 100 percent woven cotton, it's durable and lightweight, ready to handle all your weekend plans—even, yes, a casual rugby match.

Best Polo Shirt for Work: Mott & Bow Jersey Sueded Polo

The best polo shirt for work should be versatile enough to be worn under a blazer or minimal yet structured enough to stand independently. You don’t want it to look like a golf polo, nor too technical or resort-like. Simplicity and minimalism are key here. Mott & Bow Jersey Sueded Polo hits those marks perfectly. What elevates this polo is its Jersey Sueded textile—a 100 percent cotton brushed fabric, giving it a soft, premium, and sophisticated feel.

Best Cotton Piqué Polo Shirt: Lacoste Men's Classic Fit L.12.12 Original Piqué Polo

Any polo shirt roundup would be remiss without including the instantly recognizable Lacoste polo. While knit polos are trending, there has also been a resurgence in the appreciation and admiration for the cotton piqué polo. Lacoste Men's Classic Fit L.12.12 Original Piqué Polo, invented by René Lacoste in 1933, revolutionized elegant sportswear with its collar, button placket, and piqué weave. Crafted using 20 kilometers of thread knitted under two levels of tension and featuring a crocodile logo with 2,367 stitches, it's a testament to know-how and expertise. Timeless never goes out of style.

Best Wrinkle-Free Polo Shirt: UNTUCKit Wrinkle-Free Damaschino Polo

Leave it to the team at UNTUCKit to elevate our favorite basics with subtle innovation. Take the new UNTUCKit Wrinkle-Free Damaschino Polo: At first glance, it’s a classic 100 percent cotton polo with no hint of technical wizardry—and that’s precisely the point. Treated with a proprietary wrinkle-free finish, it comes out of the dryer looking freshly pressed, and its heat-activated technology works with wear, making wrinkles disappear the more you use it. Designed to maintain its shape through countless washes and wears, this versatile polo is perfect for the beach, boardwalk, and everything in between. If anyone wonders why your polo always looks impeccably crisp, the secret is yours to keep.

Best Terry Cloth Polo Shirt: Orlebar Brown Terry Towelling Polo Shirt

A terry cloth polo is the ultimate poolside or beach flex—no other garment can pull off being made from the same quick-dry fabric as a beach towel while still looking effortlessly cool. Orlebar Brown, renowned for its exceptional swimwear, has perfected this concept with Orlebar Brown Terry Towelling Polo Shirt. The latest colorways pay homage to those worn in James Bond standout The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) and feature a modern, tailored fit that even 007 would approve of. Elevated with an authentic resort placket and a straight hem, the polo is equally at home paired with tailoring or worn untucked for a laid-back vibe. Go ahead and jump in the pool; this polo will handle it in style.

Best Garment-Dyed Polo Shirt: Everlane The Essential Organic Garment-Dyed Polo

Garment dyeing gives any garment a uniquely lived-in feel that’s hard to replicate by other means. The process involves putting the finished piece in a dye bath before drying, resulting in a natural, vintage-inspired look and texture. On a polo shirt, this technique adds effortless charm and easygoing appeal. While the Alex Mill option above is a great all-rounder, Everlane The Essential Organic Garment-Dyed Polo exemplifies a perfectly broken-in vibe—and is easy on the wallet to boot. This streamlined polo is made from 100 percent cotton and boasts a slightly creased texture and signature garment-dyed character. Toss it in your beach or gym bag—this polo is ready for anything, plus it comes in a range of beautifully faded neutrals.

Best Contrast Collar Polo Shirt: Scotch & Soda Structured Knit Contrast Polo

Amsterdam-based Scotch & Soda has a knack for reinventing men’s basics with bold prints, vibrant colors, and subtle design touches that exude a hard-to-pin-down cool. The brand's take on the contrast collar polo—a style often associated with youthful counterculture (looking at you, Fred Perry)—feels fresh and elevated, thanks to its monochromatic tonal shades of green or sand. Crafted from robust cotton with a textured knit, Scotch & Soda Structured Knit Contrast Polo is as refined as it is versatile. Pair it with light-wash jeans and Doc Martens for a weekend rocker vibe, or layer it under a chambray shirt and unlined blazer to dress it up.

Best Textured (Cold-Weather) Polo Shirt: Todd Snyder Donegal Polo

You can’t go wrong with any of Todd Snyder’s polos (the designer releases fresh variations every season), but a standout this winter is the mega stylish, long-sleeved Todd Snyder Donegal Polo. Here, Snyder's bestselling Montauk Polo gets a Donegal wool treatment with flecks of colorful yarn for a subtle speckled effect—a textile nod to old Ireland. The reworked Johnny collar is slightly longer and broader for some retro charm. While I’m partial to the vintage lemongrass hue, the charcoal is more versatile. Whichever you go with, it will keep you warm and stylish all winter and into spring—when you can swap it out for another stellar polo.

Most Comfortable Polo Shirt: Banana Republic Luxury-Touch Polo

Banana Republic Luxury-Touch Polo is a consistent bestseller—for good reason. Crafted from the brand's Luxury-Touch cotton jersey—a stretchy, breathable knit fabric that feels as sleek as it looks—this polo is seriously soft, almost buttery. The smooth finish makes it versatile, too. Pair it with khakis or jeans for casual outings, or let it shine with chinos or slacks. The best part? It’s available in a wide array of hues, but act fast if you spot a color you love—these polos fly off the shelves almost as quickly as your partner will inevitably reach for its irresistibly soft fabric.

Best Luxury Polo Shirt: Buck Mason California Cashmere Polo

A cotton polo shirt is classic and breathable. Wool: a dressier, retro texture choice. But cashmere? Pure luxury. Leave it to the Kings of California cool, Buck Mason, to craft one of the most refined yet approachable polos on the market. Yes, Buck Mason California Cashmere Polo is incredibly soft and sumptuous, but this polo is far from precious—it's made for luxe occasions as much as it is for winter weekend hangs. Crafted from a 16-gauge knit (not too thick nor thin) that drapes beautifully, it features elevated details like horn buttons and ribbed cuffs. If you're looking for a high-end yet versatile polo for cooler temps, look no further.

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How to Style a Polo Shirt

We consulted with style expert and creative consultant Seth Howard, who's worked with Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, Nordstrom, and Nautica, as well as Elliot Aronow, founder of Minor Genius and editor of the Minor Genius Substack, for their expertise on how to style a polo shirt today.

"Styling polo shirts involves matching the fabric and fit with appropriate trousers for different occasions," says Howard.

For example, knit polos pair with chinos for a polished, semi-casual look, Howard says. Cotton piqué polos look great with shorts or with jeans for a casual outing. Rugby polos work best with jeans or rugged chinos, typically left untucked for a sporty, laid-back style.

"Polos also offer versatility by pairing seamlessly with tailored trousers or under a suit jacket, creating a refined, modern look suitable for smart casual settings," he says.

Aronow knows how to make the polo shirt simply look cool. "In terms of styling polo shirts, here are a few ways I flip them: I'll rock a bold long-sleeve blue, red, and yellow striped rugby with white Levi's jeans and a pair of brown Weejuns for a cool prep/mod sort of look." On warmer days, he'll pair a solid-color piqué cotton polo with '80s style running shorts and Nikes. He also recommends buttoning up a knit polo to pair with high-rise pleated chinos and low-top Converse sneakers.

"I never tuck a polo into shorts, but I think it's cool to tuck it into a pair of jeans or chinos, provided you have a cool belt to tie it all together," Aronow says.

In the end, dress the way that makes you feel comfortable and confident. But make sure to experiment, too—you might like what you see.

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What to Look for When Choosing the Best Polo Shirts

"There's a reason the polo is an iconic garment—it perfectly splits the difference between casual and put-together," says Aronow.

Howard agrees: "I truly think the polo is one of the most versatile garments in menswear—the love child of a t-shirt and collared shirt."

When choosing your next polo, here's what you should consider.

Material

Fabric is essential when considering your polo's intended use. Most people envision the classic cotton piqué, a durable cotton cross-tuck knit construction that creates a cellular effect with a subtle texture, great for breathability and everyday wear.

However, knit polos have risen in popularity. They're lifestyle-oriented, typically made from materials found in traditional sweaters such as cashmere, merino wool, silk, or blends. While you can wear these in the summer, they are great for year-round use as they are insulating and have additional heft.

Performance polos are usually made from lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester, nylon, or a proprietary blend. These materials help you stay comfortable and dry, and are great for travel or golf.

Lastly, unexpected textiles like cotton terry cloth can work with polo shirts; in particular, this towel-like fabric dries quickly and is excellent for the poolside.

Collar

Collars separate polos from T-shirts, but this small detail also conveys much about the polo type. A classic cotton piqué or performance polo usually features a two- or three-button placket at the top. Though we don't recommend buttoning them all, they're there to adjust for breathing and replicate some facet of a dress shirt.

A camp collar, meanwhile, has become extremely popular in recent years, adding a retro, minimal feel. This type of collar, usually seen on knit polos, is characterized by an open, unstructured design, usually without buttons, making it ideal for a dressed-up and stylish look.

A Johnny collar features a partial opening with a V-neck style and a short placket with few to no buttons, providing an elegant yet sporty appearance. Both these collar variations add a vintage flair to the polo shirt, often reminiscent of the '50s and '60s.

Fit

In our current fashion climate, baggy and oversized clothes are still trending. Guys are experimenting with looser '90s-cut jeans and oversized T-shirts. A garment that fits properly, however, is immune to trends.

A polo shirt that is neither overly baggy nor too tight is the most timeless way to wear it. It should drape your body just right, with a little room throughout, and be fitted to your torso. The polo shirt is inherently a casual yet formal staple, and when it fits properly, the look will never go out of style.

Why You Should Trust Us

In addition to writing for Men's Journal, I've covered topics ranging from menswear and styling to fragrances, watches, and grooming for InsideHook, Robb Report, Esquire, and Men's Health. I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were not only worth the investment but also made for compelling stories and good advice for our readers. I also conceptualized and wrote many fragrance stories for Esquire and a significant portion of the grooming pages. I have always tried to add a timeless element to whatever I have written, since while trends are interesting and relevant to a degree, my heart has always been drawn to more perennial guidance and themes.

My obsessive-compulsive tendencies are both a blessing and a curse and while I often delve into researching items to the point of exhaustion, it's this approach that often positions me as a go-to person for advice. Whether it's about coats, colognes, turntable needles, or the ideal polo shirt in any situation, people recognize that I've done the legwork. I enjoy inspiring others around me to seek out their unique interests in things that might make their life better.

All these polo shorts were the best in their respective activities after wearing them in said circumstances. For instance, I found the performance polo shirt the best during intense activities, the traveler polo to provide comfort and breathability on commutes, and the knit polo to look the best with tailoring.

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