Best Polo Shirts For Men 2023

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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 scoring 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. Our review process also uncovered other top-notch polo shirts for different situations, whether you want one that’s affordable, sweat-wicking or stylish for dinners out. Workwear

Best Polo Shirts For Men 2023 - Forbes Vetted

The best polos for men are sporty and polished enough to wear all day.

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 senior fashion editor Kari Molvar weighed in on the final picks, and also offered expert shopping pointers as well as answers to commonly asked questions about the best polo shirts for men.

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 $98 price is affordable compared to other more expensive polos on the market, making this an excellent choice overall.

What our fashion 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.”

Dickies’s polo is simple and straight-forward, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need in shirt, whether you’re wearing it outside for work or casual days with chinos. This pick is wrinkle-resistant and 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.

What our fashion 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.”

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.

What our fashion 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.”

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. 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 fashion 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.”

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.

What our fashion 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.”

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.

What our fashion 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. ”

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.

What our fashion 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.”

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.

What our fashion 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.”

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.

What our fashion 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.”

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 our fashion 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 senior fashion 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 informed choices. We carefully vet all of our selections and have personally tried on, worn and 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.

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 January 2024.

When it comes to men's fashion, polo shirts have long been a wardrobe staple. The best ones are versatile, comfortable and stylish. 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: Most polos on the market are made from piqué knit, which 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.

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 influences the shirt's formality, with more buttons indicating a dressier look. The choice here 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. 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.

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:

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.

While this might be a matter of opinion and 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.

Whether to tuck in a polo shirt or not 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. However, for casual or relaxed occasions, leaving polo shirts untucked is both comfortable and stylish. The bottom line: Read the room to get a sense of the dress code, the formality of the event and your comfort level.

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.

Best Dress Shirts For Men

I’m a reporter focused on storytelling across all aspects of culture. Previously my byline has appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, Esquire, The Athletic and Business Insider. I won a Grand Award in feature writing from the 2021 Apex Awards, and was part of The New York Times Covid-tracking team that was awarded the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.

I am a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, relationships, home, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Women’s Health, Prevention, Health, Yahoo Life, and more. I have a master’s degree from American University, live by the beach, and hope to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.

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Best Polo Shirts For Men 2023 - Forbes Vetted