9 best polo shirts for 2023, including Lacoste, Gant and Paul Smith
Polo shirts have a rich history in sport, beginning in polo and then becoming the standard issue for professional tennis players and many golfers.
But this humble design has transcended its roots, becoming a modern-day staple, beloved for its ability to be dressed up or down with ease.
There might not be a more versatile smart casual top than the polo shirt, whether you choose to go for one made from classic pique cotton or a more refined knitted fabric.
From what to look for, to style choices and the best polo shirts for men, here’s all you need to know.
What to consider when buying a polo shirt
Style
The polo shirt typically comes in one style; it’s defined by its soft collar, and usually comes with short sleeves and a two- or three-button pullover design.
But there are many subtle variations that make a difference. The classic, sports-inspired polo usually has three buttons, with ribbed short sleeves and a soft collar that’s knitted slightly tighter than the body. This is an inherently casual style, and while it can be dressed up with blazers and trousers, it usually works best with laid-back outfits.
Other styles have chest pockets, open neck collars and long sleeves, which gives the polo a slightly smarter look and feel.
Colour
Polo shirts are often best when they're colourful. While you can opt for a simple navy or black polo, don’t be afraid to push the boat out with vibrant solid shades, or striped, nautical-inspired designs.
Polos are ideal for introducing a splash of colour into a casual look, so look to pair a green, brown or burnt orange one with indigo denim and your favourite pair of trainers.
Fabric
Fabrics drastically change what the polo is all about. While pique cotton is the casual classic, best worn with jeans and shorts in summer, many other fabrics are used to smarten up this iconic design.
Look to knitted cotton or wool for a more Italian riviera inspired look, and combine it with chinos and loafers for a spring- or summer-ready look.
Alternatively, go for a long-sleeve knitted polo for a smarter feel and wear it with an unstructured suit in place of a collared shirt.
The best polo shirts, at a glance
- Most iconic polo shirt -
- Best affordable polo shirt -
- Best designer polo shirt -
- Best polo shirt to wear with a suit -
- Best knit polo shirt -
Lacoste Men's Polo Shirt
When it comes to polo shirts, Lacoste is king.
The French brand has been producing them since its founding in 1933, meaning it’s nearly a century since its first short-sleeved, collared shirts were first made.
They were first created for tennis by the eponymous Rene Lacoste, who proudly wore them in place of the smarter button-up shirts that were standard at the time.
This polo shirt shows just why the original design was such a hit in the first place. With a two-button front, a soft collar and ribbed hems on the sleeves, the pique cotton gives it a comfortable, stretchy feel while the tailored fit ensures it looks great either dressed up or down.
Amazon Essentials Polo Shirt
Simple to style and easy to wear, this Amazon Essentials polo might be the only one you need on this list.
Coming with a comfortable fit that leaves room in the chest but tapers gently through the waist, the soft cotton and reliable construction ensure this polo will look as great now as it will in years to come.
Wear it collar open in the summer above a pair of shorts and trainers, or tuck it into chinos and under a blazer for a contemporary tailored look. This is a polo that’s endlessly versatile and far more comfortable than more traditional button-up collared shirts.
3. Orlebar Brown Terry Riviera Shirt
For a polo shirt with a difference, try this Orlebar Brown take.
Cut from a super soft towelling fabric, it comes with an open neck collar and a slim fit, making it perfect for wearing on holiday.
Combine it with a pair of swim shorts and espadrilles for a stylish poolside look.
4. Charles Tyrwhitt Pique Polo
Charles Tyrwhitt is one of the high street’s best shirtmakers. Indeed, if you’re after a sharp button-up shirt to wear under a suit, head here and you can’t go wrong.
But the brand’s casualwear is underrated, as proven by this polo. Made from classic pique cotton and with subtle branding at the chest, it’s an excellent option.
5. Sirplus Navy Bouclé Knit Resort Polo
The ideal summer piece, this knitted polo comes with a robust open-neck collar and a relaxed, boxy fit.
Made from a seriously soft cotton bouclé fabric, the chunky texture and ribbed hems give it a luxurious finish that ensures it’ll wear well over chinos or with an unstructured suit.
6. Gant Drop-Needle Pique Polo Shirt
Gant’s range of preppy staples always impresses, with their comfortable fits and luxurious fabric options.
This polo is no different, with its ribbed stitching design and brightly coloured stripes at the collar and hems. An elegant alternative to the classic pique polo, try wearing this one with pleated trousers and loafers.
7. Paul James Buttonless Polo Shirt
Buttonless polos have a certain relaxed charm about them, and this Paul James version is no different.
Made from 100% cotton and coming with a regular fit, it’s easy to style and will look great with jeans and chinos alike.
8. Arket Cotton Linen Polo Shirt
The ideal smart casual piece, this polo from Arket can be worn with virtually anything.
The linen and cotton fabric is both soft and breathable, while the comfortable regular fit is flattering for a range of body types.
Try it with off-white jeans and trainers for a laid-back spring-summer outfit.
9. Paul Smith "Artist Stripe" Tipping Polo Shirt
With a touch of classic Paul Smith flair, this polo is both refined and easy to style.
Coming with strong striping at the collar, it’s made from a machine washable merino wool fabric and is finished with a four-button placket for a subtle point of difference.
What is a polo shirt?
A polo shirt is a collared shirt, usually (but not exclusively) made of cotton. Most of the time, they come with two or three buttons, which come down to the top or centre of the chest, and are short sleeved (although long-sleeved versions are becoming more popular).
They were first worn in India in the 19th century by polo players, before becoming popular in the UK as garments worn by tennis players.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
What to wear over a polo shirt
Outerwear is a great way of dictating the formality of the polo shirt you're wearing.
If you're aiming for a smart-casual look, you could pair your polo with a smart pair of chinos and a denim jacket, and if you're going for a fully-fledged formal look, then wear a long-sleeved polo with a suit.