The best polo shirts for men are polished yet comfortableâa bit dressier than a t-shirt but less formal than a button-down. After ranking and scoring many options, we selected Huckberryâs Proof 72-Hour Polo Shirt as the best menâs polo overall since itâs cut from soft merino thatâs 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 thatâs affordable, sweat-wicking or stylish for dinners out.
enough to wear all day.ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
Hereâs 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 thatâs 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: âHuckberry 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.â
Loose, relaxed fit not ideal for dressy situations
Dickiesâs polo is simple and straight-forward, and sometimes thatâs exactly what you need in shirt, whether youâre 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: âDickieâs clothing holds up pretty well to wear and tear, thanks to the quality of the workmanship. At $18, you canât go wrong with having a few of these polos in your wardrobe.â
Sizes: XS to 5XL | Colors: 6 in total | Material: 82% polyester, 10% lyocell, 5% lycra elastane | Placket design: 3 buttons | Fit: Slim | Weight: Medium
Whatâs notable:
Sweat-absorbing fabric that resists odor-causing bacteria
Versatile design can be layered under a jacket or worn solo
Soft texture
What could be better:
Some reviewers find it runs small in the chest
If youâre 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. Lululemonâs 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: âWhile we picked this for the performance polo category, it doesnât mean you canât wear this shirt casuallyâespecially if you want to stay cool while out at night or relaxing on the weekends. Lululemonâs clothing tends to be pricey but this polo is actually quite reasonable considering its technical capabilities.â
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: 14 in total | Material: 98% pima cotton, 2% spandex | Placket design: 3 buttons | Fit: Standard, slim | Weight: Light
Whatâs notable:
Great for work, travel or activities, like golf
Built in stretch provides a comfortable fit
Well priced
What could be better:
Gentle wash and hang dry to maintain its shape
If you need a polo thatâs stylish and work appropriate, Bonobosâ polo scored highest in our review. We like that itâs 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: âThis 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 Iâd dry clean it or wash carefully and line dry it.â
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Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: 8 in total| Material: 51% cotton, 47% tencel, 2% lycra | Placket design: 3 buttons | Fit: Classic | Weight: Medium
Whatâs notable:
High quality, durable, stylish design
Wonât shrink in the wash
What could be better:
If youâre 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 itâs a bit pricey.
What our fashion editor says: âI 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 itâs easy to dress up or down.â
Amazon
Polo Ralph Lauren Menâs Classic Fit Polo Shirt
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: 15 in total | Material: 100% cotton | Placket design: 2 buttons | Fit: Classic | Weight: Medium
Whatâs notable:
100% cotton for breathability and resilience
Longer âtennis tailâ for tucking in at the back
Ribbed collar and armbands
What could be better:
Ralph Lauren is a trusted luxury brand for a reason: Unmatched quality and classic designs. This polo is no exceptionâthere are short sleeves with ribbed armbands, a flat collar and a signature embroidered pony. You can select from dozens of polo colors on the brandâs website, and also add a monogram. The fabric also holds up well over time, since itâs woven from 100% cotton thatâs washable. Some shoppers say the fit runs small, though, so you might size up.
What our fashion editor says: âRalph Laurenâs polos have a reputation for being some of the best qualityâtheyâre 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. â
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: 7 in total | Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex | Placket design: 3 buttons | Fit: Relaxed | Weight: Light
Whatâs notable:
Quick-drying and moisture wicking fabric
Built-in interior collar stays
UPF 30+ protection
What could be better:
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. 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: âIf 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.â
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 6 in total | Material: 96% polyester, 4% elastane | Placket design: 3 buttons | Fit: Classic | Weight: Light
Whatâs notable:
Extremely breathable and light
4-way stretch
Quick dry
What could be better:
Vuoriâs polo is cut from a technical Strato Tech fabricâa sweat-wicking, soft knit with UPF 30. Itâs got an athletic fit that doesnât cling to the body and is great for long days, when you want optimal coolness and comfort.
What our fashion editor says: âVuoriâs polo is a nice blend between sporty and casual; itâs 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 âpajama softâ and holds up well to a lot of wear and washings.â
Sizes: XS to 4XL | Colors: 15 in total| Material: 100% cotton | Placket design: 2 buttons | Fit: Classic | Weight: Medium
What our fashion editor says: âThis 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 itâs cut looser across the chest and shoulders for comfort, and that itâs machine washable.â
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: 8 in total| Material: 100% cotton | Placket design: 2 buttons | Fit: Slim | Weight: Medium
Whatâs notable:
Trim fit through the chest, arms and waist
Unique silk-like fabric
Comes in regular and tall sizes, plus has vented sides for comfort
What could be better:
Not all colors are available in tall sizes
A refined dress polo shirt should be two things: Soft and stylish. This one from Banana Republic checks all the boxesâit even absorbs sweat for long days at work. The top is crafted from a performance fabric that is treated with a specific âmercerizationâ 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: âI 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. Iâd also suggest this for a wedding or sophisticated evening out.â
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
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 weâve 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 Choose The Best Polos For Men
In researching this list, we considered a variety of menâs 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.
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. Here are some key shopping pointers to keep in mind:
Fit And Style: Just because you can wear polos casually doesnât 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, tooâclassic and slim styles are best for dressier situations whereas relaxed designs are comfortable for casual weekends and travel.
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.
Modeled after Lacosteâs original 1926 polo, the brandâs slim fit polo is as stylish as ever. Itâs 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Brands Make The Best Polo Shirts For Men?
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.
Should Menâs Polos Be Tucked In?
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.
Valerio Farris is a Milan-based writer and editor who specializes in content from lifestyle to food to style and design. Heâs worked for publications across four different countries. Heâs almost always eating.
