Today, the best polo shirts are a fallback piece of trusty menswear but the original polo shirt was designed by French tennis pro René Lacoste in the 1920s, as an upgrade on the long-sleeved button-downs that contemporary tastes somehow thought appropriate for charging round a court. Lacoste disagreed, so capped the sleeves and crafted his shirts from knitted piqué cotton, for added breeziness. The makeover won him seven grand slams and envious glances across the net.
Racket hung up, Lacoste debuted his eponymous polo shirt brand, with a crocodile logo inspired by his on-court nickname. It became synonymous with the kind of sports where sweat and smartness are equally valued; the fabric keeps golfers and polo players cool on the turf, but the buttoned placket and collar let them step straight into the clubhouse.
Those characteristics endure, even if you’re now more likely to see polos in the crowd than on the court. But when you’re wearing yours to watch, not play, the best men’s polo shirts are still breathable and cut slim. “It has become one of the most versatile items in a man’s wardrobe,” says Damien Paul, head of menswear at MatchesFashion. “I’ve seen more classic styles worn with a linen suit at a summer wedding, which is suitably formal, and then you have the likes of Givenchy whose graphic approach works well on a much younger guy off-duty.”
There are almost countless ways to wear a polo shirt. Because it sits in the sporty-smart sweet spot, it works to upgrade your weekend looks, or reduce the stuffiness of your formalwear. “Shorts, denim and chinos make for the best companions, but a polo shirt can be smartened up with a blazer or relaxed with a lightweight bomber jacket,” says Phill Tarling, a stylist that counts M&S and Top Gear among previous paychecks. “Just make sure the collar’s folded down, and save your favourite football polo jersey for match days only.”
That’s summer sorted. Merci, René.
So you don’t have to do the digging, we’ve rounded up the 16 best polo shirt brands for men to keep you effortlessly stylish all summer long, with this 2000s fashion statement piece.
In a hurry? Check out our top picks for best polo shirts here:
When it comes to the best polo shirt brands, it doesn't get any more iconic than Lacoste.
A brand that's perfected American prep, J.Crew is where to go for the best polo shirts that won't break the bank.
Handcrafted in Italy with premium materials makes Luca Faloni polo shirts a cut above the rest.
Polo Ralph Lauren
The clue’s in the name, isn’t it? Ralph Lauren’s signature piece aka one of the best polo shirts on the planet, has been reimagined in countless ways over the years. Some styles bear the hallmarks and insignias of the sport that inspired the garment in the first place but many more are simply about can’t-be-beaten preppy fashion. Available in five fabrics and three fits, the brand also recently launched the Earth Polo, made out of recycled plastic bottles.
Luca Faloni
For pure luxury in the polo shirt department, Luca Faloni gets top marks. Crafted in Italy with materials ranging from silk to cashmere to premium cotton piqué, you can expect soft and breathable fabrics that will carry you through the warmer season. With careful attention to detail in the mother of pearl buttons and ribbed collars, these polos are equally at home in the boardroom and on the beach, channeling effortless Italian style.
Lacoste
It’d be unfair to chart the best of the bunch without referencing the very man that started it all. Though while Lacoste has built a polo shirt brand reputation on classic iterations, know that modern – and dare we say it, cooler – choices exist, with larger motifs or interesting patterns and prints.
Uniqlo
Affordable, easy-wearing basics is what Uniqlo is all about, so of course the Japanese brand stocks the best polos. There are dozens of designs, many with moisture wicking fabrics and technology designed to stop the tees from unravelling or losing their shape. The brand also stocks smarter polos in a fine merino wool for dressed-down suiting.
Fred Perry
Tennis whites weren’t solely dominated by good old René. Some time after, British tennis player Fred Perry launched his own namesake label. Rather than classic court shapes however, the polo shirt brand has evolved into something far more trend-led, adopted by mod fashion among others.
Sunspel
Best known for amazing T-shirts and amazing fabrics, Sunspel’s polo shirt offering is vast and wonderful. You can pick from Sea Island cotton, jersey blends, merino wool, waffle knits, towelling and more, but there are two things that unite them. They’re all luxurious to the the touch and come in a soft, flattering cut that will make every day feel like a day in the south of France.
Orlebar Brown
Premium beachwear is what polo shirt brand Orlebar Brown does better than pretty much anyone. Tailored but supremely comfortable, these polos are designed for your down-time but they’re easily smart enough to wear to the office. Okay, maybe not the towelling ones. Expect rich colours, good options on the collar design and plenty of retro-modern designs.
J.Crew
Arguably the best place on the high street for preppy American classics, J.Crew’s polos come in a few shapes and many colours, but our favourites are the brand’s throwback designs. Look for boxy cuts, sun-faded colours and stripes straight out of the 4th July weekend.
James Perse
Luxury LA brand James Perse makes some of the most decadent shirts on the planet, the softness and the price tags both likely to make your jaw drop. The vibe is easygoing East Coast living, which means a floaty fit and dark neutral colour palette.
Lanvin
If you thought the best polo shirts to be the sole preserve of sports brands, think again; Lanvin, the world’s oldest independent French fashion house, is just as artful. Though instead of breathable cotton piqués, the label’s polo shirts stick to its luxury roots with Italian wool and minimal stripe detailing.
Gant
Another purveyor of preppy fashion, Gant sells a mighty range of polo shirts and has done since 1949. The collection includes stripes, florals, contrast collars and a rainbow of colours. Look out for its Tech Prep shirts, made from a breathable wicking pique cotton.
Tommy Hilfiger
Europe shouldn’t take all the credit. Tommy Hilfiger, king of Ivy League prep, launched his own take on the classic polo shirt, imbuing the Land Of The Free’s favourite shades within a traditional, flattering shape. The polo shirt brand is doing throwback nineties styles better than anyone so start there if you’re browsing.
River Island
The best polo shirt is a classic piece of menswear but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to trends. If you’re looking for something more directional that won’t empty the bank account, try River Island. Its polos lean into the prevailing menswear themes of the season – right now that means big stripes, zip necks, and 50s details like piping on the sleeves and collar.
Marks & Spencer
This British institution has one of the biggest collections of polo shirts on the high street. It’ll take you a while to look through it all but to navigate straight to the best bits, we recommend its fitted wool polos for smart-casual outfits and some retro block colour options with contrast piping on the sleeves. The prices are hard to beat, too.
Reiss
Smart-casual doesn’t get much better on the high street than premium menswear hub
Dunhill
One of the most luxury fashion destinations in London, Dunhill doesn’t stop at fine leather goods and superior golf attire. Its polo collection is extensive with outrageously soft cottons and even silk options to be found. It does a good line in ’50s throwback options, too.
