Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
Pros
- Flattering fit
- Timeless style
Cons
- Somewhat pricey for a pima cotton polo
Of all the polo shirts we’ve tested this past year (and trust us: we’ve seen a lot), Bugatchi’s polo climbed to the top of our rankings for its flattering fit, timeless style, and its breathable fabric. First, let’s talk about looks. Our fashion director Ted Stafford likes the polo’s pipping around the collar and arm bands, which adds pops of color without being too flashy. We also like its classy three-button style, and its relatively slim fit. In short, this polo will look good for years to come, decreasing your cost per wear.
Like some of our favorite menswear essentials, Bugatchi’s polo has some performance features. It contains a hint of stretch that moves as well as some of our favorite workout shirts, while its pima cotton is cozy, but breathable. We’ve worn this during hot afternoon commutes and found that it kept us cooler than most other cotton polos we’ve tested. If you’re going to invest in one polo shirt this season, let it be this one.
Read more: Best Golf Shirts
| Materials | Pima Cotton |
| Fit | Slim |
| Sizes | S to XXL |
Pros
- Flattering fit
- Breathable
Cons
- Not the stretchiest option
I wasn’t expecting much from a $14 polo, but this Amazon bestseller punches way above its weight. The slim fit is clean and flattering on a bunch of body types, and the cotton fabric feels surprisingly breathable, even on muggy days. It doesn’t have the added stretch you’d get from spandex or elastane, but I still found it cozy enough for weekend errands and office commutes. The best part? It comes in so many colors that you could easily stock up on a summer rotation for the cost of a fancy dinner.
I’ve paired it with chinos, jeans, even shorts, and it looked great with all of them. Sure, you wouldn’t train or play sports in it, but for day-to-day looks, it’s a solid move.
| Material | Cotton |
| Fit | Slim |
| Sizes | XS to XXL |
Pros
- Comes in a bunch of styles
- The fit looks great on most body types
Cons
- Shrinks in the dryer
Full disclosure: I own seven of these, and I wear one of them at least twice a week during the summer. That’s because the cotton knit is super soft yet breathable, and the trim cut around the chest and arms is super flattering. No surprise this was named after Rock Hudson. It has a matinee-idol vibe, and I’ve received countless compliments when wearing it around town. Bonobos cranks these out in a bunch of colors and patterns, so you could build your whole summer rotation around this one polo. The price is fair, the quality holds up, and people will notice. Just skip the dryer if you want to keep the fit dialed.
| Material | Cotton |
| Fit | Tailored |
| Sizes | XS to XXL |
We’d be remiss not to include Ralph Lauren, one of the OG makers of polo shirts. And the beauty of owning one of the shirts: you know it’ll never go out of style. We especially love Polo Ralph Lauren’s Performance Shirt, which takes the brand’s classic polo and infuses it with athleisure features like stretch fabric, a breathable knit, and UPF 50 for extra sun protection. We’ve worn this just about everywhere, from the links, to barbecues, and everywhere in between and found that it looks great in just about any casual setting.
Plus, we also love its roomy fit, which is back in style and just adds an extra layer of comfort. In other words, if we could live in this polo shirt, we would.
Read more: Best UPF Clothing
| Material | Cotton |
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Sizes | S to XXL |
Pros
- Incredibly durable and comfortable
- Fights stench
Cons
- Too casual to wear to the office
Proof’s merino wool and nylon blend shirt can handle summer sweat. That “72 hour” name isn’t just hype. I’ve sported it in NYC’s heat wave, and can attest it actually works. That fabric is incredibly breathable, moisture-wicking, and fights odor even during the dog days of summer. Looks-wise, the pique knit has a textured, athletic look that vibes well at the golf course, casual Fridays, or during your weekend errands (though it’s a bit too laidback to wear for the boardroom). UPF 30+ provides an extra layer against gnarly sunburns. We recommend wearing it with travel pants or chino shorts for a foolproof everyday look.
| Material | Merino wool, Nylon |
| Fit | Classic |
| Sizes | XS to 3XL |
Pros
- Incredibly luxe feel
- Super breathable
Cons
- Might be too fitted for buffer guys
This is the kind of shirt that makes you look like you tried, without trying too hard. I love the butter-yellow shade, which somehow works even better if you’ve got a summer tan going. The silk blend gives it a crazy-smooth, almost second-skin feel that looks and feels far more expensive than most dress shirts I own. The johnny collar is sleek and classy, and the slim fit drapes perfectly on leaner guys. Ribbed cuffs help highlight your guns without squeezing them, and the lightweight knit breathes well even in steamy weather.
I’ve worn this with white trousers and even a white summer suit, and it looked polished enough for the office and beachside weddings.
| Material | Cotton, Silk |
| Fit | Slim |
| Sizes | XXS to 3XL |
Pros
- Stretchy and breathable
- Classic fit is flattering
Cons
- Leaner guys should go a size down
Peter Millar built its name on golf shirts, but this one deserves a spot way beyond the fairway. Our editors have worn this on city commutes, business-casual office days, and even for a night out, and it’s never felt out of place. That’s because it has a classic fit that’s super flattering, and it’s roomy through the shoulders, which is a win if you’ve been hitting chest day (though it might be too roomy for leaner guys). The polyester-spandex blend means it’s breathable, soft, and stretchy to keep you looking and feeling cool when you’re out and about this summer.
I’m partial to the Petal Purple style, which has a pop of color without looking too loud, but Peter Millar has a whole range of shades if you want to build a rotation. Pair it with travel pants, chinos, or even shorts, and you’ve got a polished-yet-comfortable uniform.
| Material | Polyester, spandex |
| Fit | Classic |
| Sizes | S to 3XL |
Pros
- UPF 40+
- Fabric hides sweat
Cons
- Not as many colorways as other polos
This is the polo I reach for when summer turns brutal. The nylon-modal-elastane blend acts like a sweat-camouflage system. The fabric pulls moisture away from your skin on the inside, but doesn’t show sweat on the outside. One editor described it as a lifesaver on sticky, sweltering days. Plus, the fabric is super soft, with enough stretch to move with you on the golf course or hustling through the city. The slim fit is perfect for leaner guys and still feels tailored enough to look sharp.
The UPF 40 helps block the sun, which is huge if you’re clocking long hours outside. It doesn’t have as many color options as other polos on this list, but Lululemon’s neutral styles pair with everything in my closet.
Read more: Best Workout Shirts
| Material | Nylon, modal, elastane |
| Fit | Slim |
| Sizes | XS to XXL |
Pros
- Unique texture looks and feels expensive
- Cropped cut is on trend
Cons
- Might be too thick for super hot days
I can see why Hollywood guys like Ryan Reynolds and Chris Evans are into Wax London’s button-downs; they’re basically hybrids between polos and camp shirts. Take the Lido, which features a unique cotton texture that looks way pricier than your average vacation shirt. I love the cropped, boxier cut that pairs well with high-waisted trousers for a super on-trend fit.
The thicker knit can feel warm on really hot days, but leaving it open with a tank top underneath solves that quickly. Button it up for rooftop dinners or leave it open on the beach. Yeah, it’s pricier than other picks, but it’s worth it for the versatility alone.
| Material | Cotton |
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Sizes | XS to XXL |
Pros
- Terrycloth fabric dries easily
- Roomy fit is very comfortable
Cons
- Might be too casual to use as an office uniform
If you’re looking for a breezy shirt to wear to the pool or beach, this Terry Pocket Polo from Todd Snyder has got you covered. It’s mostly made with terrycloth—the same fabric found in luxury hotel towels—which feels incredibly soft, and dries quickly. We’ve thrown this shirt on after a poolside dip and found the roomy fit to be extremely cozy and breathable.
We like the contrast piping along the collar and chest pocket, which adds a retro flair to our looks. Our fashion editors prefer wearing these with bright swim trunks or equally roomy shorts for a foolproof tropical fit. Take note: even though this polo is very elevated, it’s for vacations only. Don’t try to pull this off at the office.
| Material | Cotton |
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Sizes | XS to XXL |
Pros
- Streamlined fit
- Hefty feel, but not bulky
Cons
- Pricey for one polo, but quality will stand the test of time
Lots of sweater polos we’ve tested have a relaxed fit. If you prefer a slimmer (but not tight!) option, we recommend this one from Billy Reid. It’s cut closer through the sleeves and sides to streamline your silhouette. In other words, the cut will help you look taller and leaner.
Billy Reid has become one of our favorite menswear brands for its slightly elevated take on classic pieces. This polo shirt has a premium feel compared to mall brand shirts. The cotton fabric has a bit of heft without adding too much bulk, and the collar is sturdy enough wear under a work blazer. In short, this looks great with just about everything in your closet.
| Material | Cotton |
| Fit | Slim |
| Sizes | XS to XXL |
What Else to Consider
Buttons
One of the signature details of a polo shirt is its buttons. There can be two or three buttons—the more, the more formal the shirt looks. They can contrast or blend in with the color of the fabric, for style purposes. Most importantly, there can be no button at all—replaced by a buttonless Johnny collar or a zip.
Color and Pattern
You want to have a few solid-color polos in your arsenal—preferably white, navy, black, or gray and a couple of seasonal colors. Beyond that, you can then invest in some more detailed polos like a stripe, any graphic pattern, color-blocking, or just a few contrasting stitches here and there. These make for great vacation shirts, layering options, and night-out shirts, whereas the solid-color polos are better for more formal occasions.
Occasion
Determine the purpose of your polo shirt. For casual wear, soft comfort and a flattering fit are keys. For business casual and formal wear, stick to classic colors like black, white, or deep navy and a button-down or spread collar as well as a tailored fit. For athletic and outdoor activities, make sure your polos are made with moisture-wicking, quick-drying, stretchy, or even UV-protection fabrics. For traveling, a polo shirt would be stretchy, wrinkle-resistant, breathable, and versatile enough to be dressed up or down. Lastly, polo shirts are all-season-friendly, but you’ll want lightweight, breathable fabrics for summer, and thicker, heftier materials for colder weather.
How to Style Polo Shirts
While polo shirts have always (and will always, mark our words) been in style thanks to their timeless cuts and formidable versatility, the ways to style them have changed for the better: so long the polo you choose looks appropriate with the bottoms you have and with the occasion you’re attending to, it’ll work.
For instance, in formal settings, a solid-color, slim-fit polo shirt will look extra classy with chinos or dress trousers. For vacations, a relaxed-fit polo shirt can be worn with matching or contrasting swim trunks and sweat shorts for a casual vibe.
Additionally, think about whether to tuck in polo shirts to look more elevated or formal. A straight-hem polo, for instance, is made to be tucked in. A loose-fit polo, on the other hand, looks much better untucked. And when it comes to the hem, you want it to hit just below the waist so you can easily tuck it in but doesn’t dangle below your hips.
Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.
Ted Stafford a contributing editor at Men’s Health, where he helps style fashion stories. His active lifestyle informs his passion for translating great designs into real-life style, a favorite part of his job. Prior to joining Men’s Health he worked at GQ magazine and Calvin Klein
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Leave a comment