The classic polo shirt has earned its place as a wardrobe staple for men, offering a versatile and timeless piece of clothing that can be effortlessly styled for any occasion. According to menswear expert Paul Higgins, the polo shirt’s enduring popularity stems from its simplicity and ease of styling. The traditional design features a short-sleeved, collared silhouette with three buttons at the neckline, setting it apart from a basic t-shirt.
Additionally, some polos may boast breast pockets, adding an extra touch of functionality to this versatile garment. While cotton is the most common fabric used in polo construction, they can also be found in synthetic materials and blends, making them slightly heavier than their T-shirt counterparts.
Styling Tips
When styling a polo shirt, start by considering the buttons. Keeping them closed can create a polished look, while leaving them open is suitable for casual occasions – just be mindful of not having all the buttons undone, as this can appear awkward. Ensure the shirt buttons don’t sit too low, as this can give the impression of a V-neck shirt. The fit is also crucial; it shouldn’t be too tight or loose, allowing you to move comfortably.
Aim for a fit that allows you to stick a couple of fingers under the sleeves and still tucks in well when desired. The length should also be considered, with a balance between being long enough to tuck in and short enough to wear untucked. If your shirt is longer at the back than the front, it was likely designed to be tucked. As for the sleeves, they should hit around the midway point of your bicep and not extend beyond two-thirds down your upper arm.
A natural taper from chest and arms to waist is also expected. Colors are another important aspect; while fit is paramount, it’s hard to go wrong with color selection. Tonal polo shirts in similar shades to your overcoat work well, as do contrast designs. If you have a darker complexion, consider lighter tones to complement your skin tone. To add some fun, wear a polo shirt of a different color to stand out. When it comes to logos, keep them minimal or non-existent.
A polo with no branding can be a great find, allowing the wearer to be the center of attention. Patterns are fine, but when it comes to branding, less is more. Avoid wearing a polo shirt with an undershirt, as this can add bulkiness. If you insist on wearing one, choose a design with a neckline that won’t be visible. Layering a polo with another polo or other pieces is also possible, while polo shirts with pockets offer practicality and style.
How to Wear Polo Shirts?
As we’ve wrapped up our discussion on styling tips for polo shirts, let’s now turn our attention to exploring some creative ways to combine these classic tops with your wardrobe staples.
↓ 35 – Knitted
While knitted polo shirts can be worn throughout the year, they also boast a trendy and sophisticated design aesthetic that’s reminiscent of high-end fashion. Their versatility and stylish appeal make them a popular choice for both casual and dressy occasions.
↓ 34 – With Sweatpants
While embracing a relaxed and casual style, it’s crucial to strike a balance between athleisure and smartness when pairing your polo with sweatpants. The key is to keep the overall aesthetic cohesive without veering into sloppy territory. One way to achieve this harmony is by opting for shoes that complement the laid-back vibe while adding a touch of sophistication.
↓ 33 – Smart Casual
Transforming your outfit from casual to formal is as simple as making a few strategic adjustments. Tucking in your polo shirt is a great starting point, as it instantly elevates the overall aesthetic. Building upon this foundation, adding a stylish belt further emphasizes the formality of the ensemble. Complete the look with dress pants and a pair of shoes that exude sophistication, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving a polished appearance.
The beauty of this formula lies in its versatility – feel free to swap out the shoes to suit the desired vibe.
↓ 32 – Can You Wear Polo Shirt With a Suit?
When it comes to dressing up, pairing a polo shirt with a blazer is a winning combination. This versatile look can be taken from a casual dinner with friends to a business casual workplace. In fact, stylist Paul Higgins recommends combining a suit and a polo shirt for a timeless yet innovative outfit. To achieve this stylish fusion, simply wear the polo shirt as an under-layer beneath your shirt.
↓ 31 – Spring Look
As temperatures rise, a classic pairing for a stylish and comfortable look is a polo shirt paired with shorts. This effortless combination exudes a relaxed yet put-together vibe that’s perfect for warm weather. For the spring and summer seasons, consider teaming your polo with Bermudas or shorts to create a look that’s both cool and casual.
↓ 30 – Fall Outfit
Embracing versatility, this outfit excels at providing warmth without overwhelming the senses. While polo shirts are often associated with warmer weather, their long-sleeve variants prove equally suitable for the colder seasons. Not only do they offer a stylish alternative to traditional button-downs, but they also seamlessly integrate with outerwear during winter and fall. Whether paired with a jacket or worn on its own, this ensemble is sure to make a statement.
↓ 29 – Streetwear
When it comes to streetwear, polo shirts are a staple that’s gained popularity thanks to their versatility and the influence of fashion influencers and A-list celebrities who often wear them for a stylish, off-duty look. To give your outfit a touch of sophistication, consider sticking to a monochromatic color palette, which creates a clean, timeless aesthetic that never goes out of style.
↓ 28 – Business Casual
For everyday wear that still exudes professionalism, consider donning a dark-hued polo shirt for your office’s casual Fridays. The classic combination of black or navy blue with simple trousers creates an air of sophistication. For the full breakdown on men’s business casual attire, explore our comprehensive guide.
↓ 27 – Travel Outfit
Elevate your casual look by pairing a stylish polo shirt with a button-down collar. A fitted pique polo with a smooth texture is ideal, as it will harmoniously complement the surface of your denim jeans. This refined take on the timeless t-shirt and jeans combination is sure to make a lasting impression.
↓ 26 – Party Getup
When it comes to building a stylish outfit, neutral tones like navy, grey, white, and black can create a sharp, sophisticated look. However, it’s also important to inject some visual interest into your ensemble by incorporating a bold, contrasting color to avoid looking too monotone.
↓ 25 – For Golf
Polo shirts featuring piping at the collar and cuffs offer a stylish twist for both golfing and country club events. The added detail not only adds visual interest but also elevates off-duty attire, making you stand out from the crowd. What’s more, these piped polo shirts are surprisingly versatile – they pair just as well with shorts as they do with jeans, and can be worn tucked or untucked depending on your personal style.
↓ 24 – College Outfit
College uniforms often rely on classic contrasts like black and white as a foundation. So, if you have a white polo shirt lingering at the back of your closet, it’s the perfect opportunity to pair it with some sleek black pants. When it comes to footwear, why not mix things up by swapping out your usual black shoes for a stylish pair of boots? The result is a fresh, updated look that’s sure to elevate your overall aesthetic.
↓ 23 – With Bomber Jacket
To create a stylish outfit, consider pairing a black bomber jacket with a tan polo shirt. Ensure that the jacket is matched with the pants to produce a cohesive and streamlined look. For inspiration, take a look at our selection of men’s bomber jackets and see how they can be styled in various ensembles.
↓ 22 – With Denim Jacket
When it comes to pairing white polo shirts with denims, there’s a natural harmony that makes the combo work. The key is to strike a balance between the crisp whiteness of the shirt and the varying shades of denim. For instance, in this photo, the guy’s jacket is slightly darker than his shorts – a perfect example of how to get it just right. But here’s where things can go awry: trying to match two different denim shades together. Instead, opt for a subtle contrast between your tops and bottoms.
And don’t forget to bring harmony to your footwear by matching your sneakers with your polo.
↓ 21 – With Jeans
When it comes to creating a stylish summer outfit, pairing a polo shirt with the perfect pair of jeans is a winning combination. The classic look is elevated by experimenting with different shoe styles, from loafers to sneakers, that evoke a Miami-inspired vibe. To nail this trend, try teaming up a navy blue polo shirt with dark blue washed jeans for a chic and effortless ensemble.
↓ 20 – With Chinos
While chinos can effortlessly bridge the gap between formal and informal settings, pairing them with a polo shirt requires a bit of finesse. To achieve a polished look, consider tucking the polo into your pants – this adds a touch of sophistication to the overall ensemble. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to leave the polo untucked on casual days when you want to exude a relaxed vibe. Furthermore, ensure that the shirt fits your body type well to prevent any awkwardness or discomfort.
↓ 19 – Polo Shirt And Suede
To evoke the timeless charm of 1950s Hollywood, pair your outfit with a suede jacket and slim-fitting trousers that create a streamlined silhouette. When it comes to color palette, stick to a monochromatic scheme featuring shades of black and brown. For added inspiration, I encourage you to explore my previous post on Suede Jacket Outfits for Men.
↓ 18 – White Polo Shirt Outfit
↓ 17 – With Shorts
↓ 16 – Shorts And Navy Blue Shirt
↓ 15 – Beach Outfit
Opt for a classic combination by pairing crisp white shorts with a lightweight, sky-blue polo shirt and topping it off with a stylish hat. The result is a timeless and effortless look that’s perfect for a day spent soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach vibes.
↓ 14 – With White Pants
↓ 13 – What to Wear with a Red Shirt?
To elevate your style, pair a polo shirt with a blazer for a sharp, put-together look. For a more dressed-up affair, opt for brogues or black leather shoes. However, if the occasion is more casual, white sneakers can still work well and add a touch of sporty flair.
↓ 12 – Summer Outfit
↓ 11 – With a Suit
↓ 10 – With Plaid Pants
↓ 9 – With Shorts
Elevate your wardrobe with a curated selection of Bermudas and shorts, perfectly paired with crisp polo shirts to usher in the spring-summer season. From vibrant colors to stylish silhouettes, discover the latest trends and must-haves to make a statement.
↓ 8 – With Denim Jeans
Add a dash of visual interest to your outfit by incorporating bold, block-striped pieces. This versatile style pairs particularly well with both casual options like blue jeans and more formal choices such as chinos.
↓ 7 – Pink
↓ 6 – With Red Jeans
↓ 5 – White And Pink Ensemble
↓ 4 – Khaki Pants
↓ 3 – Black
↓ 2 – Coolest Attire
↓ 1 – Celebrities
Frequently Asked Questions
Pique and jersey polos have distinct fabric textures that set them apart. Pique knit features a textured waffle weave, whereas jersey knit produces a smooth, flat surface. This fundamental difference in knitting techniques gives piques their characteristic thickness and sturdiness. The terms ‘pique’ and ‘jersey’ are often used interchangeably to describe the fabric of polo shirts, with people commonly referring to the standard polo shirt as a ‘pique polo.
‘ Despite being historically linked to golfers, polo shirts have gained popularity over time, donning by office professionals and celebrities alike. While some may view them as basic or lacking in style, well-styled polos can be incredibly appealing. Moreover, their versatility allows them to be worn for casual events, sports functions, and even formal gatherings. As for where to find the perfect polo shirt for men, top-tier options include Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors for high-end quality.
For a more affordable range, Giordano offers an impressive variety of polos. Other trusted brands offering excellent men’s polo shirts include Lacoste, Uniqlo, Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger, and J. Crew.
