When you’re considering men’s fashion, there’s one firm staple that should be part of every wardrobe: the trusty polo shirt.
A classic and timeless piece, it’s a versatile item that works whatever the season.
There were once a couple of brands that were almost synonymous with the polo sector (in the same way that Smirnoff is to vodka or Gordon’s to gin), but newer and style-conscious labels are hot on their heels with adventurous designs that liven up the sea of monochrome colourways. So you have to consider, is it the classic look that you’re after or is a more stylised interpretation just the tonic?
Polo shirts – both short and long sleeve – are usually made with a knitted cotton pique (a woven and waffle-like construction) or with a jersey fabric (a smoother and flatter texture) and, as the name suggests, were originally worn by polo players in India around the mid-to-late 1800s, hitting UK shores by the roaring 1920s.
They soon evolved into the tennis and golf arena due to their versatile aesthetic and flexibility of movement but have solidified their place in the everyday fashion rotation of put-together gentlemen around the world, eschewing their sporty connotations for a sleek, sophisticated look that nails smart-casual dress codes.
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Paul Smith Artist Stripe Placket Polo shirt
Looking for a polo shirt that is more suitable for the office or evening drinks and oozes that signature Paul Smith sophistication? This soft and lightweight breathable cotton polo cleverly showcases the iconic Artist Stripe on the inside of the placket and discretely in the side vent - so you’ll want to keep it unbuttoned and proudly on display.
Available in white, light blue, dark green, navy or black.
Buy now £175.00, Paul Smith
All Saints Reform Short Sleeve Polo
This polo is a timeless classic from London-born label All Saints. The brand’s stalwart style, the Reform, has a regular fit, a three-button placket and a short sleeve. The top also features a classic collar, ribbed cuffs and is neatly finished off with the iconic Ramskull embroidery proudly on the chest. It is made with 100 per cent breathable cotton for comfort and the perfect fit and comes in new seasonal colours.
Available in grey, black, chilled blue, clay green, fig, floss pink, jade blue and white.
Buy now £65.00, AllSaints
Lestrange The Fine Knit Polo
Made and spun from certified Italian organic cotton using a special gassed process for a smooth and luxurious feel, this laidback and relaxed fit makes for the ideal transitional polo. The minimal cut of the placket and collar gives it a refined and modern look alongside the ribbed sleeve. Lestrange invests in removing carbon from the atmosphere with every purchase too.
Available in navy and ecru.
Buy now £99.00, Lestrange
Ron Dorff cotton silk Tennis polo with piping
Wear this polo zipped down for a relaxed look or fully zipped up as a turtleneck. The lightly tapered fit, ribbed waistband, cuffs and collars and black eyelets on the lower waistline side offer that iconic Ron Dorff look.
Now made with a 100 per cent premium silk cotton mix and a zip instead of buttons, this short-sleeve polo with vintage piping on the shoulder and sleeve offers a sporty and versatile look for your wardrobe.
Available in skyfall blue, olive green, dusty blue and navy.
Buy now £175.00, Ron Dorff
Paul Smith Artist Stripe Merino Wool Polo
Featuring the quintessential artist stripes across each shoulder and an understated lapel, this super soft merino wool short-sleeve polo is a classic for any wardrobe, especially in the soft blue hue. Four decadent shell buttons, a ribbed waistband and neatly knitted short sleeves complete the look.
Buy now £250.00, Paul Smith
Sunspel Riviera Polo
The unique mesh of this polo is crafted from the finest 100 per cent Supima cotton fabric (which is fully traceable and sustainably sourced) and was initially developed in the 1950s for the French Riviera and later adorned by Casino Royale’s James Bond - making this the pinnacle of Bond style. It’s breathable and lightweight and cut for a slim fit. A modern classic fit for Daniel Craig.
Available in 17 colours.
Buy now £125.00, Sunspel
Tiger of Sweden Beker short sleeve sweater
This open-collar polo is made by the Swedish purveyors of tailoring who have been creating staple garments for over a century. Made with 100 per cent merino wool, it offers a confident and stylish option.
Tiger of Sweden’s focus on cut, shape and fabric really shines through with this regular fit design that has rib detail on both the waistline and cuffs and a split side seam in the bottom hem. To finish off the look, the tonal logo is neatly embroidered at the waistline.
Buy now £199.00, SSENSE
ARC’TERYX Veilance Frame polo
For a more technical polo, look to Arc’teryx – experts in outdoor terrain wear. This breathable short-sleeve option uses ultra-fine Merino wool that has been certified as the Responsible Wool Standard and has been chosen for its softness, odour resistance and thermoregulatory qualities. This is combined with a nylon core for durability.
The slim front zip with micro-serged seams stretches down to the sternum for a nice design touch and the fit allows for mobility and airflow when active, a feature enhanced by the gusted underarms.
Available in Asteroid, Black and Black Sapphire.
Buy now £160.00, ARC’TERYX
AllSaints Hayden 0versized polo
Another classic oversized cut by AllSaints with all the usual additional touches that give the brand its edge. It is made from organic cotton for a soft and comfortable wear with an invisible stitch hem, three buttons and a relaxed collar.
The timeless striped double-line horizontal pattern is adorned simply with the iconic Ramskull icon embroidered on the chest. It’s an absolute must for cool weather occasions.
Available in Grey Marl and Midnight Blue.
Buy now £65.00, AllSaints
The Fred Perry polo shirt
Synonymous with polo shirts, the brand Fred Perry continues to serve up a timeless classic polo range. This 100 per cent cotton long-sleeve option with its signature pique, two-button placket and twin-tipped collar is perfect for autumnal days.
Incorporating the Fred Perry 5-4-4 ratio on the tipping and the iconic laurel wreath proudly adorned on the chest, this polo oozes British heritage and class. It’s also worth noting that Fred Perry is a member of the Better Cotton initiative and endeavours to reduce its impact on the planet by using recycled materials.
Buy now £90.00, John Lewis
Verdict
Whether playing tennis or golf, working in the office and looking to pair your slacks with something collared but a little more casual than a stiff shirt or supping on a couple of pints in the pub with your mates and want to look good – the trusty polo is your versatile friend.
As someone who prefers a polo to a shirt in the office and likes a subtle touch of design in clothing, the Paul Smith Artist Stripe placket polo shirt is the top choice with its iconic Paul Smith stripes cleverly hidden (but not hidden) on the inner side of the placket and side vents. It also cuts a complementary shape.
For a more all-rounder polo and one that you can rely on for any occasion, the AllSaints Reform Short Sleeve Polo is a staple garment for any guy whether you’re out and about in town, in the office or heading out for drinks in the evening. Classic, comfortable and available in a wide range of timeless colours, you can pair it with anything.
