The word is out: polo shirts are back. It could be down to the Oasis reunion, which inspired a resurgence of Britpop style. Maybe it’s the ongoing obsession with everything preppy or the rising popularity of tennis and golf within fashion circles. Either way, there’s no denying that the silhouette is climbing in popularity for 2025.
To tell you the truth, it never really goes out of style. While the polo might go up and down in the rankings of what’s trending, it’s a timeless menswear essential every guy could do with in their wardrobe. Sitting somewhere between a button-up shirt and a T-shirt, it offers a smart-casual solution whenever you want to look laid back yet put together.
Luckily, there are loads of brands that do them well. We’d suggest starting with the names which are synonymous with the original polo - be it Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Gant or Fred Perry. These are best for the classic button-up that’s crafted from classic cotton piqué. Go for a contrast trim on the collar and sleeves if you want to lean into the Liam Gallagher-coded look, or stick to a simple block colour if you prefer it preppy.
Besides those brands, there’s a range of designers like Wax London, Percival and The Resort Co., which offer their own take. These are often a departure from the OG, using new fabrics like linen or terry towelling and different necklines – some even replace the button-up collar with a spread neckline, which tends to deliver a smarter finish.
If you’re looking for styling tips, there are a few places you can find inspiration. For those after the retro aesthetic, the Instagram account @brit_cult is a good place to start. It’s essentially a moodboard of iconic moments from 90s and 00s Britain – Robbie Williams, David Beckham, Blur, T4, Skins, etc, etc. If you want a contemporary take on the look, though, there are a few menswear pros on IG who make it relevant for 2025 – namely @callummullin and @reubenlarkin.
Or, for cues on how to wear them for a smart event, you should look at guys on the red carpet - Louis Tomlinson, Paul Mescal, Archie Madekwe, Cillian Murphy, Tom Holland and Tyler The Creator. All the guys who get menswear have been spotted wearing a polo at one time or another, whether it’s with a suit or simply with a great pair of trousers.
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Luca Faloni Classic Polo
For a destination wedding in a hot climate, sometimes a polo shirt will do. If you’re opting for a neutral-tone suit, brown is a great pairing. The good news? Luca Faloni’s design will work perfectly.
Buy now £125.00, Luca Faloni
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
Lacoste Classic Fit L.12.12 LIGHT Polo Shirt
Jean René Lacoste is credited with inventing the polo shirt as we know it today – so it’s only fair that the tennis player’s namesake brand is first in the list. This polo has largely stayed the same since its launch in 1933, signature croc and relaxed fit included, but it’s recently been updated with a new lightweight, breathable version of the piqué fabric.
Buy now £100.00, Lacoste
Wax London Siena Navy Fine Gauge Cotton Polo
Wax London is well known for revamping the classics and making them shine. This navy polo, for instance, is not just any navy polo. With just a couple of subtle details – the open, spread collar and double stripe trim – a basic top becomes a strong choice for any guy’s summer wardrobe.
Buy now £120.00, Wax London
Ralph Lauren The Iconic Mesh Polo Shirt
A Ralph Lauren polo shirt is an integral part of the New York preppy boy uniform. Think Chace Crawford’s Nate Archibald in Gossip Girl. Wear it with straight jeans and classic loafers for the full effect.
Buy now £119.00, Ralph Lauren
Arket Cotton Linen Polo Shirt
Arket is always good for premium men’s basics. This time, it’s a summer-ready polo shirt. Though you might not think a knit would be good when it’s hot, this lightweight cotton-linen blend actually feels very cooling on the skin. Even better, the ribbed hem and slightly cropped fit mean it’s smart enough to wear in the evening too.
Buy now £57.00, Arket
Fred Perry The Fred Perry Shirt M3600
If Oasis is on your moodboard, Fred Perry is the brand you need – the Gallagher brothers were regularly spotted wearing the signature polo. The burgundy is our favourite right now, but it comes in 42 other colourways, so you’re covered no matter what your preferred palette.
Buy now £75.00, Fred Perry
Gant Slim Fit Shield Piqué Polo Shirt
Gant is one of the best brands for the classics. From the two-button collar to the midweight fabric and subtle chest logo, this is the quintessential polo shirt. A wardrobe essential.
Buy now £79.00, Gant
Burberry Check Collar Cotton Polo Shirt
Another brand synonymous with Britpop is Burberry. The signature check collar is the perfect nod to the trend with a luxury twist. IYKYK, after all.
Buy now £450.00, Burberry
David Gandy Wellwear Waffle Polo
You might remember David Gandy’s best-selling collections with M&S from a few years back. Although that ended in 2019, the supermodel now has his own line of basics, which spans vests, t-shirts, swimwear, underwear, loungewear, and, of course, polos.
They come in cotton, linen, waffle and towelling, all with premium finishing details like a longer placket and anti-bacterial technology. This waffle polo, for example, which is designed with warm weather in mind, boasts Wellwear Protect: a UV protection factor of 40 to block the sun’s harmful rays.
Buy now £78.00, David Gandy Wellwear
The Resort Co Terry Polo Shirt White
The Resort Co is the best place to go for, well, resortwear. Since the polos are designed to be worn in summer, the fabrics are all ready for the heat – think linen, lightweight knits and piqué. Our favourite is this cream terry towelling number. The only thing missing? The poolside sunbed.
Buy now £139.00, The Resort Co
Ami Grey Cotton Ami de Coeur Polo Shirt
Put simply: if you’re wearing anything with Ami’s Ami De Coeur logo (the heart combined with the letter A), you look like a guy who knows his menswear. Though it’s pretty widely known, it’s one of those brands that always gets the nod of approval. This shirt comes in four crowd-pleasing shades, so you’re sure to find one that suits.
Buy now £160.00, Ami
Collars & Co The Maranello Contrast Collar Polo Navy
A navy polo neck is a must-have. Whether you opt for a classic cotton piqué or a luxury knitted take, like this one by Collars & Co, they’re easy to wear with denim, trousers or even shorts when summer hits. An easy win across the seasons.
Buy now £98.00, Collars & Co
