The Best Men's Polo Shirts of 2024

Michael Stefanov
·14 min read

Wearing a polo shirt makes you look more put together during warm months. It's a step above T-shirt and just slightly below collared dress shirts but always an iconic staple of every guy's summer wardrobe. While discussing such a foundational garment may seem trivial initially, there are so many options, ranging from work to workout, traveling to tailoring, that choosing the best polo for you warrants some considerations.

Polo shirts, like shorts, come in many cuts, styles, and materials. Thanks to the popularity of stylish films like 1999's The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Matt Damon and Jude Law, there's been a renaissance of knit polos, adding an elegant twist to this menswear staple. Additionally, the cotton piqué polo shirt, initially made iconic by Lacoste, is making a comeback. Menswear is cyclical, after all.

Moreover, preppy styles constantly weave in and out of fashion, and rugby shirts have increased in popularity to become a closet staple. Golf clothes, once strictly associated with those who play the sport, have also evolved; brands have made golf wear a style statement on and off the course.

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Though polos cater to specific functions, the Alex Mill Vintage Wash Polo is the best polo shirt for everyday wear. Our list, however, features the best polos for travel, work, suiting, and more. The world of polos is vast, but we've done the research to bring you the 12 best polo shirts for every circumstance. Pair one with the best linen pants for a great summer fit.

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Best Polo Shirts for Men at a Glance

Best Polo Shirts for Men of 2024

Best Polo Shirt Overall: Alex Mill Vintage Wash Polo Shirt

Alex Mill Vintage Wash Polo Shirt isn't made for working out or tailoring, but it's the best all-around choice for regular lifestyle wear. While some polos easily veer into the stuffy territory, this option is effortlessly cool yet understated—the polo for all guys, even those who might not typically wear them.

Crafted from 100-percent breathable cotton, it's vintage-washed with faded seams for a lived-in aesthetic. With three buttons and a pocket, the texture has a super soft-yet-crisp feel with a perfect drape and relaxed collar.

$98 at Alex Mill
$98 at Alex Mill

Best Golf Polo Shirt: Fair Harbor The Midway Polo Shirt

The days of stuffy golf wear are long gone. Now, golf wear is simple, functional, and sustainable. And that's where Fair Harbor shines. The brand's Midway Polo is stretchy, has UPF 50 protection, and wicks moisture. Plus, the stripe adds some retro character while you're on the course. If that design doesn't do it for you, there are plenty of other colors to choose from.

$36 at Fair Harbor
$36 at Fair Harbor

Best Retro Knit Polo Shirt: Todd Snyder Premium Cashmere Montauk Polo Shirt

You can't go wrong with any of Todd Snyder's polos. But if we were to pick a standout, it would be the designer's beautiful cashmere knit polo. Snyder is at the forefront of the knit sweater polo movement, and we're entirely here for it.

This season, the brand's bestselling Montauk Polo is reimagined in softer, lightweight cashmere. The fine, 14-gauge knit feels like your favorite broken-in tee, and the signature Johnny collar is a little longer and wider than past releases, resulting in a cleaner, more modern look. Wear this on its own with shorts and espadrilles or with tailoring and sneakers.

$348 AT TODD SNYDER
$348 AT TODD SNYDER

Best Performance Polo Shirt: Under Armour UA Tactical Performance Polo 2.0

You can easily work out in this Under Armour UA Tactical Performance Polo 2.0. It has a light fabric and is designed for those who lead an active lifestyle. The smooth, anti-pill poly blend boasts a textured snag-free finish.

The material wicks sweat away and dries fast, keeping you comfortable during intense activity. The UPF 40 protects your skin from the sun's rays, while the pen pocket on the left sleeve is a nice detail. With a fuller cut, this polo is fitted but not overly tight, allowing full movement for an active summer day.

$50 at Under Armour
$50 at Under Armour

Best Resort Style Polo Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch Camp Collar Sweater Polo

Picture yourself lounging poolside in a quaint resort town, embracing some well-earned summer relaxation. In this scenario, Abercrombie & Fitch Camp Collar Sweater Polo embodies that comfort and style.

The open weave exudes vacation vibes, setting the perfect tone for your leisurely day. Crafted in a luxe sweater-knit fabric, it has a slightly boxy, cropped silhouette with a two-button placket, resort-style camp collar, and elevated stitching. Finished with a banded hem and cuffs, this polo will elevate your poolside ambiance with its innate breezy style. Mojito not included.

$60 at Abercrombie and Fitch
$60 at Abercrombie and Fitch

Best Polo Shirt for Travel: HyperNatural El Capitan Classic Fit Micro-Pique Polo Shirt

HyperNatural polos have made quite the buzz in the polo-sphere, with minimal yet thoughtful and innovative designs. This luxurious El Capitan Classic Fit Micro-Pique Polo Shirt offers performance without polyester.

It features the finest quality and details you expect from the brand, combined with the natural performance benefits spandex. Cool to the touch, breathable, odor-resistant, and super soft with comfort stretch, this polo will keep you cool and comfortable wherever you travel this summer.

$165 at HyperNatural
$165 at HyperNatural

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Best Dress Knit Polo Shirt: Marine Layer Liam Sweater Polo Shirt

As with the best work polo, the ideal dress knit polo shirt should be minimal but elegant. Marine Layer Liam Sweater Polo Shirt features a knit texture that inherently adds a sophisticated touch. The buttonless open collar gives it a dressed-up look with a hint of retro charm, perfect for looking polished without sacrificing comfort.

Unlike a stiff button-down, this sweater polo is relaxed and comfortable to wear in the summer with a suit or blazer. Available in four colorways, pair it with a linen or cotton suit and let the compliments roll in.

$88 at Marine Layer
$88 at Marine Layer

Best Rugby Style Polo Shirt: Taylor Stitch Rugby Polo Shirt

In recent years, the rugby polo has experienced a resurgence thanks to brands like Rowing Blazers and, of course, Ralph Lauren. Taylor Stitch Rugby Polo Shirt pays homage to the original in a wearable design that every guy can rock.

The brand's take on this timeless piece of sportswear history boasts a few updates while maintaining its heritage. This 100-percent organic cotton knit jersey fabric is woven tightly to prevent rips and tears, has rubber buttons (implemented initially to withstand the rigors of the sport), and a modern silhouette. It’s hefty enough to handle daily wear yet light enough to be worn on temperate days that bleed into the fall. Ribbed cuffs, washed-out stripes, and the contrasted cotton twill collar complement the vintage look.

$90 at Taylor Stitch
$90 at Taylor Stitch

Best Polo Shirt for Work: Mott & Bow Jersey Sueded Polo Shirt

The best polo shirt for work should be versatile enough to be worn under a blazer or minimal yet structured enough to stand independently. You don’t want it to look like a golf polo, nor too technical or resort-like.

Simplicity and minimalism are key here, and the Jersey Sueded Polo Shirt from Mott & Bow hits those marks perfectly. What elevates this polo is that namesake Jersey Sueded textile—a 100-percent cotton brushed fabric, which provides a soft, premium, and sophisticated feel.

$75 at Mott and Bow
$75 at Mott and Bow

Best Cotton Pique Polo Shirt: Lacoste Original L.12.12 Polo Shirt

We couldn't publish a polo shirt roundup without a classic Lacoste. While knit polos are trending, there has also been a resurgence in the appreciation and admiration of the classic pique polo. Lacoste Original L.12.12 Polo Shirt, invented by René Lacoste in 1933, revolutionized elegant sportswear with its collar, button placket, and pique weave. Crafted using 20 kilometers of thread knitted under two levels of tension and featuring a crocodile logo with 2,367 stitches, the Original L.12.12 is a testament to know-how and expertise.

$110 at Lacoste
$110 at Lacoste

Best Tech Hybrid Polo Shirt: UNTUCKit Performance Polo Shirt

Leave it to the team at UNTUCKit to create a highly technical polo that doubles as lifestyle wear. UNTUCKit Performance Polo Shirt boasts wrinkle-free, sweat-wicking technology that has plenty of stretch. And with the inclusion of volcanic minerals in the fabric, the shirt naturally regulates your body temperature and moisture levels. Wear this polo for the beach, boardwalk, and everything in between, and you won't have to worry about overheating or sweat stains.

$69.50 at untuckit
$69.50 at untuckit

Best Terry Cloth Polo Shirt: Orlebar Brown Terry Towelling Polo Shirt

A terry cloth polo is the ultimate poolside or beach flex. No other garment could get away with being made of the same quick-dry textile as a beach towel while looking cool and wearable.

Orlebar Brown, known for some of the best swimwear, is also known for their now iconic Terry Towelling Polo Shirt. It has modern, tailored fit that creates a flattering silhouette. It's elevated by an authentic resort placket and a straight hem, perfect for wearing untucked. Go ahead and jump in the pool; this polo is built for it.

$195 at Orlebar Brown
$195 at Orlebar Brown

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How to Style a Polo Shirt

We consulted with style expert and creative consultant Seth Howard, who's worked with Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, Nordstrom, and Nautica, as well as Elliot Aronow, founder of Minor Genius and editor of the Minor Genius substack, for their expertise on how to style a polo shirt today.

"Styling polo shirts involves matching the fabric and fit with appropriate trousers for different occasions," says Howard.

For example, knit polos pair with chinos for a polished, semi-casual look, Howard says. Cotton pique polos look great with shorts or with jeans for a casual outing. Rugby polos work best with jeans or rugged chinos, typically left untucked for a sporty, laid-back style.

"Polos also offer versatility by pairing seamlessly with tailored trousers or under a suit jacket, creating a refined, modern look suitable for smart-casual settings," he says.

Aronow knows how to make the polo shirt simply look cool: "In terms of styling polo shirts, here are a few ways I flip them: I'll rock a bold long sleeve blue, red, and yellow striped rugby...with white Levi's and a pair of brown Weejuns for a cool prep/mod sort of look." On warmer days, he'll pair a solid color a pique cotton polo with '80s style running shorts and Nikes. He also recommends buttoning up a knit polo to pair with high-rise pleated chinos, rocking low-top Converse on his feet.

"I never tuck a polo into shorts, but I think it's cool to tuck it into a pair of jeans or chinos, provided you have a cool belt to tie it all together," Aronow says.

In the end, dress the way that makes you feel comfortable and confident. But make sure to experiment too—you might like what you see.

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Polo Shirts

"There's a reason the polo is an iconic garment—it perfectly splits the difference between casual and put together," says Aronow.

Howard agrees: "I truly think the polo is one of the most versatile garments in menswear—the love child of a t-shirt and collared shirt."

When choosing your next polo, here's what you should consider.

Material

Fabric is essential when considering your polo's intended use. Most people envision the classic cotton piqué, a durable cotton cross-tuck knit construction that creates a cellular effect with a subtle texture, great for breathability and everyday wear.

However, knit polos have risen in popularity. They're lifestyle-oriented, typically made from materials found in traditional sweaterssuch as cashmere, merino wool, silk, or blends. While you can wear these in the summer, they are great for year-round use as they are insulating and have additional heft.

Performance polos are usually made from lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester, nylon, or a proprietary blend. These materials help you stay comfortable and dry, and are great for travel or golf.

Lastly, unexpected textiles like cotton terry cloth work with polo shirts due to its inherent summer nature; this towel-like fabric dries quickly and is excellent for the poolside.

Collar

Collars separate polos from T-shirts, but this small detail also conveys much about the polo type. A classic cotton pique or performance polo usually features a two or three button placket at the top. Although we don't recommend buttoning them all, they are there to adjust for breathing and replicate some facet of a dress shirt.

A camp collar, meanwhile, has become extremely popular in recent years, adding a retro, minimal feel. This type of collar, usually seen on knit polos, is characterized by an open, unstructured design, usually without buttons, making it ideal for a dressed-up and stylish look.

A Johnny collar features a partial opening with a V-neck style and a short placket with a few to no buttons, providing an elegant yet sporty appearance. Both these collar variations add a vintage flair to the polo shirt, often reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s.

Fit

In our current fashion climate, baggy and oversized clothes are still trending. Guys are experimenting with looser '90s-cut jeans and oversized T-shirts. A garment that fits properly, however, is immune to trends.

A polo shirt that is neither overly baggy nor too tight is the most timeless way to wear it. It should drape your body just right, with a little room throughout, and fitted to your torso. The polo shirt is inherently a casual yet formal summer staple, and when it fits properly—not too tight, not too loose—the look will never go out of style.

Why You Should Trust Us

In addition to writing for Men's Journal, I have covered topics ranging from menswear, fragrances, watches, grooming, and styling for InsideHook, Robb Report, Esquire, and Men's Health. I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were not only worth the investment but also made for compelling stories and good advice for our readers. I also conceptualized and wrote many fragrance stories for Esquire and a significant portion of the grooming pages. I have always tried to add a timeless element to whatever I have written, as although trends are interesting and relevant to a degree, my heart has always been drawn to more perennial guidance and themes.

My obsessive-compulsive tendencies are both a blessing and a curse and while I often delve into researching items to the point of exhaustion, it's this approach that often positions me as a go-to person for advice. Whether it's about coats, colognes, or turntable needles, people recognize that I've done the legwork. I enjoy inspiring others around me to seek out their unique interests in things that might make their life better.

All these polo shorts were the best in their respective activities after wearing them in said circumstances. For instance, I found the performance polo shirt the best during intense activities, the traveler polo to provide comfort and breathability on commutes, and the knit polo to look the best with tailoring.

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