Polo shirts have gotten kind of a bad rap over the past few years. They’re seen as stuffy and bland; critics will say that a polo is neither as laid-back as a T-shirt nor as sophisticated as a dress shirt. This reputation is largely unfair. After all, polos were frequently sported by the king of cool himself, Steve McQueen. British mods and punk rockers loved polos. Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz fame has worn many a polo shirt over the years. Andre 3000 used to even make polo shirts under his Benjamin Bixby line. That’s a whole lot of cool for an allegedly uncool shirt.
The point is, polos endure because they’re a versatile classic. You can wear a polo with shorts, jeans, chinos, slacks, or just about anything else. They look right at home in a boardroom on casual Friday, and they’re perfect for the beach on Saturday. They can also be great for sports like tennis or golf.
As with anything, what matters is how you wear it. You can tuck it in or leave it out, pick a vibrant color or a classic gray, button it all the way or leave it unbuttoned. The options are pretty much endless, and the key is finding the style that works for you. Here are a few great options.
1. Lacoste Men’s Short Sleeve Pique Polo Shirt
Lacoste’s polos are more expensive than the average, but can you put a price on an icon? The polo shirt that started it all, Lacoste’s soft and durable polos are available in a ton of colors and are cut from a classic, breathable cotton pique fabric. The shirt features Lacoste’s small crocodile logo.
Pros: Classic look from the original polo brand. Plenty of color options.
Cons: Some options are less expensive.
2. Original Penguin Men’s Earl Polo
If you’re looking for a more statement-making option, consider this polo from Original Penguin. Original Penguin is known for its preppy designs, and this polo has contrasting piping on the sleeves, collar and placket that give it a retro and sophisticated look. There’s also a small pocket, which is an added bonus for carrying sunglasses or pens. The shirt is available in a range of colors.
Pros: Stylish retro design. Plenty of color options. Has a chest pocket.
Cons: Runs slim, which not everyone will like.
3. Hanes X-Temp Performance Polo Shirt
This polo shirt is made from a cotton-polyester blend that’s designed to wick moisture. It’s made by Hanes, meaning it’s going to be dependable, affordable, and comfortable. The Amazon listing makes it easy to pick single or double packs of different color varieties.
Pros: Moisture-wicking fabric, available in multi-packs, provides UV protection.
Cons: Shirt can run small. .