The best men’s polo shirts are comfortable and polished, dressier than a tee but less stuffy than a button-down. These wardrobe staples are suitable for both casual and slightly dressier occasions. We rounded up high quality options on the market, with the Huckberry Proof 72-Hour Polo Shirt earning the top spot on our list thanks to its breathable, moisture-wicking fabric and sporty snap buttons. We also recommend the ultra-soft J.Crew Sueded Cotton Polo Shirt and the long-sleeve Buck Mason Coolhand Cotton Popover.
The best polo shirts for men are comfortable and versatile additions to any man’s wardrobe.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
When shopping, first consider the fit and fabric (including technical performance materials). Also, think about where you intend to wear your polo. “For a night out or a more formal setting, a fitted knit polo tucked into tailored trousers with a belt always looks put together,” says L.A.-based stylist Krissie Torgerson. “For a casual vibe, an oversized polo paired with jeans and sneakers feels effortlessly cool.” After consulting multiple stylists, we curated the best polo shirts for men that are comfortable, stylish and easy to wear.
Sizes: XS to 3XL | Colors: 5 total, including Navy and Charcoal Heather | Material: 87% micron merino wool, 13% nylon | Number of buttons: 3 | Fit: Classic
What’s notable: The fabric of this style is designed to resist sweat and lingering smells.
What could be better: It’s on the thinner side, and some say it runs small.
This pick checks off all the boxes thanks to its soft, comfortable fabric, classic fit and built-in UPF 30+ protection. It’s constructed from merino wool—a natural fiber that’s durable, breathable, moisture-wicking and thermo-regulating—and nylon for added stretch. It can be worn with casual outfits, but it also looks great with a blazer and chinos as well. Unlike some wool garments, this shirt is machine washable, but the brand recommends air drying.
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Sizes: XS to 3XL | Colors: 6 total, including Vapor and Heathered Black | Material: 82% recycled polyester, 10% lyocell, 5% elastane, 3% nylon | Number of buttons: 3 | Fit: Slim
What’s notable: The garment is treated with the brand’s No-Stink Zinc technology, which helps prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
What could be better: Some reviewers find it runs small in the chest.
Lululemon’s Evolution Polo is a good choice if you’re looking to hit the golf course or need a shirt that can be worn for low-impact exercise. The blended fabric has a nice texture and added stretch thanks to the elastane. Customers say the shirt never wrinkles, keeps them cool throughout the day and can be layered under a jacket in cooler weather.
Best Dress Polo Shirt
Sophisticated All Year Round
Banana Republic
Banana Republic Luxury-Touch Polo
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 20 total, including Optic White and Navy Blue | Material: 100% cotton | Number of buttons: 2 | Fit: Standard
What’s notable: The cotton-jersey fabrication has a silk-like feel, and this style comes in regular and tall sizes.
What could be better: Some customers say it wrinkles easily.
Ideal for dressier occasions, Banana Republic’s popular Luxury-Touch Polo will take you from work to dinner with friends. The cotton jersey material is knit—which means it has more stretch and softness than woven cotton—and it has a polished look. The straight fit and vented sides add to this polo’s comfort, and appeal.
Best Polo Shirt For Work
Tailored Silhouette With Built-In Stretch
Bonobos
Bonobos Stretch Piqué Polo
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 11 total, including White and Heather Navy | Material: 100% Pima cotton | Number of buttons: 3 | Fit: Standard or slim
What’s notable: This stylish and versatile shirt can be worn for work, travel or activities like golf.
What could be better: You have to wash it on a gentle cycle and line dry to maintain its shape.
If you’re looking for an option that can be worn to work but transitions nicely to weekend activities, we recommend the Bonobos Stretch Piqué Polo. Despite the tailored silhouette (you can choose from standard or slim), the cotton fabric is comfortable and moves with your body, whether you’re sitting at a desk or running to catch a train. It’s also treated with an anti-odor and moisture-wicking finish.
Best Lightweight Polo Shirt
Stretchy And Buttery Soft
Faherty
Faherty Short-Sleeve Movement Polo Shirt
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 5 total, including Cardiff Blue Heather and Great Falls Heather | Material: 37% nylon, 34% cotton, 22% modal, 7% elastane | Number of buttons: 3 | Fit: Classic
What’s notable: This polo is soft, stretchy and lightweight, and it moves with you throughout the day.
What could be better: The fabric tends to shrink, so it’s best to follow care instructions and clean carefully.
This casual polo stands out for its lightweight, stretchy construction—the cotton blend includes nylon, modal and elastane—that works well for travel or athletic activities. It has a more casual look and the feel of a t-shirt, but reviewers say that it can be worn to work and dressed up with nice slacks and shoes. Style details include a locker loop, vented hem and spread collar with built-in collar stays.
Best Casual Polo Shirt
Reasonably Priced And Comes In Many Colors
MOST POPULAR
Amazon
Tommy Hilfiger Classic Short Sleeve Polo
Sizes: XS to 3XL | Colors: 33 total, including Classic White and Blue | Material: 100% cotton | Number of buttons: 2 | Fit: Classic
What’s notable: It’s priced under $70 and comes in more color options than many other brands.
What could be better: This style runs large, so you might need to size down.
Although this shirt has a classic fit, there’s more room in the chest and shoulders, so it won’t restrict your movement. The cotton piqué fabric is breathable, stretchy and durable, which makes it a smart choice for almost any occasion. Even though it’s not as tailored as other picks on our list, the ribbing around the hem and collar gives it a finished look.
Best Quality Polo Shirt
Classic Design And Iconic Logo
Ralph Lauren
Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Polo
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: 58 total, including Spring Melon and Light Purple | Material: 100% cotton | Number of buttons: 2 | Fit: Classic
What’s notable: It’s constructed from thick, durable cotton with a ribbed collar and armbands. Plus, it comes in an impressive number of colors.
What could be better: This style runs small, and some customers say the length is too long for their taste.
Since Ralph Lauren debuted the brand’s first polo shirt in the 1970s, it has become a signature piece with undeniable appeal. It has a relaxed fit with a flat collar, two-button placket, ribbed armbands and a signature embroidered pony on the chest. Another key detail is the longer back hem, called a “tennis tail,” which helps to keep the shirt tucked. The 100% cotton fabric holds up well to frequent wear and feels comfortable against the skin. Pair this shirt with jeans and boat shoes for a relaxed weekend ensemble, or style it with chinos and loafers for a business casual approach.
Best Comfortable Polo Shirt
Soft Hand Feel That's Never Scratchy
J.Crew
J.Crew Sueded Cotton Polo Shirt
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 5 total, including Dusty Charcoal and Ivory | Material: 100% cotton | Number of buttons: 3 | Fit: Classic
What’s notable: This versatile option has a unique texture that feels like suede.
What could be better: Some reviewers say the collar doesn’t hold its shape well.
Although J.Crew has many polo shirts to choose from, we like this option because it’s made from 100% cotton that’s brushed for a suede-like texture. It has an elevated look that pairs well with chinos and loafers for a day at the office or jeans and sneakers on the weekend.
Best Long-Sleeve Polo
Midweight Fabric With A Comfortable, Roomy Fit
Buck Mason
Buck Mason Coolhand Cotton Popover
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 3 total, including White and Dress Navy | Material: 100% cotton jersey | Number of buttons: 4 | Fit: Classic
What’s notable: The mid-weight fabric is ideal for transitional weather, and the long sleeves provide warmth and sun protection.
What could be better: There are only three colors available, and certain sizes tend to sell out quickly.
For seasons when you might benefit from a little extra warmth, we recommend Buck Mason’s Coolhand Cotton Popover. It’s crafted from 100% cotton jersey, which isn’t clingy, and it has a smooth, cool-to-the-touch feel. We love the traditional shirt collar and four functional buttons, which can be unbuttoned all the way on warmer days.
How We Chose The Best Polo Shirts For Men
To find the best polo shirts for men, we considered several factors: material, style, size range, fit, comfort, versatility and price.
We evaluated top-rated brands and retailers known for high-quality garments, including Huckberry, Bonobos, J.Crew and more.
When narrowing down the list of winners, we focused on shirts with an average rating of at least 4 stars and a negligible number of concerning reviews, if any.
We polled our fashion team for favorites and read through hundreds of customer reviews to identify standout product traits and essential details, focusing on brands with straightforward return and exchange policies.
The final products on this list are a result of our in-depth research and meticulous vetting by our fashion editorial team, which includes deputy editor Jane Sung, who has decades of experience reporting on men’s and women’s fashion.
What To Consider When Buying The Best Polo Shirts For Men
“A polo shirt is super versatile—it can be dressed up or down,” says Bentley Caldwell, a stylist in Nashville, TN. “I’ve worn long-sleeved polos under blazers with chinos or jeans to give a different take on business casual. I’ve also paired short-sleeve polos with chinos or shorts in the summertime.” After consulting with three stylists, here’s what to keep in mind.
Fit And Style
A well-fitted polo should have a relaxed fit that’s not baggy but leaves room for movement. “A polo should be fitted and tailored,” says Caldwell. “It should have a streamlined look without excess fabric in the body and the shoulders.” However, consider where how you plan to wear it, as different occasions might require different fits. Relaxed styles are better for travel and outdoor activities (such as golf), while classic and slim fits work better for the office.
Material
Many classic polos are made from cotton, a popular material that’s soft, breathable and easy to care for. Cotton also holds up well to frequent washing, making it a durable option that can stand the test of time. You might also see cotton blended with synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, elastane and Lycra. These materials can add extra stretch and durability to a garment. If you plan to wear a polo for sportier outings, look for a technical performance fabric to help wick away sweat and moisture. For example, the Lululemon Evolution Polo Shirt is cut from technical materials that can handle weekends, travel and golfing.
Color
The color you choose largely depends on your style and personal preference, but neutral colors are easier to incorporate into your wardrobe as a general rule of thumb. Caldwell advises his clients to avoid loud, distracting colors, and Torgerson adds that earth tones (shades of brown, green, gray and beige) are “dependable.” Huckberry and Bonobos both have a sophisticated selection of neutral and earth tones that are easy to wear and pair well with most pants. Brighter hues and subtle patterns, like stripes, can work for vacations or a night out when paired with a neutral base. “Try a short-sleeve sweater knit in neutral tones or muted blues and greens for a nice update to the traditional polo,” says stylist Jamie Frankel.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted fashion team has researched, written and published dozens of in-depth roundups on men’s clothing.
Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering fashion and lifestyle topics. She regularly tracks trends and brand releases to provide readers with the most up-to-date recommendations possible.
Deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the fashion vertical along with travel and beauty, edited this story. She has two decades of experience reporting on men’s, women’s and kids’ fashion and accessories.
All the brands we feature on our list make great polo shirts for everyday wear. Our top overall option comes from Huckberry (the Huckberry Proof 72-Hour Merino, which is lightweight and has a classic fit), but we also highly recommend Lululemon, Banana Republic and J.Crew. Lululemon is a great choice if you’re looking for an athletic shirt, and Banana Republic has excellent options for work.
Our experts emphatically agree that you should not wear a t-shirt underneath a polo shirt, as it can look bulky. “If you want to wear a shirt under a polo, let it be a fitted tank top,” says Caldwell.
Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics for polo shirts due to its durability, softness and breathability. Many of the options in this guide, including the J.Crew Sueded Cotton Polo Shirt, are made from 100% cotton. Synthetic materials—like polyester, elastane and Lycra—are also good choices because the fibers are strong and maintain shape. Polyester and nylon are hydrophobic, which means they repel water to keep you dry and comfortable.
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