If you’re in the market for a piece of apparel that transcends trends, seasons, and formality, you’ll love the polo shirt. This menswear mainstay is massive at the moment, but it really is timeless. In fact, this is one piece of apparel that’s been in rotation for nearly a century. Fun fact: The polo shirt gained popularity in the 1920s — not on the polo field but on the tennis court! Who knew?
Whether you’re looking for casual essentials for dinner, a round of golf, or all-day meetings via Zoom, men’s polo shirts are an excellent choice. Because they have a collar, they’re slightly more formal than a regular tee, making them appropriate for a nice dinner or the office. Today’s polo shirts are surprisingly sporty and are often made with technical fabrics, so they’re a great option for golf, tennis, or even helping your buddy move and grabbing dinner after.
New to the polo shirt lifestyle? Don’t stress. Men’s Wearhouse has the inside scoop on polo shirts to help you learn how to style them.
- Go for a Retro Knitted Polo Shirt — The hottest trend in polo shirts is the retro knit polo, taking things back a few decades. Think: Jude Law as Dickie Greenleaf in The Talented Mr. Ripley. To master this look, choose a slim fit knit polo in a retro-inspired print and pair it with dress pants for men and some stylish loafers.
- Choose Technical Fabrics for Sport and Play — As much as we love the knitted polo, it’s best to keep knits to dinner, the office, or the Amalfi Coast. If your plans for the day involve getting sweaty, pick a style made with technical attributes that help wick away moisture, mitigate sweat, and keep you cool and odor-free. Spandex and polyester blend polos are ideal for the golf course, but when done in classic prints, they look sharp enough for the office and dress casual occasions too.
- Iron the Collar for a Crisp Look — We’re grateful that the popped collar trend of the early 2000s has mostly disappeared. These days, it’s all about keeping things crisp and flat. Luckily, today’s polo shirts are made with low-maintenance fabrics, so they stay in good shape. But if you’re traveling or notice that the collar won’t seem to lie flat, you can always iron it to get that crisp crease and to prevent the pointed edges from curling up, which can look sloppy.
- Try a Graphic Print — Graphic print polos are a stylish option for guys who want to introduce a little bit of personality to their look. When paired with some well-tailored men’s jeans, graphic print polos are perfect for a day at work or grabbing drinks with friends. Prints range from classic stripes and paisley to funky florals and butterfly prints. You can also wear them with khakis, chinos, or dress pants for dressier events where you want to make a splash.
- Consider the Slim Fit — If you want to show off your physique, choose a slim-fitting polo shirt with a slightly higher arm length. This not only conforms to the shape of your body, but it also plays into that retro look that’s popular right now. If you’re going ultra-slim, it’s best to skip the undershirt to avoid any bumps or lines showing through.
A Polo for Every Occasion
One of the reasons we love polo shirts so much is because they get so much airtime. Like your favorite pair of jeans or solid tees, polos suit the vibe of so many of the events on the calendar, so they quickly become wardrobe MVPs. They can be easily dressed up for casual dressy events, dressed down for relaxed outings, or sported in technical prints for athletic endeavors. Be sure to explore our complete selection of men’s polo shirts to find the right ones for you.