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The best men's polo shirts for piqué-ing your interest
Convert to the collared cause with GQ's pick of the best men's polo shirts
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
When retro menswear trends met blokecore and dad-dressing, it was a surprise to none of us that one of the biggest things to come out of the collision was polo shirts. Said best men’s polo shirts — as you may have noticed during your street style observations of the last 18 months — have made a breathable 1970’s tennis court of Clapham Common and its spiritual environs.
A middle ground between a collared shirt and a T-shirt, the best polo shirts are appropriate wear for many a dress code – and with any number of combinations. Smart-casual incarnate, it can be tucked into a tailored pair of trousers or even worn with a suit. But it’s not all business casual: yours can simply be applied to wet skin and swim shorts after a dip in the hotel pool.
The most important thing to remember is this is no P.E. lesson. Even a classic polo shirt can be worn in a non-traditional manner: with the collar flipped over the lapels of your suit jacket, contrasted in tone with your punchy matching tracksuit, or any other which way you so choose.
What are GQ's best men's polo shirts?
- Best performance polo shirt: Lacoste, £95 at amazon.co.uk & lacoste.com
- Best tailored polo shirt: Sunspel, £135 at sunspel.com
- Best preppy polo shirt: Polo Ralph Lauren, £179 at ralphlauren.co.uk
- Best knitted polo shirt: Percival, £139 at percivalclo.com
- Best mod polo shirt: Fred Perry, £75 at amazon.co.uk & houseoffraser.co.uk
What are the best brands for a men's polo shirt in 2024?
If in your book “best” means “most recognisable”, then you should source your piqué polo shirt from Fred Perry, Lacoste or Ralph Lauren. Those who prefer the sporty – or even yacht club – look of the polo should also head to these gods of the mesh polo shirt. If, however, you’re looking for something with a little more pizzazz (but that wouldn’t look out of place in Monaco), we’re fans of a knitted number by Percival, a linen-blend from Arket or something crochet by Commas.
What fabric is best for a men's polo shirt?
If you were to ask Mr René Lacoste or Mr Fred Perry, they’d tell you that breathable cotton piqué, or else absorbent, comfortable towelling is your way forward for the short-sleeve polo shirt. Either way, their suggestion would be “cotton”. But not all of us are as sport-centric and preppy as world-beating tennis players (or Ralph Lauren). Some of us prefer the look of the thing without the utilitarian construction, such as can be found in long-sleeve, cashmere, linen or structured textile takes, some of which are knitted and others (such as those by Homme Plissé Issey Miyake) that are totally unique.
How should a man style a polo shirt in 2024?
Whether you’re opting for a classic polo, a long-sleeve polo shirt (rugby shirts to the layman) or even a knit polo iteration, it doesn’t mean a thing unless you’ve got the remainder of a cohesive outfit planned. If you’re looking for advice, we’d opt for a pair of classic-fit chinos to continue the polo’s own preppy, golf course feel. Or, for a more cool-guy approach, do as Jacob Elordi does, and pair your polo with an inky pair of selvedge jeans.