The polo shirt is perhaps one of the most misunderstood garments in modern menswear. This soft-collared, short-sleeved top has had a bad rap in recent years – shunned by many for its alleged ‘uncoolness’ and lack of discernible stylish outfit applications.

It would, however, be a crying shame to deny this classic piece a place in your wardrobe. The relaxing of dress codes in recent years has afforded the polo a new chance to shine. Now this sporting staple is just as at home worn alongside tailoring on a date night as it is with shorts to a summer gathering.

The polo shirt is officially back, meaning now is a good time to start sourcing your own. But before you do, here’s everything you need to know about one of the most surprisingly versatile garments a man can own, including where it came from and which brands are making the finest options.

What Makes A Great Polo Shirt?

When it comes to shopping for the perfect polo, there are a few things to be considered. Not all polo shirts are created equal, and it pays to know what to look for if you want to end up with a good one.

First and foremost, fit is crucial: a polo shirt should be slim but not tight. The shoulder seams should sit at the point where the arm meets the torso. The collar should be comfortable when fastened up to the last button, and the hem should sit just above the hips.

Fabric is important, too. Pique cotton should be soft and stretchy – never scratchy. If you’re going for a knitted version, it should be of a very fine gauge and feel soft to the touch.

Sizing varies greatly from brand to brand. Lacoste, for example, uses a numbered system, so make sure you know your size before you buy.

The Best Polo Shirt Brands

There are many brands out there putting their name on the humble polo shirt. Here, we detail the ones doing the best job.

Tailor Store

The best polo shirt is one that fits you perfectly. And with Tailor Store, that’s exactly what you’re getting. The Swedish brand applies made-to-measure principles to everything it produces, including its exceptional range of polo shirts.

All you need to do is answer a few easy questions – including your age, body height and weight, preferred fit and length – and Tailor Store’s clever technology will create the ideal fitting polo for you.

This isn’t just a gimmick either – each design is crafted from high-quality, 100% Pima cotton and comes in short or long sleeves. You can even go as far as to customise your design as well as your fit, specifying everything from the placket style to the button thread.

The best part? This almost bespoke experience starts at just $55.

Shop now at Tailor Store

ASKET

Swedish brand ASKET lives up to the Scandi stereotype by offering a stripped-back, minimalist menswear collection that you can build a capsule wardrobe around. As you’d imagine, the polo shirt sits right in this remit, with the label offering a simple choice: do you want short or long sleeves?

Both versions are crafted using a substantial organic pique cotton knit, which drapes perfectly thanks to its straight cut and a neat three-button French placket. Meanwhile, a fine rib collar and mother-of-pearl buttons prove that no element has been overlooked or scrimped on.

Having first launched in 2016 and now in its fifth generation, the brand has arguably achieved perfection.

Shop now at ASKET

Aurelien

Although based in Amsterdam, Aurelien is a champion of timeless Mediterranean style. Oozing the relaxed elegance and carefree joie-de-vivre of the Riviera, its polos are cut slim in various high-end materials, ranging from terry towelling and Egyptian cotton to 100% linen and extra fine merino wool.

Coming in summer-ready pastels and bold primary hues, they’re an essential addition to any refined gent’s resortwear arsenal.

Shop now at Aurelien

Vilebrequin

Vilebrequin has been producing luxury resortwear since 1971, and from the very beginning, it’s always placed great emphasis on fabric and fit. Its range of polo shirts is no exception, crafted using the highest-quality fabrics, including cotton, linen and Tencel.

The French brand has become renowned for its unique prints and vivid colourways, but whether you go for something loud or understated, these are some of the best luxury polos on the market. There’s a reason they’re a common sight in high-end resorts across the Riviera.

Shop now at Vilebrequin

Artknit Studios

Not many labels can tick off good looks, craftsmanship and sustainability in one go, but Italian makers’ brand Arknit Studios does it in style. It’s a certified B Corp, so the eco credentials are air-tight and the minimalist fashion is equally untouchable.

The label has an excellent and extensive collection of polo shirts. Long- and short-sleeved options come in organic cotton and merino, some with open collars, some with breast pockets, some with knitted, ribbed finishes.

The palette is neutral across the board (think milky whites and staple navy), ensuring you can wear them with practically anything.

Shop now at Arknit Studios

Billy Reid

Sometimes described as the best fashion designer you’ve never heard of, Billy Reid creates a brand of preppy Americana with a distinctly Southern edge. His Alabama-based label could also be described as lived-in luxury, and the collection of polo shirts perfectly captures that vibe.

Start with the brand’s Penascola polo. Made from wondrously soft cotton, it retains a little structure from its well-made placket and collar. Elsewhere, you’ll find striped and patterned polos and the odd knitted option cut in Pima cotton.

Your chino shorts are crying out for any one of them.

Shop now at Billy Reid

Wax London

Despite the name, Wax London brings a few international influences to its collections, including a loose Mediterranean sense of casual dressing and an Indian approach to rich textiles and patterns. All of this is evident in the London label’s polo shirts.

The collection has traditional short-sleeve options, but they’re adorned with flamboyant wide collars or fabricated in tactile knits. Fifties-style ribbed knits are a favourite, as are button-through knitted polos that work just as well with summer suits as they do tailored shorts.

Shop now at Wax London

The Resort Co

Sustainable, ethical production is at the heart of everything The Resort Co does, with each garment handcrafted by skilled artisans working in small, family-owned factories dotted around Italy, Spain and Portugal.

The Swedish brand offers a small but perfectly curated selection of polos. There’s an open-collar terry cloth design ideal for lounging around the pool in the height of summer and a knitted version crafted from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton that comes in both long – and short-sleeve formats to see you through every season.

Shop now at The Resort Co

Polo Ralph Lauren

The polo shirt was already well established by the time Ralph Lauren started including it in collections. However, the East Coast outfitter’s knack for preppy styling and collegiate cool thrust it further into the spotlight.

For a long time now, the polo has been one of Ralph Lauren’s staple items, so much so that an entire line has been created around the theme.

Buy now at SSENSE

Percival

Knitted polos are always on our agenda for summer jaunts, whether to the Italian coast or a pub beer garden. Often constructed from a wool or cotton blend, which helps smarten up the style, they give off a mid-century vibe that works well with pleated chinos, shorts or jeans, as well as loafers and minimal sneakers.

Knowing this well, Percival produces one of the best collections of knitted polos on the market, with designs ranging from colourful stripes to tonal prints and everything in between.

Buy now at Percival

Fred Perry

British heritage brand Fred Perry is so much more than just a tennis clothing company. This is a label that has underpinned countless youth subcultures, becoming nothing short of iconic in the process.

The Fred Perry polo shirt isn’t just a sporting staple but a counter-culture icon. Uniform for the mods, punks, skinheads and beyond, it’s a garment steeped in history and a valuable asset in any man’s wardrobe.

Buy now at END.

A Day’s March

What is a polo shirt if not a timeless essential? And A Day’s March is a specialist in those types of garments.

With its elevated take on classic wardrobe basics, the Scandi brand is a one-stop shop for your daily essentials, polo shirts included. Expect a more refined take on this summer staple, reimagined in premium, tactile fabrics like merino and terry cloth and ethically produced to the highest standard.

Buy now at A Day’s March

James Perse

Heavily influenced by the laid-back vibes of America’s West Coast, James Perse’s unique knack for merging casual styling with luxury is unmatched.

Known for his high-end, plain T-shirts and other premium staples, the polo shirt makes an obvious addition to Perse’s squeaky-clean seasonal collections.

Buy now at James Perse

Lacoste

Rene Lacoste’s eponymous label has been instrumental in getting the polo shirt to where it is today.

The French brand’s crocodile logo has become emblematic of crisp, European cool and slick, sporty style. The original, arguably the best and an undeniable must-have item for any self-respecting stylish gent.

Buy now at END.

Reiss

Using their signature blend of classic and contemporary, high-street favourite Reiss manages brings the timeless polo bang up to date via modern fabrications and detailing such as zipped and open collars.

The British brand’s knitted and patterned designs are noteworthy and help lift the polo into statement-piece territory.

Buy now at Reiss

Orlebar Brown

Poolside hasn’t always been the easiest place to make a style statement. But Orlebar Brown’s brand of luxury resortwear has made the whole thing a lot easier.

The British label’s simple yet stylish polos allow for maximum beach-to-bar potential. Smart enough for an evening drink, yet relaxed enough for a stroll along the shoreline.

Buy now at Orlebar Brown

Uniqlo

Japanese retailer Uniqlo is renowned for its fabrications. It uses its manufacturing capabilities and substantial buying power to offer high-end materials for a fraction of the cost of luxury brands. You can expect supremely comfortable pique cotton, sophisticated merino wool, sweat-wicking Dry-Ex, and its trademark odour-neutralising, quick-drying Airism fabric.

And the best part? All of these can be had for under £35. Stock up.

Buy now at Uniqlo

John Smedley

From rock ‘n’ roll royalty to James Bond himself, John Smedley has long been kitting the style elite out in some of the finest knitwear money can buy.

Why are you reading about it in a roundup of polo shirts? Well, the British outfitter’s output doesn’t end at cardigans and crew necks; there are also some tailoring-friendly knitted versions on offer. Expect fine-gauge knits, premium materials and a form-hugging fit that is second to none.

Buy now at FarFetch

Sunspel

Sometimes, less really is more, and no label offers more concrete evidence than Sunspel.

The British basics brand has carved out a niche for itself as the premier purveyor of stripped-back luxury – the simple things done well. And polo shirts are certainly no exception.

Buy now at MATCHESFASHION

Brunello Cucinelli

King Of Cashmere, Brunello Cucinelli made a name for crafting colourful sweaters. Today, his namesake label is recognised for its ultra-luxe aesthetic, stylish suiting and upscale casual wear.

The latter is where the polo shirt finds its natural home. Cucinelli’s polos are unrivalled in luxury – boasting high-end fabrication and construction, slick cuts and a healthy dose of Italian flair.

Buy now at FarFetch