The best polo shirts for men are comfortable and polished for casual to slightly formal occasions. They’re essentially t-shirts with a collar, making them dressier than a tee but less stuffy than a button-down. The Huckberry Proof 72-Hour Polo Shirt earned the top spot on our list thanks to its breathable, moisture-wicking fabric and sporty snap buttons. We also recommend the affordable Tommy Hilfiger Classic Short Sleeve Polo Shirt and the ultra-stylish Bonobos Stretch Piqué Polo.
The best polo shirts for men are comfortable and versatile additions to any man’s wardrobe.
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As you begin shopping, 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, in addition to our deputy fashion editor, Kari Molvar, we curated the best polo shirts for men that are comfortable, stylish and easy to wear.
Best Polo Shirt For Men Overall: Huckberry Proof 72-Hour Merino
Best Polo Shirt For Work: Bonobos Stretch Piqué Polo
Best Affordable Polo Shirt: Tommy Hilfiger Classic Short Sleeve
Best Lightweight Polo Shirt: Vuori Strato Tech
Best Athletic Polo Shirt: Lululemon Evolution
Best Quality Polo Shirt: Polo Ralph Lauren Classic
Best Comfortable Polo Shirt: Vineyard Vines St. Jean Stripe Sankaty
Best Dress Polo Shirt: Banana Republic Luxury-Touch
Sizes: XS to 3XL | Colors: 6 total, including Navy and Charcoal Heather | Material: 87% micron merino wool, 13% nylon | Number of buttons: 3 | Fit: Classic
What’s notable: The fabric resists sweat and smells and has built-in UPF 30+ for sun protection.
What could be better: The fabric is on the thinner side, and this style 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. (Unlike some wool garments, this shirt is machine washable). It can be worn with casual outfits, but it also looks great with a blazer and chinos as well.
What our editor says: “Huckberry thoroughly tests its clothing in the field, which I appreciate,” says Molvar. “Its polo combines a performance fabric with stylish design touches, so you can wear it for work, travel or high-activity days. This versatility and quality made it our top pick.”
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 the gentle cycle and line dry to maintain its shape; it cannot be dry cleaned.
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. It’s also treated with an anti-odor and moisture-wicking finish.
What our editor says: “This is a smart polo that passed a lot of my tests for what a work shirt should have, from the flat-knit rib trim to the fabric that repels odors, wrinkles and stains,” says Molvar.
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 $60 and offers more color options than most 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 you won’t feel constricted. 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 more finished look.
What our editor says: “This polo is made with 100% cotton, which means it will hold up well to wear over time and delivers a lot of value for an affordable price,” says Molvar. “I also like that it’s cut looser across the chest and shoulders for comfort and that it’s machine washable.”
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 10 total, including Platinum Heather and Mist Heather | Material: 96% polyester, 4% elastane | Placket design: 3 buttons | Fit: Classic
What’s notable: The technical fabric is sweat-wicking, odor-resistant and highly breathable.
What could be better: This pick is less structured and the lighter colors may be slightly transparent.
Vuori is known for its comfortable activewear and loungewear, which are made from soft, stretchy fabrics in wearable colors. This best-selling polo is cut from a lightweight technical fabric with UPF 30 protection and four-way stretch (it can expand in all directions), which is helpful if you’re planning to wear this while traveling or doing athletic activities. We also appreciate that it dries quickly and keeps you cool throughout the day.
What our editor says: “Vuori’s polo is a nice blend between sporty and casual,” says Molvar. “It’s light, airy and dries fast so that you can wear it on a bike commute to work, during a business lunch or for a quick workout after work.”
Sizes: XS to 5XL | Colors: 9 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.
What our editor says: “While we picked this for the performance polo category, it doesn’t mean you can’t wear this shirt casually—especially if you want to stay cool while out at night or relaxing on the weekends,” says Molvar. “Lululemon’s clothing tends to be pricey, but this polo is actually quite reasonable considering its technical capabilities.”
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. It also has a longer back hem, called a “tennis tail,” to keep the shirt tucked.
What could be better: This style runs small, and some customers say the length is too long for their taste.
Since Ralph Lauren first debuted the polo shirt in the 1970s, it has become a classic 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. 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.
What our editor says: “Ralph Lauren’s polos have a reputation for being some of the best quality—they’re made from heavy cotton and after dozens of washings, the fit is still the same,” says Molvar. “The embroidered logo is classic yet understated in this design.”
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 12 total, including Stripe White Cap and Lighthouse Red | Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex | Number of buttons: 3 | Fit: Relaxed
What’s notable: The polyester and spandex blend is incredibly soft, airy and cooling. It’s also wrinkle-resistant for minimal maintenance and has built-in interior collar stays.
What could be better: While plenty of striped options exist, there are limited solid shades.
The Vineyard Vines St. Jean Stripe Sankaty Polo is so soft and light that it feels like you’re wearing your favorite loungewear. Like other shirts on our list, the fabric is quick-drying and moisture-wicking, and it offers UPF 50 protection as a bonus. (Polyester is a hydrophobic material that naturally repels moisture.) The soft colors, including subtle stripes, make this an excellent choice for summer wear.
What our editor says: “If you want a comfortable polo for everything from golfing to running errands, this pick is at the top of my list,” says Molvar. “Thoughtful features, like the quick-dry and moisture-absorbing fabric, prevent overheating if you run hot, and the fit is relaxed and fluid.”
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 11 total, including Optic White and Navy Blue | Material: 100% cotton | Number of buttons: 2 | Fit: Slim
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: It has a slim fit, which may not work for everyone, and 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. It also has a relaxed, straight fit and vented sides for comfort.
What our editor says: “I love how you can wear this polo on its own or with a suit,” says Molvar. “The fit is tailored yet comfortable, which is exactly what you want for a dress polo, and it comes in office-appropriate colors. I’d also suggest this for a wedding or sophisticated evening out.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team has researched, written and published dozens of clothing stories, including roundups of the best suits for men, best blazers for men and more.
Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering fashion and lifestyle topics.
This article was overseen by deputy editor (and in-house style expert) Kari Molvar. Molvar holds a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion and has covered lifestyle topics, including fashion, for over a decade. Some of her recent work includes the best golf shorts and best loafers for men.
Louie also gathered key insight and guidance from three stylists: Krissie Torgerson, Jamie Frankel and Bentley Caldwell.
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.
Our fashion editorial team focused on top-rated brands and retailers known for high-quality garments, such as Huckberry, Bonobos and more.
We read through hundreds of customer reviews for standout product traits and essential details and only featured brands with straightforward return and exchange policies, should you need to make any swaps.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by our fashion editorial team.
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. The Vuori Strato Tech Polo Shirt and Lululemon Evolution Polo Shirt are both 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, Bonobos and Vuori all offer 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Makes A High-Quality Polo Shirt?
A high-quality polo shirt is made from durable fabric that holds its shape through multiple washes. There should be no loose threads, uneven stitches, snags in the material or faded coloring. If you can shop in person, you can usually spot low-quality fabric quickly as it will feel flimsy or rough in your hands (knots in the fabric or snags will stand out).
Should You Wear A T-Shirt Under A Polo Shirt?
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.
What Is The Best Fabric For A Polo Shirt?
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 Tommy Hilfiger Classic Short Sleeve Polo, 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 also hydrophobic, which means they repel water to keep you dry and comfortable.
