What do you do when a regular t-shirt just isn’t going to cut it?
You want to step your game up a bit, but you never want to sacrifice your comfort.
Enter: the polo.
Having a few great polo shirts in your closet can help save the day—they’re a fantastic middle ground between classy and casual, and they pair just as well with jeans as they do slacks.
If you’re looking for the best polo shirts, I have you covered.
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My Recommendations
Best Overall: Vuori Strato Tech Polo
If I could only pick one polo to rule them all (Lord of the Polo), I’d pick the Vuori Strato Tech Polo.
To me, it offers everything you want in a polo: it’s soft and comfortable, it has a modern slim fit, the collar doesn’t go AWOL on you every time you wash it, and the fabric is stretchy and breathable. Plus it has UPF 30+ protection so it’s excellent for long days in the sun.
What I Like
The Strato Tech fabric feels like cotton, but performs like a workout shirt.
The fit is modern and slimming.
Very low maintenance—it doesn’t wrinkle and doesn’t require special care in washing.
What I Don’t Like
They don’t have a very expansive color selection.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers love how soft the fabric is—I can attest to that myself. Because this shirt has a more modern slim fit, some older gents with self-proclaimed dad-bod claimed to enjoy a size up from their usual.
The Verdict
The Vuori Strato Tech Polo isn’t the only great polo, but it certainly aces everything I’m looking for in a perfect polo shirt. It’s flattering, it’s comfortable, and it doesn’t restrict me at all.
Best Overall
Vuori Strato Tech Polo
The Vuori Strato Tech Polo isn’t the only great polo, but it certainly aces everything I’m looking for in a perfect polo shirt. It’s flattering, it’s comfortable, and it doesn’t restrict me at all.
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Best Long Sleeve: Rhone Delta Pique
The Rhone Delta Pique knit polo is available in long sleeve and short sleeve, but I’m calling out the long sleeve version here because I absolutely love the fabric.
It’s performance-wear but with a rich texture to it that I haven’t seen from another brand. It’s knit, and it’s also performance-driven, meaning you get great airflow, breathability, but it’s also relatively thick.
What I Like
The raglan style sleeves are flattering for the shoulders.
The arms are narrow and fitted, so the sleeves don’t get in the way, plus they look great pushed up.
A side vent adds a lot of breathability to this shirt.
What I Don’t Like
It runs quite large—I recommend sizing down a size.
What Other Reviewers Say
Several reviewers mentioned that this fabric does double duty: it’s warm when the weather is cold and it’s cool when the sun comes out. This makes the Delta Pique from Rhone an ideal choice for transitional weather.
The Verdict
A long sleeve polo is ideal for long days in the sun and when the weather isn’t quite hot but it’s not cold either. It’s all a balancing act, and no other polo does it better than the Rhone Delta Pique Long Sleeve Polo.
Best Long Sleeve
Rhone Delta Pique Long Sleeve Polo
A long sleeve polo is ideal for long days in the sun and when the weather isn’t quite hot but it’s not cold either. It’s all a balancing act, and no other polo does it better than the Rhone Delta Pique Long Sleeve Polo.
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Great Value: Fresh Clean Tees Torrey Polo
A work polo should tuck in easily, look clean and minimalist, be comfortable and cool, and not be so expensive that you’re afraid to actually work in it.
The Fresh Clean Tees Torrey Polo checks all of the above boxes. The brand is one of my favorites for everyday shirts because they come in multi-packs, they’re super comfortable, and the fit is incredible (flattering arms and chest with a little room in the torso).
What I Like
These run a little slimmer and longer, which makes them easy to tuck in for a professional look.
The fabric is a cotton-poly blend: you get comfort, stretch, and breathability—and it doesn’t wrinkle easily.
They’re relatively inexpensive so you can get a multi-pack for the workweek.
What I Don’t Like
The collar may need to be steamed or ironed every few washes to ensure it keeps it’s shape.
What Other Reviewers Say
For shirts in this price-range, dudes are used to a certain standard of fit. But Fresh Clean Tees blows its similarly-priced competitors out of the water: the shoulders, chest, and arms are cut slimmer, which is a flattering look—even for dudes with a bit of dad-bod.
The Verdict
A great work polo shouldn’t be distracting. You want comfort, a clean look, and the ability to tuck your shirt in. It helps if you look dang good in it, too.
The Fresh Clean Tees Torrey polo comes in a variety of neutral colors, plus white and black if you need those to fit your dress code at work.
Great Value
Fresh Clean Threads Torrey Polo
(Get 15% off sitewide with code TAM15)
A great work polo shouldn’t be distracting. You want comfort, a clean look, and the ability to tuck your shirt in. It helps if you look dang good in it, too.The Fresh Clean Threads Torrey polo comes in a variety of neutral colors, plus white and black if you need those to fit your dress code at work.
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Most Comfortable: Perk Clothing Feel Good Polo
For guys in need of a polo shirt that combines sophistication with innovation and wraps it all up in a shirt with unmatched comfort, Perk Clothing’s Feel Good Polo could fit the bill. This isn’t your ordinary polo, it’s engineered to look and feel great – and stay that way.
It’s made from midweight Peruvian Pima cotton, which features a flexible 4-way stretch and is completely tagless. This means no annoying tags to cause itching and no more restrictive fabrics hampering your movement.
What I Like
The stay-flat collar prevents curling and keeps you looking sharp.
Wrinkle-resistant fabric saves you time and hassle (no need to iron or dry clean).
The comfortable midweight Peruvian Pima cotton is the star of the show—a quick-dry performance blend that keeps you cool and confident and feels silky soft to the touch.
What I Don’t Like
I’d like to see a white option. While there are black and graphite options, it seems only logical to add a plain white into the mix for a basic wardrobe essential.
The Verdict
Perk has clearly created this polo as an antidote to perpetually disposable T-shirts from cheap online retailers and department stores. With functional features like the wrinkle-resistant fabric and a stay-flat collar that never curls, this is an elevated wardrobe essential that’s built to last.
The colorways are well-considered and tasteful, and the modern, tapered fit looks great on almost everyone. But the main attraction with the Feel Good Polo is clearly the focus on comfort. The well-considered design and smooth, breathable fabric that gets softer over time is the true star of the show.
Most Comfortable
Perk Clothing Feel Good Polo
(Get 15% off with code 15ADULTMAN)
Perk has clearly created this polo as an antidote to perpetually disposable T-shirts from cheap online retailers and department stores. With functional features like the wrinkle-resistant fabric and a stay-flat collar that never curls, this is an elevated wardrobe essential that’s built to last.
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Best for Husky Guys: Ralph Lauren Big & Tall Classic Pique Polo
If you’re a big and tall guy, you don’t need to sacrifice your style and stick to just t-shirts.
Ralph Lauren has an amazing assortment of clothes for bigger dudes, and their Big & Tall Classic Pique Polo is the ticket regardless of your size.
With sizes ranging from 1X-6X Big and lengths L-5XL long, you’re pretty likely to find something that works for you. Plus there are over 20 colors to choose from at the time of writing, which is more than any other brand on this list.
What I Like
The variety of sizing is tremendous—regardless of your big and tall size, you can find a fit that works here.
Amazing selection of over 20 colors.
The “tennis tail” in the back gives you another inch of coverage in the back to avoid plumbers crack.
What I Don’t Like
Since it’s made with 100% cotton, the elastic ribbing in the collar and arms will eventually wear out—these polos still have solid durability, but they don’t have the longevity of some of these other brands.
What Other Reviewers Say
Many reviewers claim to have more than one of these shirts, because once they check the fit of the first, they go back for seconds (or thirds, or fourths). It can be tough for huskier gents to find clothes that fit well, but the fit is one of things that get the most praise for these polos.
The Verdict
If you’re a big dude, you can still rock a spring and summer look—and you don’t need to limit your style to just t-shirts. It’s all about finding the right fit, and nobody offers a greater variety of big and tall sizes for polos than Ralph Lauren.
Ralph Lauren’s Big & Tall Classic Pique Polo has the variety in sizing and colors you’d want to rock year-round.
Best for Husky Guys
Polo Ralph Lauren Big & Tall Classic Pique Polo
If you’re a big dude, you can still rock a spring and summer look---and you don’t need to limit your style to just t-shirts. It’s all about finding the right fit, and nobody offers a greater variety of big and tall sizes for polos than Ralph Lauren.
Best for Golf: TravisMathew The Zinna Polo
Hitting the links?
While the polo shirt may have gotten its start on the polo fields, it’s become par for the course out on the green, too.
If you’re looking for a top notch polo built for golf, go no further than the TravisMathew Zinna: made with performance fabrics and enough length to stay put when you crank back and really give that drive your all.
What I Like
The Zinna has a modern fit that looks great on the course.
The built-in collar-stays keep this shirt’s maintenance low.
There’s a nice variety of neutral and pastel colors.
What I Don’t Like
Because it’s made with synthetic materials, be careful to not get it snagged, even on velcro.
What Other Reviewers Say
Many reviewers on the TravisMathew site swear by these polos and wear them every day (I’m assuming different versions…not literally the same shirt every day).
Reviewers appreciate that the fit and style work both on the course and during the 19th hole.
The Verdict
No bogey’s here: the TravisMathew Zinna was built for playing 18 holes and looking dang-good throughout the whole thing.
The cotton-poly blend is lightweight and breathable, plus the extra length in the shirt makes it easy to tuck in so your polo stays put during your drive. Focus on your form, not your shirt.
Best for Golf
TravisMathew The Zinna Polo
If you’ve never tried Pima cotton before, you’ll be impressed. This shirt is soft and breathable, and it's keeps the stank at bay.
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Best Budget: 32 Degrees Cool Classic Polo
I get it, you’re not a complicated guy. You just want a solid polo without spending much. In that case, I recommend the 32 Degrees Cool Classic Polo.
It doesn’t have the best fit or construction (when compared to the other entries on this list), but it’s super comfortable, has amazing breathability, and is just about $10 at the time of writing.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly polo, the 32 Degrees Cool Classic Polo is the go.
What I Like
Made with 90% polyester and 10% Spandex, this has a ton of stretch and it’s quite thin and breathable.
It’s not as big and baggy as other budget brands—it still keeps a relatively slim and modern fit that’s flattering.
What I Don’t Like
Sizing can be difficult to pin down—read reviews before buying because you may need to size up or down depending on the specific item you’re looking for from 32 Degrees.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers rated these a 4.8-star average with over 500 reviews at the time of writing, though there were some notable qualifications throughout that are worth mentioning: shipping times can be a bit lengthy, and there’s a decent amount of “you get what you pay for,” especially regarding the look of the collar—it doesn’t stay crisp looking for very long.
The Verdict
The best polo under $20 goes to 32 Degrees. I love the fabric because it’s so cool and light, so it’s also a great summer option.
That said, this polo doesn’t hold its shape all that well—it could be fine for you in very casual situations, but I often wear polos to step up the classy level a bit. For that reason, I’d really recommend one of the other polos on this list (Fresh Clean Tees if you want a step up but not too much extra cost, or Vuori if you want something you can rock with confidence for years).
Best on a Budget
32 Degrees Cool Classic Polo
The best polo under $20 goes to 32 Degrees. I love the fabric because it’s so cool and light, so it’s also a great summer option.That said, this polo doesn’t hold its shape all that well---it could be fine for you in very casual situations, but I often wear polos to step up the classy level a bit.
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How to Wash Polo Shirts
You don’t need to do anything special to account for the collar of your polo shirts, but there are a few helpful tips to help keep the fabric neat. These rules also apply to regular t-shirts, but I think the stakes are a little higher with polos because once the collar gets all floppy, the shirt loses a lot of its value.
Always wash your polo shirts on cold—as all dudes know, cold water helps with shrinkage. But in the case of your polo, cold water reduces shrinkage.
You should also tumble dry on low heat, as this will also help keep the original size of your polo intact.
With polo shirts, I like to steam or iron the collar out because that’s a crucial part of the look. I’d rather wear a t-shirt than a polo with the collar tabs curled inward.
Luckily, most of the polos I featured on my list have some synthetic fabrics in them, which make them much lower maintenance and easier to keep wrinkle free.
Speaking of wrinkles…
How to Fold Polo Shirts
There’s a special way to fold your polo shirt so that you’re not impressing a crease right into the middle of the collar.
Start by folding the shoulders into the middle.
Then fold the polo in half at the mid-section and lay the top down.
Prop up the collar a bit and straighten everything out. You can pack your polo away in your dresser now, or you can fold it in half again, leaving the collar facing up.
I prefer to hang my polo shirts, but if you don’t have the space or you’re traveling, just keep your focus on the collar. The rest of the shirt is fairly easy to iron or steam, so don’t pay much attention to wrinkles there: the key is to keep the collar crispy.
Solo Polo
If I could only wear one polo, it’d be the Vuori Strato Tech Polo. While I love the other polos on my list for various reasons, I think the Vuori Strato Tech hits all the big points I want in a polo.
Our Top Pick
Vuori Strato Tech Polo
The Vuori Strato Tech Polo isn’t the only great polo, but it certainly aces everything I’m looking for in a perfect polo shirt. It’s flattering, it’s comfortable, and it doesn’t restrict me at all.
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For large dudes, Ralph Lauren’s Big & Tall Classic Pique Polo comes in an incredible array of sizes, so you can definitely find something that fits you.
For golf or work, check out Travis Mathew’s Zinna or the Fresh Clean Tees Torrey. If max comfort is your bag, Perk’s Feel Good Polo is worth a look.
So which polo will it be for you?
FAQs
Are polo shirts still in style in 2023?
Polo shirts are still in style. This is a classic cut and will stay fashionable for decades because it bridges the gap between casual and classy. Polos look great dressed down and they also look professional for the office.
What color polo shirt is best for guys?
If you’re not sure which color polo to get, stick with something neutral, like a dark grey. Many polo shirts come in bright pastels, which are great, but they’re a bit less versatile. I always recommend dark grey if you’re not sure about a color because it goes with everything and is usually flattering.
Is a polo shirt ok for a date?
If you’re going on a casual date, a polo shirt is a fantastic option. It looks more put-together than just a simple t-shirt. You can step it up a little with a blazer on top, too. But I wouldn’t wear a polo to a more formal restaurant.
