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Elevate Your Everyday: The Polo Shirt, Redefined

The Unwavering Legacy of the Polo Shirt

Despite passing trends, the polo shirt remains a timeless icon. Far from being a fleeting fashion item, its consistent presence in menswear underscores its adaptability and enduring appeal. Long before social media declared it a symbol of "old-money style," this sophisticated alternative to the T-shirt was already a celebrated sportswear garment, destined for a permanent place in fashion history.

From Tennis Courts to Global Fashion: A Brief Origin

Surprisingly, the polo shirt's roots lie not in polo, but in tennis. Decades ago, tennis players endured rigid button-up shirts and flannel trousers—hardly ideal athletic attire. This changed when French tennis legend René Lacoste, affectionately known as "Le Crocodile," revolutionized the sport by designing a lighter, more breathable, and softer pullover. His innovative creation transformed tennis apparel and quickly propelled the polo shirt into global popularity, solidifying its status as a menswear essential.

The Enduring Appeal of the Original: Lacoste's Signature Polo

It's fitting to begin our exploration with the pioneer. Nearly a century after its inception by French tennis player René Lacoste, the brand bearing his name continues to produce one of the finest iterations of the garment it originated. The Lacoste polo, with its distinctive short button placket, elegant collar, and ribbed sleeves, crafted from its legendary cotton pique fabric, remains a testament to timeless design, beloved by diverse fashion enthusiasts.

Lacoste: A Timeless Classic for Every Wardrobe

Lacoste's enduring appeal lies in its unwavering commitment to quality and classic design. The brand's pique polo, praised for its crisp texture, timeless aesthetic, and universally flattering silhouette, has been a favorite for decades. It combines robustness with softness and breathability, proving its versatility both on and off the court. The iconic crocodile logo, while a signature element, also highlights the brand's distinguished heritage.

Sunspel's Riviera Polo: A Touch of Bond-Inspired Luxury

Among the most sophisticated items to emerge from the James Bond universe is the Sunspel Riviera polo. This piece was a style icon long before it appeared on screen. The British label has been meticulously crafting its luxurious polos since the 1950s, establishing a reputation for unparalleled quality.

Crafted for Comfort and Elegance: The Sunspel Difference

The secret to Sunspel's excellence begins with its material: extra-long staple Supima cotton from California. This premium raw material results in a fabric that is exceptionally soft, durable, and lightweight. Woven into a fine mesh, it offers superior breathability, making it ideal for warmer climates like the French Riviera. Its slim and refined fit provides a sophisticated look, suitable for various occasions, from casual outings with jeans to more elevated ensembles. For those seeking to enhance their wardrobe with a piece that exudes understated luxury, this polo is an impeccable choice.

J.Crew's Washed Piqué Polo: A Nod to Vintage Comfort

It's no surprise that J.Crew features prominently in this selection. The esteemed American brand, known for its preppy essentials like chinos and Oxford shirts, naturally excels in polo shirt design. Their polos are celebrated for their refined silhouette, exceptionally soft cotton pique, and durable construction, making them perennial bestsellers.

Embracing Retro Style: J.Crew's Unique Washed Piqué

While J.Crew's standard polo collection is commendable, their washed piqué polos stand out for their distinct retro aesthetic. The faded finish gives them a desirable vintage, lived-in feel, capable of captivating even the most discerning vintage enthusiasts. Available in a palette of subtle pastels, these polos offer a refreshing alternative to more vibrant, common hues, providing a sophisticated yet relaxed look that distinguishes them from typical collegiate styles.

Stòffa's Knit Polo: Sophistication in Every Stitch

Knit polos are undeniably one of the most elegant garments a man can own, offering a refined look without resorting to flashy fabrics. While the market is flooded with options ranging from affordable to incredibly opulent, our top recommendation comes from the discerning label, Stòffa.

The Art of Knitting: Stòffa's Exquisite Cotton Piqué Polo

Stòffa's polo distinguishes itself through its use of fine-gauge Turkish cotton, double-twisted and meticulously knit into an airy yet structured honeycomb design on specialized machines. Each polo is piece-dyed, imparting a subtle vintage charm that improves with age. Additional features such as a classic straight fit, unique ribbing, and a beautifully spread collar make Stòffa's polo a premier choice for any man's wardrobe.

Buck Mason's Seafarer Polo: The Versatility of Long Sleeves

While short-sleeve polos are incredibly versatile, long-sleeve versions offer a distinct advantage in cooler weather or when a more polished look is desired. They exude a subtle sexiness, appearing more buttoned-up and chic. From cozy mohair styles for winter to sleek, slim-fit options for formal occasions, long-sleeve polos vary widely. Our preferred choice for everyday wear comes from Buck Mason.

Everyday Elegance: Buck Mason's Seafarer Cotton Rugby Polo

The Seafarer Cotton Rugby Polo from Buck Mason perfectly balances the many possibilities of a long-sleeve polo, making it ideal for various daily scenarios. Crafted from a substantial yet breathable cotton, it drapes beautifully and is comfortable enough for spring. Its classic silhouette is excellent for layering and rests perfectly at the hips, creating a flattering profile. Despite its higher price, the exceptional quality justifies the investment, though a wider selection of colors would be a welcome addition.

John Smedley's Jersey Polo: Elevating Formal Wear

Polo shirts may have originated on the tennis court, but the right one can easily transition to the most exclusive dining establishments. For a sophisticated event or a high-end date, John Smedley's jersey polo is our top recommendation. It stands out as the best dressy polo we've encountered, largely due to its exceptional use of Sea Island cotton.

The Refined Touch: John Smedley's Sea Island Cotton Polo

Sea Island cotton, highly prized for its ultra-long staples, imparts a silky texture and superior durability to the fabric. When expertly knitted into a fine jersey, the result is a polo that boasts an elegant drape, a buttery feel, and a subtle sheen, significantly elevating its overall sophistication. Designed with a slim fit, higher armholes, and tailored sleeves, it creates a sleek silhouette that pairs flawlessly with fitted trousers. This polo is a testament to John Smedley's multi-generational expertise in knitwear, ensuring a garment of impeccable quality and style.

Reigning Champ's Solotex Mesh Tiebreak Polo: Performance Meets Style

For those prioritizing practicality and athletic performance, the polo shirt has evolved significantly since René Lacoste's time. Modern high-performance polos require breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and unrestricted movement to keep pace with intense activities. Reigning Champ's Solotex Mesh Tiebreak polo perfectly embodies these qualities while maintaining a stylish aesthetic.

Engineered for Excellence: Reigning Champ's Innovative Polo

This polo features a unique mesh fabric that feels sleek and offers an aerated sensation, ensuring coolness and dryness even during the most demanding tennis matches. It boasts UV protection, four-way stretch, flatlock seams, and strategically placed gussets for superior construction. Unlike many athletic polos that look out of place off the court, Reigning Champ's design integrates seamlessly into everyday wear, with a heathered fabric that resembles a traditional sweater. It's the ideal choice for those who demand professional-level performance without compromising on style.

Gap's Pique Polo: Accessible Quality for the Everyday

If one were to suggest that Gap's origins were rooted in tennis, and then present this polo as evidence, it might be a plausible claim. The pique fabric is notably soft and breathable, yet it retains a structured feel. Its sleeves are perfectly proportioned, hitting the midpoint of the bicep without being restrictive or excessively loose. The collar strikes an ideal balance, offering a classic size and comfortable texture.

The Perfect Everyday Polo: Gap's Budget-Friendly Option

Regarding fit, Gap's polo is trim but not overly tight, providing a tailored appearance that pairs well with dress pants or worn beneath a suit. While some other polos may offer a marginally superior feel or fit, Gap excels in the budget category, with each polo priced affordably. Moreover, frequent sales often allow for even greater savings, making it an excellent value proposition for a versatile wardrobe staple.

Expanding Your Polo Collection: Other Notable Styles

The polo shirt category has diversified considerably since its inception. Beyond the traditional pique and mesh golf polos, the market now offers a wide array of options, including plush sweater cardigans, sleek zip-up polos, and airy linen versions perfect for a Mediterranean getaway. The key is discerning which styles truly merit your attention.

Key Considerations for Selecting Your Ideal Polo Shirt

When choosing a polo, several factors come into play. Fabric is crucial: while classic polos are typically 100% cotton piqué, a breathable, mesh-like knit, modern iterations incorporate synthetic materials for enhanced breathability, stretch, and moisture-wicking properties, particularly for performance-oriented designs. Luxurious options in high-quality wool or cashmere cater to a dressier aesthetic. Fit is another personal preference, ranging from tailored silhouettes that hit mid-bicep and at the hips to slimmer, baggier, boxier, or cropped styles. Finally, the style spectrum is broad, encompassing thick-gauge knit sweaters, silky merino wool dress polos, button-through designs, and both long and short sleeves. This vast selection ensures a polo suitable for every occasion and personal taste.

Our Rigorous Product Evaluation Process

We understand that style is subjective, and that's precisely what makes it exciting. Our primary goal is to guide our audience in making informed fashion choices. Whether it's selecting the finest white sneakers, the most stylish affordable suits, or staying updated on the latest menswear releases, GQ Recommends bases its perspective on extensive hands-on experience, an acute understanding of current and emerging trends, and a dedication to identifying the best products across all price points.

The Expertise Behind Our Recommendations

While our team may not personally try on every single garment featured on GQ.com, we possess an in-depth knowledge of each brand's strengths and the hallmarks of quality clothing. This includes scrutinizing materials, sourcing practices, craftsmanship, and genuine sustainability efforts. Our recommendations are heavily influenced by our collective editorial experience with these brands, their manufacturing processes, and customer feedback. Ultimately, GQ only endorses products that our staff would confidently wear themselves.

Crafting Our Selections: A Multi-faceted Approach

Our selection process is designed to be as comprehensive as possible, aiming to identify the best options across three critical criteria: quality, fit, and price. To initiate this process, we convene the GQ Recommends team, whose members bring diverse backgrounds from retail, small-batch menswear labels, and a shared passion for wardrobe curation, to vote on contenders.

From Initial Culling to Final Recommendations

Leveraging our collective experience, we curate a diverse range of products, including well-known brands, independent favorites, and avant-garde artisanal labels. This initial assortment is then narrowed down to those that score highest in quality, fit, and price. Many of our team members have direct, firsthand experience with the majority of our selections. After several months of thorough debate, we compile our votes and anecdotal evidence to produce a definitive list of the best products in each category, spanning from reliable classics and innovative newcomers to affordable everyday wear and high-end designer pieces. Regardless of your personal preferences or style, this curated list is sure to feature a perfect option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Polo Shirts

What are good polo shirt brands?

Numerous brands excel in crafting high-quality polo shirts. Among the leading names are Lacoste, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sunspel, Brooks Brothers, and John Smedley, each renowned for their distinct contributions to this iconic garment.

Why is it called a "polo" shirt?

Initially referred to as tennis shirts, the term "polo shirt" has an intriguing origin. Polo players in India first wore shirts made of Oxford cloth with buttoned collars to prevent flapping during play. John Brooks of Brooks' Brothers observed this design and adapted it for his button-up shirts, labeling them "Polo Shirts." Today, these are more commonly known as button-down shirts. The widespread popularity of Ralph Lauren's tennis shirt, launched in 1972 with its distinctive Polo Pony emblem—a homage to the equestrian sport and Lacoste—helped solidify the name "polo shirt" for this style of garment.

Is a polo shirt business casual?

Yes, polo shirts can be considered business casual, though their suitability depends on the specific type of polo and how it's styled. The definition of business casual varies, and workplace dress codes will largely determine the appropriate level of formality. Standard cotton pique polos are more casual, especially if they feature a prominent logo. In contrast, polos made from finer materials like thin merino wool or cashmere offer a dressier alternative. Chunky knit polos, however, might lean too far into sweater territory for a formal business casual environment.

You can seamlessly integrate a polo shirt into a dressier business casual ensemble by pairing it with a two-piece suit as an alternative to a dress shirt. For a more relaxed yet still polished look, combine it with well-pressed khakis and loafers.