The 20 Best Polo Shirts for Men in 2023, Tested by Style Editors

The Time-Tested, Tried-and-True Classic

Of course, we have the OG pique polo that started it all. There’s a reason why the Lacoste tennis polo has been a staple since the 30s—it’s classic, sleek, and will never go out of style. For US Open or just your weekend downtime.

My favorite part about this polo shirt is its classic fit and tried-and-true comfort. It gives you enough room in the torso and bicep to breathe without hiding away all your gains. The 100% piqué knit cotton to me has always felt soft and durable, no matter how many times I’ve washed it.

The Can’t-Go-Wrong Best-Seller

The beauty of a Polo Ralph Lauren top is that you know it will never go out of style. After all, the clothing brand you know and love makes some of the best polo shirts for men out there. You’ll wear it everywhere (to work, on the weekends, and so on) for years and years.

In my experience of wearing Ralph Lauren’s polo shirts across different colors, I’ve found that not only is the silhouette instantly recognizable—even to the style-illiterate folks—but it also can be worn to just about every non-athletic occasion.

Your Everyday Go-To Shirt

A polo with a flattering fit and top-tier comfort is hard to come by. That’s why we can’t help but love TravisMathew’s Zinna polo. It’s breathable, soft, lightweight, and looks dang good on any type of body. It’s an all-American polo if we say so ourselves.

Personally, I’ve dealt with polo shirts that lose their shape after a few wears, which is why I love Zinna for its durability. Its collar has always stayed up (thanks to the brand’s Collar-stay tech). It has also been my default short-sleeve shirt for running errands—when the weather gets hot and the road gets long, the four-way stretch and breathability always come in clutch.

Merino Wool Performance on a Polo Shirt

Cut from premium 16.5-micron merino wool, this moisture-wicking shirt was made for marathon flights and multi-day wear (it’s called the 72-Hour for a reason). Merino wool is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant, which hits on all of the key features a polo needs for the traveling grind.

To test out its merino wool performance, I’ve in fact packed this polo for a recent trip and worn it to trail, walk, and commute for a few days. At the end of the day, when I did take it off, I was delighted to find out that it did remain as fresh as when I first put it on, after all those hours of traveling in it.

Pros

• Sueded for extra softness
• Versatile for dressing up or down
• Straight hem that can be tucked in easily

Comfortable and Versatile

Sometimes your polo collection could use a little vintage garment. As seen on Bullet Train Star Andrew Koji and washed for a lived-in look, Buck Mason’s polo looks rugged, “feels broken-in like your favorite sweats, while its suede finish keeps it looking sharp.”

In addition to being tested by our Fashion Director Ted Stafford, what I love most about this polo is that it’s sueded for extra softness. While it’s got no stretch, traveling in it has also felt much more comfortable compared to ordinary cotton polos. I also dig its versatility: I’ve paired it with anything from sweat shorts to work pants, and it has held out well on its own.

A Budget Find That Lasts

If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly polo, then you can’t go wrong with one from Amazon Essentials. For less than $20 you can get a classic pique polo that’s vibrant and well-fitting. The best part is if it starts to fall apart you can quickly re-up and have it at your doorstep ASAP.

And even though it’s cheap, I was not disappointed by its quality. Sure, it can’t stay wrinkle-resistant or moisture-wicking like performance polos, but as everyday polos, it’s got a classic cut and style that have matched well with my jeans and chinos. I had to be extra careful of washing it, of course, so that it could last longer.

Pros

• Anti-odor and four-way stretch
• Elevated look with a structured collar

Your Everyday Polo, But Better

Made from the brand’s signature softer-than-soft fabric that’ll stay fresh and crisp wash after wash, this polo is coupled with a four-way stretch, antimicrobial fabric, and a collar that won’t move around, this polo is truly ready for it all.

When I tried this on, I did notice that the fabric leans a bit to the thinner side—which is probably intended. But everything else about it amazed me. Because of its performance build with lycra, polyester, and anti-odor silver, I was able to do some light exercises and jogs in it, and it still managed to stay fresh.

A Polo That Performs

Fashion meets function with this breathable polo thanks to its anti-stink technology and on-trend design. This Lulu polo is specifically made for the links, but we wouldn’t knock you for wearing it just as much off the course.

Our colleagues did in fact wear this polo to the golf course. Not only did we not mind the slim sleeves which accentuated our biceps, but we were also utterly satisfied by how movement-friendly the fabric is. After a few swings nonetheless, the fabric managed to stay dry and in shape.

Pros

• Textured, long-lasting cotton-silk yarn
• Retro style that just looks good
• Elevated style that’s versatile for dressing up or down

A Retro Style That Just Works

Whether it’s on Jude Law as Dickie Greenleaf from The Talented Mr. Ripley or on Leonardo DiCaprio from Catch Me If You Can, the sweater polo as a retro style staple is no stranger to the big silver screen; and after its comeback last summer, we doubt it’ll ever go away anytime soon.

My favorite parts about this sweater polo are its comfort and versatility. Made with cotton-silk yarn to feel softer than ever, it’s managed to stay fresh throughout my summer. Its sophisticated ribbed texture also renders it extra versatile—whether it’s with swim trunks, jeans, chinos, or even sweat shorts, the polo makes me look sharp and elevated each time.

Lightweight But Tough

Vuori meticulously engineered the Ace Polo to be as light and comfortable as possible. It provides the appearance of a classic pocket polo with the performance of athletic apparel. It’s perfect for warm weather vacations, knocking out your weekend to-do list, or getting in 18 holes.

While wearing it, the three-button design does feel a bit tight and I had to always leave one open. But I was surprised by how elevated it looks, especially under a blazer or with a suit. Along with its performance feats, it’s the polo that I now rely on for any elevated travel occasion.

A Godsend for Warm Weather

Ideal for the dude on the go or who runs hot, this lightweight, moisture-wicking polo shirt is made for your active lifestyle. Not only is it made with a self-cooling pique mesh fabric that has kept me feeling fresh and crisp, at work or in the game, but its perfect fit also gives me that desired untucked look (i.e. won’t bunch around your bottom area).

Pros

• Long sleeves for colder weather
• Dress it down with jeans or up with a blazer
• Will never go out of style

Sporty But Sharp Style

Blue-on-white horizontal stripes were worn by the French Navy in the 1800s and they have been associated with nautical style ever since. Brooks Brothers placed them on this long sleeve polo, giving the appearance of a rugby shirt. However, in my experience of wearing this polo, its lightweight fabric keeps the comfort of a polo shirt. And I was amazed by its versatility: with sweat shorts or chinos or jeans, this rugby polo has managed to make me look sporty yet sharp.

Pros

• Under $50
• Fabric wicks sweat and dries fast
• Feels soft, light & breathable

Workouts- and Outdoors-Friendly

This sports-friendly training polo is made with a soft, light, and breathable fabric that won’t overheat you—and certainly won’t break the bank. Keeping you cool, loose, and easy 24/7, this performance polo can anchor any casual outdoors fit.

Really, the performance of this polo is one for the books. Whether it’s for going on the course or going out fishing, my colleague was impressed by its anti-sweat and anti-odor qualities. But my favorite part is its fit: broad at the chest and tapered down the waist, it gives me the athletic look that buff guys like.

Pros

• Durable, soft, and breathable fabric
• Collar stays upright
• Sleeves are easy to roll up for summer

The Versatile Layer

Whether you want to go preppy by wrapping another shirt around it, look elevated by wearing it with chinos, or layer it under a blazer for an evening fit, this polo with the cuff of a button-down shirt is versatile enough to do it all.

Even on summer days, I can still roll up my sleeves to stay cool in this polo. However, I like to layer this polo under a blazer and pair it with dress pants for an elevated business casual look. The price point is a bit inflated (we know) but when you factor in how long it will last you’re better off making the jump up.

Pros

• Great for sports or golf or sweaty occasions
• Four-way stretch for mobility
• Low-maintenance

A Polo That Does It All

While it’s dressy enough for the office, the tapestry of tech feats in this polo—four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, UPF 50+, antimicrobial properties—can make your time spent outdoors worthwhile, on or off the course.

When I tried this on for the first time, I was taken away by how smooth and cool it felt. Then, when I did a few hikes in it, its stretch and quick-drying properties came in like a wrecking ball to keep me cozy, which is why it also works as a great golf shirt.

Pros

• Simple elegance
• A slim fit with shorter arms that flatters your physique

Understated Style and Comfort

If this polo is good enough for James Bond, it’s good enough for us. Daniel Craig looked sharp sporting this shirt, specifically tailored for his James Bond debut, in Casino Royale.

On me, and possibly on you, the style of this modern classic is unquestionable. But over time, I’ve started to incorporate this polo as a part of my go-to fits because of how soft, light, and breathable it feels especially on warmer days, sharpening me up while keeping me cool.

The Bang for Your Buck

When you want the crisp feel of a camp shirt but you love the look of a polo, Fair Harbor will have you covered. Breathable and lightweight, the Atlantic Polo also comes with a sun-drenched wash to look lived-in. At under $70, it can be easily dressed up or down, for your nightlife or your office life.

While the soft, breathable comfort is what initially attracted me to wear this polo shirt on downtown or Friday nights, thanks to its partially polyester build, I’ve grown to appreciate it for its sweat-wicking qualities. Really, at this price, with this look, it’s a no-brainer.

Smart Design Meets Sharp Style

Tested and hand-picked by our Fashion Director Ted Stafford, this polo uses a simple twist in closure—zip, instead of buttons—to turn the classic silhouette into one of your wardrobe’s boldest styles. Hence, it’s chosen as part of this spring’s boldest styles and co-signed by fitfluencers. Best for dressing down, this sporty polo shirt can still look elevated even if all I’m wearing with it are chino shorts and white sneakers.

Pros

• Seamless construction
• Anti-odor and breathable
• Stretchy for movements

Works on and off the Course

Wilson’s Kramer polo is packed with odor-fighting, sweat-wicking technology, such as how its ventilation is woven into high-sweat areas, making it ideal for hot-weather outings and sports days in summer. But our testers also love its toned-down monogrammed style, seamless comfort, and how its collar has stayed upright wash after wash.

The Investment-Worthy Piece

Bros lead Luke Macfarlane coins his style as “Classic American Heritage Workwear… durability over style. Form-fitting when possible.” With that in mind, our Fashion Director tested and hand-picked this polo by Vince which not only flatters his athletic physique, but also aligns with his style principles on durability and ruggedness. In a sophisticated Birdseye pattern and soft-as-butter wool-and-cashmere build, this polo shirt can truly elevate your wardrobe and thus is worth the investment.