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Don't let the algorithm trick you into thinking the polo is a mere fad: the best polo shirts for men are a reliable reminder that the style is as evergreen as it gets. Long before TikTok pundits were heralding the polo shirt as a signifier of 'old-money style', the preppy T-shirt alternative was pure sportswear—and a shoo-in for the menswear Hall of Fame.
Contrary to its name, the polo shirt originated with another sport entirely. For decades, tennis players had been sweating it out in stiff button-up shirts and flannel pants—not exactly what we'd consider sportswear today. But when a young French phenom by the name of René Lacoste (nickname: "Le Crocodile") set out to create a pullover that was lighter, softer, and more breathable than its starchy counterparts, he changed the sport forever. Thanks to Monsieur Lacoste's prowess on the courts—and the ingenious design of his now-signature shirt—the polo rapidly transcended its origins to become one of the most popular garments in the world.
Today you'll find an endless array of riffs on the silhouette, from classic pique joints cut with quality to spare to high-fashion renditions rendered in the most decadent materials on the planet. These are our absolute favorites on the market right now.
- The Best OG Polo Shirt: Lacoste Short Sleeve Classic Chine L.12.12 Polo Shirt,
$110$76 | Read More - The Best Budget Polo Shirt: Gap Pique Polo Shirt,
$35$17 | Read More - The Best Upgrade Polo Shirt: Sunspel Riviera Polo Shirt, $170 | Read More
- The Best Vintage-Like Polo Shirt: J.Crew Piqué Polo Shirt, $80 | Read More
- The Best Dressy Polo Shirt: John Smedley Jersey Polo, $280 | Read More
- The Best Knit Polo Shirt: Stoffa Cotton-Piqué Polo Shirt, $375 | Read More
- The Best Long-Sleeve Polo Shirt: Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Rugby Polo, $188 | Read More
- The Best Performance Polo Shirt: Reigning Champ Solotex Mesh Tiebreak Polo,
$90$63 | Read More
The Best Men’s Polo Shirts, According to GQ
Best OG Polo Shirt: Lacoste Short Sleeve Classic Pique Polo Shirt
Might as well start at the beginning, right? Around a century ago, French tennis player René Lacoste—famously nicknamed “the crocodile”—invented the polo as a way to blend hard-wearing performance with easy-going style. Almost 100 years later, the brand that bears his name still makes one of the best versions of the product category it invented—and its remit extends well beyond the court.
Lacoste’s signature design still features its telltale short button placket, elegant collar, and ribbed sleeves, done up in a now-legendary cotton pique fabric that’s endeared it to prepsters and punks in equal measure. It’s sturdy and soft, beefy but breathable, and a testament to the brand’s sovereignty decades into its reign.
“When I think of the polo shirt,” says GQ senior commerce editor Avidan Grossman, “I think of Lacoste. It’s as simple as that.” These days, Lacoste, the man, might not be remembered for his vicious backhand, but his contributions to the menswear canon remain undisputed. “Don’t sleep on the OG,” Grossman implores. He’s been wearing Lacoste’s genre-defining pique polo on and off for decades, and touts its crisp feel, timeless look, and universally flattering cut. If you need further convincing, Grossman submits one Jeremy Allen White as evidence.
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Fit | Slim |
| Sizes | XS-4XL |
| Colors | Many |
Best Upgrade Polo Shirt: Sunspel Riviera Polo Shirt
One of the swaggiest pieces to come out of the James Bond franchise isn’t a Tom Ford suit or an Omega Speedmaster—it’s Sunspel’s Riviera polo. But the MI-6 agent’s plain-clothes uniform was hot long before it graced the silver screen. The British label has been crafting its luxurious polos since the 1950s and have been some of the best ever since.
It all starts with the fabric which is made using extra-long staple Supima cotton from California. The superior raw material makes for a fabric that’s buttery to the touch, not to mention more durable. Sunspel knits it into a fine mesh fabric that’s featherlight and super breathable, perfect for the French Riviera for which it was originally intended. They fit slim and trim for a more refined, less casual look off the bat, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rock one with some busted jeans and sneakers. It’s a great all-around polo for practically every occasion. And if you’re the kind of guy who needs to level-up every inch of his wardrobe, this is the polo to get.
| Material | 100% piqué cotton |
| Fit | Slim |
| Sizes | XS-3XL |
| Colors | Many |
Best Vintage-Like Polo Shirt: J.Crew Washed Piqué Polo Shirt
You shouldn’t be surprised that J.Crew is on this list. After all, the beloved American label built its success on preppy staples like chinos and Oxford shirts, so you should expect its polos to be among its many strengths. It’s one of the brand’s bestsellers for so many reasons: dialed-in silhouette, super soft cotton pique, and solid construction.
While we really like its regular lineup of polos, we’re particularly fond of its washed piqué polos which have a certain retro feel that’s hard to replicate. The washed-down finish gives it a vintage, broken-in look that could have hardcore thrifters’ jaws on the floor. They’re available in an array of pastels that are the perfect swerve away from the usual candy-coated tones that plague most fraternities.
| Material | 100% cotton piqué |
| Fit | Classic, slim, tall |
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
| Colors | Many |
Best Knit Polo Shirt: Stòffa Cotton-Piqué Polo Shirt
Knit polos are inarguably one of the sexiest pieces of clothing a man can own without resorting to sheer fabrics or leather pants. And we do love the horde of options that have overwhelmed the market, from the cheap and cheerful to the impossibly riche. But our favorite comes from the insider-y label, Stòffa.
It starts with a fine-gauge Turkish cotton which is double-twisted and knit into an airy yet structured honeycomb design using rare knitting machines. Each polo is piece-dyed which gives it a subtle vintage feel that will only get better with age. Other details like a classic straight fit, unique ribbing, and a spread collar that’s to die for make Stòffa’s polo a clear frontrunner for the best shirt in any guy’s closet.
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Fit | Slim |
| Sizes | XS-4XL |
| Colors | Bone Gray, Cloud Blue |
Best Long-Sleeve Polo Shirt: Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Rugby Polo
There’s a time and a place for everything, but short sleeve polos, as versatile as they are, don’t need to take up space everywhere. Long-sleeve polos are just a little sexier, a little more buttoned-up, a little more chic. There are levels to the long-sleeve polo, from the winter-coded fuzzy mohair joints to the slick and slim dressy options, but our favorite among them comes from Buck Mason.
The Seafarer Cotton Rugby Polo splits the difference between every way a long-sleeve polo can go and is the best for everyday situations. The cotton is hefty and has an incredible, structured drape, but is still breathable enough for spring. The classic silhouette is perfect for layering and sits right at the hips for a flattering look. The price tag may be a big pill to swallow, but the great quality justifies it. Our main complaint? It doesn’t come in more colors.
| Material | 100% cotton, 7-gauge half-cardigan rib-knit |
| Fit | Classic fit |
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
| Color | Brown |
Best Dressy Polo Shirt: John Smedley Jersey Polo
They may have been invented for working up a sweat on the tennis court, but the right polo can get you into the snootiest of restaurants, too. If we had to rock a polo to a glitzy function or a high-class date, we’d go with John Smedley. It’s the best dressy polo shirt we’ve tried thanks to its secret weapon: sea island cotton, a highly sought cotton that’s prized for its ultra-long staples which translates to a silky texture and durability. And when it’s knit into a fine jersey like this, the result is a polo that has an elegant drape, buttery hand, and slight sheen which elevates the polo overall. Dressy polos should be cut like a bespoke suit and Smedley’s is nice a slim through the body with higher armholes and a tailored sleeve for a sleek silhouette that works seamlessly with fitted trousers. Consider yourself a shoe-in at the Michelin-We’ve been enamored with John Smedley’s crop of knitwear from its cashmere sweaters to merino cardigans and it’s all thanks to the brand’s multi-generational expertise in knitting. So when it comes to polos, we weren’t exactly shocked that Smedley knocks it out of the park.
| Material | 100% sea isalnd cotton jersey |
| Fit | Slim fit |
| Sizes | XS-4XL |
| Colors | Vary |
Best Performance Polo Shirt: Reigning Champ Solotex Mesh Tiebreak Polo
Okay, so you want to wear a polo for the practicality and performance for which it was invented. You can ditch the cotton piqué and jersey knits because polo performance has come a long way since Monsieur Lacoste. These days, high-performance polos need to be breathable, they need to wick sweat, and they need to give you the range of motion to keep up with the most intense rallies. And it wouldn’t hurt if the polo looked good, too. Our pick goes to Reigning Champ’s Solotex Mesh Tiebreak polo.
The fabric is a unique mesh that has a slick hand and aerated feel to keep you cool and dry through the toughest tennis match. It’s got UV protection, four-way stretch, flatlock seams, and strategic gussets for superior construction. While plenty of other sporty polos do well in athletic situations they look painfully corny outside of a golf course or a tennis court. Not Reigning Champ. Where other options look like the fabric came from a space suit, Reigning Champ’s looks like a unique heathered fabric that would fit well amongst a lineup of traditional sweaters. So if you need your polo to serve up some pro-level performance while looking stylish, we wouldn’t recommend anything else.
| Material | 100% polyester mesh |
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
| Colors | Vary |
Best Budget Polo Shirt: Gap Pique Polo Shirt
If you told us that the Gap got its start on the tennis court and showed us this polo, we might actually believe you. The pique fabric is soft and breathable, but still has some structure. The sleeves hit dead-on at the middle of the bicep without choking or flopping around the arm. And the collar is a great middle-of-the-road classic size and feel.
As for the fit, Gap’s polo is trim but not tight for a tailored air that looks great with dress pants or under a suit. While there are other polos that felt a little nicer and fit a little better, Gap’s got the budget category locked down because each polo will only set you back $35. Plus, with Gap’s frequent markdowns, you can easily catch it for even less.
| Material | Cotton 98%, Spandex 2% |
| Fit | Slim |
| Sizes | XS-3XL; Regular and Tall |
| Colors | Many |
More Polo Shirts We Love
Inis Meáin
Linen Polo Shirt
Sweater polos are a debonair move to pull in the cooler months, but when the weather warms up, it's best to switch over to something with more airflow. This luxe polo from heritage knitwear label Inis Meáin is expertly crafted in Ireland of top-tier linen in a loose knit and a relaxed fit. The result is a louche polo best served with slick sunglasses and an umbrella-laden cocktail in-hand.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Logo-Embroidered Cotton-Piqué Polo Shirt
Ralph Lauren, despite his indelible imprint on menswear at large and this garment specifically, did not invent the polo shirt. But we wouldn't blame you for thinking he did. It's almost as popular as the OG Lacoste joint thanks to its classic design, super soft cotton piqué fabric, infinite color gamut, and handsome silhouette. And we'd be remiss to mention the famous pony logo, which gives the polo an aura that no other emblem can.
Todd Snyder
Cotton-Cashmere Sweater Polo
Todd Snyder's knitwear program is one of the more decadent on the market. Thanks to uncompromising materials, expert craftsmanship, and a dash of Snyder's signature design sauce, it would behoove you to stock your closet with a few sweaters. This is one of the best examples of a polo sweater out there, made from a lusciously soft cotton-cashmere blend and a relaxed, slightly cropped fit, it's hard not to love how it feels on the body and how it'll make you feel on the inside.
Banana Republic
Merino Wool Long-Sleeve Sweater Polo
Banana Republic’s polo is as silky as it is sultry thanks to the lustrous merino wool and tailored fit. The material is buttery soft, lightweight, and feels incredible sans undershirt. Prop it up with a suit or highlight it with a pair of high-waisted trousers and clean dress shoes.
Noah
Velour Long Sleeve Polo
Striped polos are a throwback trend that's getting some honest-to-goodness traction these days and Noah's new-school riffs are some of the coolest on the market. Case in point, this sumptuous velour joint with thin stripes and a bouquet floral embellishment. It's part prep, part skate, and all good.
Bode
Regis Logo-Embroidered Polo Sweater
Bode's distinct style has earned a fanatic following. And while this polo sweater is more reserved, it's still a head-turner. It's inspired by vintage sportswear garments with its rugby-esque striping and retro colorway which make it feel like something you'd pull out of the attic of a 1930s athlete.
What to Look for in a Great Polo Shirt
In the decades since Monsieur Lacoste birthed the category, the polo shirt has evolved far beyond the croc’s wildest imagination. These days, the market is teeming with your requisite mesh golf polos and pique tennis polos, but it also includes scuzzy polo cardigans, slinky zip-up polos, and airy linen polos well-suited to an Amalfi getaway. Which, exactly, are worth your time?
- Fabric: Traditional polo shirts are made out of 100% cotton piqué, a breathable fabric with a mesh-like knit. These days, however, cotton polo shirts are better for business casual settings over clay or grass courts. Polos geared toward performance will be made of synthetic materials with breathability, stretch, and moisture-wicking in mind. Many polos will also be made from high-quality wool and cashmere for a more luxurious feel and dressier look.
- Fit: Fit is subjective, but the most classic polos are a touch tailored with sleeves that hit at the middle of the bicep and a hem that reaches to the hips. They can be slimmer, baggier, boxier, cropped, etc., so the final silhouette rests on you.
- Style: Polos come in manifold variations beyond the classic piqué polo. Thick-gauge knits make for sweater-style polos, while slinky silky merino wools make for dressy polos. Then there are button-through polos, long sleeves, and short sleeves. The expanse of the polo galaxy is getting larger, which just makes styling them more universal.
How We Test and Review Products
Style is subjective, we know—that’s the fun of it. But we’re serious about helping our audience get dressed. Whether it’s the best white sneakers, the flyest affordable suits, or the need-to-know menswear drops of the week, GQ Recommends’ perspective is built on years of hands-on experience, an insider awareness of what’s in and what’s next, and a mission to find the best version of everything out there, at every price point.
Our staffers aren’t able to try on every single piece of clothing you read about on GQ.com (fashion moves fast these days), but we have an intimate knowledge of each brand’s strengths and know the hallmarks of quality clothing—from materials and sourcing, to craftsmanship, to sustainability efforts that aren’t just greenwashing. GQ Recommends heavily emphasizes our own editorial experience with those brands, how they make their clothes, and how those clothes have been reviewed by customers. Bottom line: GQ wouldn’t tell you to wear it if we wouldn’t.
How We Make These Picks
We make every effort to cast as wide of a net as possible, with an eye on identifying the best options across three key categories: quality, fit, and price.
To kick off the process, we enlist the GQ Recommends braintrust to vote on our contenders. Some of the folks involved have worked in retail, slinging clothes to the masses; others have toiled for small-batch menswear labels; all spend way too much time thinking about what hangs in their closets.
We lean on that collective experience to guide our search, culling a mix of household names, indie favorites, and the artisanal imprints on the bleeding-edge of the genre. Then we narrow down the assortment to the picks that scored the highest across quality, fit, and price.
Across the majority of our buying guides, our team boasts firsthand experience with the bulk of our selects, but a handful are totally new to us. So after several months of intense debate, we tally the votes, collate the anecdotal evidence, and emerge with a list of what we believe to be the absolute best of the category right now, from the tried-and-true stalwarts to the modern disruptors, the affordable beaters to the wildly expensive (but wildly worth-it) designer riffs.
Whatever your preferences, whatever your style, there's bound to be a superlative version on this list for you. (Read more about GQ's testing process here.)
Your Polo Shirt FAQ, Answered
What are good polo shirt brands?
There are countless brands that make great polos, and some of the top polo shirt brands are Lacoste, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sunspel, Brooks Brothers, and John Smedley.
Why is it called a "polo" shirt?
For a while, polo shirts were called tennis shirts (makes sense). The original polo shirts were worn by polo players in India and featured an Oxford cloth fabric and collars designed with buttons which helped prevent them from flapping in the wind. John Brooks of Brooks’ Brothers witnessed this and brought the idea over to his button-up shirts, dubbing them “Polo Shirts”. Today, most people call those polo shirts button-down shirts.
When Ralph Lauren introduced his tennis shirt in 1972, he based it off of classic tennis shirts with cotton piqué fabric, a soft pliable collar, and a tennis tail. The kicker? His instantly recognizable Polo Pony emblem on the chest, a nod to the kingly sport which he used to name his brand as well as to Lacoste. That his tennis shirt and Polo brand became highly successful helped solidify the shirt as a polo.
Is a polo shirt business casual?
Yes, but it depends on both the kind of polo shirt and what you wear with it. Business casual is a spectrum, and your place of work will inform you just how casual or just how business you can go. Your regular-degular cotton pique polos are more casual, especially if they have a logo. Finer, fancier materials like a thinner merino wool or cashmere are dressier. (We'd probably avoid the chunkier knit polos as they feel a little too much like a sweater.)
From there, you can swap out your dress shirt with a polo and wear it with a two-piece suit for a dressier biz-cas look. Or you can pair it with pressed khakis and loafers and you're firmly in the casual end of the spectrum.