One of the first prototypes of the polo shirt is said to have been invented in 19th Century India, where disgruntled English polo players would button down their collars to stop them flapping around in the wind.
Since then, polo shirts have been seen on tennis courts, catwalks, street corners, music videos and football terraces. And, nowadays, every fashion house worth its weight in fabric has a take on this classy garment.
You’ll find polo shirts in various fabrics hung in wardrobes around the world - from Hollywood to Halifax. But why? Well, they look the part and they’re incredibly versatile. Perfect for a casual option to be worn under a suit or to slip on with a pair of jeans for a night down the pub.
Below we’ve picked out the best polo shirts for men – from smart, classic options to funky 70s-inspired patterned prints.
Lacoste Sport polo shirt
This unruffled, 80s-style men’s polo shirt by Lacoste is versatile enough to be worn on the court or for a night down the pub. Not keen on the colour? Don’t worry, it’s available in seventeen others…
£80 | Lacoste | Buy it now
Also available from Next
Gucci appliqued striped cotton jersey polo shirt
Buzz around the town in this bright, bee-embossed, red and navy polo shirt by fashion kingpin, Gucci. It’s probably pricier than an 80s Volvo but it’s worth a punt if you’re not short of a few quid.
£520 | Mr Porter | Buy it now
Sacred Hawk polo shirt
This men’s open-neck polo shirt by Sacred Hawk is that throwback to the 70s that you didn’t think you were looking for but now really want. Check out that big flappy collar and quirky, all-over brown and white print. It’s groovy baby.
£30 | ASOS | Buy it now
Benetton polo shirt
This white and blue, long-sleeved, rugby-ish polo shirt by Benetton is a good option for men or women looking for a cool, street look. Who knew this old-school brand could be so down with the kids?
£90 | Selfridges | Buy it now
Ralph Lauren slim fit pique polo
A high-end pick from a brand synonymous with men’s fashion. This men’s polo shirt has got something slightly Oxbridge about it and has Ralph Lauren’s purple pony label embossed on the chest. One for the preppy kids.
£178.50 | Ralph Lauren | Buy it now *On sale from £300
Fred Perry striped detail polo
A line-up of men’s polo shirts without a Fred Perry pick would be like a football team without a goalkeeper – utterly useless. We love this characteristic white polo with tricolour collar trim and the mods out there will too.
£ 65 | Harrods | Buy it now
ASOS design revere polo shirt
ASOS is a sanctuary for quality, affordable men’s polo shirts - hence why there’s a good number of picks from the online retailer on this list. But if you want a summery, modern take that that won’t break the bank, this one’s a good shout.
£16 | ASOS | Buy it now
Paul Smith artist-stripe pique polo shirt
This suave men’s polo shirt by Paul Smith is a pricier option, but we won’t judge you for splashing out. Crafted in Italy, it’s made from crisp white, soft cotton and finished with the fashion house’s trademark multi-colour trim.
£247 | Matches Fashion | Buy it now
Hugo Boss textured-knit cotton polo shirt
Perhaps not in Hugo Boss’ typical style, this navy and white open-collar men’s polo shirt is a refreshing take on a classic shirt and looks bit Don Draper-esque. We like the navy and white textured finish and bicep-hugging sleeves.
£110 | Mr Porter | Buy it now
Ralph Lauren Classic fit interlock polo shirt
A Ralph Lauren men’s polo shirt, like a good friend, is always there for you. We’re particularly into this stripy emerald and white option. But you can’t go wrong with Ralph really, can you?
£95 | Ralph Lauren | Buy it now
Mango striped open neck polo shirt
Channel Steve McQueen in Mango’s stylish navy, open-neck polo shirt. Wear it with a slim-fit pair of light chinos for a mid-century film star look. Then watch those heads turn at your next summer BBQ…
£19.99 | Mango | Buy it now
Howlin’ striped terry-towelling polo shirt
Nobody will be Howlin’ at you in this nautical black and white striped men’s polo shirt. We’re all aboard with the soft towelling fabric and neat pointed collar too.
£115 | Matches Fashion | Buy it now
ASOS design long sleeve polo
Zip-up, look sharp in this men’s long-sleeved emerald polo shirt on the market for less than £20. It comes with a tidy, circular zip fastener and grainy contrast stitching. Plus, green is in this summer.
£18 | ASOS | Buy it now
Orlebar Brown Donald cotton waffle-knit polo shirt
Channel your inner 007 in this navy men’s polo shirt with smart piped white Cuban collar by Orlebar Brown. Why not don it to a fancy rooftop bar and order yourself a Martini?
£141 | Matches Fashion | Buy it now
Connolly striped band-collar cotton-jersey polo shirt
Now, now, steady on… we know what you’re thinking. Is a polo shirt without a collar actually a polo shirt at all? We’re taking a risk on this men’s chic band collar pick - available in white and navy because it looks the part.
£345 | Matches Fashion | Buy it now
Weekday Elmer striped polo shirt
Weekday is a hipster’s go-to for affordable clobber and it’s certainly not letting us down here. Check out this men’s long-sleeve rugby polo - made from organic cotton - in mustard and white. Because we all know a British summer isn’t always about short-sleeves and sunglasses.
£15 | Weekday | Buy it now
Sunspel Riviera cotton-terry polo shirt
It’d be wrong to keep towelling strictly to bathing and nothing confirms that more than this trendy Sunspel men’s polo shirt in teal. Although we wouldn’t hate you for wearing it to the beach.
£102 | Matches Fashion | Buy it now
Fred Perry abstract collar polo shirt
After a Britpop-meets-acid house look? Check out Fred Perry’s striking pink polo shirt with subtle abstract tipping. If you like the cut, but you’re not feeling that bold, don’t fret, it’s also available in five other colours.
£70 | Fred Perry | Buy it now
Icon stripe Merino wool Burberry polo shirt
What’s stripy, woolly and a little bit lovely? A men’s beige Burberry polo shirt, that’s It’s an investment piece at £350, so make sure you look after it – go steady on the boil wash.
£350 | Burberry | Buy it now
Obey Saucer velour polo shirt
The word on the street is that velour is making a comeback this summer - and we’re on board. Take a look at Obey’s orange, long-sleeved men’s polo shirt, which is perfect for slighter cooler summer days.
£45.50 | ASOS | Buy it now
Lacoste knit strip polo shirt
There’s something a little nostalgic about this white, knitted men’s polo shirt by Lacoste that makes us want to pop down to the local court and send a few serves down. A nod to Wimbledon perhaps?
£90.30 | Triads | Buy it now
Stone Island tipped badge logo shirt
We quite like this black men’s polo by Stone Island. It’s robust well-priced and a little bit naughty. You might disagree, but don’t get all Danny Dyer on us.
£100 | Flannels | Buy it now
Uniqlo men’s dry pique polo shirt
Sometimes you’ve got to keep it subtle, and Japanese brand Uniqlo is the perfect high-street store to help you do that. This grey men’s polo shirt is very understated, but it comes with quick-drying technology – perfect for sticky summer months.
£19.90 | Uniqlo | Buy it now
Mr P. knitted cotton-pique polo shirt
There’s a hint of the Wolf of Wall Street about this contrast sky-blue and white polo shirt by Mr P. Ideal for men looking for a sophisticated look.
£140 | Mr Porter | Buy it now
Orlebar Brown cotton-terry polo shirt
Orlebar Brown is knocking it out the park this season and they aren’t about to let the side down. We’ve fallen pretty hard for this simple, ivory, open-neck men’s polo shirt. And it’s spot on for your holidays.
£132 | Matches Fashion | Buy it now
Verdict:
For simplicity and versatility, you really can't beat a preppy Lacoste polo shirt. Although Sacred Hawk's retro, patterned polo is a great option if you want something a bit quirkier at a reasonable price.
For the pure audacity of it, we’re going to go with Gucci’s long-sleeved red rugby polo as the luxe polo pick.
