Nail the polo shirt, and you’ll unlock all kinds of potential comfort as summer approaches.
One notch past the tee or henley on the casual scale, it’s a garment that has all kinds of “classic” connotations, which you can play up or down depending on your style. Generally speaking, the secret to rocking a polo shirt without looking like a dork is fit. That goes for everything you wear, but the rule is especially important when it comes to basics, which, essentially, the polo shirt is (only here, it’s collared).
What you don’t want: a starchy piece of cloth that fits you like a box. What you do want: a shirt that’s tailored to the midsection, with a collar that flatters your face. Also keep in mind sleeve length: the higher you go, the more retro the look. A well-fitting polo shirt should be slightly trim at the chest and, unless you’re tucking it in (a must if worn under a suit jacket), should fall just below the belt.
Below, you’ll find some of our favorites for the season.
Clockwise from top left: Buck Mason Tennis Shirt $68; Todd Snyder Silk Cotton Pocket Polo $188; Topo Designs Mountain Polo $89; Orlebar Brown Felix Melange Cotton-Pique Polo $120; Faherty Polo $88; Alex Mill Rugby Wide Stripe Polo $110; Everlane Pique Polo $35
Main Photo: Buck Mason
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