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’m never not satisfied by how breathable its soft fabric is. No wonder it’s selected to be tested by our Fashion Director Ted Stafford and to be fitted on Scream VI star Mason Gooding.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Workouts- and Outdoors-Friendly

This sports-friendly trainin