Polo shirts look great, but wearing them well can be tricky. Read on for our favorite polo shirt outfit ideas.
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The polo shirt is one of the most iconic men’s garments. While it’s historically associated with golfers, the polo shirt has become much more common, with everyone from office interns to celebrities sporting them.
However, the polo has also developed a reputation for being somewhat basic and lame. That might be because polos are part of many uniforms.
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You see them on everyone from elementary school boys to food service workers. The polo is also an integral part of the preppy college look that many guys prefer to avoid.
Simply put, it can be a polo-rizing garment. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)
So how do you make a polo look good without looking like a ten-year-old or a frat bro?
In short, the trick is to start with a well-fitting shirt and build a complementary outfit that doesn’t make you look like you’ve just stepped onto a tennis court in the 1960s.
First things first: the fit.
We’ve covered how polo shirts should fit in another article, so make sure you check that out. After all, if your shirt doesn’t fit you well, your outfit isn’t going to look good.
Trust me, you do not want to start shopping without knowing that basic info about fit. It’ll save you a bunch of time (and probably money).
Now let’s take a closer look at the polo itself and the different options you have.
The Polo Shirt Deconstructed
Before we get into specific outfits, let’s look at the garment itself.
The basic polo is a short-sleeved, collared shirt with a three-button neckline. Functionally, it’s a lot like a t-shirt, but the collar and neckline set it apart.
Polos can also have breast pockets, though this isn’t a universal feature.
In terms of materials, polos are usually made from knitted cotton, which makes them a little heavier than t-shirts. Cotton is the most common material for polos, although some may have polyester or Spandex in them.
There’s no “best” material, but cotton polos tend to be the most comfortable in any season. 100% cotton can be incredibly comfy if the cotton is high quality, although high-percentage cotton blends (like 95% cotton/5% Spandex) are also great.
While we’re at it, let’s get some terminology out of the way.
If you’ve shopped for polo shirts before, you may have seen the terms “pique” and “jersey” tossed around. These terms refer to the knit of the fabric.
A pique knit has a textured waffle weave, whereas a jersey knit creates a smooth, flat surface.
Most polos you’ll come across will be pique knit. In fact, many people use “pique polo” to describe the standard polo shirt.
Because of their crosshatched weaving, pique polos are thicker and sturdier. Jersey knit polos are more lightweight, similar to a t-shirt.
Both types of fabric are great in their own way, but pique knit fabric is much more common than jersey knit. If the description doesn’t specify, it’s probably a pique knit.
It’s important to know the distinction between pique and jersey knits. Some outfits may work really well with a pique polo but not so well with a jersey polo. And, of course, they feel different, so you need to know what you’re getting yourself into––literally.
A Word About Branding
Part of the reason why the polo has such a weird reputation has to do with the branding.
You’re probably familiar with polos that have really noticeable branding on them like this one:
In fact, this is what many guys think of when they hear the term “polo shirt.”
Heavily branded polos like this tend to detract from the actual polo by covering it up with massive logos. And unless you’re literally a polo player, it’s hard to successfully rock that logo.
That’s why one of the biggest polo shirt hacks is to look for polos with minimal to no branding.
This just gives you a classier, more understated look that doesn’t make you come off as pretentious.
Patterns can be cool (and you’ll see some of those later) but when it comes to branding, keep it minimal.
Okay, no more beating around the bush. You’re here to learn how to wear a polo shirt for men, so let’s get to it. Here are our favorite polo shirt outfit ideas for all seasons and situations.
Casual Polo Shirt Outfit Ideas
Let’s start out with some casual polo looks…
#1: Smart Casual Polo With Chinos
Here’s a simple yet stylish outfit that’s great for pretty much any situation or season (okay, maybe not winter). Polos go well with a variety of pants, but chinos are especially complementary and tie the outfit together.
If you want to add a little bit of flair, throw a couple of accessories into the mix. A great watch is always a safe bet that matches the polo aesthetic nicely.
#2: Preppy Yet Casual
When you think of a polo shirt, you probably think of an outfit like this one. This is an elegant version of the preppy collegiate look that’s often associated with Ivy League or other private schools. Both pique and jersey polos will work with this look.
It’s an excellent outfit for situations that call for smart casual dress. If you want something more on the casual side of things, you can always switch the loafers for a pair of boat shoes or slip-ons.
#3: Casual Polo With Shorts
If you need a summer outfit that’s not just an old t-shirt, look no further. The combination of a relaxed polo with shorts is a surefire winner for the warmer months. This outfit will keep you breezy when you’re out and about, so even on more sweltering days you’ll be (relatively) cool.
Again, you can switch out the shoes depending on the vibe you’re going for. These boat shoes give an added touch of classiness to the outfit, but you could also rock anything from
#4: Polo Shirt and Jeans
Wondering how to wear a polo shirt with jeans? It’s an easy outfit to get wrong, but it can look fantastic if you do it right.
A fitted pique polo is best since the texture of the shirt will match the texture of the denim, making for a really balanced outfit. Think of it as an upgrade to the classic t-shirt and jeans combo.
#5: Dual-Color Polo
If plain polos aren’t your thing, try a two-toned polo that uses a different color for the collar (and sometimes sleeve cuffs).
The one pictured here is a nice white-on-navy combo that looks great with shorts.
#6: Dark Polo With White Trousers
This stunning black-and-white look is understated yet expressive. The white trousers pop against the black polo and shoes, but this isn’t a loud outfit at all.
The watch is a nice touch that adds some grey tones into the mix.
#7: Neutral Polo With Chinos
This is another outfit that teeters on the line of casual and formal. It’s the sort of outfit you might wear for your office’s Casual Friday or perhaps to a family dinner or social event.
Choosing a dark color like black or navy for your polo will give it a more formal look, and pairing it with simple pants helps it look even more formal. At the end of the day, this is still a casual outfit, but it’s a lot dressier than, say, a t-shirt and jeans.
#8: With a Coat
Another excellent outfit for fall and winter, this pairing of a buttoned up polo and thicker coat is super stylish while also staying minimalist.
This outfit allows you to stay warm without layering a ton, making it a perfect choice for chilly weather.
Dressy Polo Shirt Outfit Ideas
You can dress up a polo, too. Here are some outfit ideas…
#9: Formal Polo With Dress Pants
For more formal outfits, having your polo shirt tucked in makes a huge difference, and adding a belt ups the formality level even more. Finish the look off with some dress pants and nice shoes, and you’re ready to go.
This combination makes the polo “formal by association.” The polo is kind of a chameleon garment that blends into its surroundings, so wearing lots of formal elements will give the polo a more formal look as well.
#10: Dressy Long Sleeve Polo
That’s right, polos also come in long sleeved varieties. These are pretty uncommon, but they have a really nice look that offers something a little different from the standard button down.
Long sleeve polos afford a bit extra warmth, so if you’ve wanted to know how to wear a polo shirt in winter, definitely try a long sleeve polo. You can even layer it underneath a cardigan for added insulation.
#11: Under A Blazer
Closing off our list is this unexpected yet dapper crossover. Wearing a polo under a blazer isn’t common at all, yet it works surprisingly well.
A thicker long sleeve pique polo tucked into dress pants complements the smart blazer, and everything comes together for a nicely balanced formal outfit.
There you go––11 of our favorite ways to wear a polo shirt. The polo is a really misunderstood garment that can be styled in many different ways. If you’ve passed up on polos in the past, give them another shot.
What are some of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
The Polo Shirt Deconstructed
To start, let's deconstruct the polo shirt and understand its key features and characteristics.
The polo shirt is a short-sleeved, collared shirt with a three-button neckline. It is similar to a t-shirt in terms of functionality, but the collar and neckline set it apart. Some polo shirts may also have breast pockets, although this is not a universal feature.
In terms of materials, polo shirts are typically made from knitted cotton, which gives them a slightly heavier feel compared to t-shirts. While cotton is the most common material for polo shirts, some may also include polyester or Spandex in their fabric composition. Cotton polos are generally the most comfortable, especially those made from high-quality cotton. However, high-percentage cotton blends, such as 95% cotton and 5% Spandex, can also provide great comfort.
Pique vs Jersey Knit
When shopping for polo shirts, you may come across the terms "pique" and "jersey." These terms refer to the knit of the fabric used in the polo shirt.
A pique knit has a textured waffle weave, while a jersey knit creates a smooth, flat surface. Most polo shirts you'll find will be pique knit, and many people use the term "pique polo" to describe the standard polo shirt. Pique knit polos are thicker and sturdier due to their crosshatched weaving, while jersey knit polos are lighter and more similar to t-shirts in terms of weight.
Both types of fabric have their own advantages, but pique knit fabric is more commonly used in polo shirts. It's important to know the distinction between pique and jersey knits because certain outfits may work better with one type of fabric over the other. Additionally, they have different textures, so understanding the fabric you're getting is essential.
A Word About Branding
One aspect that has contributed to the polo shirt's reputation is branding. Some polo shirts feature prominent logos or branding, which can detract from the overall aesthetic of the polo. Unless you are a polo player, excessively branded polos may not be the best choice.
A popular hack for wearing polo shirts is to opt for minimal or no branding. This creates a classier and more understated look, avoiding the appearance of pretentiousness. While patterns can add interest to a polo shirt, it's best to keep branding minimal.
Now that we have a better understanding of the polo shirt, let's explore some outfit ideas for both casual and dressy occasions.
Casual Polo Shirt Outfit Ideas
Smart Casual Polo With Chinos
This outfit is simple yet stylish and suitable for various situations and seasons. Pairing a polo shirt with chinos creates a well-coordinated look. To add flair, consider incorporating accessories like a watch that complements the aesthetic of the polo shirt.
Preppy Yet Casual
This outfit embodies the classic preppy collegiate look often associated with Ivy League or private schools. Both pique and jersey polos work well with this style. It's a versatile outfit suitable for smart casual occasions. For a more casual twist, swap out loafers for boat shoes or slip-ons.
Casual Polo With Shorts
For a summer outfit that goes beyond a plain t-shirt, consider pairing a relaxed polo with shorts. This combination is perfect for staying cool and comfortable during warmer months. Depending on the desired vibe, you can choose from boat shoes, sneakers, or loafers to complete the look.
Polo Shirt and Jeans
Wearing a polo shirt with jeans can create a fantastic outfit if done right. Opt for a fitted pique polo to match the texture of the denim, resulting in a balanced and polished look. This combination offers a stylish alternative to the classic t-shirt and jeans combo.
Dual-Color Polo
If plain polos aren't your preference, try a two-toned polo with a different color for the collar and sometimes the sleeve cuffs. This adds visual interest to the outfit. For example, a white-on-navy combo can pair well with shorts.
Dark Polo With White Trousers
This black-and-white outfit combines understated elegance with contrasting elements. The black polo and shoes create a sleek backdrop for the white trousers. The addition of a watch adds subtle gray tones to the ensemble.
Neutral Polo With Chinos
This outfit strikes a balance between casual and formal, making it suitable for various occasions like Casual Fridays or family dinners. Choosing a dark-colored polo, such as black or navy, adds formality, especially when paired with simple pants. Although still casual, this outfit exudes a more polished look compared to a t-shirt and jeans.
With a Coat
Ideal for fall and winter, this outfit features a buttoned-up polo shirt paired with a thicker coat. It offers a stylish and minimalist option for colder weather without excessive layering. This combination provides warmth while maintaining a fashionable appearance.
Dressy Polo Shirt Outfit Ideas
Formal Polo With Dress Pants
For more formal occasions, tucking in your polo shirt makes a significant difference in elevating the formality level. Adding a belt further enhances the dressy look. Pair the polo with dress pants and nice shoes to complete the ensemble. This combination gives the polo shirt a formal appearance through association. The polo's versatility allows it to blend seamlessly into formal outfits when combined with other formal elements.
Dressy Long Sleeve Polo
While less common, long-sleeved polo shirts offer a unique alternative to the standard short-sleeved version. They provide added warmth, making them suitable for winter outfits. Layering a long sleeve polo underneath a cardigan can further enhance insulation and create a stylish look.
Under A Blazer
This unexpected yet dapper combination involves wearing a polo shirt under a blazer. Although not commonly seen, this pairing works surprisingly well. Opt for a thicker, long-sleeved pique polo tucked into dress pants for a more formal appearance. The smart blazer complements the polo, resulting in a well-balanced and fashionable outfit.
These are just a few of our favorite ways to wear a polo shirt. The polo is a versatile garment that can be styled in various ways. If you've overlooked polo shirts in the past, give them another chance and explore different outfit ideas. Feel free to share your favorite polo shirt looks in the comments below!