The Best Polo Shirts for Men, Tested by Style Editors

I wasn't expecting much from a $14 polo, but this Amazon bestseller punches way above its weight. The slim fit is clean and flattering on a bunch of body types, and the cotton fabric feels surprisingly breathable, even on muggy days. It doesn't have the added stretch you'd get from spandex or elastane, but I still found it cozy enough for weekend errands and office commutes.

The best part? It comes in so many colors that you could easily stock up on a spring-summer rotation for the cost of a fancy dinner. I've paired it with chinos, jeans, even shorts, and it looked great with all of them. Sure, you wouldn't train or play sports in it, but for day-to-day looks, it's a solid move.

Banana Republic designed a soft-yet-durable sweater polo bridges the gap between casual and formal wear, earning a spot in our lineup. Our Grooming Editor Sean Zucker loves to wear this one to the office on days when he has dinner plans after clocking out. He can tuck into dress pants and pair the fit with loafers for a put-together look. The fabric is made with a waffle-like thermal stitch that gives texture and retro vibes. It feels comfortable and light, even on days when outside starts to heat up.

Thanks to the straight, roomy fit, Zucker doesn’t feel too suffocated. On laundry day, he tossed it in the washer, which kept it looking fresh, but he recommends letting it air dry to avoid shrinkage. Whether you want a regular fit or tall sizing, Banana Republic has options that make it easy to nail a polished look without trying too hard.

Full disclosure: Our Style Director Christian Gollayan owns seven of these, and wears one of them at least twice a week during the summer. That's because the cotton knit is super soft yet breathable, and the trim cut around the chest and arms is super flattering. No surprise this was named after Rock Hudson. It has a matinee-idol vibe, and I've received countless compliments when wearing it around town. Bonobos cranks these out in a bunch of colors and patterns, so you could build your whole summer rotation around this one polo. The price is fair, the quality holds up, and people will notice. Just skip the dryer if you want to keep the original fit.

Cos is one of my favorite menswear brands, especially for clothing that feels premium enough wear to a museum opening or fancy dinner. Take this slim-fit pool shirt that’s a step from your typical long-sleeve. It swaps out the sporty jersey fabric for smooth merino wool, making it read like a luxury knit. The material is softer, finer, and more temperature-regulating than cotton. You might read wool and think it's heavy, but it’s actually lighter than the Banana Republic polo. This is one of the shirts you wear year-round, season after season. Plus, the burgundy color is like the cherry on top, punching it above the basic polos on the market.

It doesn’t feel comfortable in a muggy station, but I’ve found it to be breathable in the city, whether the temps are in the 60-70 range. It avoids the boxy, dad-polo effect and gives a closer fit that skims the body without being too tight. In this case, most body types can rock this option with no issue. You can put it in the washing machine, but it’s best to take a trip to the dry cleaners. Since it has a more polished vibe and will last for some time, those qualities justify the price tag.

Bugatchi ditched the traditional buttons for a Johnny collar (a split V-neck opening) for a unique, flattering aesthetic. For extra style points, the collar and cuffs have double stripe tipping that’ll make you stand out. Unlike many options we’ve tested, this polo shirt is made with pima cotton, which is the finest cotton out there—thanks to its longer fibers that feel durable and luxurious without piling. The air blue colorway pairs nicely with navy chinos and loafers for a semi-dressy look or shorts for a casual lunch fit.

We also like its relatively slim fit that flatters most body types. In short, this polo will look good for years to come, decreasing your cost per wear. Like some of our favorite menswear essentials, Bugatchi's polo has some performance features. It contains a hint of stretch that moves as well as some of our favorite workout shirts, while its pima cotton is cozy, but breathable. We've worn it during hot afternoon commutes and found that it kept us cooler than most other cotton polos we've tested.

Peter Millar built its name on golf shirts, but this one deserves a spot way beyond the fairway. Our editors have worn this on city commutes, business-casual office days, and even for a night out, and it's never felt out of place. That's because it has a classic fit that's super flattering, and it's roomy through the shoulders, which is a win if you've been hitting chest day (though it might be too roomy for leaner guys). I found the polyester-spandex blend has a smooth silky feel that’s not textured or mesh-like. The jersey knit is breathable and stretchy to keep you looking and feeling cool when you're out and about this summer.

One editor wore it out on the greens in 80-degree temps, but the fabric didn’t get soaked. He stayed dry and comfortable despite the sun beaming down on him during all 18 holes. I'm partial to the Petal Purple style, which has a pop of color without looking too loud, but Peter Millar has a whole range of shades if you want to build a rotation. Pair it with travel pants, chinos, or even shorts, and you've got a polished-yet-comfortable uniform.

When temps dip and short sleeves won’t cut it, this J.Crew long-sleeve polo keeps you warm without overheating. Zucker throws it on for dog walks in the evenings and stays comfortable the whole time. The relaxed drape makes it easy to layer a tank top underneath, and it’s forgiving in the stomach—ideal if you’re going hard on burgers. It’s cut close in the arms without strangling your biceps, even if you’re jacked.

The cotton fabric feels thicker than the Cos version, so I’d skip wearing it on blazing summer days, but it’s perfect for cooler weather. Between the stripes and the zigzag-knit pattern, this polo is a beauty. You can rock it to the office or the movies, pairing it with cords or jeans—it works either way.