Men's style guide: how to wear and what to wear with a polo shirt
A style staple that belongs in every man's wardrobe, the classic polo shirt is a go-to garment for almost any occasion. Smart yet casual, with an undeniably sporty twist, it's an adaptable and comfortable piece of clothing that can be easily dressed up or down. Thankfully, men's polo shirts pretty much mould to any dress code, so long as they're styled right. That's what explains their popularity, and that's why they're a key component of a successful closet! And since they're a solid building block for any decent outfit, knowing exactly what to pair your polos with is a style gamechanger. Nail polo shirt styling and you'll have a whole host of effortless winning looks to fall back on. So, listen up and learn how to wear a polo shirt well...
Shorts sleeves or long sleeves, pique or jersey: understanding your polo shirt options
First things first, and before we get into what clothes to combine your polos with, it's worth taking a minute to get acquainted with the different types of polo shirts out there.
In terms of fabric, essentially three principle styles exist:
- • Pique polo shirts: These are your classic structured polo shirts, made from thick cotton. Textured, with a woven waffle-like appearance, this type of polo has a sophisticated and smarter edge.
- • Jersey polo shirts: The fabric of these polos is similar to your basic t-shirt. Lightweight and supple, they're soft against the skin and have a more sporty, relaxed feel to them.
- • Wool polo shirts: Made from merino wool or a slightly chunkier knitted wool blend, these polo shirts have a little extra character and finesse to them. More challenging to pull off, they naturally attract attention when worn well.
In terms of cut, two main styles exist:
- • Short sleeve polo shirts: These are the most common, great for spring, summer and early autumn.
- • Long sleeve polo shirts: The original polo shirt design, nowadays often associated with rugby, these long sleeved models with ribbed cuffs are ideal for cooler weather.
When to wear a polo shirt?
As we've already insinuated, the question is less 'when to wear a polo shirt' and more 'when not to wear one...' And unless the dress code is truly formal (like a wedding or a board meeting) there's not really a situation where a polo shirt isn't appropriate. Wear one to the office mid-week or on a casual Friday, don one for a date, or pack a few to take on your next beach holiday or city break. Daily essentials, polos are great attire for general outings and summer BBQs, as well as a day at the races, an afternoon of golf, or even a spot of tennis, too! The trick is simply to make sure you choose the best fabric for the occasion and that you combine your polo with the right pieces, building an entire outfit that aligns with the activity or event at hand.
Relaxed and casual polo shirt outfits
The most easy-to-achieve, casual polo look? A simple yet failproof outfit composed of a good polo shirt – in a basic colour such as white, black, grey or navy – worn untucked over jeans. Effortless but super-stylish, you really can't go wrong with this understated look. Trust us, it's one that even A-listers regularly turn to! Finish things off with a statement watch and a pair of trainers and you're all set! For an extra touch of flair, throw in a cap or some sunglasses too.
Short sleeve polo shirts are also a top pick in the height of summer, and no holiday suitcase is complete without them. Pair them with chino shorts, denim shorts, sporty beach shorts or even swimming trunks – they're easy to mix and match! Complete the look with sandals, or opt for boat shoes for a classier edge.
Try a tucked in polo shirt for smarter styling
If the occasion calls for a smarter touch, then pair your polo shirt with chinos or dressier trousers and try tucking your polo in! You'll need a belt to make this look work and our top tip is to harmonise the colour of your belt and shoes, making them match. In terms of footwear, Chelsea or chukka boots make a great choice in the mid-season and colder months, while leather loafers are the perfect pick in warmer weather.
What coats or jackets are best to wear with polo shirts?
While you may be tempted to pair a polo shirt with a jumper, our advice is don't... Unlike on a shirt, the polo shirt collar isn't structured enough to pull off this look. Instead, when you need an extra layer for added warmth, go for a jacket instead! Polos work particularly well with unstructured collarless jackets, like sports jackets, bomber jackets and faux-suede jackets. However, that's not to say that they can't be worn with smart jackets and blazers for more up-market events!
A few extra style points on polo shirts
While polo shirts are a true classic, dating back decades, not every cut and model is the same! Some feature embroidered logos for a more designer look, while others come with chest prints and micro printed motifs. Feel free to experiment with different designs and colours, as well as different sleeve lengths, filling your wardrobe with a range of options. Other fun features to look out for when making a polo shirt purchase include contrasting button plackets and contrasting trims on the sleeves, as well as more modern zip-up necks. These details could set your polo shirt apart, adding a small but subtle twist to your overall appearance.
A few other snippets of advice: when wearing your polo shirt, always have at least one button done up and ideally refrain from buttoning your polo all the way. Additionally, avoid popping your polo collar – this trend has had its heyday in our humble opinion!
Smarter than a t-shirt and more comfortable than a shirt, now you know how to rock a polo shirt!
A happy medium between a t-shirt and a dress shirt, the polo shirt is a breathable, lightweight and comfortable piece of clothing that'll leave you looking put together for any smart-casual occasion. Polos are a key component of any closet, perfect for year-round style. It's therefore sensible to have a selection of them to hand in a variety of shades, so that you can mix and match them with ease. But don’t leave your polos locked in your wardrobe – let them see the light of day! With our style insights, you’re now in a position to wear polo shirts with confidence, safe in the knowledge that these timeless tops provide the path to looking good and feeling good!