Oh the polo shirt, staple sartorial choice of obnoxious frat boys, tennis pros, and the Easter mass-to-brunch transition. But the once-dated piece is back in a big way as street style embraces more prep-inspired, classic menswear pieces — but this time, in a cool way. The versatility of the piece has made everyone from streetwear to luxury designers take it on, especially with the resurgence of a 70s inspired take on dad-style and tennis aesthetics.
The moodboards taking over Instagram and Tik Tok commonly draw from Jude Law in The Talented Mr. Ripley and John F Kennedy Jr, the epitomes of Ivy League style, just as much as they do Rihanna or Timothee Chalamet. And as summer approaches, who doesn’t want to feel like they’re on a beach in Mongi or Nantucket?
Though to some, the polo feels too much like a signifier of WASPiness or a reminder of the dark side of 2000s trends — shout out to Kanye's hot pink polo or memories of teens layering 5 popped collars at a time — the shirt's return is entirely more tasteful, while still maintaining an ironic twist; think dadcore, not prep school.
Below, browse some of the best polo shirts for men
Todd Snyder Montauk Polo Shirt
Montauk Sweater
Todd Snyder
Is it any surprise that the Ralph Lauren alum Todd Snyder is producing some of the best, prep-infused polo shirts in the game? The Montauk Polo is cut from a silk-cotton blend that's ideal for summer.
PUMA x ami Polo Shirt
ami Polo Shirt
PUMA
We love an unlikely collaboration so when we head that the Parisian chic of Alexandre Matiussi's ami imprint would be connecting with traditional sportswear icon PUMA, we made a note. The collection did not disappoint, offering a perfect blend between sportswear and high fashion.
Brain Dead x Sergio Tacchini Polo
Sergio Tacchini Polo Shirt
Brain Dead
Another unexpected collaboration this year was Brain Dead and Sergio Tacchini. And, like above, it was a complete success. Retro detailing like the checkerboard stripe demarcates this as one of the best polo shirts of the season.
Wales Bonner Sun Polo
Sun Polo
Wales Bonner
Wales Bonner is a brand that always pushes the boundaries of design, offering refreshing takes on trends with their unique blend of African and West Indian inspiration — which is to say, if it's bringing back the polo, then it must be back.
Fred Perry M3597 Polo
M3597 Polo
Fred Perry
When you're talking about polo shirts, Fred Perry must make an appearance. Originally making tennis garments (the polo being a tennis staple) the British label has become a subcultural icon. This striped piqué polo is classic in every sense with a Laurel Wreath logo embroidered to the chest.
Sunspel Riviera Polo
Riviera Polo
Sunspel
Favored by James Bond, Sunspel is the heritage British label whose Riviera Polo is one of the safest bets for those on the polo-shirt hunt. Made with a breathable signature waffle build, the pure cotton polo is ideal when sauntering around the French Riviera (hence the name) or infiltrating dangerous criminal groups (as exemplified by Bond.)
Lanvin Patchwork Polo Shirt
Striped Polo Shirt
Lanvin
Patchwork is very much in, and we're loving the way that Lanvin gives the preppy polo a new contemporary look with it. Splicing together two classic polos with clashing stripes, the luxury house nods to the varsity style of the piece without falling into the trap of cliché.
Ahluwalia Football Jersey
Football Jersey
Ahluwalia Studio
Designer Priya Ahulwalia can do no wrong right now. The young British star has found a niche with details translated from her Indian-Nigerian heritage mixed with contemporary British classics. This football jersey-inspired polo perfectly distills those influences.
Who Decides War Digi Camo Polo
Digi Camo Shirt
Who Decides War by MRDR BRVDO
Who Decides War is definitely one of the more exciting labels on the come up right now. Headed up by Everard Best and Téla D'Amore, WDW looks to overt, in-your-face detailing and graphics to convey its message.
Gucci Cotton Polo Shirt
Cotton Polo Shirt
Gucci
Set against a classy off-white signature to Gucci, this polo shirt features a checked motif made up of the letter G. Up close, it's a bold addition to the polo, but from a distance, it settles as an understated texture against the neutral background.
Loewe Anagram Polo
Anagram Polo
Loewe
Few luxury labels have as many facets as Jonathan Anderson's Loewe. Ranging from the bold colors of Loewe Paula's Ibiza to understated, classic pieces like this white piqué polo shirt, it's a luxury brand with something for everyone.
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