The polo shirt sits in a rare spot in a man's wardrobe: more polished than a T-shirt, more relaxed than a shirt. Worn well, it looks effortless at a café terrace, at a business lunch or on holiday. Worn badly, it looks like a uniform. Here is how to get it right, from fit to colours to what to wear it with.
1. Start with the fit
Fit matters more than anything else. A good polo should follow the line of your body without clinging to it.
- Shoulders: the shoulder seam should sit right at the edge of your shoulder, not halfway down the arm.
- Sleeves: short sleeves should end around mid-biceps and sit lightly against the arm, without flaring out.
- Length: the hem should fall around the middle of your fly. Any longer and the polo has to be tucked in; any shorter and it rides up when you move.
- Chest: you should be able to pinch a little fabric on each side, but no more. Too tight pulls at the buttons; too loose looks sloppy.
2. Collar and buttons: the details that make it elegant
The collar is what separates an elegant polo from a sports one. Look for a collar that holds its shape and lies flat around the neck rather than curling at the tips. As for the buttons, the rule is simple: wear one button open, or two at most. Fully buttoned can work with a jacket for a sharper look, but it is a deliberate style choice, not the default.
Never pop the collar. It belongs to another era.
3. Choose versatile colours
If you are building a wardrobe, start with the neutrals that go with everything:
- White and ivory for summer and for a clean, bright look.
- Black for evenings and minimalist outfits.
- Grey for an easy everyday piece that pairs with any trousers.
- Navy or slate blue, the most flattering colour for most skin tones.
Once these basics are covered, deeper shades such as burgundy or taupe add character, especially in autumn.
4. What to wear with a polo shirt
With tailored trousers
This is the most elegant pairing. A polo with straight, well-cut trousers in beige, grey or black creates a smart-casual look that works almost anywhere, from the office on a Friday to a dinner out. Keep the colours close in tone for a refined, quiet effect. Our Dynasty trousers were designed for exactly this kind of outfit.
With jeans
Dark, straight jeans with a white or navy polo is a timeless weekend outfit. Avoid ripped or heavily faded denim, which clashes with the clean lines of a polo.
With shorts
For summer, pair a polo with tailored shorts that end just above the knee. Choose plain colours and leave the logos aside.
5. Tucked in or not?
Untucked is the default when the polo is the right length. Tuck it in when you wear it with tailored trousers and a belt, or under a jacket: it instantly makes the outfit look sharper.
6. The right shoes
Shoes decide whether the outfit leans casual or elegant. For a polished look, nothing beats a pair of suede loafers, worn without visible socks in summer. For a more relaxed look, clean minimalist sneakers or mules work well. Avoid running shoes, which make the whole outfit look sporty.
7. Short sleeves or long sleeves?
The short-sleeved polo is the summer classic. When temperatures drop, the long-sleeved polo takes over: it can be worn on its own, under an overshirt or under a blazer in place of a shirt, for a modern take on smart dressing.
8. Care tips to keep it looking new
- Wash inside out at a low temperature to protect the colour.
- Button the polo before washing so the placket keeps its shape.
- Dry it flat or on a hanger rather than in a tumble dryer.
- Iron the collar gently if needed, and store it folded rather than hung for long periods.
In short
A well-fitting polo in a neutral colour, one button open, worn with tailored trousers and loafers: that is the formula for a look that is both relaxed and elegant. Discover our Portofino polo, designed around these principles.