The Best Polo Shirt Brands for Every Budget

When it comes to men's fashion, finding the perfect balance between formal and business casual can be a challenge. However, the versatile polo shirt has emerged as a wardrobe staple that bridges the gap between button-down shirts and t-shirts.

Whether you're headed to the office, a nice restaurant, or a casual outing, a well-chosen polo shirt can be the perfect choice. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best polo shirt brands, highlighting their features, styles, and materials. So, let's dive in and find the perfect polo shirt that suits your style and needs.

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Polo Ralph Lauren: Setting the Standard

Polo Ralph Lauren, a brand synonymous with timeless style, has been instrumental in defining the polo shirt's legacy. With its iconic pony logo and luxurious pima cotton fabric, Polo Ralph Lauren offers a range of polo shirts that set the standard for quality and design. The slim-fit pique polo shirt is a classic choice, while the classic fit cotton polos provide a more relaxed and comfortable option. With an extensive range of colors to choose from, including the crisp white OG version, Polo Ralph Lauren offers a polo shirt for every occasion.

Ralph Lauren is one of the most iconic brands in the polo shirt market, known for its classic style and premium quality.

• Signature Style: Ralph Lauren polo shirts are synonymous with classic American style. They often feature the signature polo player logo, which has become a symbol of prestige and quality in fashion.
• Material Quality: The brand typically uses high-quality cotton in its polo shirts, ensuring comfort, breathability, and durability. The fabric's quality contributes to the shirts' longevity and ability to maintain their shape and color over time.
• Wide Range of Options: Ralph Lauren offers a diverse range of colors, patterns, and fits. From the classic fit to the slim and custom fits, there’s a style for every body type and preference.
• Brand Prestige: Wearing a Ralph Lauren polo shirt often conveys a sense of elegance and status. The brand is associated with a lifestyle of sophistication and classic taste, making their polo shirts popular among a wide audience.

Burberry: Top-of-the-Line Elegance

Burberry is another luxury fashion brand that is polo shirt makers and offers high-quality polo shirts in a range of styles and colours. Their cotton polo shirts are made from high-quality materials like cotton and cashmere and have classic yet stylish designs. Burberry's cotton polo shirts are known for their iconic check pattern and short sleeves.

Burberry is renowned for its blend of both luxury brands and classic British style, and their polo shirts reflect these qualities.

• High-Quality Fabric: Like Gucci, Burberry also uses premium materials in their polo shirts, such as cotton and cashmere, ensuring both comfort and a touch of luxury.
• Iconic Designs: Burberry is perhaps best known for its classic check pattern, which is often incorporated into their polo shirt designs, making them instantly recognizable.
• Timeless Style: The brand's polo shirts often feature classic, understated designs that have a timeless appeal, suitable for various occasions and age groups.
• Luxury Brand Recognition: Owning a Burberry polo shirt is not only about enjoying its quality and style but also about the prestige associated with the Burberry brand.

Uniqlo

Uniqlo offers affordable, high-quality polo shirts in a variety of colors and styles. Their shirts are made from a blend of cotton blend and polyester, making them both comfortable and durable. Uniqlo's polo shirts come in both a slim fit polo, and regular slim fit polo styles, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone.

Uniqlo has earned a reputation for offering high-quality polo shirts that are both affordable and durable. This brand stands out due to its unique approach to blending fashion with functionality.

• Material and Comfort: Their polo shirts are typically made from a blend of cotton and polyester. This combination ensures that the shirts are not only comfortable to wear but also durable enough to withstand regular use and washing.
• Fit and Style: Uniqlo offers a variety of fits, including slim and regular, catering to a broad range of body types. This inclusivity in sizing ensures that virtually anyone can find a polo shirt that fits them well.
• Color and Design Variety: The brand offers a wide range of colors and designs. Whether someone is looking for a classic solid color or a more modern pattern, Uniqlo likely has an option that suits their taste.
• Affordability: One of the key reasons for Uniqlo's popularity is its pricing. The brand manages to keep its prices reasonable, making its polo shirts accessible to a wide audience.

Lacoste: The OG Polo

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No list of polo shirts would be complete without mentioning the Lacoste polo top, the brand that invented the polo shirt. René Lacoste, a famous French tennis player, designed the modern polo shirt, as a blend of performance and style. the Lacoste polos top's signature design features a short button placket, elegant collar, ribbed sleeves, and the iconic cotton pique fabric. With its sturdy yet soft and breathable material, rené Lacoste continues to excel in providing high-quality polo shirts that stand the test of time.

Lacoste is another highly regarded brand in the polo shirt arena, known for its sporty yet elegant designs and the iconic crocodile logo.

• Sporty Elegance: Lacoste polo shirts strike a balance between sportiness and elegance, making them suitable for various settings, from casual to semi-formal.
• Iconic Crocodile Logo: The brand is easily recognizable by its famous crocodile logo, a symbol that has become synonymous with quality and style in sportswear and casual fashion.
• Innovative Material: Lacoste often uses its unique cotton piqué fabric, which is breathable, durable, and provides a distinctive texture that sets their polo shirts apart from others.
• Variety in Styles and Colors: Lacoste offers a wide range of colors and styles, including classic, slim, and regular fits. This variety ensures that customers can find a polo shirt that suits their individual style and body type.
• Legacy in Tennis and Fashion: The brand has a rich history associated with tennis, and this legacy is reflected in the design and functionality of their polo shirts, appealing to those who appreciate both the sport and the fashion aspect.

Gap Polo Shirts

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Gap offers classic pique polo shirts at an affordable price. Their luxury polo shirts are made from a blend of cotton and polyester, making them comfortable and durable. Gap's pique polo shirts come in a variety of colours and styles, ensuring that there is a perfect pique polo shirt for every occasion.

• Material and Durability: Similar to Uniqlo, Gap also uses a blend of cotton and polyester for their polo shirts. This material choice ensures a comfortable fit and enhances the durability of the shirts.
• Classic and Versatile Styles: Gap’s polo shirts are known for their classic styling. They offer a range of styles that are versatile enough to be dressed up or down, making them suitable for a variety of occasions.
• Color Range: Gap provides a broad selection of colors, from neutral tones to more vibrant hues, catering to traditional as well as more modern tastes.
• Price and Accessibility: Gap’s pricing strategy makes its polo shirts an attractive option for those who are looking for quality wear without a high price tag. The brand's widespread availability, both online and in physical stores, adds to its appeal.

Tommy Hilfiger Polo Shirts

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Tommy Hilfiger is a popular polo shirt brand that offers high-quality shirts in a range of styles and colours. Their shirts are made from 100% organic cotton, and have a classic, slim fit and style that is perfect for a preppy, all-American look. Tommy Hilfiger's polo shirts are known for their iconic red, white, and blue logo.

• Premium Material: Their polo shirts are typically made from 100% cotton, which ensures a high level of comfort and breathability.
• Classic American Style: The brand is renowned for its classic, preppy look, often characterized by its iconic red, white, and blue logo. This style appeals to those who appreciate a traditional yet fashionable look.
• Diverse Range: Tommy Hilfiger offers a variety of styles, from solid colors to stripes and other patterns, providing options for different tastes and occasions.
• Brand Prestige: The prestige associated with the Tommy Hilfiger brand adds an element of status to their polo shirts, making them popular among consumers who value branded apparel.

Gucci

Gucci is a luxury fashion brand that offers high-end polo shirts in a range of styles and colours. Their shirts are made from high-quality materials, such as both silk cotton and cashmere, and have unique designs and patterns. Gucci's polo shirts are known for their bold and eye-catching details, making them perfect for fashion-forward individuals.

Gucci represents the epitome of luxury in fashion, and their polo shirts are a reflection of this high-end aesthetic.

• Luxurious Materials: Gucci’s polo shirts are often made from premium materials like silk and cashmere, offering an exceptionally luxurious feel and appearance.
• Bold and Unique Designs: Known for their eye-catching and fashion-forward designs, Gucci polo shirts often feature unique patterns and details that set them apart from other brands.
• Fashion Statement: Wearing a Gucci polo shirt is not just about comfort or style; it's also about making a fashion statement. These shirts are for those who want to stand out and are willing to invest in high-end fashion.
• Brand Value: The Gucci brand carries significant value in the fashion industry, and their polo shirts are often seen as a symbol of luxury and high fashion.

Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent is a high-end fashion brand offering premium polo shirts in various styles and colours. Their best polo shirts are made from high-quality materials, such as cotton and silk, and have unique designs and patterns. Saint Laurent's polo shirts are known for their luxurious feel and modern, edgy designs.

Saint Laurent, a high-end fashion brand, offers polo shirts that combine luxury with modern, edgy designs.

• Premium Quality Materials: Their polo shirts are made from materials like cotton and silk, ensuring a luxurious feel and high-quality appearance.
• Modern and Edgy Designs: Saint Laurent is known for its modern and sometimes edgy designs, appealing to those who prefer a more contemporary and high-fashion look.
• Luxury and Fashion Statement: Wearing a Saint Laurent polo shirt is a statement in itself, reflecting a preference for luxury and high-end fashion.
• Brand Appeal: The brand’s appeal lies in its combination of luxury, modern design, and the prestige associated with the Saint Laurent name.

H&M Polo Shirt

H&M offers stylish polo shirts at an affordable prices. Their shirts are made from 100% all cotton blend and come in a variety of colours collar styles and patterns. H&M's polo shirts have a slim-fit style perfect for a modern, sleek look.

H&M is known for its trendy and stylish polo shirts, which are offered at affordable prices, making them accessible to a wide range of customers.

• Material Quality: H&M’s polo shirts are generally made from 100% cotton, which provides a soft and comfortable feel, ideal for everyday wear.
• Fashion-Forward Designs: The brand is recognized for its modern designs. H&M's polo shirts often come in slim-fit styles, which are popular among those who prefer a more contemporary, fitted look.
• Color and Pattern Options: They offer a variety of colors and patterns, allowing customers to choose from classic solids to more vibrant and unique designs, catering to diverse fashion preferences.
• Price Point: H&M has positioned itself as a brand that offers fashion-forward clothing at budget-friendly prices, making it a popular choice among younger consumers who are looking for stylish yet affordable clothing options.

Abercrombie & Fitch: Affordable Retro Style

Retro-inspired knit polos have become increasingly popular, but they often come with a hefty price tag. However, Abercrombie & Fitch offers a budget-friendly alternative with their sideline-style sweater polo. This version captures the essence of mid-century style with its stripe-y pattern and vintage vibes. Priced at around $60, this Abercrombie & Fitch polo allows you to embrace the trend without breaking the bank. Pair it with wide, pleated slacks and swanky loafers for a complete retro look.

Sunspel

For those seeking a clean and crisp polo shirt, look no further than Sunspel. With a heritage dating back to 1860, Sunspel has mastered the art of crafting top-notch basics. Their polo shirts, made from soft yet sturdy cotton pique and cotton, feature a flattering tailored fit and shell buttons. Sunspel's simplicity and attention to detail make their polo shirts a reliable choice for any occasion. Whether you're aiming for a casual or more formal look, Sunspel has you covered.

Todd Snyder: The Polo That Makes Everyone Hotter

There's something undeniably alluring about a classic knit polo, and Todd Snyder offers the perfect option. Their plaid merino polo combines tasteful contrast collar and ribbing with a '70s-esque plaid colorway. It's a timeless piece that exudes power and confidence, making everyone look their hottest selves. Whether you're a big-shot CEO or an A-list actor, this Todd Snyder polo is the one-way ticket to commanding attention and turning heads.

Stòffa: The No Buttons, No Problem Polo

If you're looking for an open-collar polo shirt that exudes effortless style, Stòffa has just the right option for you. Their Mouliné cotton polo shirt is the epitome of laid-back luxury. With its elegant light blue and charcoal melange and rakish silhouette, this polo shirt is perfect for soaking up the sunset while maintaining a sense of ease and elegance. Stòffa's attention to detail and commitment to quality make their polo shirts a must-have for any fashion-forward individual.

Paul Smith: Mesmerizing Stripes

While Paul Smith is renowned for his mesmerizing stripes, his brand offers more than just vivid patterns. Their space-dyed organic cotton, polo shirt showcases a trippy visual effect that adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tailored, slim fit, and silky soft organic cotton top. Paul Smith's polo shirts are a testament to the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and creativity. With their signature stripes and attention to detail, these polo shirts are sure to make a statement wherever you go.

Proof: Performance Meets Style

When it comes to performance polo shirts, one might not expect merino wool to be the material of choice. However, Proof's 72-hour Merino Polo Shirt defies expectations. Made from silky merino wool, this polo shirt offers exceptional sweat-wicking and odor-blocking properties. It's perfect for high-performance activities while maintaining a stylish appearance. With its UPF 30+ rating, you can enjoy the sun without worrying about getting burnt. Proof's innovative approach to polo shirts combines functionality and style seamlessly.

More Polo Shirt Brands We Love

In addition to the rugby shirts, the aforementioned brands, there are several other notable polo shirt options that deserve recognition:

Mfpen

Mfpen stands out among tennis polo, with its formal cardigan and short sleeve polo shirt, a unique fusion of a cardigan's sophistication and a short sleeve polo shirt's casual elegance. This innovative design offers a versatile piece that effortlessly transitions from professional settings on tennis court to more relaxed environments, embodying a smart yet approachable style.

NN07

NN07's "Bernhard" 6574 polo exemplifies a harmonious balance between casual and stylish. Its design is versatile enough to fit various occasions, embodying a relaxed sophistication that makes it a go-to choice for those who seek a blend of comfort and style in their everyday wear.

Banana Republic

Banana Republic offers the Luxury-Touch Pique Polo, a nod to a more refined, vintage era. This polo exudes a groovy style, ideal when paired with flared pants and shiny shoes, making it a standout choice for fashion enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of modern and retro aesthetics.

Percival

Percival’s knitted jumper polo is akin to the comfort of a cozy squash soup – thick, warm, and irresistibly appealing. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and classic style, offering an inviting warmth that makes it a favorite during cooler seasons.

Wax London

The Oban Vertical Knit Polo from Wax London presents a subtle luxury that pairs the long sleeves polo seamlessly with dress trousers and fancy slippers. This polo is ideal for those who have short sleeves and appreciate understated elegance, offering a sophisticated yet effortless look.

Alex Mill

Alex Mill brings a unique charm with its vintage wash polo. The slubby texture and worn-in feel add character to any outfit, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a relaxed, lived-in style that stands out.

J.Crew

J.Crew's cashmere collared sweater-polo is the epitome of comfort blended with luxury. This piece combines the softness of cashmere with the classic polo design, providing an upscale, comfortable option suitable for various settings.

Saturdays NYC

The Beauchamp polo from Saturdays NYC caters to those who wear cotton polos and t shirts and enjoy bold and striking designs. This short sleeve polo shirt is perfect for making a statement, reflecting a confident and adventurous style.

Karu Research

Karu Research’s chevron cotton sweater polo showcases their dedication to artisanal craftsmanship and unique designs. This polo is a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation, offering the traditional tennis shirt with a distinctive look that sets it apart from playing tennis polo player from elsewhere.

YMC

YMC offers a rugby-inspired twist on the classic polo shirt with their striped wool-jacquard sweater polo. This design blends the traditional elements of a top button down shirt collar, and polo shirt collar, with a sporty, dynamic vibe, making it a unique addition to any wardrobe.

Fear of God Essentials

Their terry polo shirt stands out with its unique texture, making it an ideal choice for hot summer days. This short sleeve cotton jersey and polo shirt combines comfort with a distinctive style, perfect for those looking for a fresh and contemporary look.

Ottolinger

Ottolinger’s print polo adds an exciting and edgy touch to the wardrobe. Its distinctive print and design make it a standout piece for those who appreciate bold and unconventional fashion statements.

What to Consider When Shopping for Polo Shirts

When shopping for the perfect polo shirt, there are a few factors to keep in mind:

Logo

The presence or absence of a logo on a polo shirt can significantly impact its overall look. Some brands, like Polo Ralph Lauren, are known for their iconic logos, while others prefer a more minimalist approach. Consider your personal preference for style and the occasion for which you'll be wearing the polo shirt when deciding on the logo.

Buttons

The number and style of buttons on a polo shirt can also affect its appearance. Some polo shirts feature two or three buttons, while others opt for a buttonless design. Additionally, the color and contrast of the buttons can add a subtle touch of style. Consider your comfort and desired aesthetic when choosing a button style.

Color

Polo shirts come in a wide range of colors, allowing you to express your personal style and suit various occasions. Brighter colors are often associated with casual settings, or casual styling while darker colors and neutrals can be dressed up for more formal events. Consider the setting and the image you want to portray when selecting a color.

Fabric

The choice of fabric plays a crucial role in the comfort and durability of a polo shirt. . Cotton jersey is a popular and versatile option, offering breathability and year-round wearability. However, brands like Sunspel and Proof push the boundaries by using merino wool, providing additional performance benefits. Consider the climate and your personal preferences when choosing the fabric for your polo shirt.

Conclusion

Polo shirts are a timeless fashion staple that can be worn by anyone. With numerous brands available, it can be challenging to choose the most perfect polos for one. Whether you are on a budget or looking for a high-end option, there is a perfect polo shirt brand for you. Consider the material, fit, and style when choosing a polo shirt, and make sure to pick a brand that fits your budget and combines it with the proper accessory to have the best result.

FAQs

1. Can women wear polo shirts?

Yes, polo shirts are a versatile fashion choice that can be worn by both men and women.

2. Are polo shirts only for preppy style?

No, polo shirts come in a range of styles and can be worn in many different ways. They can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for any occasion.

3. Do high-end polo shirts last longer?

Yes, high-end polo shirts are made from high-quality materials and are often more durable than budget options.

4. Can I wear a polo shirt to a formal event?

It depends on golf course and on the dress code of the event. Polo shirts are generally more appropriate for casual and tennis shirt for business casual occasions.

5. Can I machine wash my polo shirts?

Yes, most polo shirts can be machine washed, but be sure to check the care label first to avoid damaging the material.