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I think polo style shirts may be the only option to bridge the gap between button-up shirts and t-shirts for casual outings (date night, casual dinners with friends) - especially during warmer months when sweaters aren't an option.

I'd like to learn more about polo shirts, does anyone have recommendations for polo shirts that outperform others? Are there fabrics or collar styles you prefer? Etc. Thanks.

 

[SG_67]

There's a whole thread on this in the Trad forum.

https://askandyaboutclothes.com/community/threads/who-makes-the-best-polo-shirt.209445/

 

[[email protected]]

There's a whole thread on this in the Trad forum.

https://askandyaboutclothes.com/community/threads/who-makes-the-best-polo-shirt.209445/

Nice, thanks.

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

I have been on that thread and it is more about issues of fit, quality, and value.
Regardless of the brands I like pique in classic solid colors like navy, dark green, white, and pink. I’m still moderately loyal to Lacoste but that loyalty is waning. I was not pleased with their latest in terms of fit or quality.

 

[Woofa]

There have been many threads discussing polo’s here and on tof. One of the issues that makes it difficult to choose is that there can be a wide variety of these shirts some of which work for me and some of which may work better for you. At differing times I have heard that people prefer, ralph lauren, lacoste, brooks brothers, sunspel, ll bean and many others. I would say both from my research and my personal experience that Ralph Lauren makes a good quality Polo shirt at a high but not unreasonable price. I would also say that I like the older ones better than the ones made in the last ten years. Some factors here include price, fit, material (pique vs softer cotton), do you want a pocket? are you okay with a logo? length of shirt, whether the buttons are MOP. Some are a better choice for an athletic 18 year old while others work better for those of us with a few more years (and pounds) on them. I would suggest you go to some of these websites and narrow down your choices to a few specific types and brands. It is then possible someone here could help steer you one way or the other.

 

[SG_67]

All things being equal, I’m most particular about the collar. I don’t like a soft, floppy collar.

I like it a bit stiff, such that after a few washings, it retains that stiffness but develops a nice roll. Somewhat hard to describe in words I suppose, but I have several Brooks Brothers shirts that have this quality.

 

[[email protected]]

Regardless of the brands I like pique...

Seems like pique is still the clear choice for polos - I haven't heard many say they prefer the jersey (t-shirt) style we've seen lately from brands. Thanks for the note.

There have been many threads discussing polo's here and on tof. One of the issues that makes it difficult to choose is that there can be a wide variety of these shirts...

You're right, there's lots of different styles for polos now. I guess it's a result of brands trying to differentiate, but sounds like people just want the classic build in a better fabric and fit (reminiscent of the originals 10 years ago or more). Thanks for the response.

All things being equal, I'm most particular about the collar. I don't like a soft, floppy collar.

I like it a bit stiff, such that after a few washings, it retains that stiffness but develops a nice roll. Somewhat hard to describe in words I suppose, but I have several Brooks Brothers shirts that have this quality.

Some brands do a button-down collar on polos. I guess that would give you the best shot at collar roll. Those type of polo collars also have a collar band - like a woven shirt. Thanks!

 

[TerryM]

There tends to be a variety of style material and quality within brands. If you are unfamiliar with the ins and outs, go shopping and try some different ones on. Then you’ll know what you like and what looks good on you.

 

[ilikeyourstyle]

I find them great for golfing or tennis, but not so great for nights out. I still prefer a full button-up shirt when not doing anything sporty. I put polo shirts in the same category as shorts.

I also like my polo shirts logo-free, which has become a little more difficult to find.

 

[ran23]

Spier & Mackey and Uniqlo are the few button down polo collars I have seen lately. I have a white Uniqlo BD Polo and it lends a lot to jackets sometimes.

 

[[email protected]]

I put polo shirts in the same category as shorts.

Good point. I think the short sleeves puts in that category for sure.

Spier & Mackey and Uniqlo are the few button down polo collars I have seen lately. I have a white Uniqlo BD Polo and it lends a lot to jackets sometimes.

I kind of like the button-down collar polo. I think with long sleeves and the right fabric/construction, the polo shirt could be elevated.

 

[SG_67]

I believe there is a pretty hard ceiling for the elevation of the polo shirt.

Regardless of the collar, fabric or any other virtue or stylistic detail it may possess, it’s still a polo shirt and inherently casual.

I agree with one of the comments above; even in the Summer months, I would feel odd wearing a polo if my wife and I are going out for dinner. A long sleeve linen shirt, even with the sleeves folded back feels more appropriate.

Also, I’m not a fan of wearing a polo with slacks. Something just seems off balanced in my eye and something better suited for a sales rep at an electronics store.

 

[Mr. B. Scott Robinson]

Polos are excellent for riding. I wear them exclusively. Lacoste is my go to maker. Photos to follow.

Cheers,

BSR

 

[Steve Smith]

I would say both from my research and my personal experience that Ralph Lauren makes a good quality Polo shirt at a high but not unreasonable price. I would also say that I like the older ones better than the ones made in the last ten years.

I agree that the Ralph Lauren pique knit polo shirts are excellent. I used to be an avid thrifter and in doing that I found that RL Polo shirts stood up well in general, maintaining color, shape and body. They are my go to brand for this type of shirt.

 

[eagle2250]

(In responst to post #12) Egad! If it were not for knit collared polo shirts and vented fishing shirts, paired with my ever present chinos, I fear I might be seen as a nudist.....and that would not be a good thing. Prior to becoming a resident of central Florida, while living in Hoosierville and other parts, I almost always wore a coat and tie when taking my wife out to dinner. However in this area, such Tom Foolery is rarely, if ever practiced and I got tired of standing out...to that degree! Just this past Thursday evening, I took my wife out to dinner, wearing one of my vented fishing shirts and chinos (me, not her). LOL.

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

(In responst to post #12) Egad! If it were not for knit collared polo shirts and vented fishing shirts, paired with my ever present chinos, I fear I might be seen as a nudist.....and that would not be a good thing. Prior to becoming a resident of central Florida, while living in Hoosierville and other parts, I almost always wore a coat and tie when taking my wife out to dinner. However in this area, such Tom Foolery is rarely, if ever practiced and I got tired of standing out...to that degree! Just this past Thursday evening, I took my wife out to dinner, wearing one of my vented fishing shirts and chinos (me, not her). LOL.

Eagle, I like and agree in principle with that post, but there MUST (sorry for shouting) be reasonable dispensation for those of us in places that are crazy hot. In Austin during a summer streak of dozens of hundred degree plus days where it's also 80 and very humid when you fetch the paper at 5:30, I've developed a newfound sensitivity to nuance in dress. Khaki shorts and a navy blue Tee-shirt with some tasteful logo, like the one I got from the Blood Bank, is a casual outfit, worn with leather flip flops. Pressed Nantucket red shorts and a navy Lacoste polo is definitely dressier, worn with Topsiders. I'd wear the latter out for a casual dinner with my wife, but I'd pick the venue with great care, for if the place is too fancy, it will be air conditioned to such a degree I'll be miserable. If we are going to such a place, I'll wear khakis or ducks with a button down and toss a madras or seersucker jacket over my shoulder just in case! I never felt right, even in an office casual setting, in a polo and long pants. A button down provided a weak, albeit palpable, sense of security, better still with my blazer handy.

 

[Charles Dana]

I think polo style shirts may be the only option to bridge the gap between button-up shirts and t-shirts for casual outings (date night, casual dinners with friends).

To the OP:

I wish you well in your quest for a polo shirt that is just right for you. I wear polo shirts myself now and then--Brooks Brothers, Polo Ralph Lauren, LL Bean and Uniqlo.

Trial-and-error is the best way to settle on the shirts you like best. And you don't need to limit yourself to one brand. And you certainly shouldn't overthink this matter. A polo shirt--throw it on and forget about it.

Having said the above, I want to note that, while I wear polo shirts myself, I strongly disagree with the premise of your opening post. Polo shirts are by no means "the only option to bridge the gap between button-up shirts and t-shirts for casual outings...." The land of "button-up shirts" comprises a gigantic continent's worth of diverse real estate. "Button-up shirts" can be, for example, white spread collar-shirts with French cuffs or old-school chambray shirts, with a bunch of options in between: seersucker, linen, flannel, OCBDs, twills, Tori Richard "cotton lawn," etc. The "button-up" options can be as formal or as informal as you please.

Go ahead and wear polo shirts. But I caution against the binary mindset that causes one to think that wearing a "button-up" shirt would automatically make one overdressed while tucking into the ribs at Pete's Pig in the Pit. Sure, once you've eliminated ALL button-up shirts, there aren't many options left. But who says you can't go casual in a button-up shirt?

 

[SG_67]

As someone who is not afraid of wearing shorts on particularly hot and humid days, I’ve found that with a few tweaks, such as a long sleeve linen shirt and deck shoes or nubucks, can bring some measure of formality to that choice.

 

[frankmartin]

IMHO, Polo shirts are basically T-shirts with collars. I just don't see the need. I typically wear seersucker (or some other lighter weight fabric) button ups when it's hot. Roll up the sleeves if need be. If I feel the need to wear a T-shirt, I'll wear an T-shirt.

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

IMHO, Polo shirts are basically T-shirts with collars. I just don't see the need. I typically wear seersucker (or some other lighter weight fabric) button ups when it's hot. Roll up the sleeves if need be. If I feel the need to wear a T-shirt, I'll wear an T-shirt.

Never had a pique Tee shirt.

;0)