The polo shirt is a summer essential for many, and it’s easy to see why. It offers the perfect balance between the comfort of a t-shirt and the sharpness of a dress shirt, all while being light and breathable. Chances are you’ve already got a few in your wardrobe, right? For me, the polo shirt is a go-to for nailing that smart-casual vibe - elegant, yet fresh and modern.
A lot of guys think polos are limited to pairing with jeans or shorts. If that’s you, you’re seriously missing out! The versatility of the polo shirt stretches far beyond that.
But before we dive into the styling tips, here’s how a polo should fit:
The sleeves should hit around the mid-point of your upper arm.
The hem should fall around halfway down your zipper.
The collar shouldn’t be too wide, but also not so tight that it feels restrictive.
So, what can you really do with a polo shirt? Here are four essential styles:
The All-White Look
Think boy bands in the 90s rocking head-to-toe white? Don’t worry, this look is far more refined.
Start with a clean, simple white polo - no logos, no frills. A slim-fit version that subtly hugs your body works best. Pair it with slim-fit white chinos, and for footwear, stick with white sneakers (like Adidas Stan Smiths) or go with dark brown loafers for some contrast.
For that extra touch, roll the cuffs of your chinos slightly for a laid-back vibe. If all-white isn’t your thing, try neutral tones like beige, light gray, or soft pastels like mint green or light blue.
Sporty-Casual Vibes
Given the polo shirt’s sporty origins (thanks to tennis and the game of polo), it only makes sense to lean into a sporty style.
To nail this look, combine your polo with jogger pants and canvas sneakers - think Converse or Vans. If you want to class it up a bit, opt for leather sneakers.
Smart-Casual Sharpness
As I mentioned earlier, smart-casual is all about striking that balance between elegant and relaxed. A polo shirt can effortlessly replace a dress shirt when paired with dress pants and leather shoes.
To pull this off, button up the polo for a polished appearance, and give it a gentle tuck into your pants - no need to go all-in like with a formal shirt. Suede shoes with brogue detailing add a nice finishing touch to this look.
Classic Summer Style
Finally, keep it simple by letting the polo shirt do what it does best - shine in summer outfits. What pairs better with a polo than shorts?
Go for neutral-toned shorts (black, navy, or dark gray) and have a little fun with the polo’s colors or patterns. Stripes, florals, or vibrant hues all work here.
Complete the look with slip-ons, espadrilles, or low-top sneakers to stay effortlessly cool.
And remember - never pop the collar unless you’re shielding your neck from the sun.
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