How to Style a Polo Shirt: 4 Ways to Wear the Thinking Man's Tee
ShoppingNot quite sure how to pull off the endlessly versatile staple? We asked a couple of GQ staffers to weigh in.By Gerald OrtizMay 23, 2025Yang in Stoffa's Cotton-Piqué Polo Shirt (left picture); Avidan in John Smedley's Jersey Polo Shirt (right picture).Bowen FernieSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.Wherever summer goes, questions over how to style a polo shirt follow. We get it. The thinking man's tee alternative might've originated on the tennis court with the French racquet virtuoso René Lacoste (a.k.a. “The Crocodile”), but in the time since, the polo has become ubiquitous—and not always to its benefit. These days, it’s easy to dismiss the polo shirt as the cursed preserve of fraternity wine mixers or a quick round on the links, but the endlessly-versatile warm-weather staple deserves a better rap.Can't quite figure out how to style a polo shirt in the year of our lord 2025? You're in luck: we enlisted a couple of friendly GQ staffers to help you do just that. Whether you reach for an always-cool pique joint or a luxe, swaggering knit riff, the tips and tricks below will help you polo with the best of them.Fly It SoloBowen FernieBowen FernieLet’s start with the basics: wearing a polo solo. After all, when Monsieur Lacoste first conceived of his legacy-defining contribution to the menswear canon, he designed it to be worn on the tennis court, sans additional layers. You can, of course, wear a polo with chinos and loafers for a look that's as cool as it is Kennedy. But in 2025, that combination isn't exactly groundbreaking.If the polo you're eyeing is in a solid color, freak it with a bolder pair of pants—slouchy tweed trousers, say, or striped painter's pants. For added texture, add a braided leather belt or suede boat shoes. We're not really in revolutionary territory here, but we're still miles away from the fraternity house.Swing Big With a SweaterBowen FernieBowen FernieSure, polos are A-OK on their own, but almost all of ‘em look a little cooler—a little more considered—with some sort of sweater on top. Don’t take our word for it: Arnold Palmer, the reigning king of retro golf style, used to layer his beneath every type of sweater your care to name, solidifying his status as a modern-day mood board legend in the process.Throw a vintage-inspired cardigan over a polo and you'll give grunge and grandpa simultaneously. Sling a cashmere crewneck thoughtlessly across your shoulders and you'll look like the life of every country club fête.Slide It Beneath a SuitBowen FernieBowen FernieAsk any golf pro worth their weight in Titleist balls and they'll tell you the same thing: you've got to master the rules before you can break ‘em. The same idea holds true here. Once you’ve sufficiently brushed up on the basics, you can really start having fun.The next time you're suiting up, consider nixing the dress shirt in favor of a polo shirt and let the good times roll. The right polo will subvert your tailoring's corporate bona fides, elevating the whole shebang to far freakier planes. Slip on a pair of dainty black shoes, top it off with a funky hat, et voilà: an outfit ready for all but the most formal functions.Scandalize the Preppies and Blaze UpBowen FernieBowen FernieIf you’re training to play a Marvel character, we strongly advise leaving your biceps exposed for the world to appreciate. If, however, your six-pack abs are still in winter hibernation, a polo will help folks forget all about ‘em—especially if you’re wearing a blazer on top of it.Make like young Harrison Ford in a navy single-breasted number with faded blue jeans, or tap into your inner Miami Vice villain with a double-breasted blazer, white jeans, and tinted shades. Feeling more professorial than adversarial? A tweedy sport coat, pleated chinos, and dress pants is always an A+ move.6 Polo Shirts We're Excited About Right NowYou've seen the inspiration. Now it's time to put what you learned into action. Here are a grip of killer polos we wholeheartedly endorse—and don't miss our full list of the best polo shirts for more editor-approved options.LacosteShort Sleeved Ribbed Collar Shirt$110 $80 AmazonGAPPique Polo Shirt$35 $20 GapJ.CrewWashed Piqué Polo Shirt$80 J.CrewBuck MasonCotton Loop Terry Polo$128 Buck MasonJohn SmedleyJersey Polo$280 NordstromStoffaCotton-Piqué Polo Shirt$450 Mr Porter
All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Wherever summer goes, questions over how to style a polo shirt follow. We get it. The thinking man's tee alternative might've originated on the tennis court with the French racquet virtuoso René Lacoste (a.k.a. “The Crocodile”), but in the time since, the polo has become ubiquitous—and not always to its benefit. These days, it’s easy to dismiss the polo shirt as the cursed preserve of fraternity wine mixers or a quick round on the links, but the endlessly-versatile warm-weather staple deserves a better rap.
Can't quite figure out how to style a polo shirt in the year of our lord 2025? You're in luck: we enlisted a couple of friendly GQ staffers to help you do just that. Whether you reach for an always-cool pique joint or a luxe, swaggering knit riff, the tips and tricks below will help you polo with the best of them.
Fly It Solo
Let’s start with the basics: wearing a polo solo. After all, when Monsieur Lacoste first conceived of his legacy-defining contribution to the menswear canon, he designed it to be worn on the tennis court, sans additional layers. You can, of course, wear a polo with chinos and loafers for a look that's as cool as it is Kennedy. But in 2025, that combination isn't exactly groundbreaking.
If the polo you're eyeing is in a solid color, freak it with a bolder pair of pants—slouchy tweed trousers, say, or striped painter's pants. For added texture, add a braided leather belt or suede boat shoes. We're not really in revolutionary territory here, but we're still miles away from the fraternity house.
Swing Big With a Sweater
Sure, polos are A-OK on their own, but almost all of ‘em look a little cooler—a little more considered—with some sort of sweater on top. Don’t take our word for it: Arnold Palmer, the reigning king of retro golf style, used to layer his beneath every type of sweater your care to name, solidifying his status as a modern-day mood board legend in the process.
Throw a vintage-inspired cardigan over a polo and you'll give grunge and grandpa simultaneously. Sling a cashmere crewneck thoughtlessly across your shoulders and you'll look like the life of every country club fête.
Slide It Beneath a Suit
Ask any golf pro worth their weight in Titleist balls and they'll tell you the same thing: you've got to master the rules before you can break ‘em. The same idea holds true here. Once you’ve sufficiently brushed up on the basics, you can really start having fun.
The next time you're suiting up, consider nixing the dress shirt in favor of a polo shirt and let the good times roll. The right polo will subvert your tailoring's corporate bona fides, elevating the whole shebang to far freakier planes. Slip on a pair of dainty black shoes, top it off with a funky hat, et voilà: an outfit ready for all but the most formal functions.
Scandalize the Preppies and Blaze Up
If you’re training to play a Marvel character, we strongly advise leaving your biceps exposed for the world to appreciate. If, however, your six-pack abs are still in winter hibernation, a polo will help folks forget all about ‘em—especially if you’re wearing a blazer on top of it.
Make like young Harrison Ford in a navy single-breasted number with faded blue jeans, or tap into your inner Miami Vice villain with a double-breasted blazer, white jeans, and tinted shades. Feeling more professorial than adversarial? A tweedy sport coat, pleated chinos, and dress pants is always an A+ move.
6 Polo Shirts We're Excited About Right Now
You've seen the inspiration. Now it's time to put what you learned into action. Here are a grip of killer polos we wholeheartedly endorse—and don't miss our full list of the best polo shirts for more editor-approved options.
