Both Henley and Polo shirts offer a smart casual look that’s great for a wide variety of occasions and settings. 

A Henley shirt is the more casual option, making it a good pick for parties, weekends at home or a vacation. A Polo shirt is a bit more formal and a good choice for the office or any situation where you need to dress up without going full formal. 

In this post, we explain the differences (and similarities) between Henley and Polo shirts. We also recommend which shirt to wear for different occasions and how to style both types of shirts.  

Polo vs. Henley Shirts: Differences and Similarities

Design 

The main difference between Polo and Henley shirts is the collar. A Polo has a collar and a button-up placket, giving it a more formal look. 

In contrast, a Henley shirt only has the placket that’s attached to a rounded neckline. You can think of a Henley shirt as a Polo without the collar, though the two types of shirts are different in several other ways. 

Both Polo and Henley shirts are typically designed with short sleeves, but long sleeve versions exist. You can also get the two shirts in a wide range of colors, though neutral options like black, white, gray and blue are the most common. 

Here at Hercleon, we have both Polo and Henley HercShirts in multiple colors. But they are not just regular shirts. They are antibacterial and odor-resistant, making them great for your skin and overall hygiene. 

The HercShirts are especially ideal for outdoors and traveling, where you can even wear the same shirt for days and it will stay fresh and clean. 

Material 

As we explained in our Polo shirt buying guide, classic Polos are made from knit cotton and have a rough pique weave. You can also get polyester and polycotton polos.  

Henley shirts are closer to regular tees when it comes to the wide range of materials they are available in. Cotton and polyester (as well as polycotton) are the most popular options, but you can get a Henley shirt in just about any kind of fabric including silk, wool, spandex, bamboo and more. 

Henley thermals are also quite common. These are long sleeve Henley shirts (usually polyester) designed for insulation. They are perfect for colder weather and for layering when outdoors. 

Most Henley shirts have the smooth weave of t-shirts, but you’ll also come across heavier knit Henleys that are closer to pullovers in feel and look. 

Fit 

Henley shirts are typically designed with a slimmer fit and profile. They contour more closely to your body and the addition of spandex to most designs gives them a snug feel. 

Polo shirts have a looser fit that flows over the body rather than contouring to it. 

Of course, you’ll find a wide variation of fits for either shirt. There are Polos that have a slim fit, particularly those with a smoother Jersey or Interlock weave. And you can also find Henleys that fit loosely, especially the knitted types.

But generally, if you want to show off your biceps or pecs, a Henley shirt is the best option. If you want a shirt that flatters your curves and bulges, go with a Polo.  

Overall Style

Overall, Polo shirts are more formal. They are not at the level of a dress shirt, but you can comfortably wear a Polo as part of a business casual outfit. It pairs well with chinos or even slacks. 

Polos are great for work, weddings, dinner dates and other semi-formal occasions. 

If you want a more casual and relaxed look, go with a Henley shirt. The lack of a collar puts it closer to a t-shirt in terms of style. So anywhere you can wear a tee, you can wear a Henley. With the right pairing of pants and shoes, you can easily dress up a Henley for a casual dinner or a weekend party. 

Henley shirts are also great for outdoors, thanks to their lighter and more breathable design. You can wear it on its own or layer it under a flannel shirt, a jacket or sweater.