If you don't have a polo shirt in your closet, you should get one, or several. If you already have a few, there’s no harm in adding more. 

Polo shirts are some of the most versatile items of clothing you can own, as we discussed in a recent article on styling polos. So having a selection of them greatly widens your fashion repertoire. 

To help you choose the best polo shirts, we have written this comprehensive polo shirt buying guide. We discuss types of polo shirt fabrics, the different styles available and how to pick the best colors depending on your fashion needs. Let’s dive in. 

P.S. We have launched our HercShirt 3.0 Polo Edition, one of the most comfortable polo shirts you’ll ever own. It’s available in male and female cuts and with several size and color options. Oh, it’s also antibacterial so it doesn't stink even when you sweat or wear it for days. 

6 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Polo Shirt 

1. Fabric

Traditionally, polos have always been made from knit cotton. But as they have gotten more popular, there are many more types of materials used to make polo shirts. 

Cotton polos are still highly popular, but now you can also get polo shirts made from polyester, poly-cotton (polyester + cotton), natural mulberry silk, linen, wool and bamboo. So you have a much wider range of options to choose from. 

The best polo shirt material depends on your budget and comfort needs. Cost-wise, polo shirts made from natural materials like cotton are more expensive. Luxury fabrics like silk and linen are especially pricey. 

As for comfort, cotton, silk and other natural materials provide good breathability, helping keep you cool on a warm day. Polyester polos are pretty good at wicking away sweat, so they are great when you are active (e.g. hiking) or if you sweat a lot.      

2. Weave 

Polo shirts made from the same fabric can look and feel very different depending on the type of weave. The three most common weaves are pique, jersey and interlock. 

Pique Polos

The classic weave for polo shirts is pique. This type of weave consists of raised waffle-like geometric patterns that give the fabric a textured look. 

Pique polo shirts hold their shape well, they are durable and look more upscale than other types of weaves (making pique polos the best choice if you want a more formal style for the office or golf course).

Jersey Polos

In contrast jersey polo shirts have a smooth and soft finish, similar to the ones on t-shirts. Jersey shirts conform more to the body and have a more casual look to them. 

Interlock Polos

There are also interlock polo shirts. An interlock weave has the same smooth t-shirt like texture as a jersey weave. But unlike a jersey polo which will have a distinctive rough side, an interlock polo is smooth both on the outside and inside. 

Get an interlock polo shirt if you prefer a soft and smooth feel against your skin. Interlock polos are also heavier and warmer, making them perfect for colder weather.  

3. Style 

Polo shirts come in various distinctive styles that range from elegant (perfect for the office or a dinner date) to super casual (ideal for a day at the beach). 

The difference in styles comes down to details like the length of the sleeves (ranging from extra-short sleeves to full length sleeves), how long the placket is (where the buttons are located), the size of the collar and even the number of buttons. 

So check the style of a polo to make sure it’s suitable for what you want to use it for. Some styles are versatile, while others are only suitable for formal or casual occasions. 

4. Fit 

Similar to t-shirts, polo shirts come in different fits: a slim fit for those who want a sleeker silhouette, a regular fit for those looking for something a bit looser but still closely fitting, and a regular fit for those who want a more relaxed fit that’s not baggy. 

You can also go for a loose, oversize or baggy fit polo that looks great as part of a streetwear ensemble. 

The best polo shirt fit depends on your physique and aesthetic preferences. If you have a lean build, you’ll look great in a slim or regular fit. Bigger or more muscular men should try a regular or loose fit. 

Remember fit is different from size. You should still make sure you select the appropriate polo shirt size, regardless of the fit. 

5. Color 

Neutral colored polo shirts like black, gray, white, dark blue and beige are the most versatile. They go well with different pants colors and you can wear them in different occasions and environments. 

Brighter colors are more casual and offer a more summery vibe. You can also get a patterned polo shirt if you want something more eye-catching. 

6. Special Properties

Finally, check whether the polo shirt has any unique properties that you could benefit from. Common ones include: 

• Antibacterial polo shirts, like our HercShirt Polo — great for outdoors and body odors. 
• Sweat-wicking polo shirts made with performance synthetic fabrics — perfect for hot weather, sports like golf and horse riding, as well as outdoor adventures. 
• Mesh polo shirts designed to maximize breathability — ideal for summer.