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Don’t let the algorithm trick you into thinking the polo is a mere fad: the best polo shirts for men are a reliable reminder that the style is as evergreen as it gets. Long before TikTok pundits were heralding the polo shirt as a signifier of ‘old-money style’, the preppy T-shirt alternative was pure sportswear—and a shoo-in for the menswear Hall of Fame.
Contrary to its name, the polo shirt originated with another sport entirely. For decades, tennis players had been sweating it out in stiff button-up shirts and flannel pants—not exactly what we’d consider sportswear today. But when a young French phenom by the name of René Lacoste (nickname: “Le Crocodile”) set out to create a pullover that was lighter, softer, and more breathable than its starchy counterparts, he changed the sport forever. Thanks to Monsieur Lacoste’s prowess on the courts—and the ingenious design of his now-signature shirt—the polo rapidly transcended its origins to become one of the most popular garments in the world.
Today you’ll find an endless array of riffs on the silhouette, from classic pique joints cut with quality to spare to high-fashion renditions rendered in the most decadent materials on the planet. These are our absolute favorites on the market right now.
The Best Men’s Polo Shirts, According to GQ
Lacoste Short Sleeve Classic Chine L.12.12 Polo Shirt
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J.Crew Piqué Polo Shirt
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Stòffa Cotton-Piqué Polo Shirt
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Polo Ralph Lauren The Iconic Rugby Shirt
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Sunspel Riviera Polo Shirt
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Gap Pique Polo Shirt
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John Smedley Jersey Polo
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Reigning Champ Solotex Mesh Tiebreak Polo
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In This Guide
Best OG Polo Shirt: Lacoste Short Sleeve Classic Pique Polo Shirt
Lacoste
Short Sleeve Classic Chine L.12.12 Polo Shirt
Pros
- Classic, iconic, original style
- Available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and fits
Cons
- Lacoste logo can be offputting for some
Might as well start at the beginning, right? Around a century ago, French tennis player René Lacoste—famously nicknamed “the crocodile”—invented the polo as a way to blend hard-wearing performance with easy-going style. Almost 100 years later, the brand that bears his name still makes one of the best versions of the product category it invented—and its remit extends well beyond the court.
Lacoste’s signature design still features its telltale short button placket, elegant collar, and ribbed sleeves, done up in a now-legendary cotton pique fabric that’s endeared it to prepsters and punks in equal measure. It’s sturdy and soft, beefy but breathable, and a testament to the brand’s sovereignty decades into its reign.
“When I think of the polo shirt,” says GQ senior commerce editor Avidan Grossman, “I think of Lacoste. It’s as simple as that.” These days, Lacoste, the man, might not be remembered for his vicious backhand, but his contributions to the menswear canon remain undisputed. “Don’t sleep on the OG,” Grossman implores. He’s been wearing Lacoste’s genre-defining pique polo on and off for decades, and touts its crisp feel, timeless look, and universally flattering cut. If you need further convincing, Grossman submits one Jeremy Allen White as evidence.
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