Not many of us will ever hop up on a horse and take a swing at a ball with a mallet (meanwhile, those who play Buzkashi think the use of a plain ol’ ball is weak) but the polo is still a foundation of most of our hot weather casual wardrobes. They key, as is almost always the case, is fit. And for many, it has to be logo free. You’ll find the good, bad, and ugly from this year’s lot below. Sizes shown are all medium unless otherwise noted. Mount up…
.
THE GOOD: GAP “Lightweight Heather” Rugby Collar Polo – $26.21
w/GAPGET ($34.95)
So polos can be pretty boring. Especially if you prefer solids. GAP’s Lightweight Heather polo with the contrast rugby style collar is the right answer for mixing it up. Three button placket that doesn’t dip too deep when buttoned with just one button. Nice trim fit. A little long in the tail, but not too bad. Nice non-pique jersey style that’s soft and smooth. Goes on sale all the time. One of the best of the lot and a big win for GAP. Three colors to pick from. Code GAPGET takes 25% off your purchase and expires 4/11.
GAP Contrast Stitch Pocket Polo – $22.46 w/ GAPGET ($29.95
)
Contrast stitch? Not on the one that was tried on in-store. It’s more than possible that there’s a duplicate version of this thing in stores without the contrast stitching across the pocket, shoulders, sleeves, and hem. Three colors online, none of them are this darker charcoal version. Fit is the same trim style of the rugby collar above.
Arizona Jean Co. Vintage Wash Pique – $15.00
One of the few pique polos that feels lightweight and smooth. It has a “washed” effect that has really softened the fabric. $15 through JC Penny, and despite what you might think, sizing down is NOT a good idea. They fit true. Like a GAP with a little more room, but if you’re a medium in most polos, you’ll be a medium here. It’s not $40 good, but it’s $15 great. Make sense? Cotton, except for the heather grey version which is a 60% Cotton 40% Poly blend.
Express Fitted Signature Polo – $26.94 ($44.90)
Polos aren’t like blazers or suit jackets. Four buttons aren’t necessarily off limits. This is one of if not the only polo Express makes without their logo on it. The contrast placket is a new edition this year, as is that extra 4th button. Two small details you won’t find on other polos. Great price at the 40% off sale, but who knows when that’ll end. 95% cotton and 5% spandex with noticeable stretch.
Banana Republic Luxe Touch Polo – $31.15
w/ BRTUESDAY ($44.50)
The fabric is what’s so good about these things. Cotton, and smooth to the point of being slick. But they don’t shine like they’re some weird poly golf shirt or anything. Consider sizing down, but a bunch of the reviews say they shrink badly in the wash. Didn’t personally have that problem at all. Size shown above is a small. The one major drawback is the collar, which can pancake out into a flare. That’s an absolute no when wearing a button up shirt, but for a polo, it’s not quite as bad. Code BRTUESDAY is good for 30% off and expires today, 4/10/12.
THE BAD: J. Crew Slub Cotton Polo – $19.99 ($39.50)
This really doesn’t belong in the “bad” section because it’s pretty well executed. Slub polos are just awfully hard to dress up since you’ll always look a little ratty thanks to the texture. Some could say the same for a linen suit… but you’re still in a suit. Nice enough, but not all that versatile. Decent price on sale. The white slub gets a little translucent. Ribbed cuffs on the sleeves. Nice fit that’s certainly not too trim.
Target Merona Slim Fit Polo – $10.00 – $12.00
Ooof. Some will disagree, but these weres a disappointment. The Mossimo slim fit polos from last year haven’t shown up yet, and they might be getting replaced by these slim fits from Merona. The issue is that these things are weirdly long. Notice where my thumb is in the pic on the left. That’s just above where my 501s hit. Unless you’re over six feet tall, these things are going to be way long. Fabric is good, price is excellent, but they’re just oddly long.
Old Navy “Slim” Pique Polo -$10 – $15
A classic Old Navy “slim” fit mistake. It’s trim in the arms and shoulders, but the body doesn’t seem to slim down at quite the same rate. Old Navy is getting better with their slim cuts, but this one doesn’t work. Thin fabric too.
NOTE: The “Tri-Blend” polos just showed up online, and these did real well last year as long as you sized down. Might be the closest thing we get to the Mossimo blend polos this year. No word on fit, and $24.50 is spendy for O.N.
THE UGLY: Target Merona “Ultimate” Polo – $10 – $15
But if given a choice between this and the fitted Merona, the fitted Merona wins in a walk. That right there is a size medium, and it fits like a cardboard box. About as comfortable as one too. From user MK’s review on Target.com: “GOOD SIZING AND LOOKS GOOD. Im a big dude, 280, and the XXL fits properly. I’d expect that they will be one season shirts, but at the low price i paid (they wont let me say, but lets say it was about 12 bones), i dont expect heirlooms.” Right-o MK.
Where are you guys finding polos this year? And are you okay with a logo as long as it’s something classic, like say, Original Penguin? Leave your polo picks as well as your take on the upper left chest logo in the comments below.
I own a few of the J Crew slub cotton polos and while I agree that they trend very casual and therefore aren’t very versatile, they’re pretty great otherwise. Length, fit, and texture is all very good and they’re very comfortable. The collar does tend to flop down a bit but they look really good with shorts and boat shoes on a warm spring day. I’ve never really felt the urge to dress up a polo anyway – that’s what button-ups are for.
On a side note, props to Joe for not including any polos with labels, particularly the old frat bro standby, Polo RL. Is there anything worse than paying $85 for a cheap polo with a boxy fit and a logo that turns you into a walking advertisement?
These all look similar to me -_-
Joe, ever try the Wurkin Stiffs for the Polo Collar? Curious to hear if they work as well. Heard mixed reviews.
Thanks for the rundown. Nice.
I also tried on the Target Merona slim fit and I was barely able to notice the length over the horribly loud collar. That thing could have fit two of me and still had extra room.
Joe, Have you looked at H&Ms jersey polos yet? I was surprised at the fit and durability, and for only $12.
Try the JCREW Repp Slim Fits. I like ’em really well.
It’s too bad that American Eagle still logos their polo because their vintage fit is perfection.
I was really hoping the link for Buzkashi would lead to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgHgG7aNSdU
You working out?
H&M has polos with no logos for $10
Hey Joe, Correction under the Express Signature
Four buttons aren’t necessarily off* limits.
It was the collar for the Target polo that ruined it for me
Polo RL has 3 types of fit: classic fit, custom fit, and slim fit. The slim fit is perhaps the most slim fitting of all brand polos out there with the exception of Kent Wang. They’re often on sale for 1-2 months out of the year.
yea damn joe, put those guns away
Thanks for the post on this topic. I don’t deal with heat too so, living in Texas, polos are a necessity. But, given that polos are a staple of my wardrobe, I’ve thought about picking up some “better than normal” options to step it up. Great post.
The 40% off Express sale is already over, though, or I’d have a handful of those.
While you’re at JC Penny, check out the Claiborne Pima polo.
You’d need “sleeves” (for lack of a better term) for the collar stays, which I’d be surprised if any polos had. Polos are supposed to be less formal/stiff than dress shirts, so the idea would work against the idea of the shirt.
Na, they make a different type called Polo Stiffs:
http://wurkinstiffs.com/c-4-polo-stays.aspx
That’s brilliant! Geoff, have you tried these?
This post came out a day late for me. Just bought almost all of the colors in the old navy slim polo. Looks like the returns register is in my future.
I bought a dozen or so of the Mossimo ones last Summer. So glad I did.
Our old friends and Land’s End (no not canvas) actually have polos for pretty cheap and they go on sale regularly. The slim ones could probably be a little more trim on the sides but they’re still solid and they hold up after lots of washes. At one point last year they went on sale for $10 in most colors so I stocked up.
No, I was hoping Joe or someone else had. Based on how much I like the regular Wurkin Stiffs, I may just take the plunge.
lookin ripped
Oh boy. They aren’t. Trust me on that one…
I haven’t tried these yet. But since I got a couple of the BR polos at a steal of a price, and the flop collar sorta bugs me, I might invest too.
The collars on the Target Merona Slims were awfully… big? Pronounced? I like a substantial collar as well, but they were over the top for me too. Thought maybe it was just the batch I tried on.
Haven’t tried the H&M polos yet… maybe a replacement for the mossimos?
Gotta agree with JZ on this one. There are different fits for different body types. While they are a uniform for those with Greek society affiliations, they are extremely well made shirts. My dad has been wearing the same shirts for 15 years that still look great. All of mine have retained shape and color while other polos of mine have gone the way of the Dodo. It’s a bit of an investment, but they do go on sale, the factory store has great pricing, and eBay can actually be a big ally here (new shirts with labels, not second hand). As with anything though, just a matter of preference.
I had like 6 of them in my online cart during the Easter sale since they were like $9.50 + free ship but held off. Looking at that picture I’m glad I did. They just look so outdated.
I went ahead and bit the bullet. It looks like you get 16 stays but no power buttons for $35. So enough for 8 shirts I suppose. Shipping is $11 unless you buy $40 worth of stuff and then it’s free. So i bought an extra set of power buttons for $15. $50 was a lot for these, I hope they are worth it.
I like the polos I picked up from Zara when I was last in Europe. About $25 if I recall right. I think they have stores in Chicago and NYC, not sure where else.
I’m 6’6″ 130lbs, so I think any of the options here would be too big for me. I’m going to try ordering J.Crew’s XS size online. The stores near me don’t stock Men’s XS size. H&M might be another option if I make a trip to the nearest one in Chicago.
Got a couple of the JCrew slub cotton pocket polo’s a few weeks ago, which I like quite a bit. The collars stand up which is a plus, and the length is perfect. Got them during a sale for a hair less than $30. Replacing a couple of last year’s Gap standard pique polo’s, which worn untucked on my 5’11” frame, looked I was wearing a sun dress.
My Mossimo polos from last year are pilling like crazy so I picked up a bunch of the slim-fit Merona polos. At 5’9″, I don’t find the small to be too long. The slightly oversized collar doesn’t bother me, either. I like them a lot, considering they set me back a measly $10 apiece. One of those YMMV things, I guess.
I regret not grabbing more, myself.
I don’t always wear polos, but when I do, it’s Fred Perry or bust. Stay punk, my friends.
I’m 6’1″ 200lbs and find that the Tommy Hilfiger tailored fit polos are as perfect as a polo can be. Yes, they do have a very tiny Hilfiger flag on the chest, but I can get over that. Plus they are of great quality. I don’t pay $50 for them – they go on sale regularly.
These are hard times for jersey polo lovers
I have read that the Express polo runs long. Is this true?
Lands’ End main line tailored fit mesh are great! I bought 3 with 30% off for a steal. I also bought a pima cotton, but am not really a fan feels like it will lose shape after a few washes. I guess I’ll see.
Did you mean 5’6″ and 130 lbs? Cause that would be unheard of if you were that tall and only 130 lbs.
was i the only one who looked at the first picture and thought holy crap Joe is buff?
Joe’s point about the J-crew slub polo’s is right on. You cannot dress these up for work. They do not go well with khaki pants at all because the material is so thin and the texture looks odd paired with chinos especially if you are tucking the shirt in.
Oh Lord thanks that I’m not the only one. I’m really struggling finding another polo that works for me. That damn Eagles, the rest of the fit is fantastic.
I need to check out the JCP Arizona. I’ve not got a ton bank to drop on polos (I’m still in the process of getting the timeless pieces for post-college), but my girlfriend works at JCP. $15-20% off? That’s practically stealing.
As a big guy (6’4″), myself, I really like the fit on Tommy Hilfiger shirts. I know that Joe finds that they run too big for him but they fit perfectly for me. I just recieved some oxfords from the last sale and the GF said that they looked fitted.
My only issue is that the regular price is too high and while the regular logo is fine, some shirts (especially on polos) are prone to have giant ugly BS on the breast. That said, every time there is a sale on the website or at Macys, I’m always looking for a shirt or two.
Thanks for the roundup but I’m going to wait a few months to see if Mossimo brings their polos back.
Tried the GAP “Lightweight Heather” Rugby Collar Polo on in store and loved it. Came back to the office to buy online and it went OS in small. I’m 5’8″ 155lbs and it’s difficult for me to find shirts that aren’t too long, this was just right. Guess I’ll go pick it up on the way home.
Alex Cannon – available at Lord and Taylor (got one cheap at Century 21 in NYC too).
Made well, fit well, cool colors.
All that camera-lifting is having an effect! Let’s be thankful for this exhaustive workout routine of his.
Off topic, but the arms are looking solid Joe. Keep working hard man. Next week, tank tops!!!! Hey oohhh!!
The H&M polos for $12 seemed like a steal to me. They fit trim in the sides (and small in the sleeves), and are comfortable.
Fully agree with you on this, my RL polo’s have been my biggest ally over the last year. They have not shrunk at all and the color has not faded. For me the investment is worth it. For me it’s all a matter of limiting what I spend my money on and after a month I have no worries spending the money on one. Also, Brooks Brothers (yet another “frat boy” brand) polo shirts have become a favorite of mine.
Maybe it’s just a body type issue, but personally I have several of the Old Navy Slim Fit shirts and they fit great. They have a tailored fit through the chest and torso while staying trim in the arms and shoulders. At 5’8” 160 lbs I’m able to get the tailored look for only $10/polo.
My recommendation would be to try them on in store like I did. I did the same with the Express 1mx Slim Fit Shirt, which was hailed as a great buy, and it was long in the arms and loose in the torso.
You never know how ‘slim’ or ‘tailored’ the fit is ultimately going to be.
Normally a Slim fit shirt in Medium would fit me best, but at 6’3″, mediums are way too short. Unfortunately, those Merona’s don’t do it for me anyways.
Joe, I need to know your work out routine stat!
Great article. And in the nick of time. Was just about to start perusing the interweb for different polos.
No homo, but you are one ripped guy. >_> Never imagined arms like those under your dress shirts lol
Thanks for the reviews, Joe. I have to wonder, though: Did you select only neutral colors in hopes of highlighting the fit instead of the color range? It makes sense if that was your goal, but I hope this doesn’t represent the full range of anyone’s polo selections. I know that Joe and many others here prefer a more muted palette, but it’s spring, and soon summer, and these are for relaxed, casual wear – introduce some colors and patterns and lighten your wardrobe up a little!
The express signature polo is fantastic, I’ve always been a fan of the soft cotton.
One question though, how do you store your polos? I’m always afraid if I hang them, especially the soft cotton, i’ll be left with some hanger marks at the shoulders where it’s stretched out a bit. I currently fold them and put them in a drawer, but that makes it so i have to iron out the collar when i take one out. What do you guys do?
I bought several of the Target Merona “ultimate” polos and a few of the slim fit. I didn’t have any problems with the length, and they were on sale for $10. They’re looking great and wearing great so far. Even hem, no logo, and feel great.
Yeah, my bad
If you use a wood hanger, it may be less of a problem. I do, and none of my polos have that issue. I also flip up the collar when washing and hanging, only flipping it down when I put it on. It seems to keep the collars looking nicer.
For those of you who find some polos to be too long, you could have a tailor shorten them up a bit. I’m thinking of having it done to some polos that I already have. Yes, you won’t have the side notch anymore, but some polos don’t have them in the first place.
Last time I checked, Land’s End had some Pima cotton polo shirts for sale under $10 in their Clearance and On the Counter sections. Might be worth checking out!
I almost always opt out of a polo, but its usually an Old Navy or Gap Outlet tucked into shorts or pants for a golf outing. I try to steer towards a rolled up long sleeve button up (real thin if its real hot) or a short sleeve v-neck if it’s more casual. I think it’s just how I look in polos..
I’m roughly 6’3″ and the dark blue Merona Slim fit polo that I went and bought today works well on my 190lb frame. It’s a great polo for the money if you’re tall and trim. I tossed a linen blazer over it with some D1 Dockers and suede loafers. ; )
I absolutely love H&M polos. I used to be a die hard ralph lauren custom kind of guy, but I bought an H&M one as more of a party shirt I could afford to get beer on, but then I went back to buy a couple more. They’re the slimmest polos I’ve ever had.
Anyone try the Apt. 9 polos at Kohls? Got one in large, snug up top but a bit loose around the waist. But for $10 on sale, plus a $5 coupon just for giving them your e-mail, not terrible.
Anyone try the Apt. 9 polos at Kohls? Got one in large, snug up top but a bit loose around the waist. But for $10 on sale, plus a $5 coupon just for giving them your e-mail, not terrible.
Really liking the fit on the Washed Pique Polo from Uniqlo that I picked up in New York last week. I am 6 ft 175 and took a small. It’s a true slim fit through the body. The arms bands are a little tight around the biceps, but that will probably stretch in time. There’s a slight contrast to the inside of the color and the collar. The color is definitely not too big. It’s not stiff, but it ain’t floppy either. All for $20 if you have a store new you.
thanks for this!
6′ 175 and you fit in a small? What…the…hell… 5’4″ & 130lbs doesn’t stand a chance then in a small…