Today, the best polo shirts are a staple of trusted men’s clothing, but the original polo shirt was designed by French tennis player René Lacoste in the 1920s as an upgrade from the long-sleeved shirts that contemporary tastes deemed it appropriate for round charging. A tribunal. Lacoste disagreed, so he covered the sleeves and made his shirts in knitted pique cotton, for added freshness. The makeover has earned him seven Grand Slam tournaments and envious glances on the net.

Racket hung up, Lacoste launched its eponymous polo shirt brand, with a crocodile logo inspired by its nickname on the court. It has become synonymous with the kind of sport where sweat and intelligence are equally valued; the fabric keeps golfers and polo players cool on the turf, but the button placket and collar allow them to enter directly into the clubhouse.

These characteristics endure, although you are now more likely to see polo shirts in crowds than in the field. But when you wear yours to look, not to play, the best polo shirts are still breathable and slim fit. “It has become one of the most versatile items in a man’s wardrobe,” says Damien Paul, responsible for men’s clothing at MatchesFashion. “I’ve seen more classic styles worn with a linen suit at a summer wedding, which is suitably formal, and then you have the likes of Givenchy whose graphic approach works well on a man a lot more. young person on leave. “

There are almost countless ways to wear a polo shirt. Because it sits in the perfect spot for sports, it enhances your weekend look or reduces the smothering of your evening outfits. “Shorts, jeans and chinos are the best companions, but a polo shirt can be dressed up with a blazer or relaxed with a light bomber jacket,” says Phill Tarling, a stylist who counts M&S and Top Gear among his previous paychecks. . “Just make sure the collar is turned down and keep your favorite football polo shirt for match day only. “

It’s summer sorted. Thank you, René.

So you don’t have to dig in, we’ve rounded up the 16 best brands of men’s polo shirts to keep you looking stylish all summer long.

Hurry? Check out our top picks for the best polo shirts here:

Ralph Lauren polo shirt

The clue is in the name, isn’t it? Ralph Lauren’s iconic piece, aka one of the best polo shirts on the planet, has been reinvented in countless ways over the years. Some styles carry the hallmarks and badges of the sport that inspired the garment in the first place, but many others are simply unbeatable preppy fashion. Available in five fabrics and three fits, the brand also recently launched the Earth Polo, made from recycled plastic bottles.

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Luca Falconi

For pure luxury in the polo department, Luca Falconi gets top marks. Made in Italy with materials ranging from silk and cashmere to premium cotton pique, you can expect soft, breathable fabrics to accompany you in the warmer season. With special attention to detail in mother-of-pearl buttons and ribbed collars, these polo shirts are equally at home in the boardroom as they are on the beach.

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Lacoste

It would be unfair to plot the best of the bunch without reference to the very man who started it all. While Lacoste has built a reputation on classic iterations, be aware that there are modern – and dare I say it, cooler – choices, with larger designs or interesting patterns and prints.

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Uniqlo

Affordable and easy-to-wear basics are what Uniqlo is all about, so of course the Japanese brand has the best polo shirts. There are dozens of designs, many with moisture-wicking fabrics and technology designed to keep t-shirts from fraying or losing their shape. The brand also offers more chic polo shirts in fine merino wool for dressy suits.

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Fred perry

The whites of tennis weren’t just dominated by good old René. Shortly after, British tennis player Fred Perry launched his own eponymous label. Rather than classic court shapes, the brand has evolved into something much more on-trend, embraced by mod fashion among others.

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Sunspel

Best known for their amazing t-shirts and amazing fabrics, Sunspel’s polo offering is vast and wonderful. You can choose from Sea Island cotton, jersey blends, merino wool, waffle knits, towels and more, but there are two things that unite them. They’re all luxurious to the touch and come in a soft, flattering fit that will make every day a day in the South of France.

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Orlebar Brown

High-end beachwear is what polo brand Orlebar Brown does better than anyone else. Tailored yet extremely comfortable, these polo shirts are made for your spare time, yet they’re easily smart enough to wear in the office. Okay, maybe not the sponge ones. Expect rich colors, good options for the collar design, and plenty of retro-modern designs.

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J Crew

Arguably the best spot on the street for American BCBG classics, J.Crew polo shirts come in a few shapes and colors, but our favorites are the brand’s retro styles. Look for square cuts, washed out colors and stripes straight out of the 4th of July weekend.

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James perse

LA luxury brand James Perse makes some of the most decadent shirts on the planet, the softness and price tag both likely to make your jaw drop. The vibe is laid back on the East Coast, which means a flowy fit and a dark neutral color palette.

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Lanvin

If you thought the best polo shirts were the preserve of sports brands, think again; Equally astute is Lanvin, the oldest independent French fashion house in the world. Although instead of breathable cotton pique, the brand’s polo shirts stick to its luxury roots with Italian wool and minimal striped detailing.

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Glove

Another preppy fashion supplier, Gant sells a huge range of polo shirts and has been doing so since 1949. The collection includes stripes, flowers, contrasting collars and a rainbow of colors. Look for his Tech Prep shirts, made from breathable, moisture-wicking cotton pique.

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Tommy Hilfiger

Europe should not take all the credit. Ivy League prep king Tommy Hilfiger has launched his own take on the classic polo shirt, infusing Land Of The Free’s favorite shades in a traditional and flattering form. The polo shirt brand does 90s styles better than anyone else, so start there if you’re browsing.

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River island

The best polo shirt is a classic piece of menswear, but that doesn’t mean it is trend-proof. If you’re looking for something more directional that won’t drain the bank account, try River Island. His polo shirts are inspired by the season’s dominant menswear themes – right now that means big stripes, zip-up collars, and 50s details like piping on the sleeves and collar.

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Mark & ​​Spencer

This British institution has one of the largest collections of polo shirts on the main street. It will take you some time to go through it all, but to navigate straight to the best pieces we recommend its tailored wool polo shirts for chic and casual outfits and some retro color options with contrast piping on the sleeves. The prices are also hard to beat.

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Reiss

Smart-casual doesn’t get much better on Main Street than the high-end Reiss menswear center. Fine fabrics, trendy touches like open colors and non-boring colors are all there. Perfect casual office outfit that transforms straight into going out clothes.

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Dunhill

One of London’s most luxurious fashion destinations, Dunhill doesn’t stop at premium leather goods and golf apparel. His polo collection is extensive with outrageously soft cottons and even silk options. It also makes a good line in ’50s throwback options.

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