Menswear: The best polo shirts to wear this summer

Will this be the summer you give polo shirts a chance? We sure hope so!

I know, polos get a bad rap, but they’ve put the work in and left their boring, tech bro past… well, in the past. In 2023, the polo shirt will be an integral part of the cool boy’s wardrobe, and for very good reason: they are just perfect for summer, when looking spiffy is harder than ever.

The polo renaissance is here, and here are our favourite ways to style polo shirts in 2023.

70s revival, dadcore, and blokecore are just a few of the big menswear trends of this year to include polos. A tight-fit polo paired with bell bottoms, pointed boots, and a casual leather jacket makes for the perfect 70s-inspired transitional weather outfit. During summer, we prefer leaning into the dadcore vibe with an oversized polo, cargo shorts, and dad sneakers.

Another advantage of the polo shirt is its versatility: it makes casual outfits feel more refined, but also prevents elegant outfits from feeling too stuffy. The right textured polo paired with swim trunks and leather slides will get you inside NYFW as well as the trendiest beach clubs; at the same time, a striped polo will create a nice contrast with a houndstooth blazer, making a fancy outfit immediately more interesting.

In short, what makes a polo cool and interesting has everything to do with colours and textures. An oversized placket, bright prints, and pastel colours immediately add a point of interest to your outfit, making it feel elevated.

The oversized trend is still going strong, and a loose-fit polo shirt creates a nice contrasting vibe between the inherent “stuffiness” of the polo and the relaxed, rebellious appeal of the oversized silhouette.

Original text: Zeinab Saidoun
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli