Polo Shirts for Men: How to Choose One That Lasts
Every man owns polo shirts. Few own a good one. What to look for, from collar to fit, so yours still looks sharp after a summer of washing.
Polo shirts for men are probably the most worn piece of clothing in the Gulf. They're smart enough for lunch meetings and relaxed enough for the weekend, and in a city where a shirt and tie is rarely needed, the polo has quietly become the default.
But most polos start to look tired after a few months. Collars curl, colours fade, the shape goes, and suddenly it's a gym top. The difference between a polo that lasts one summer and one that lasts five is in a few details you can check in the shop, before you pay.
1. Start with the collar
The collar is the first thing to fail. Look for one that sits flat and firm, with enough structure to stand up neatly under a jacket and lie down cleanly on its own. If the collar is thin and floppy on the hanger, it will curl after the first few washes, and no amount of ironing brings it back.
Check the placket too, the strip with the buttons. It should lie straight, without puckering, and the buttons should feel secure.
2. Check the fit across the shoulders
The shoulder seam should sit on your shoulder bone, not halfway down your arm. Through the body, a polo should skim rather than cling. You want room for air, especially here, but not so much that it billows when you walk.
Sleeves should end around mid-bicep. Too long and the shirt looks borrowed. Too tight and it looks like you're trying.
3. Feel the fabric
A good polo has some weight to it. It should feel substantial in your hand, breathable against the skin, and spring back when you crumple it. Very thin fabrics look cheap quickly and show sweat more. Very heavy ones are wonderful in London and unbearable in August in Dubai.
4. Choose colours that work in the light
Olive, sand, navy, black and soft blues all look good in Gulf sunlight and pair with almost any trousers. Bright primaries can look harsh at midday. Start with one neutral and one darker colour and you'll cover most occasions. We wrote a separate piece on how to wear a black polo.
5. Look after it
- Wash cool and inside out.
- Do up the buttons before washing so the placket keeps its shape.
- Dry on a hanger in the shade. Direct Dubai sun fades colours fast, even on a balcony.
- Never tumble dry hot. Heat is what ruins collars.
- Store folded rather than hung for long periods, so the shoulders don't stretch.
Wearing polo shirts for men well
Tailored trousers for the office or dinner, knee-length shorts for the weekend. Tucked in with a belt for anything smart, untucked if the hem is straight and sits at the hip. Loafers or clean leather sneakers rather than running shoes.
For more outfit ideas see our smart casual guide for men.
