Next-level Polo shirts: Our favourite from spring's new crop
These are not the Polo shirts you saw on your dad.
Few things have been a part of fashion history as long as the classic Polo shirt — its roots go back to tennis courts in the early 1900s. While many associate the Polo shirt with suburban dads on sitcoms, today's Polo is a far cry from the ones worn over the last decades. Modern versions feature unexpected materials like the french terry one offered by Orlebar Brown, and bold graphics like the diagonal lines seen on the runway of NY-based designer Thom Browne. One of the main strengths of the Polo shirt is it's versatility, the collar adds a dressier feel while the short sleeve cut always balances that out with an embedded casual element. These days, a Polo can be just as "street" as it is preppy, and the fit ranges from purposefully oversized to a "European" slim. Here are some of the best out now.
H&M Slim Polo Shirt $14.99 CDN
You can never go wrong with a clean black polo. H&M's offering has a modern slim cut; pair it with black jeans, and you're rock star uniform is complete.
Uniqlo Dry Pique Polo Shirt $29.90 US
Japan brand Uniqlo's Dry Pique Polo shirt features their unique "DRY" technology: a quick drying element perfect for those upcoming sweaty summer days. Also can never go wrong with this price.
I'm digging the retro feel of this Zara offering. The embroidered tennis emblem and white colour gives this shirt a "Wimbleton" vibe, in a good way.
J.Crew Textured Cotton Tipped Polo Shirt $64.50
This J.Crew Polo has many vintage-inspired features such as cotton-tipped piping and "tennis tail" - which is when the back panel is slightly longer than the front.
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Lacoste Slim Zippered Polo Shirt $165 CDN
Many would argue that Lacoste is "the Godfather" of all Polo brands, but just because they are one of the oldest, that doesn't stop the brand from pushing design forward. This slim-fit polo, has a technical zipper which adds a nice modern twist.
Adidas Originals by Alexander Wang \ Velour Polo Shirt $170 CDN
New York based designer Alexander Wang teamed up with sportswear legend Adidas to create a very nice collection of velour polos. The use of velour gives the polo a retro vibe while the knit spread collar has a European soccer jersey feel to it.
Orlebar Brown Rosewood Terry Polo $180.00 CDN
I love the unexpected use of cotton looped terry in this Orlebar Brown polo. It adds a beachy or sporty element to the mix.
Comme des Garçons Play - White Long Heart Patch Polo -$235 CDN
Nothing says summer like a fresh white polo, and this one hits all the right notes.
PLAY is the luxury streetwear line of the infamous Parisian brand Comme Des Garcons. Designed by Rei Kawakubo, you may recognize the brand's "playful" heart logo.
Thom Browne RWB Diagonal Stripes SS Pocket Polo $800 CDN
Thom Browne is an American designer known for his interesting and unique take on American suiting. His New York-based label is ultra-forward while taking cues from mid-20th century American style. (If you see men at formal events showing ankle it might be because of his signature raised hem and "sockless" look.) Everything he does is next-level, and this is a next-level price point! I like the bold graphic lines of this Thom Browne polo, the tricolour stripes add a cycling jersey-like feel to an already preppy polo.
Stella McCartney Black Birds Polo $895 CDN
The daughter of the legendary Beatle, Paul McCartney, is known for her beautiful womenswear, and she recently added menswear to her repertoire. The former Creative Director of Paris fashion house Chloe, brings us her unique luxury take on a mens polo by adding unique bird designs to the front. Stella aims to add modern energy into timeless classics and the bird appliques on this polo accomplishes that by adding a rebellious edge to an otherwise traditional design.