When it comes to choosing a quality shirt it’s all about the details. Shirts should have neat stitching that’s in excellent condition and in straight lines. Careful edge stitching should be done and hand sewn cuffs should be used whenever possible. Style also comes into play here – you likely polo dress shirts aren’t going to wear a super heavy material like twill during the summer. Below we break down all of our top picks giving you tons of details on each one, including what we liked and didn’t like. Each of these shirts are crafted in the USA and they offer something a little special.
Our lightweight polo shirt is perfect for dressing up any sweater and outfit. A polo with a longer placket/more buttons looks especially nice under a jacket, as it harkens more to the dress shirt. To go up another level of formality, swap a cotton polo for a retro-styled wool knit one. These sweater shirts often come with contrasting colors on the collar/arm bands, as well as a banded bottom (don’t wear them with low-rise pants, lest your top turn into a midriff). It’s not a look for every guy, but can be handsome on some. Polos are available in a variety of materials from natural to synthetic.
Made of mercerized cotton, this wrinkle-free shirt requires minimal maintenance. Colors like Blue, White, and Pink are available with white stitching. While Ralph Lauren makes this shirt in sizes 14.5 to 18.5, note that not all sizes may be available for all colors. There are various styles and colors available, from solid hues like White and Black to Stripe and Pinstripe designs.
Have a core collection of solid, basic colors like blue, black, and white. You can’t go wrong with having a few polos in these classic shades. Polos with stripes or contrasting colors on the sleeve bands/collar aren’t always a bad choice but do read as more casual, trendy, and young. In the 1950s, Lacoste began to offer the shirt, formerly only available in white, in a wider range of colors and brought the polo to America.
The latter often make up the performance blends used in polos specifically designed for athletic wear. Silk and silk blends are an option, but are not recommended, as they show your sweat easily, lose their color as they become wet, and just look rather cheesy. Polyester, or cotton/poly blends extend the life of the shirt, but are less breathable, more stinky, and cheaper looking.
Life was groovy, and business styles slowly started trending toward business casual attire. By the 1980s, the business casual revolution in clothing really took off. The classic polo shirt was invented in the late 10th century and was the first item of clothing with button-down collars.
Look around and you’ll notice that everyone and everything is more casual. So how do you look put together without looking, you know, too put together? The key is dressing up the casual pieces you know and love and mixing them in with dressier classics. Shop with intention and look for colors and textures that make basic items appear more interesting.
Over the years, the classic polo shirt has become a standard for many businesses, as well as a standby for the casual wearer. Polo shirts are a great fit for that company picnic or family fun day. No matter what the occasion, boost morale, team spirit, and comfort with customized polo and dress shirts. The Mizzen + Main Manhattan shirt is an absolute staple for a wedding – classic design, moisture wicking, and breathable.
We offer a variety of timeless shirts that are made for all-day comfort. For easy care, all of our women’s short sleeve polo shirts are machine-washable. Browse the men’s dress shirts at Old Navy and find the perfect fit four your wardrobe, personal style and attitude.