Our favorite knit button up continues its domination into S/S 26. We’ve got 10 great options you’re absolutely going to want…

Sure, it’s still your business casual Friday hero, but as we lean into the warmer days of spring, polos are getting more than their previous fair share of attention. The classic OG version is always King, but lately our editors have embarked on, and found, this season’s fresh takes that play freely with technical fabrics and unexpected materials. All these have come together to create our top 10 list of great polos you should be adding to your wardrobe right now.

But before we get into our list, let’s review some ground rules on what exactly makes a great polo.

First, there’s fabric quality. This one should be self-explanatory, but worth repeating – Look for shirts made from high-quality materials, whatever that material may be, from pima cotton, technical blends, merino wool, etc. etc. The fabric should feel soft, breathable, and durable. Avoid shirts made from cheap, thin materials that are prone to shrinking or losing shape after washing (looking at you, Amazon $7 specials).

Next, let’s talk construction and stitching. High-quality shirts will have evenly spaced, tight stitching with no loose threads. Reinforced seams, especially along the collar and cuffs, indicate better durability. And while it may seem like a small thing (because they kind of are) – Pay attention to the buttons on the polo shirt. High-quality shirts will feature durable buttons that are securely attached. They should be easy to button and unbutton without feeling flimsy or loose.

Also, while technically part of construction, this is important enough to call out on its own. The collar of the polo shirt is a crucial detail. Regardless of whether it’s flat, spread or rolled, the collar should be sturdy and well-constructed in order to maintain its shape over time. Otherwise, it really won’t matter how great the rest of the shirt looks. Bad collar = bad polo. Period. Full stop.

Finally, we have fit and cut. Your polo should fit comfortably in the chest and roomy in the stomach (that goes for tailored and slim fits as well). Check for proper proportions in the sleeves, collar, and length. A good polo sleeve should start right at the shoulder bone and end mid-bicep. For collars, you should be able to button it all the way up and have enough room to slide two fingers in-between your shirt and your neck. The length should fall to right around midpoint of your pant/short/trouser zipper.

So now that you have those ground rules in mind, let’s get to our list!

THE NEW CLASSIC

That’s not a contradiction in terms. Mott & Bow’s Jersey Sueded Polo is a master class in taking the classic polo look and modernizing it in a way that’s fresh, but not so trendy as to be outdated by the next season. The cut is modern and tapered, but clean (no overt logos or outrageous patterns). The material is top shelf – 100% pre-washed, pre-shrunk Cotton, ensuring both comfort and durability. The mid-weight fabric boasts breathable, anti-pilling and stay true colors that maintain wash after wash. The stay flat collar requires zero ironing, and the fit is designed to highlight strength without drawing attention where you don’t want it. Tailored through the chest and shoulders, it creates a clean, athletic silhouette up top, while a slightly relaxed midsection allows the fabric to drape naturally—never cling. The result is a confident, fit look that emphasizes your build, not problem areas, so you look sharp, comfortable, and effortlessly put together from every angle. Comes in seven color options, including this handsome Navy (shown below). All in all, we have zero notes on this fellow other than to say: buy. it. now.

Mott & Bow, Jersey Sueded Polo $74.99

THE O.G.

This is the polo your Dad wore with wild abandon…and probably with a solid pair of Dickies or J. Crew chinos. The cotton blend Ottoman ribbed three-button collar and of course, the embroidered green crocodile on the chest all make up the one-and-only Lacoste Classic Sport Polo. Color options are pretty endless, but really, is there any choice more iconic than tennis white?

Lacoste, Classic Sport Polo $131

THE RETRO

If the Lacoste was the OG your Dad was sporting, the retro was all Grandad. Textured, woven knit construction with a bottom that blouses rather than falling straight at the hips. This version by Elie Tahari nails that 70s vibe with its wide, spread collar. This is a shirt that just begs for Bermuda shorts and Tom Collins on the patio.

Elie Tahari, Textured Knit Polo Shirt $29.99

(on Sale NOW from $68)

THE MOD

Digging even deeper into the back of Grandad’s closet, we have the Mod polo. Casablanca’s version gives you all the cultural nostalgia exploitation you’re craving from a 60s inspo polo. Arresting pattern in a regular fit from 100% cotton, this masterpiece is complete with classic polo touches like a two-button placket and straight hem. This vibe is giving Paul Newman, with a touch of early Steve McQueen.

Casablanca, Monogram Pattern Polo $567

(on Sale NOW from $709)

THE LUXE

Price point no object? There’s a polo for that. Namely Ralph Lauren’s 100% pure, decadent cashmere polo. This navy blue beauty sports a fine-knit weave, so it feels light and luxe. True to brand, the collar and sleeves are done in a ribbed style, but unlike the more famous cotton version, the hem on this is slightly tapered, making it easy to tuck into your dress trousers. Add a sports blazer and some Common Projects and your elevated business casual wardrobe is complete.

Polo Ralph Lauren, Fine-Knit Cashmere Polo Shirt $398

THE NO BUTTON

Not everyone is a fan of the button look. Some guys find the whole button concept less elegant and don’t like how it ‘interrupts the flow’. This straight hem, fine-knit cotton version by Manière De Voir is completely buttonless, allowing you to have that open collar look, yet still maintain that elevated air that goes oh-so well with your pleated pants and loafers. We’re digging this dark chocolate version, but they also offer beige and navy color options as well to fit your sans-button needs.

Manière De Voir, Rowen Textured Knitted Polo $125

THE LONG SLEEVE

As you’re most likely already aware, you don’t have to limit yourself to just a short sleeve option in a polo. A long sleeve polo can easily take the place of your favorite v-neck sweater. This Italian cotton version by Thom Browne takes a stylish approach with little touches like the classic collar as well as a tailed back to give it a more tailored look. And of course you can’t miss the brand’s iconic 4 bar stripes.

Thom Browne, Classic 4Bar Long-Sleeve Polo $350

THE TECHNICAL

Technology is a beautiful thing…especially when you demand mobility and moisture-wicking that stands up just as admirably during your golf, tennis or racquetball game as at the club bar afterwards. Made from super breathable, moisture-wicking, technical poly material, the AIR 3 Button Polo by Twillory will keep you cool and collected in the heat. Comes in nine color and pattern options, but our editors were immediately drawn towards this icy blue choice.

Twillory, AIR 3 Button Polo $49

(on Sale NOW from $84)

THE PERFORMANCE

Okay, you say you’re an outdoorsy, active guy, but the thought of technical fabrics leaves your skin feeling the itch. If only there was a natural solution that had all the outstanding cool-under-pressure performance and nothing for your chemically sensitive skin to get out of shape about. May we introduce you to Smartwool? Their short sleeve polo is a blend of ZQ-certified merino wool (sourced from responsible farms), 33% TENCEL™ Lyocell, and 29% recycled polyester. How’s that work? Well, merino wool is lightweight, breathable and naturally temperature regulating. Lyocell is a soft breathable fabric made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. Put those together and you have an organic powerhouse of a shirt that’ll have you hiking in your happy place all day long (even if the “hiking” only involves going from the grill to the cooler).

Smartwool, Active Mesh Polo $100

THE GREEN MOTHER

Finally in rounding out our list, we’d be remiss if we didn’t touch on the greener options available out there. If helping the planet is just as important as looking great, then check out The Neptune Sweater Polo by Fair Harbor. Made from a mix of 60% Organic Cotton 40% Recycled Polyester (that’s 9 whole recycled plastic bottles worth) this polo is buttery soft and breathable. It features a modern and trim cut and designed for a casual day on the beach or night out, making it the perfect transitional piece. Comes in two color options including this earthy brick red.

Your 10 Best Polos for Spring