5 minute read
The polo shirt has taken a back seat in fashion and style for the last couple of years. T-shirts and henley shirts replaced this classic and iconic piece, and in 2022 the polo is making a comeback. Also known as the golf or tennis shirt, the polo became popular, and fashion houses picked it up quickly and incorporated the polo into their collection. The polo is an excellent business casual piece, and when paired well with a sports coat or blazer, you can be stylishly dangerous. With this spring and summer looking brighter this year than the previous two years, the polo shirt is a versatile and stylish piece you can wear well into the fall. This post will explore the six best polo shirts for the spring and summer of 2022.
Photo by | Lacoste
Lacoste | Pique Polo
An iconic piece that stands out among other polo shirts is the Lacoste Pique Polo. Reimagined b tennis star René Lacoste and mogul André Gillier and launched as the brand Lacoste, their polo shirt featured shorter sleeves, nice buttons, and a higher quality of cotton, cementing it as an excellent garment to add to anyone’s ensemble. Over the years, Lacoste and its iconic crocodile (not alligator) dominated the market with their fantastic fit, industry-challenging color combinations, and material upgrades. I like their red and pink polo shirts the most. They recently introduced their must-have pique polo and sport anti-UV breathable pieces to their collection. Having one of Lacoste’s signature color polos in your closet puts you in a great place, and yes, get the polo shirt with the exposed buttons.
Photo by | Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren | Purple Label Polo
If a rival has challenged Lacoste, it is Ralph Lauren. The signature logo of Ralph Lauren on your shirt’s left chest draws attention. Their creative ways of styling a polo shirt, especially how polo shirts can be stylishly layered, are second to none. Ralph Lauren’s iconic black, navy blue, and heather grey polo shirts scream class without saying a word. Ralph Lauren also elevated their collection in 1994 by introducing their Purple Label, their premium line of polos. Now is the time if you have never worn a Purple Label polo, as they have a reputation for timeless style with classic colors. One of their polos needs to be in your closet.
Photo by | Barbour
Barbour | Tartan Pique Polo
Known primarily for their outstanding outerwear, Barbour’s hidden secret is their fantastic line of polo shirts. Barbour’s Tartan Pique Polo shirt is made of 100% high-quality cotton, and they tend not to lose their color. Barbour’s European sizing and textured look appeal more to those who want a slightly different look, fit and feel to their polo shirt. They traditionally do not offer loud colors and represent the classics exceptionally well. Being so unknown in this area, they are a conversation starter, and those who have one will also appreciate it.
Photo by | Wool & Prince
Wool & Prince | Merino Wool Polo
Before you pause and make a double-take on this type of polo, hear me out. Merino wool is the best-hidden secret during the spring and summer seasons. Merino wool is antimicrobial, antibacterial, odor-resistant, and dries extremely fast. People who travel often use merino wool as a base layer or as their go-to. Wool and Price have the best merino wool polo on the market. Their polo has an elegant drape and luxurious feel and features classic colors that appeal to many.
Photo by | Banana Republic
Banana Republic | Luxury Touch Polo
To be candid, it wasn’t easy initially for me to choose between J.Crew and Banana Republic to add to this list. They both are well-known brands, are going through a positive transformation, and offer their polo shirts at an affordable price. That said, Banana Republic’s Luxury Touch Polo shirt stands out and may be a staple piece. This polo is redesigned with a softer anti-odor and moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool, calm, and collected in the spring and summer heat. Banana Republic also removed its logo from the front, displaying clean lines, and the fabric drapes well. They still offer classic colors and occasionally provide colors that pop. This polo is your affordable option that is not short on quality.
Photo by | Sunspel
Sunspel | Sea Island Cotton Polo
The most luxurious polo on my list is Sunspel’s Sea Island Cotton Polo. Made from long-staple cotton, this polo shirt will be the softest and most luxurious polo you may have ever worn. This polo features a classic three-button logo-less design, primarily in traditional colors, with an occasional deviation of blue or green. The sleeves and the overall length are longer than other polo shirts, completing a more conservative look. However, details are not forgotten because these polos are handcrafted to maintain consistency. The Sunspel Sea Island Cotton Polo is your go-to for a classic and refined look.
