Polo Shirt: What It Is, Why It Works, and How to Wear It

When you think of a polo shirt, a short-sleeved collar shirt with a placket and usually two or three buttons. Also known as a tennis shirt, it's the one garment that slides effortlessly from the golf course to brunch to a casual Friday at work. It’s not a T-shirt—too basic. It’s not a button-up—too formal. A polo shirt sits right in the sweet spot: put-together without trying too hard.

What makes a good polo? It starts with the fabric. Most are made from pique cotton, a textured knit that’s breathable, durable, and resists wrinkling. That’s why it’s the go-to for sports and travel. The collar stays up, the sleeves don’t ride up, and the fit stays clean. You’ll find men’s polos, often cut with a slightly boxier fit for ease of movement. But women’s polos, designed with a more tapered waist and shorter hem. are just as popular now—no more baggy styles. The best ones have just enough stretch to move with you, not against you.

Why does this matter? Because a polo shirt is the only shirt you can wear with jeans, chinos, shorts, or even a blazer and still look like you’ve got it together. It’s the shirt you grab when you don’t want to think about what to wear. And it’s not just for men. Women wear them with skirts, over tanks, under cardigans. Brands don’t just make them for tennis anymore—they make them for running errands, working from home, or meeting friends after work.

There’s a reason you see them everywhere—from college campuses to country clubs. It’s not about branding. It’s about function. A well-made polo doesn’t cling, doesn’t shrink, doesn’t fade. It lasts. And it doesn’t need ironing. That’s why it’s still the top choice for people who want comfort without sacrificing style. You don’t need a whole new wardrobe. Just one or two good polos in neutral colors—white, navy, gray—and you’ve got a foundation that works year-round.

Below, you’ll find real guides on how to pick the right fit, what fabrics to avoid, how to style a polo for different body types, and even how to tell if a polo is worth the price. No fluff. Just clear, practical info from people who’ve worn them, washed them, and kept coming back.