Men's Polo Shirts

Men's polo shirts occupy the space between a t-shirt and a shirt — more considered than the first, less committed than the second. This edit covers piqué cotton classics, fine-jersey options and mercerised styles in a palette that works across the full year, from a Soho rooftop in July to a relaxed Friday desk in October.

How to choose a men's polo shirt by fabric

The fabric is the first decision and it shapes everything else. Men's polo shirts in piqué cotton — the classic grid-weave with its distinctive texture — are the most breathable: the open structure ventilates well in warm weather and the surface stays dry against the skin. Fine jersey polo shirts are softer in the hand and fall with more fluidity, closer in behaviour to a premium t-shirt; they work better for evening or cooler months. Mercerised cotton polo shirts have a subtle surface sheen that reads as more refined — the kind of piece that works under a jacket at a Piccadilly restaurant or on its own at a market stall in Portobello without looking like either context owns it. Weight matters too: between 180 and 220 g/m², the polo holds its shape after repeated washing without becoming stiff.

Cuts, collars and fits in men's polo shirts

The cut changes how the polo sits on the body and how it reads in a look. The slim-fit men's polo shirt follows the chest and arms more closely — cleaner tucked in, better for leaner or athletic builds. The regular fit has more room through the torso and works equally well worn loose or half-tucked. The collar is the detail that defines the style: a classic two or three-button polo collar in double-rib holds its structure through a full day of wear and retains its shape after washing without ironing. A collarless or jersey-band polo reads more like a refined tee — less formal, more weekend. Contrast tipping on the collar or sleeve cuffs is the most recognisable detail in the Pepe Jeans London polo range.

How to wear men's polo shirts

Men's polo shirts in a solid navy or white with dark straight jeans and white low-profile trainers — that is the cleanest everyday combination, and also the hardest to improve on. Tucked into chino trousers with a leather belt and loafers, the same polo shirt moves from the weekend into a business casual context without changing anything else. Layered under an open overshirt or a light nylon jacket, the polo collar shows at the neck and adds depth to the look. For evenings out: a mercerised cotton polo shirt half-tucked into tailored trousers, with a pointed leather shoe — the polo does the work of a shirt without the formality of a collar and tie.

Construction and longevity

Pepe Jeans London has been building its garment standards since 1973 and that shows in the detail of the men's polo shirts: ring-spun, anti-pill cotton that resists surface bobbling after dozens of washes, a double-rib collar that holds its shape without needing to be ironed flat, and buttons with a reinforced eye that doesn't pull through after regular use. The hem length is calibrated so the polo works both tucked and untucked — long enough to stay in place through a full day of movement, short enough to look deliberate worn loose.

How do I choose the right size in a men's polo shirt?

Use your chest measurement as the primary reference and check shoulder width if you're between sizes. In slim-fit styles, the shoulder seam sitting correctly is the most important indicator — if the shoulder is right, the rest follows. If you plan to layer the polo under a jacket or overshirt, consider going up one size to avoid pulling at the back.

Can men's polo shirts be machine washed?

Yes — inside out at 30°C on a gentle cycle. Avoid the tumble dryer: the heat causes cotton knit to shrink, particularly in length, and degrades the elasticity of the ribbed collar and cuffs faster than air drying. Dry flat or hanging from the hem, not the shoulders, to preserve the collar shape.

Are men's polo shirts suitable for a smart-casual office?

Yes, in the right combination. A mercerised or piqué polo in a solid colour, tucked into well-pressed chino trousers with a leather belt, reads as smart-casual in most workplaces without a strict dress code. The key is the fit — a polo that's too loose or too casual in its finish loses the register immediately. Pairing with a structured jacket elevates it further.