We don’t recommend the most mainstream brands, as we believe there are better, more affordable options for a simple polo shirt. You lose the logo, but is that really such a bad thing? You’ll also find brands in this selection that offer alternatives to the classic cotton piqué polo, including knitted styles and open-collar designs, to broaden your style horizons.
Our selection of polo shirt brands
Our approach to men's polo shirts
THE FABRIC
Cotton piqué is inseparable from the history of the polo shirt. But there are plenty of other options. We like to explore different fabrics, from knitted cotton and linen to fibre blends, sometimes using open-knit or textured constructions.
These fabrics give the polo more character and set it apart from the classic version you see everywhere.
THE FIT
We design our polo shirts with a slightly fitted yet comfortable cut that maintains a clean silhouette.
There’s enough room through the chest, with sleeves that fall around the biceps and a length that allows the polo to be worn either tucked in or untucked.
THE COLLAR
It’s the detail that immediately sets a polo apart from a T-shirt. We pay close attention to its shape, structure and proportions. A collar that is too small or loses its shape can quickly look sloppy. By contrast, a well-structured, generously proportioned collar adds presence and allows the polo to sit neatly under a jacket.
OUR COMMITMENTS
As a French brand, we manufacture our garments in Europe, working with trusted workshops with whom we have built long-term relationships. We believe in being transparent about our choices, from the origin of our fabrics and our manufacturing partners to the technical details behind each piece.
Our curated selection: polo shirt brands worth knowing
Beyond our own collection, many brands make excellent polo shirts. We’ve selected our favourites across a range of price points to give you some simple guidelines.
How to use this brand guide
The brands are grouped into indicative price brackets, each representing a different market segment.
Entry-level - under €60
Here, you’ll find simple polo shirts with classic cuts, made from perfectly decent natural fabrics. It’s a good place to start if you’re primarily looking for a reliable wardrobe staple.
Brands to know:
Arket, Bexley, COS, Uniqlo, Massimo Dutti
Mid-range- from €60 to €150
This is where polo shirts start to get particularly interesting. Brands explore a wider range of knits, textures, stripes and colours.
Brands to explore:
Artknit Studios, Asket, Bams+, Casatlantic, Ché Studios, Grand Le Mar, Hast, Octobre Editions, Percival, SuitSupply, We Are Bound.
High-end - €150 and more
Here, fabrics and silhouettes become even more sophisticated. You’ll find beautifully knitted polos, vintage-inspired designs, hybrid styles somewhere between a shirt and a polo, and particularly rich textures.
Standout brands:
A Kind of Guise, De Bonne Facture, Informale, Mr. P, Scott Fraser Collection, Stoffà.
The second-hand option
Second-hand is a great option for polo shirts, especially if you’re looking for high-end or vintage styles.
Before buying, check the condition of the collar and look for any stains. On a knitted polo, make sure the knit hasn’t stretched or lost its shape, and check for any snags. With vintage styles, pay close attention to the fabric composition, as they are often made from synthetic fibres.
If you’re looking for high-quality pieces at a more accessible price, we also recommend browsing our selection on Bonnegueule second hand. There, we offer pieces from previous collections as well as lightly worn samples used for photoshoots.
Timeless ways to style your polo shirt
Here are a few outfit ideas to inspire you and help you incorporate a polo shirt into your everyday looks.
Notre guide du polo
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Frequently asked questions about men's polo shirt brands
There is no single best brand. For a classic polo shirt, some brands offer excellent value for money. If you're looking for something with more character, consider brands that experiment with knitwear, textures and more distinctive collar shapes.
A piqué polo is made from a fabric with a subtly textured, honeycomb-like surface. It has a sportier feel and is the classic version of the polo shirt. A knitted polo is constructed more like a lightweight sweater. It generally has a softer drape, more texture and a smarter, slightly retro feel.
Look at the fabric, the consistency of the knit or jersey, the stitching and, above all, how well the collar holds its shape. A quality polo should retain its shape after washing and drape nicely when worn.
We recommend a relatively straight fit with enough room through the chest. The sleeves can follow the shape of the arms without necessarily being tight. Slightly looser polo shirts often create a more contemporary silhouette.
Yes, and it's actually a great way to make a suit feel more relaxed. Choose a clean, understated polo, ideally knitted, with a collar structured enough to sit neatly beneath the jacket lapels.
Both options work. Worn untucked, a polo creates a naturally relaxed look. Tucked into high-waisted or pleated trousers, it creates a more elegant, slightly retro silhouette.
Opt for breathable fabrics such as lightweight cotton, cotton knit or linen. Open-knit styles are also a great choice in hot weather, as they naturally allow more air to circulate.
A short-sleeved polo is the most versatile option for spring and summer. A long-sleeved polo is an interesting alternative to a shirt or lightweight sweater when temperatures start to drop.
Navy, ecru, beige and green are particularly easy to incorporate into a man's wardrobe. Polo shirts also lend themselves very well to brighter summer colours, stripes and patterns, especially when the rest of the outfit is kept understated.
Always follow the care instructions on the label first, as the appropriate method depends on the fibre. As a general rule, use a gentle wash cycle and avoid tumble drying. For knitted polos, drying them flat will also help prevent them from losing their shape.
