For the polo shirt being such a basic staple of men’s style, there sure are a lot of bad ones out there. But these aren’t those. These are not your grandpa’s oversized, logo emblazoned, suffocatingly thick golf shirt. These are slim or athletic, clean lean and mean. Below is the best of the reasonably affordable polo crop from this year. Got a lead on a polo that should have made this list? Send those tips in to joe@dappered.com.

Target All in Motion Jersey Tech Polo – $20

***BEST IN SHOW: CHEAP OPTION***

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

And still the defending cheap-champion. Restocked for a 2nd year and ready to go. Smooth, dressy but not fussy tech jersey (not pique) fabric. Moisture wicking. Breathable. Fit is trim but not tight. They don’t seem to shrink up in the wash (shown above is post machine wash/dry). Collar is EXCELLENT. It’s made from the same fabric as the body of the shirt, but it’s got just enough weight and reinforcement to make it lay right. It does not have a button down collar (hidden buttons or otherwise), so even with that substantial build to the collar, it could possible drift over jacket lapels when paired with a blazer or sportcoat. Three button placket is the sweet spot to many of our eyes. Sometimes just two buttons can look a little basic/cheap. Eight colors available. Machine wash, tumble dry. These once again made a very strong case to have won best in show overall. 

Old Navy Cloud 94 Soft Polo – $16ish

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

Think of these as a cheaper, even lighter weight (like, feather weight) version of the Target All in Motion polo. 93% poly / 7% spandex. Performance fabric which delivers stretch and wicking properties. Soft. Has an almost brushed-like finish in the hand. But so lightweight that the collar doesn’t feel all that sturdy. Might not look the crispest as the day wears on. But if it’s boiling hot and you want to wear something more than a tee but you’re still keeping it casual, then these are the ticket. Twelve colors. Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. Always a plus.

Target Goodfellow Every Wear Polo Shirt – $12

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

Meanwhile back at Target, these are thoroughly… fine. 58% Cotton, 37% Recycled Polyester, 5% Spandex. Pique, midweight fabric. Six colors. Still recommend the All in Motion over this one.

Made in the USA Flint and Tinder The Vintage Slub Polo Shirt – $78

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

Yes, made in the USA. You read that right. Hence the price, but it’s also built well. It’s classic American casual to smart casual wear. Garment dyed in seven different colors, lightly slubbed fabric which looks and feels just right instead of worn out, and a fit that’s accommodating without being boxy. The price tag is a big ask for plenty, yet plenty others will proudly pay the premium for a made in the USA polo like this.

Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-Fit Cotton Pique Polo Shirt – $19

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

And on the opposite end of the price spectrum from the Flint and Tinder… it’s essentially a school uniform polo for adults. But it’s cheap, and the advertised “slim” fit is actually nice and trim. Wasn’t expecting that. The fit is a true positive. 100% cotton pique. Machine wash warm, tumble dry low. If you want a basic polo that fits well, ships and returns fast and easy, and comes in a ton of different colors… here it is. No fuss, no frills, etc. If Amazon (as in, their entire retail business) were a polo, this would be the polo.

Amazon Essentials Slim-Fit Quick-Dry Golf Polo Shirt – $19

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

Another Amazon Essentials pick, this time in 100% recycled quick-dry polyester performance pique. An abundance of colors. Machine wash warm, tumble dry low. The argument for this over the other cheap performance polos on this list is that it’s a good choice for those who don’t like the extra stretch/smoothness of knit jersey fabric. While some of us love that feel and stretch, others find it a little too new-school/almost “slinky.” This polo does move well, but it’s not woven with a beast-load of elastane and the pique fabric has that cool crisp texture we’re all used to.

Buck Mason Sueded Cotton Polo – $75

Size shown: Small on 5’9″/165lbs

Buck Mason champions quality in everything they make – including knitting all of their own fabrics – and this sueded cotton polo looks to be no different. Their signature “Venice Wash” uses small-batch garment dyeing and natural enzyme rinsing for subtle color variations consistent with vintage garments. Their slim fit skims without suffocating, and the two-button placket doesn’t feel too shallow. The sueded 145 GSM (grams per square meter) cotton is soft to the touch and has a lived-in feel right out of the box.

Banana Republic Luxury Touch Pique Polo – $60

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

Warning: Consider sizing up OR getting a tall size, as these tend to shrink up in the wash. Shown above is an off-the-rack not washed/dried yet.

Gets a ton right which other pique polos don’t. Suuuper soft but not squishy or “mucky” feeling 100% cotton pique. Natural stretch is noticeable enough that if you’re like me, you may double check the tag to see if there’s elastane or stretch woven in. There’s not, it’s just really nice, lighter weight but strong feeling soft pique cotton. Rakish, four button collar with a deeper placket. Chest pocket. Collar feels well made. Eleven colors to choose from. Tag does say machine wash/tumble dry low… but if past is prologue, expect these to shrink, and to shrink with some gusto. Can one/something shrink with gusto? Anyway, be careful with these.

Banana Republic Luxury-Touch Polo – $60

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

Different than the just mentioned Lux Pique. These are BR’s flagship polo, with a two button placket and smooth cotton fabric. They’re the polo for those who want something dressy, smooth, and it has to be cotton. These are those. 100% mercerized cotton, so it’s got a verrrry smooth feel to the fabric. Fabric is more of a mid-weight. Not heavy, not stiff, but not airy like a tech fabric polo. Ribbed collar and sleeve ends. Machine wash, tumble dry low, but as these are 100% cotton prepare for them to shrink up in the wash. That’s been the case, historically, with BR’s luxe-touch polos. And it looks like this year they might be accomodating for that eventual shrinkage by making them in a slightly more accommodating fit. That body on that medium from BR shown above is clearly not as trim fitting as some of the others on this list. Not in a bad way. Just wouldn’t be surprised if they’re building them expecting a bit of shrinking with first wash.

Target All in Motion Textured Polo Shirt – $25

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

Not the same as the “best in show – cheap category” jersey knit polos. Still lightweight, breathable, and wicking, but these have a very, very subtle checkboard texture to the fabric. Also, unlike the jersey knit polos, the collars on these feel kinda cheap. They’re the standard ribbed fare. Already starting to curl in the image shown above, and that was after, um, minutes of wear? Also, this color is described as “light blue” on their site. It looks pretty close to white in a lot of lighting conditions. What blue is in there is a greenish blue. Almost… aqua? It’s a tough color to pin down.

lululemon Metal Vent Tech Polo – $98

Size Shown: Large on 5’10″/190

C’mon lululemon. I mean, they make great stuff, but wow do they make you pay for it. 53% Nylon, 40% Recycled polyester, 4% Elastane, 3% “X-static nylon” material is incredibly lightweight, extraordinarily breathable, mind-bendingly flexible, and anti-stink. You could easily run a dang 10k (or more) in one of these things and feel great. Raglan sleeves are terrific, and sure seem to add more range of motion. Collar is more of a classic ribbed-style, and not very structured. But they’re so comfortable that wearing one dressed up with a blazer still works for a lot of us… as long as you button that top button to keep that collar under control/from going rogue over your lapels. Six colors to pick from. The one drawback aside from the price is that the fabric is a little, um… clingy? They say they’ve tweaked the fabric’s formula over the last few years to make it less so, but it can hug a little too tight on same frames. Like, “I’m off to a bachelorette party to pay for college” tight. Please forward all tips to your local humane society. Thanks.

lululemon Evolution Polo – $88

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

Not the same as their Metal Vent Tech polo. Nicer/dressier looking, but not quite as ultra-airy or cooling. Still great, but the metal vent tech will do better in sweltering conditions. Fabric is a dressier jersey style knit. 83% polyester, 10% lyocell, 5% Lycra elastane, and 2% “X-static Nylon” (which is the stuff that inhibits funky-smelling bacteria from growing). Three button placket is perfect. Not too deep, not too shallow. Now, once upon a time (say… 2018?) they made these with hidden button down collars. That’s no longer the case. Collar isn’t floppy, but there’s no buttons to keep those points in line. So unless you button the top button, it may be hard to wear one of these with a blazer. Shown above in “Commission Stripe Black White.” Also available in a couple of solids, as well as some heathered options.

GapFit Recycled Active Polo – $19 ($49.95)

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

The polo version of their excellent GapFit tees. Drops to just under $30 during the somewhat regular 40% off codes. Sometimes they can fall under $20 if you’re real lucky. Smooth jersey fabric. 72% recycled polyester, 14% modal, 8% polyester, 6% spandex blend feels like a favorite t-shirt. Collar isn’t very structured, so dressing it up won’t be easy to do, but it’s smooth enough that it’s certainly not some beat up old slub polo either. Does have a small logo on the sleeve. Machine wash AND dry is always a plus.

Charles Tyrwhitt 70% Cotton, 30% Tencel Polo – $109 (but often on sale for much less)

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

They call it “textured” but it’s actually a pretty smooth fabric. 70% cotton / 30% Tencel. They say they’re “naturally moisture wicking/temperature regulating” but with that much cotton in there, don’t expect them to keep you as cool (and dry) as a full performance fabric. Hidden button down collar is a major plus for a lot of us. $109 is a pretty absurd price, especially considering the hefty shipping charge CT lays on US customers at checkout. But there’s always a “shirts/polos for $39.95!” (or less) ad floating around instagram or google. Note that the care instruction on these is dry flat, not machine dry. Which is less than ideal for a lot of us. If you do choose to machine dry it, expect them to shrink up.

Billy Reid Pensacola Polo – $98 ($40 – $60 when on sale):

Size shown: Small on 5’9″/165lbs

Spendy at full price, but they do go on sale sometimes (mostly off season, as was the case with the now out of stock color shown above), so don’t be quick to scroll right past that retail price if you’re a bargain-hunter. The Pensacola has been around for over 20 years now, and it’s only gotten better with age. A subtle woven undercollar, signature twill tape placket, and nifty pattern-contrast inside vents flash a little sprezzatura on this one. 100% organic Pima cotton is super comfortable, a bit on the lightweight (but not wimpy) side, and the drape is pretty perfect. 4-button placket and ribbon chest pocket elevate the look. Good middle ground of not being super dressy, but a few steps above casual. Lotta guys will like these.

PROOF (Huckberry) 72 Hour Merino Polo – $88

Size shown: POST wash and dry size Large on 5’10″/185

Size up. For real. Size up. They run trim to begin with and while the care instructions do in fact say wash cold tumble dry low (yay!), you can expect them to shrink up in the wash. Which isn’t a surprise because of the (excellent) wool blend, but unlike my 72 hour merino henleys and tees, this new polo has shrunk a bit more than expected length-wise. Tees and henleys didn’t do that. But if memory serves, my tees and henleys were made in Indonesia. This new polo is made in China. So speculating here, but a new manufacturer may have led to some changes? Having a tall option for those who have long torsos (hi!) or are over six feet (not me) would be greatly appreciated.

Yes they’re spendy, but they’re cut from the same 89% wool, 11% nylon blend as their 72 hour tees and henleys, so these can be worn for a few days straight (great for travelling) without starting to smell or feel funky. So… one of these is sorta like three polo shirts in one, and that’s almost certainly how a lot of owners justify the cost. They’re rare in that realm. Fabric is lightweight and breathable. Matte snaps on the placket are a classy, sporty touch.

GAP Linen-Cotton Polo Shirt – $35 ($44.95 )

Will honestly be a big swing and miss for most… unless you’re the type who has had it with all of the synthetics and lighter weight polos. 55% linen / 45% cotton. Medium weight. A bit generous in terms of sizing. Nice collar that doesn’t feel like it’ll curl or get weird during a day’s worth of wear. Care instructions say machine wash but lay flat to dry. Bummer.

Vuori Strato Tech Polo – $64

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

Vuori is one of those relatively new-ish athleisure brands that’s come on the scene trying to compete with Lululemon. And here, they do a pretty good job of providing an alternative to Lululemon’s Evolution polo… for $24 less. 96% poly/4% elastane super soft, stretchy fabric. Moisture wicking, quick-drying, anti-odor finish, all that jazz. Collar is made from the same fabric as the body of the shirt. No hidden buttons anywhere, and thus… it’s a little wimpy and kinda wrinkly outta the bag. That won’t stand up to a casual sportcoat blazer. And the visible inch-wide tag/patch thingy on the lower left body of the shirt is going to be seen as unnecessary branding to many. It’s amazingly comfortable, but there are some drawbacks that will be deal breakers for plenty considering the high asking price.

J. Crew Performance Polo in slim, classic, or tall (58% Cotton/42% Coolmax Poly)  – $48.65 w/ SHOPNOW ($69.50)

Size shown: POST wash and dry Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

Warning: Consider sizing up OR getting a tall size, as these tend to shrink up in the wash. Shown above is a POST wash cool/tumble dry low, and it’s just covering my beltline. That said, I have a longer torso than most.

They shrink. Moreso than the Banana Republic Luxe Touch. Shown above is post machine wash cool/tumble dry low. Like far too many other cotton and cotton-blend polos on the market, these look and feel great, but they shrink “up” leaving them awkwardly short for those over 5’9″ and/or for those with long torsos. And that’s an enormous bummer. Because otherwise they’re excellent.

Kent Wang Collar Band Polos – $75

Size shown: Small on 5’9″/160

From the description: “The collar is constructed like a woven shirt with a collarband and two layers of self fabric, instead of the typical single layer of ribbed fabric that loses its shape quickly.” Serious question – why don’t more polos do this? The collar is darn near perfect. Solid, but not stiff. Honest to goodness mother of pearl buttons that have a satisfying heft when threading them through the buttonholes. Split hems on the sides is a nice touch, as is the classy spread collar. And although pique polos are not a personal favorite, the texture is gorgeous. I’d put it between a slim and a standard fit, and while the cut is very modern, the arm openings do have some wiggle room. Body felt a bit boxy on me, but nowhere to size down. For the right body type, this is a fantastic polo. Be aware that some of the colors are backordered this year, with an expected arrival date of (wait for it… literally… waiiiit…. ) June 30th.

Rhone Delta Pique Hidden Button Down Collar Polo – $88

***BEST IN SHOW***  (Yes, again this year. And yes, even though they’re $88. They’re spendy, but they’re great.) 

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/190

(Slight) Savings Note: Rhone is back to running multi-pack deals on these:

• 20% off if you buy two, which drops them to $70.40 a piece/$140.80 total.
• 25% off if you buy three, which drops them to $66 a piece/$198 total. Still a lot of money, but believe it or not that’s a bargain. I’ve found mine to be really durable. They hold up great with a lot of use. Like, a lot of use.

And still the champion. These have everything. Breathable, wicking tech Polyester/Lyocell/Spandex “Delta” Pique material that’s lightweight but strong. Hidden, under the points, button down feature that really does a great job keeping the collar looking good all day and in all conditions. Raglan style sleeves & stretch infused fabric for ease of movement. Athletic fit that’s accommodating but not bulky or boxy. Machine wash, but the tag does say lay flat to dry. That said, I personally tumble/machine dry mine, and so far… mine have been fine. But if you don’t want to risk it, laying flat to dry for these is easy. 100% tech fabric (not a cotton tech blend) means they dry SUPER fast, and almost totally wrinkle free as long as you get them down flat.

Got a favorite polo that should of made the list? Send those tips in to joe@dappered.com.

For the polo shirt being such a basic staple of men’s style, there sure are a lot of bad ones out there. But these aren’t those. These are not your grandpa’s oversized, logo emblazoned, suffocatingly thick golf shirt. These are slim or athletic, clean lean and mean. Below is the best of the reasonably affordable polo crop from this year. Got a lead on a polo that should have made this list? Send those tips in to joe@dappered.com.

Target All in Motion Jersey Tech Polo – $20

***BEST IN SHOW: CHEAP OPTION***

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

Smooth, dressy but not fussy tech jersey (not pique) fabric. Moisture wicking. Breathable. Fit is trim but not tight. They don’t seem to shrink up in the wash (shown above is post machine wash/dry). Collar is EXCELLENT. It’s made from the same fabric as the body of the shirt, but it’s got just enough weight and reinforcement to make it lay right. It does not have a button down collar (hidden buttons or otherwise), so even with that substantial build to the collar, it could possible drift over jacket lapels when paired with a blazer or sportcoat. Three button placket is the sweet spot to many of our eyes. Sometimes just two buttons can look a little basic/cheap. Eight colors available. These made a very strong case to have won best in show overall. 

Old Navy Performance Beyond Pique Polo for Men – $20ish ($29.99)

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

Basically a super-cheap alternative to the Rhone Delta-pique without the hidden button down collar of the Rhone. It’s super cheap, but what’d you expect, right? But it’s still terrific for the price. 88% polyester, 12% lyocell tech pique is lightweight but not wispy. Really good amount of stretch too. Comfortable. Very comfortable. Something to reach for when it’s blistering hot in the dead of summer. Collar is made from the very same fabric as the body, not some cheaper ribbed stuff. Only issue with that collar is that it seems to have some wrinkling puckering issues. You can even see it in the model and product shots on their site. Nothing terrible though. A bit of intentional, careful ironing could help out. Or just leave it as is and forget it. A steal when on sale, which they should be often.

Old Navy Performance Core Polo for Men – $14ish ($19.99)

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

Same polo as last year, new name. This year they’ve dropped the “go-dry-cool” moniker in favor of “performance core.” But yes, an-in person look and feel showed that they’re the same. Super affordable at full price, and can drop to as low as $9.99 during big sales. It’s a basic, yes. Very basic. Nothing earth-moving in the design or details. But it’s so dang well executed. And the price is now stupid cheap. Lightweight, breathable, moves great. All poly tech fabric that somehow doesn’t feel crinkly or plastic-y or junky. No buttons on the collar, so it might suffer from some curl or flopping as the day rolls on, but geeze are these things excellent for the price. Big thanks to Nirmal P. for the tip on these. Eight colors available.

Buck Mason Sueded Cotton Polo – $68

Size shown: Small on 5’9″/165lbs

Buck Mason champions quality in everything they make – including knitting all of their own fabrics – and this sueded cotton polo looks to be no different. Their signature “Venice Wash” uses small-batch garment dyeing and natural enzyme rinsing for subtle color variations consistent with vintage garments. Their slim fit skims without suffocating, and the two-button placket doesn’t feel too shallow. The lightweight sueded 145 GSM (grams per square meter) cotton is soft to the touch and has a lived-in feel right out of the box.

Forty-Five (Huckberry) Made in the USA Supima Polo – $61 – $68

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

One of Huckberry’s house-brands. Spendy, but will satiate those who love the classics and supporting Made-in-the-USA. Suuuper soft 100% Supima cotton, jersey knit fabric. Garment-dye gives it a worn in (but not worn out) look. Preshrunk. Collar is nice but not really all that structured. So combined with the garment-dye look and feel to the fabric, it leans more casual polo. Would still look good with chinos and some unstructured suede loafers. Fit is more of a straight than a slim fit, but it’s not enormous or boxy.

Charles Tyrwhitt Melange Pique Polo – $99 (but it’s CT, so wait for a sale)

Size shown: Small on 5’9″/165lbs

Not currently on sale, but goes on sale often enough to ignore the MSRP. That’s Charles Tyrwhitt for you. In a world of navy pique cotton polos, be this one. 96% cotton / 4% elastane pique knit is very comfortable, with added stretch for comfort and an anti-pilling finish for longevity. While the listing doesn’t note the fabric details, it does say the “superior cotton yarns” (whatever that means) are extra-durable. Teensy-tiny, shadow-stitched lapwing bird logo on the left chest, but I had to really squint to even see it against the flecked melange finish. Can be easily dressed up or down. Drops to $59.75 per if you do the buy four shirts or polos bundle deal. You should be able to mix and match.

Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-Fit Quick-Dry Golf Polo Shirt – $19

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

Not bad! And for it being from the Amazon Essentials line (and not the more style-forward “Goodthreads” house brand), it was a surprise to find that it was actually a slim fit. Maybe not super slim, but slim enough that a medium didn’t leave me swimming in the thing. Basic all poly tech pique. Nothing fancy here. Super cheap. Color options, of which there are a lot of, might not be as dark in person as they seem to be in the product photos on Amazon.

GapFit Recycled Active Polo – $25-$30 ($49.95)

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

The polo version of their excellent GapFit tees. Drops to just under $30 during the somewhat regular 40% off codes. Sometimes they can be had for even less if they’re running a 40% off + additional 10% off deal (which is their standard Friends and Family discount). Smooth jersey fabric. 72% recycled polyester, 14% modal, 8% polyester, 6% spandex blend feels like a favorite t-shirt. Collar isn’t very structured, so dressing it up won’t be easy to do, but it’s smooth enough that it’s certainly not some beat up old slub polo either. Does have a small logo on the sleeve.

Billy Reid Pensacola Polo – $98 ($40 – $60 when on sale)

Size shown: Small on 5’9″/165lbs

Spendy at full price, but they do go on sale sometimes (mostly off season), so don’t be quick to scroll right past that retail price if you’re a bargain-hunter. The Pensacola has been around for over 20 years now, and it’s only gotten better with age. A subtle woven undercollar, signature twill tape placket, and nifty pattern-contrast inside vents flash a little sprezzatura on this one. 100% organic Pima cotton is super comfortable, a bit on the lightweight (but not wimpy) side, and the drape is pretty perfect. 4-button placket and ribbon chest pocket elevate the look. Good middle ground of not being super dressy, but a few steps above casual. Lotta guys will like these.

Target Goodfellow Every Wear Polo Shirt – $12

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

These are thoroughly… fine. 58% Cotton, 37% Recycled Polyester, 5% Spandex. Pique, midweight fabric. Six colors.

Target Goodfellow Regular Fit Slub Jersey Polo – $17

A cheap alternative to the J. Crew bestselling slub jersey polo. Three button placket and chest pocket make it look substantially less “basic” than the Goodfellow “Every wear” pique polo. Slub fabric feels quite nice. Not cheap or paper thin, not blanket/bath-towel thick either. Five colors and one floral print.

Banana Republic Luxury-Touch Performance Polo – $60

Sizes Shown: Left: Medium | Right: Medium Tall. Both are POST-wash/dry, on 5’10″/185

Be prepared for these to shrink up in length about an inch in the wash. After years of reports that BR’s somewhat legendary Luxe Touch Polos shrank noticeably for some buyers, here at Dappered home-HQ we ran an experiment by measuring pre-wash and post-wash on both a regular and tall size.

And yes, yours truly has finally been bit by the shrink-bug.

I took measurements from the back of the collar to the tip of the tail before and after washing, and yes indeed each shrank about an inch. (27.25″ to 26.25″ for the medium regular, 29.25″ to 28.25″ for the medium tall.) Washed on cold (regular, not gentle cycle,) tumbled dry low. YMMV of course, depending on laundry facilities.

It also seems like the fabric isn’t quite as nice as years past. It’s smooth, but not as silky/cool to the touch as previous incarnations. And perhaps most bizarrely, they’ve added some contrast stitching under the collar on the exterior of the polo, right around where the tag is anchored on the inside. Got that? The tag is inside, but they put this colorful stitching on the outside. So depending on if the collar creeps up, it looks weird. Like you cut the tag out (which many of us do) but are mistakenly wearing it inside out.

Bottom line: They’re still good and still very good on sale. But those two factors (possible shrinkage + odd contrast stitching under the collar trying to be stylish but just looks weird) = these are no longer best in show. Sorry BR. Ya did it to yourself though.

Kent Wang Collar Band Polos – $75

Size shown: Small on 5’9″/160

From the description: “The collar is constructed like a woven shirt with a collarband and two layers of self fabric, instead of the typical single layer of ribbed fabric that loses its shape quickly.” Serious question – why don’t more polos do this? The collar is darn near perfect. Solid, but not stiff. Honest to goodness mother of pearl buttons that have a satisfying heft when plugging them through the buttonholes. Split hems on the sides is a nice touch, as is the classy spread collar. And although pique polos are not a personal favorite, the texture is gorgeous. I’d put it between a slim and a standard fit, and while the cut is very modern, the arm openings do have some wiggle room. Body felt a bit boxy on me, but nowhere to size down. For the right body type, this is a fantastic polo.

VRST (Dick’s Sporting Goods) Golf Polo – $64.98 ($70)

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

VRST is Dick’s attempt to get a piece of the Lululemon pie. It’s a brand that makes higher end feeling tech-wear/athleisure which also comes with a price, but being that it’s not Lululemon, the price is a little more reasonable. 100% poly tech fabric which feels slightly thicker than other brands. It’s not a bulky sweater/knit-style polo, but there’s more substance to the fabric. Sizing is also more generous. Not a slim fit, not a classic fit. Somewhere in between. Seems like they’re aiming at a customer base who wouldn’t be caught dead in a yoga class (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it) and spends quite a bit of time at the golf course. They’re dressed well at the golf course, but that’s where they’d prefer to spend their time. Shipping and returns are free on VRST stuff.

UNIQLO AIRism Pique Button Down Collar Polos – $29.90

Size shown above: XS on 5’9″/160

Another polo that shrinks for many in the washer/dryer. Tag recommends to line dry, which is a pain/dealbraker for a lot of us, yet they’re still an annual mainstay on this list for a reason: bang for the buck. And with their button down collar, they walk the line between casual and dressy. Looks perfect under a spring/summer sportcoat, and the 51% cotton / 49% nylon fabric is breathable and lightweight. The collar really does resemble a dress shirt collar, in both construction and overall feel. The tail is on the chopped side, but you should be just fine if you’re on the average height or shorter side. – C’mon UNIQLO! Downright cheap when offered for $19.90 on sale, and we’d probably pay a few bucks more to be able to throw them in the dryer without fearing it turning into a belly shirt.

Target All in Motion Camo Print Jacquard Polo – $24

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

Surprisingly good and exceedingly comfortable for the price. 95% Recycled Polyester, 5% Spandex. Terrific stretch, breathes well, and the collar isn’t some flimsy hunk of junk! It’s actually got some thin, flexible, non-removable collar stays within the collar’s construction. Impressive No buttons to keep the points in line, but it’s anything but a limp bit of forgotten ribbed fabric. From their athleisure line All in Motion.

Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Polo – $88

Size Shown: Large on 5’10″/190

Blasted Lululemon. They make great stuff, but man do they make you pay for it. 49% Nylon, 43% Recycled polyester, 4% Elastane, 4% “X-static nylon” material is lightweight, extraordinarily breathable, flexible, the works. You could easily run a dang 10k (or more) in one of these things and feel great. Raglan sleeves are terrific, and sure seem to add more range of motion. Collar is more of a classic ribbed-style, and not very structured. But they’re so comfortable that wearing one dressed up with a blazer still works for a lot of us… as long as you button that top button to keep that collar under control/from going rogue over your lapels. Six colors to pick from.

Lululemon Evolution Polo – $88

Size shown: Large on 5’10″/185lbs

Not the same as their Metal Vent Tech polo. Nicer/dressier looking, but not as airy or cooling. Sizing seems to be a little boxier than the metal vent tech as well. It’s a dressier jersey style knit. 82% polyester, 10% lyocell, 5% Lycra elastane, and 3% “X-static Nylon” (which is not to be confused with Static-X, which in turn is not to be confused with PM5K). Still great for the heat and humidity, but when it’s sweltering, it’s the Metal Vent Tech that you’re looking for. Wish they still made these with hidden button down collars. That’s no longer the case.

J. Crew SLIM or CLASSIC Garment-dyed Slub Cotton Polos  – $25 – $30ish ($45- $49.50)

Left = LARGE Slim Fit | Right: MEDIUM Classic Fit.
Both shown on 5’10″/190

These are not “dressy” polos, but they don’t look worn out or schlumpy. The three button placket gives it a bit of rakishness/keeps it from looking like that free polo you got from your workplace with the clunky logo embroidered on the chest. Fabric here is a garment dyed slub for softness. And the pocket at the chest is a bit of a retro touch. A bestseller from J. Crew.

J. Crew Performance Polo (58% Cotton/42% Coolmax Poly)  – $69.50

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

They shrink. Moreso than the Banana Republic Luxe Touch. Shown above is post machine wash cool/tumble dry low. Just like the UNIQLO airism pique and (for many) the BR Luxe touch, these things shrink “up” leaving them awkwardly short for those over 5’9″ and/or for those with long torsos. And that’s an enormous bummer. Because otherwise they’re excellent. No tall sizes available either at post time. Which would be an easy work around for those of us who don’t want to risk ending up with a too-short polo out of the dryer, like one particular friendly neighborhood affordable men’s style website editor did. Yay.

Abercrombie & Fitch Performance Pique Polo – $40

Size shown: Small on 5’9″/165lbs

Abercrombie, probably best known for their giant-logoed polos of yester-college-years, has grown up in a big way. Gone are the sizable chest monsters, and in their place is.. nothing. Nada. Not even a shadow-stitch.

I was in between sizes per their size charts, and true to size feels about right for these, if not slightly large. More on that later. The fabric here is pretty classic pique, but having 4% elastane along with the 96% cotton gives it some rebound and smoothness that regular pique ain’t gettin’, and enhances its moisture-wicking abilities. Just not sure how much 96% cotton will wick moisture rather than just absorb it. That’s the problem with cotton in general. It’s soft, it’s inexpensive, it launders relatively well (if you avoid shrinkgae)… but it just sucks up moisture and holds onto it, instead of moving it away from the skin and drying quickly.

Abercrombie & Fitch Performance Golf Polo – $40 ($60)

Size shown: X-Small on 5’9″/165lbs

Sized down for this one, although with the stretchy material, it’s not too skin-tight. Would probably order my normal size if ordering again to get a little more room in the shoulders. If the pique was “performance,” this all-tech, 86% Nylon / 14% Elastane number is Performance with a capital “P”. Boasting 4-way stretch, UV protection, and the obvious moisture-wicking, it’s designed to keep you feeling good when the golf course gets the hottest. Super lightweight, with a micro-pattern to the knit to help keep it off your skin. Collar is quite floppy on this one, and may start to curl over time. Feels spendy for what you get. Definitely some better options in this price range, like.. buying 4 of the already mentioned Old Navy Performance Core, or a pair of the All In Motion Tech Jersey.

Vuori Strato Tech Polo – $64

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

Vuori is one of those relatively new-ish athleisure brands that’s come on the scene trying to compete with Lululemon. And here, they do a pretty good job of providing an alternative to Lululemon’s Evolution polo… for $24 less. 96% poly/4% elastane super soft, stretchy fabric. Moisture wicking, quick-drying, anti-odor finish, all that jazz. Collar is made from the same fabric as the body of the shirt. No hidden buttons anywhere, and thus… it’s a little wimpy and kinda wrinkly outta the bag. That won’t stand up to a casual sportcoat blazer. And the visible inch-wide tag/patch thingy on the lower left body of the shirt is going to be seen as unnecessary branding to many. It’s amazingly comfortable, but there are some drawbacks that will be deal breakers for plenty considering the high asking price.

Proof (Huckberry) 72 Hour Merino Polo – $98

Size shown: Large on 5’10″/185

Blimey. A hundred bucks for a polo. Yet they continue to be one of the most popular things Huckberry sells, despite the relatively stratospheric cost. 89% wool, 11% nylon blend. The nylon aides in creating a cool, smooth fabric that Proof claims can go 72 hours of wear with no stink. So… it’s like three polo shirts in one, if you’re a frequent traveler. That’s almost certainly how a lot of owners justify the cost. They’re rare in that realm. Fabric is lightweight and breathable. Matte snaps on the placket are a classy, sporty touch. Collar is made from the same stuff as the body, so it can be tough to dress up with a sportcoat, and it can flop around a bit. But these are built for adventure, not the board room. Seven colors to pick from, including the “dark olive” shown above… which isn’t nearly as dark/saturated in person as it looks on the Huckberry site. Yee ol’ Huck has been struggling with some of their color-accuracy lately.

Rhone Delta Pique Hidden Button Down Collar Polo – $88

***BEST IN SHOW***  (Yes, even though they’re $88. They’re spendy, but they’re great.) 

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/190

(Slight) Savings Note: Rhone is back to running multi-pack deals on these. If you buy two, they drop to $76.50 a piece/$153 total. If you buy three, they drop to $73.33 a piece/$220 total.

And still the champion. These have everything. Breathable, wicking tech Polyester/Lyocell/Spandex “Delta” Pique material that’s lightweight but strong. Hidden, under the points, button down feature that really does a great job keeping the collar looking good all day and in all conditions. Raglan style sleeves & stretch infused fabric for ease of movement. Athletic fit that’s accommodating but not bulky or boxy. Machine wash, but the tag does say lay flat to dry. That said, I personally tumble/machine dry mine, and so far… so okay. But if you don’t want to risk it, laying flat to dry for these is easy. 100% tech fabric (not a cotton tech blend) means they dry SUPER fast, and almost totally wrinkle free as long as you get them down flat. The one draw back is the logo three/overlapping Xs on the right shoulder. It’s noticeable on some colors due to the contrasting thread they use, but they seem to be really scaling back on that feature/switching to tonal Xs. Big thanks to our guy Adam for pointing out the switch Rhone has made to more subtle branding, especially on the black and navy options.

THE MEGA SPLURRRGE: Sunspel Riviera “Bond” Polo Shirt – $75 – $150

Size shown: X-Small on 5’9″/165lbs

GULP. $150 smackers for a polo? Not really what we do here at Dappered. But this is making the list this year for two reasons. First, it’s THE Bond polo, tailored for Craig’s Bond debut in Casino Royale. Second (and slightly more importantly ’round here), is that you can often find it for much less than the gasp-worthy retail of $150. Sunspel does offer 10% off your first order, and some sizes can get as low as $60-75 on sale. The “Storm Blue” shown here comes in at $105, though shipping from the UK tacks on another $10.

But how is it, for the price? It is extremely comfortable with a gauzy, lightweight weave, yet tight details and a solid collar. I think I could have sized up for more room in the shoulders, but it’s comfortable enough in the body. 100% cotton construction, and they recommend washing on cold and reshaping whilst damp (yes, “whilst”). While the fabric is substantial, it’s breathable. Very, very well made, and feels like it’ll last if you treat it well. If your motto is “buy quality once,” an on-sale Riviera could definitely be a winner.

UPDATE: A note from our guy Adam: I bought a few of the Riviera ones and they shrank horribly. Be careful machine drying those – I find they shrink vertically.  Blast!

Note: Sunspel lost this in shipping, but it did finally arrive some three+ weeks after ordering. May not end up being your experience, but could also be the final “nope I’m good” for some.

Got a favorite polo that should of made the list? Send those tips in to joe@dappered.com.

For the polo shirt being such a basic staple of men’s style, there sure are a lot of bad ones out there. But these aren’t those. These are not your grandpa’s boxy, logo emblazoned golf shirt. These are slim or athletic, clean lean and mean. Below is the best of the reasonably affordable polo crop from this year. Got a lead on a polo that should have made this list? Send those tips in to joe@dappered.com.

Old Navy Go-Dry Cool Polo for Men – $15ish ($19.99)

***BEST IN SHOW: CHEAP OPTION***

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185lbs

Super affordable at full price, and can drop to as low as $9.99 during big sales. It’s a basic, yes. Very basic. Nothing earth-moving in the design or details. But it’s so dang well executed. And the price is now stupid cheap. Lightweight, breathable, moves great. All poly tech fabric that somehow doesn’t feel crinkly or plastic-y or junky. No buttons on the collar, so it might suffer from some curl or flopping as the day rolls on, but geeze are these things excellent for the price. Big thanks to Nirmal P. for the tip on these. Seven colors available.

The Tie Bar Tipped Cotton Sweater Polos – $45

Size shown: XS on 5’9″/160

Comes in the basic colors like navy, black, and sky blue, but they also made them in a bunch of different, not-so-expected shades like lilac, tan, and the jade green shown above. A great fitting polo, and the 100% Mercerized cotton realizes the benefits of the same process BR uses to give their Luxe Touch polos that smoothness and slight sheen. Extremely comfortable and the collar and arms fit excellently, and they skim rather than constrict. If you want a trim fit, size down. They are tagged as dry clean only though. Which is a drag. Thought they were machine wash at one point? Musta been mistaken. $45 though? Might go back for seconds.

J. Crew Slub Jersey Polo Shirt in Yarn-dyed Stripe – $49.50

Size shown: Medium standard fit on 5’10″/190

Three different “stripe” varietals to choose from. Soft, mid weight cotton. Not beach blanket thick, not paper thin either. Seems to shrink up maybe a touch in the wash, so know that. Not their slim fit, but it is available in slim too.

J. Crew Slim Garment-dyed Slub Jersey Polo Shirt – $45

Size Shown: Large slim fit on 5’10″/190

And for the sake of comparison, here’s one of J. Crew’s polos in a large slim fit. Slub fabric again, so it’s got a bit of texture and encourages airflow. Garment dyed for that vintage look, without looking worn out. Tons of colors to pick from. Three button placket + pocket keeps it from looking like a super basic “uniform” polo you’d see school kids wear. It’s intentional, it’s got a bit of style, but it doesn’t shout.

Spier & Mackay 100% Cotton Pique Shirt Collar Polo – $45

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

Dropping into the first person here. I don’t like all cotton polos, I don’t like pique, and I don’t like spread collars. But these, somehow, are terrific. So there’s that. Soft cotton pique that isn’t fat or squishy feeling. They picked really good material for these things. River shell buttons are thick and substantial. And the spread collar, made from the same material as the body of the shirt and then beefed up a touch in terms of construction, is rakish and a nice change of pace. One note on laundering: They say lay flat or line dry. So no machine drying here. And while they certainly feel a step above in terms of quality and materials, that extra bit of maintenance might be a dealbreaker for a lot of us. Ten colors to choose from.

Spier & Mackay 100% Cotton Pique Button Down Collar Polo – $45

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

And now the button down version. Same fabric, this time with a not-going-anywhere, will look awesome with unstructured sportcoats, button down collar. Ten colors to choose from here as well.

Target Goodfellow “Must Have” Polo Shirt in “Light Blue” – $16.99

Size shown: Small on 5’9″/160

It’s funny, when I first tried this on, I didn’t like it at all. Something about the unusual spread collar and the way it seemed to fit. But now? I really like it. The fabric blend is interesting: 61% polyester, 29% cotton, 3% stretch, and 7% linen.. wait, what? Linen? On a high-poly-blend shirt? A strange way to go. It does make the shirt seem just a bit softer, and it adds some unique flecking to the color. The welt pocket, a rare and welcome change from patch pockets on polos, was a sweet addition. Collar is sturdier than most thanks to its self-fabric construction (more on that later) and shouldn’t flop around much. It’s good. **NOTE: Target’s also doing that thing it always does where multiple fits, fabrics and styles fall under the same link, so be aware that switching to a different color means it’s probably not the same thing. Not to mention, “Light Blue” looks more greenish-blue in person, and very green on Target’s Website.**

Target Goodfellow Performance Polos – $19.99

Size shown: Small on 5’9″/160

More Tar-zhay. We’re talking pure performance here – 90% poly, 10% stretch. Moisture wicking? Yep. Stretch-Armstrong stretch? Check. Cool patterns and a solid fit? You get the idea. I wasn’t sure what to expect here, because poly-heavy “performance” polos are usually anything but fashionable. They’re usually shiny, gaudy, and you wouldn’t be seen outside a golf course with them. But.. Target seems to think differently, and you can actually wear these quite easily off the links, too. Plenty of the available patterns are way out there, so it’s a shame they don’t have more solids! This pink and blue floral print is just subdued enough to throw some strong summer vibes out there without being too much. I do hate ribbed collars like these with a passion, but I’ll let it slide for such an otherwise strong profile.

Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Polo – $88

Size Shown: Large on 5’10″/190

Blasted Lululemon. They make great stuff, but man do they make you pay for it. Lightweight, breathable, flexible, the works. You could easily run a dang 10k (or more) in one of these things and feel great. Raglan sleeves are terrific, and sure seem to add more range of motion. Six colors to pick from.

Kent Wang Collar Band Polos – $75

Size shown: Small on 5’9″/160

This legendary polo shirt’s legendary pricing gets even.. legendarier. $65 last year, with a $10 jump this year. Per the site, “The collar is constructed like a woven shirt with a collarband and two layers of self fabric, instead of the typical single layer of ribbed fabric that loses its shape quickly.” Serious question – why don’t more polos do this? The collar is darn near perfect. Solid, but not stiff. Honest to goodness mother of pearl buttons that have a satisfying heft when plugging them through the buttonholes. Split hems on the sides is a nice touch, as is the classy spread collar. And although pique polos are not a personal favorite, the texture is gorgeous. I’d put it between a slim and a standard fit, and while the cut is very modern, the arm openings do have some wiggle room. Body felt a bit boxy on me, but nowhere to size down. For the right body type, this is a fantastic polo. I’m just not that body type.

Banana Republic Luxury-Touch Performance Polo – $55

***BEST IN SHOW MID PRICED***

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

Drops to $33 during a 40% off sale. Always a favorite and this year it’s no different… both in Best in Show as well as the item itself. Seems to be unchanged from years past. All cotton, yet somehow manages to be almost glass smooth, stretchy, and soft. (As if there’s some silk in there.) They’re so smooth they’re almost cool to the touch. There does seem to be a catch for some though. Many have reported shrinkage problems with these. Especially when it comes to the length. I don’t have this issue, and I can’t tell you why. I wash on warm or cold and dry on medium or cool. Do they shrink up a little in the wash? Maybe. But not to the extremes that I’ve heard. If you’re 6′ or over, consider ordering a tall instead of a regular. FIT NOTE: A terrific observation from reader Tom P. via Twitter: Looks like BR has ditched the slim and standard fit strategy here i 2022, and is instead going with “just” one fit. It’s difficult to tell, but a medium this year seems to fit pretty close to a large slim from last.

Banana Republic Heathered Luxury-Touch Performance Polo – $60

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

So what the heck is the difference between this and the solids? The fabric seems to be identical in feel, but these are slightly heathered. Why they’re five bucks more, I don’t know. These are made in India, while the best-in-show solids are made in Vietnam. Also, these come with a stitched BR logo on the inside of the very upper back near the collar. Okay. Neat. But not five extra bucks neat. Beats me guys.

Banana Republic Piped Luxury-Touch Performance Polo – $60

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

Rounding out the BR Luxe Touch trifecta with a retro-piped option. Made in India like the heathered “ocean blue”, but no BR logo stitching on the inside of the collar. Again, not sure what’s going on here with all these luxe-touch variations.

Banana Republic Solare Sweater Polo – $90

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

A true sweater polo. 55% silk / 45% linen somehow ends up being both soft and textured (thanks to the linen) at the same time. Fit is a little bulky, but that’s not unexpected since it’s actually a sweater in construction. Not suffocatingly heavy, but not airy and light either. I think a lot of guys would like the idea of this polo sweater, but in actuality wouldn’t wear it much. And then there’s washing it… hand wash/dry flat. Dang.

Amazon Goodthreads Lightweight Slub Polo – $20

Size Shown: Small on 5’10″/175lbs

A hit that Amazon debuted a couple years back. 4.5/5 stars after (wait for it) 1500+ ratings. And genuinely quite nice for the price. Tail isn’t chopped. Super, super soft lightweight slub fabric. They do seem to be short on stock at post time depending on the color you’re after. Same goes for their mid-weight “sueded” jersey polos. You know it’s a crazy time when Amazon is having a hard time getting stuff in house.

UNIQLO AIRism Pique Button Down Collar Polos – $29.90

Size shown above: XS on 5’9″/160

An annual mainstay on this list for a reason: bang for the buck. I’m a sucker for button-down collars, as they’ve transcended mere casual wear to be perfectly acceptable on more upscale outfits (Did you know that Brooks Brothers basically invented the button-down collar, or “polo collar,” as we know it today? Fascinating read here). This is one of the best examples of that casual-dressy crossover. Looks perfect under a spring/summer sportcoat, and the 51% cotton / 49% nylon fabric is breathable and lightweight. The collar really does resemble a dress shirt collar, in both construction and overall feel. The tail is on the chopped side, but you should be just fine if you’re on the average height or shorter side. Tag indeed still recommends to line dry – C’mon UNIQLO! Downright cheap when offered for $19.90 on sale, and we’d probably pay a few bucks more to be able to throw them in the dryer without fearing it turning into a belly shirt.

Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-Fit Quick-Dry Golf Polo Shirt – $16.40

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

Not bad! And for it being from the Amazon Essentials line (and not the more style-forward “Goodthreads” house brand), it was a surprise to find that it was actually a slim fit. Maybe not super slim, but slim enough that a medium didn’t leave me swimming in the thing. Basic all poly tech pique. Nothing fancy here. Super cheap. Color options, of which there are a lot of, might not be as dark in person as they seem to be in the product photos on Amazon.

Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-fit Jersey Polo – $15.60

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

This is gonna be a “pass” for most. It’s soft jersey knit cotton, but it’s also a medium thickness. And that just spells trouble on hot, swampy days. Decent fit though.

Bonobos Jetsetter “Performance” Polo in Standard or Slim Fit – $69

Size Shown: Medium Standard Fit on 5’10″/185

Also available in slim fit. Fabric is a 50% cotton / 50% “drytex acryclic” blend. A lot of us give a suspect side-eye to anything that claims to be “performance” with cotton in it (especially 50% cotton), but this one feels, looks, and wears so good that even if it doesn’t perform quite like an airy & wicking tech polo in the dead of summer, we’ll let it slide. Super soft and smooth. Doesn’t have quite the sheen as a BR Luxe Touch, but it’s plenty dressy enough to wear with an unconstructed sportcoat. Collar doesn’t button down, but it’s nice. Not a cheap ribbed floppy thing. It’s made well, and from the same smooth fabric as the body of the shirt. Nine, count them NINE colors to pick from. Also worth mentioning: TUMBLE DRY LOW HECK YEAH YOU CAN MACHINE DRY THESE. Seems like the spendier “nicer” polos lately have all been lay flat to dry/line dry. Not here.

Bonobos Sweater Polo – $99

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

Thinking a lot of guys would find a way to splurge on the Jetsetter polo, but these are a bit of a miss. Noticeably shorter and a little boxier than the Jetsetter even though they only come in one, unidentifiable fit (there’s no “standard” or “slim” button to click on the Bonobos site when picking your size). All cotton, knit like a lightweight sweater. It’s… fine. Machine wash cold but lay flat to dry. Most won’t see the juice being worth the squeeze on this one. Not for a hundred bucks.

Proof 72 Hour Merino Polo – $88

Size shown: Large on 5’7″/175

Proof built this bad boy with merino wool, but in an “89%”wool, 11% nylon” blend. The nylon aides in creating a cool, smooth fabric that Proof claims can go 72 hours of wear with no stink. The shirt drapes well, and offers plenty of room for mobility without being boxy. Spendy at $88, but Proof made this one to move and do-it-all over the course of not just one day, but a few. Hence, the “72 hours” name. So some of us would rationalize the splurge as it really being three (days worth of) polo shirt(s) in one? While this isn’t as aesthetically polished as say, the Banana Republic luxe touch polo, it fills a very simple yet valuable need – a shirt that looks good and stays out of your mind all day long. No fuss. Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. Eight colors to pick from in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL.

Charles Tyrwhitt “Smart Jersey” Hidden Button Down Collar Polos – $99 ($49.75 if you buy 4)

Size shown: Medium (long sleeve) on 5’10″/185

These can be terrific, but there are a couple of notable drawbacks:

1. Price variations: They’re spendy without a multi-buy deal. If you’re patient, you can even get them for around $30 (plus shipping) during nice sales.
2. Shrinkage: They can shrink if you dry them. They say lay flat to dry, and I’ve had a couple shrink “up” in terms of length. So be careful with that.
3. Shipping: It can be a pain to get them. They ship from the UK, so sometimes they can get lost in transit (like mine did when sourcing short sleeve versions for Polopalooza). What complicates things is that once it hits US shores and gets transferred to the USPS, Charles Tyrwhitt’s tracking will say it was “delivered.” Even if it clearly wasn’t, which is what happened to your friendly neighborhood style editor. So you buy the thing, the thing never shows up, and both the seller and delivery company are like: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ … So yeah. Be careful here. Pricing is all over the place, they can shrink if you dry them, and sometimes you can buy them but they’ll never show up. Nice polos though!!!

Rhone Commuter Polo – $98

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/185

Hang on for one more polo because we’ll get to the great Rhone polo. This one is not as good. Fabric is really thin feeling. Almost papery. And a bit shorter in the tail when compared to their excellent delta pique polos. Still incredibly breathable and wicking, and comes with that welcome hidden button down collar, but it just doesn’t have the feel, fit, or finish of it’s Delta Pique brother. Many will disagree with this assessment, as evidenced by the rave reviews online, but yeah. A lot of us are gonna stick with the Delta Pique.

Rhone Delta Pique Hidden Button Down Collar Polo – $88

***BEST IN SHOW SPENDY***

Size shown: Medium on 5’10″/190

And still the champion. Going to be a game changer for a lot of us. These have everything. Breathable, wicking tech Polyester/Lyocell/Spandex “Delta” Pique material that’s lightweight but strong. Hidden, under the points, button down feature that really does a great job keeping the collar looking good all day and in all conditions. Raglan style sleeves & stretch infused fabric for ease of movement. Athletic fit that’s accommodating but not bulky or boxy. Machine wash, but like many other polos on this list, the tag says to lay flat to dry. I HAVE accidentally thrown these things in the dryer once or twice, but so far, no damage or shrinkage. Yet laying flat to dry for these is super easy. 100% tech fabric (not a cotton tech blend) means they dry SUPER fast, and almost totally wrinkle free as long as you get them down flat. The one draw back is the logo three/overlapping Xs on the right shoulder. It’s noticeable on some colors due to the contrasting thread they use. Could be a deal breaker for some.

Got a favorite polo that should of made the list and you’re up for a quick review + in person shots for a fit perspective? Send a heads up to joe@dappered.com and we’ll see if we can get you squared away.

For the polo shirt being such a basic staple of men’s style, there sure are a lot of bad ones out there. But these aren’t those. These are not your grandpa’s boxy, logo emblazoned golf shirt. These are slim or athletic, clean lean and mean. Below is the best of the reasonably affordable polo crop from this year. Got a lead on a polo that should have made this list? Send those tips in to joe@dappered.com.

J. Crew Slub Jersey Polo Shirt in Yarn-dyed Stripe – $49.50

Six different “stripe” varietals to choose from. Soft, mid weight cotton. Not beach blanket thick, not paper thin either.  Seems to shrink up maybe a touch in the wash, so know that. One of those that if you’re in-between sizes and you prefer a slightly longer tail, maybe opt in for the “tall” size option. Size shown here is a medium standard fit on 5’10″/190. Not their slim fit. It is available in slim too. Currently 25% off, but has been up for deeper discounts in the past.

J. Crew Slim Garment-dyed Slub Jersey Polo Shirt – $39.50

And for the sake of comparison, here’s one of J. Crew’s polos in a large slim fit on 5’10″/190. Slub fabric again, so it’s got a bit of texture and encourages airflow. Garment dyed for that vintage look, without looking worn out. Tons of colors to pick from. Three button placket + pocket keeps it from looking like a super basic “uniform” polo you’d see school kids wear. It’s intentional, it’s got a bit of style, but it doesn’t shout.

Target Goodfellow Standard Fit Navy Tipped Pique Polo Shirt – $14.99

The retro styling, tipped sleeves and collar, the cool pique texture, and the dashing overall feel are great. 55% cotton, 45% poly, and a loose pique weave means it can be a touch roomy. It’s not uncomfortable by any means, some may find the sleeves to not skim as close as they’d like. Lots will be happy with this one, though, and offers a lot of solid value for $15. The fabric here is also on the substantial side, but the pique weave makes it nice and breathable. Size shown above is a small on Ryan, who is 5’9″ / 155.

Amazon Goodthreads Lightweight Slub Polo – $20

***BEST IN SHOW CHEAP CASUAL*** A hit that Amazon debuted a couple years back, and they’ve kept on on making because… they’re a hit. 4.5/5 stars after (wait for it) 1200 ratings. And genuinely quite nice for the price. Tail isn’t chopped and this can be tucked in or left out, making it hugely versatile. These are one of the softest shirts around. You might end up buying multiple colors. And they have options. Nineteen different colors to pick from at post time, although being that it’s Amazon, selection drifts in and out of stock depending on what color you’re after. “Light Aqua” is shown above in a size small on 5’10” / 170-175 lbs.

EXPRESS Piped Performance Polo – $19.99 ($50)

The stretchy, super comfy, mostly cotton EXPRESS performance polos have gotten the piped treatment once again this year. Spendy at full price, but, this is EXPRESS. There’s always another 40% off train a comin’. Four colors to pick from. Size shown above is a medium on 5’10″/190.

Banana Republic Luxury-Touch Slim or Reg. Fit Polo – $30ish ($44.50)

***BEST IN SHOW MID PRICED*** Always a favorite. All cotton, yet somehow manages to be almost glass smooth, stretchy, and soft. (As if there’s some silk in there.) They’re so smooth they’re almost cool to the touch. There does seem to be a catch for some though. Many have reported shrinkage problems with these. Especially when it comes to the length. I don’t have this issue, and I can’t tell you why. I wash on warm or cold and dry on medium or cool. Do they shrink up a little in the wash? Maybe. But not to the extremes that I’ve heard. If you’re 6′ or over, maybe order a tall instead of a regular? Precise polo shown above is a large slim fit in one of their basic solids, on 5’10” / 195.

SuitSupply Cotton/Silk Polo in Teal Blue – $79

These run very slim. Size shown above is a LARGE on Jason’s 5’7″ 175-180 pound athletic frame. A restricting, uncomfortable fit for him, but! If you’re a slimmer fellow, you very well may find your new favorite polo. The 30% Silk, 70% Cotton blend is buttery-smooth and luxurious, and the ribbed cuffs and hem keep the garment in place and offer a Euro-modern aesthetic. Real Mother of Pearl buttons add to the luxe appeal, and the true teal blue color is excellent – a seasonally ideal color. It’s just a shame it isn’t more accommodating to more body types.

SuitSupply 100% Merino Wool Polo in Dark Brown – $79

Another size large from Suitsupply on 5’7″/175. Like the Cotton/Silk polo from SuitSupply, this is more formal than most. The choice to use 100% merino wool makes sense on the surface for temperature regulation, but the implementation here makes this more of an early Spring or early Fall polo. This wool fabric wasn’t nearly as smooth as the cotton/silk blend, and I could see this feeling a bit scratchy in high-heat. The dark brown color is unique, but there are other more colorful options for the warmer weather. The wool piece did have a slightly more forgiving fit than the cotton/silk version, but still fell squarely in the true “slim” category. The good news? SuitSupply offers free shipping and returns, so you can have peace of mind if it doesn’t work out.

UNIQLO AIRism Pique Button Down Collar Polos – $29.90

Yes, the famous UNIQLO button down collar polo. Which a lot of us love, since there’s no curling of the collar as the day wears on, and, they also look great under easy wearing, spring/summer sportcoats. 51% Cotton, 49% Nylon fabric does a solid job breathing and staying cool, although you’ll find better wicking/drying with either merino or true tech (read: all synthetic) fabrics. The huge drawback of these in the past is that they often would come with a straight up CHOPPED tail. And while the tail isn’t as long as tall-fellas would like, it’s not as short as it used to be. If you’re around average height or shorter, you should be happy here. As long as they don’t shrink badly in the wash/dryer. And speaking of… the tag says “line dry.” C’mon UNIQLO! These are affordable if not downright cheap (sometimes they go on sale for $19.90) polos! Let us machine dry them! Size shown above is a medium on 5’10″/190.

UNIQLO AIRism Jersey Short Sleeve Polo – $29.90

***BEST IN SHOW CHEAP DRESSED UP (when they’re on sale for $19.90)*** Oooh these are something. Huge fan of that covered placket. 73% Cotton, 27% Polyester, smooth jersey fabric here. Dressed up but could still easily be worn with shorts. Nice collar here too. Crisp and well constructed. Lays nicely. But like the Airism Pique, the tail runs a touch short. Not chopped, but short. And this ALSO says “line dry”. But at twenty bucks a pop with the every-so-often sale, they should be worth the risk and extra bit of effort. Size shown above is a medium on 5’10″/190.

Bonobos Jetsetter Polo in Standard or Slim Fit – $69

Size/fits shown above are a large STANDARD for the navy, and a large SLIM for the “sage”, both on Jason’s 5’7″/175 frame. As is typical, Bonobos nails the “elevated basic” theme. This fits like your favorite t-shirt, but with the casual polish of a polo. Because Bonobos excels at form-fitting without squeezing, and along with offering this polo in both standard and slim fits, this is a strong recommendation for most folks if you can swing the price Bonobos likes to charge. Like the rest of their casual jetsetter items, the cotton/drydex blend produces a soft, luxurious feel with moisture-wicking, odor defense, and UPF35 protection. Smooth, cool comfort and style all Spring and Summer.

Free Fly Bamboo Heritage Polo – $65

If you’ve never worn bamboo, the instant you put it you’re welcomed with a delightful cooling sensation. Free Fly, an outdoor-leaning brand, utilizes a 50-50 blend of viscose (bamboo) and cotton. Soft and cool, this is a great polo for a day on or near the water, or even at a barbecue on a hot day. Wear this when the temperature kicks up, but you want to wear something nicer than an average t-shirt, especially if you’re going multiple places in a day with no time to change. A generous fit, but perhaps too generous. On Jason’s 5’7″ barrel-chested body, this shirt in size large ran a bit long compared to others in that usual (for him) large size. So more of a regular fit here.

Abercrombie & Fitch Airknit Moisture-Wicking Golf Polo – $39

Big, big potential for many. Not going to lie, these are truly slim-fitting. Not quite Express extra slim, but the front, back, and sleeves are more fitted. Asking price is steep when not on sale, but the quality is there. Little details such as the locker loop, tags on the bottom side of the shirt, no logos present all definitely make it look “grown-up”. Softness of the A&F air knit fabric also applies to the feel of the shirt here too. There’s just one detail that may make this a soft pass for some. The collar has no shape on its own. Unless you fully button this up, there’s going to be flopping happening here. Yet I can see this paired with linen-blended blazers and fully buttoned up as a working combo when Summer temps approach us. 13 color options to pick from. White/Blue stripe option shown above has actually moved over to clearance. Size shown is a Medium on Paul, who is 5’10″/175.

Proof 72 Hour Merino Polo – $88

Size shown is a large on Jason who is 5’7″/175. Proof built this bad boy with merino wool, but in an “89%”wool, 11% nylon” blend. The nylon aides in creating a cool, smooth fabric that Proof claims can go 72 hours of wear with no stink. The shirt drapes well, and offers plenty of room for mobility without being boxy. Spendy at $88, but Proof made this one to move and do-it-all over the course of not just one day, but a few. Hence, the “72 hours” name. So some of us would rationalize the splurge as it really being three (days worth of) polo shirt(s) in one? While this isn’t as aesthetically polished as say, the SuitSupply polos or a Banana Republic luxe touch polo, it fills a very simple yet valuable need – a shirt that looks good and stays out of your mind all day long. No fuss.

Made in the USA Flint and Tinder Supima Air Knit Polo – $58

Made in the USA is tough to do these days. 100% supima cotton in a “baby jersey” knit. Nice and soft. Certainly not a boxy fit, but not a super slim fit either. More athletic. Size shown in a large on 5’10″/195. Color shown is the “vintage navy” which has a bit of a, you guessed it, vintage look. But also available in black, “carbon”, oxblood, and white.

Spier & Mackay 100% Cotton Pique Polos – $30 ($38)

I (the Joe guy) don’t usually don’t like 100% cotton, pique fabric polos. But these are threatening to change my mind. Super soft, but still has a bit of welcome crispness thanks to the pique weave. Terrific collar, great buttons, well put together placket. Also available in a spread collar. One note on laundering: They say lay flat or line dry. So no machine drying here. UPDATE: And word from reader Alexander M. confirms this. DON’T machine dry these. He had a couple of his accidentally go through the dryer and… yeah, they shrunk up enough that he couldn’t wear them anymore. Sizing might run a touch big, but maybe that’s in case they shrink a little in the wash? Shown above is a medium on 5/10″ 195.

Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Polo – $88

Blasted Lululemon. They make great stuff, but man do they make you pay for it. Lightweight, breathable, flexible, the works. You could easily run a dang 10k (or more) in one of these things and feel great. Raglan sleeves are terrific, and sure seem to add more range of motion. Six colors to pick from. Size shown is a large on 5’10″/195.

Kent Wang Collar Band Polos – $65

A bit legendary, and as you’d expect, they’re priced like a legend too. 100% cotton jersey that’s a little thicker than I had anticipated, but not overly bulky. The collars are constructed like a woven shirt, with a collar band and a double layer of self fabric (what the body is made out of). So, none of that limp ribbed fabric that curls, bends, and rumples. Honest to goodness mother of pearl buttons that are THICK and really do stand out. True slim fit. They’re nice. Real nice. $65 nice? I think most will say that’s a little steep. But maybe worth a splurge for some. Size shown above is a large on 5’10″/195.

Rhone Delta Pique Hidden Button Down Collar Polo – $88 (or $66 when you buy 3)

***BEST IN SHOW SPENDY*** Going to be a game changer for a lot of us. These have everything. Breathable, wicking tech Polyester/Lyocell/Spandex “Delta” Pique material that’s lightweight but strong. Hidden, under the points, button down feature that really does a great job keeping the collar looking good all day and in all conditions. Raglan style sleeves & stretch infused fabric for ease of movement. Athletic fit that’s accommodating but not bulky or boxy. Machine wash, but like many other polos on this list, the tag says to lay flat to dry. I HAVE accidentally thrown these things in the dryer once or twice, but so far, no damage or shrinkage. Laying flat to dry for these is super easy. 100% tech fabric (not a cotton tech blend) means they dry SUPER fast, and almost totally wrinkle free as long as you get them down flat. The one draw back is the logo three/overlapping Xs on the right shoulder. It’s noticeable on some colors due to the contrasting thread they use. And boy was that Vin Diesel movie terrible. (I saw it in the theater! What was I thinking?? And now I do pushups and have tattoos! I blame Vin!) Could be a deal breaker for some. Size shown above is a medium on 5’10″/190. Enormous thanks to our man Adam for the tip on these. Although now my wallet is a lot lighter because of his suggestion. I’ve started to replace all of my polos with these. Dang stress shopping. $88 is steep for sure, but if you buy three they drop the price to $66. Which while hardly cheap, is certainly more palatable.

Also receiving votes: Target Goodfellow Performance Polos – $19.99. Todd Snyder Made in the USA Tipped polos – $98 (ninety eight!). arc’teryx A2B Merino Wool bike commuters polo – $99, GAP Vintage Soft Polo Shirt – $20ish. Amazon Peak Velocity Performance Athletic-Fit Polo – $15ish

The humble henley needn’t be so humble. Not as plain as a t-shirt, not as dressed up as a polo, it’s a crewneck when buttoned all the way up, and a v-neck with one button undone (but any more than that and you risk Miami Vice territory). Henleys are versatile. They’re a staple. They’re available in everything from basic cottons to tech fabrics and range from dirt cheap to investment worthy. And here’s what we believe to be the best of the best out there right now.

A note on fits: We’ve got multiple contributors teaming up on this one. Each henley is noted for the size and height/weight of the wearer.

Target Goodfellow & Co Long Sleeve Jersey Henley – $14.99

Size Shown: Small on Ryan, who is 5’9″ / 155.

Target is just a henley-producing machine. Every season, inexpensive yet quality for the price henleys. Raglan sleeves, a placket that’s not too high, but not too low, and a plethora (ten!) of colors.

Bonobos Jetsetter Performance Henley – $69

Size Shown: Medium standard fit on Jason, who is 5’7″/175

Supremely comfortable. A thinner fabric, but not in a bad way. The whole shirt feels well built, with a flattering athletic-leaning silhouette. Expensive for sure, but the fabric is a notch above most of the others on this list. The cotton is extremely soft – reminiscent of BR’s luxury touch polos, but even better. 50% Pima cotton and 50% “Drytex” fiber for moisture-wicking and UPF 35 protection. Great as a base layer, or a standalone shirt for a cooler spring or summer evening. A definitive well-executed basic.

Old Navy Soft-Washed Henley -$19.99

Size Shown: Medium on 5’7″/175

***BEST IN SHOW CHEAP OPTION*** The best way to think of this shirt is a budget version of the Bonobos jetsetter henley, and that’s not a bad thing. For $20 (or less with extra deals, which happens to be the case at post time), this offers PHENOMENAL bang for the buck and comes highly recommend. Fit is on par with the Bonobos shirt, too. 60% cotton/40% poly that’s heathered, but appears to be more… printed on rather than knitted in? Still looks and wears well. A nice option to break up the rotation of solid colors in the wardrobe.

Amazon Peak Velocity Long Sleeve Fitted Henley – $29

Size Shown: Large on Joe, who is 5’10″/190

55% Nylon, 39% Polyester, 6% Spandex fabric feels great. It’s not featherweight, but not heavyweight either. Breathes well. Great stretch. All season worthy but a touch thicker than some lighter weight “performance” henleys. So best for fall and winter?

Banana Republic Factory Quick Dry Henley – $11.99 ($29.99)

Size Shown: Medium on Paul, who is 5’10″/175 

Not quite a workout shirt, because when you raise your arms up you’re about to/will expose your midsection. But for those that run hot such as me- this could be a great casual shirt in the warm/hot days of summer. Little details such as hemmed side splits and a placket that stays in place. Great deal with the discounts normally held on BR Factory’s site.

GAP Slub Henley – $30ish

Size Shown: Medium on 5’7″/175

An absolute basic, but great as a base layer or even – stay with me – a work shirt. Stitching isn’t clean, and the slub fabric isn’t soft…and because of it, this has a strong workwear look. Wear this for shoveling snow, upcoming spring cleaning and landscaping, and working on “stuff” around the house. Fit is solid – not exceptional in the way the Bonobos is, but not tight and unforgiving.

Ministry of Supply Composite Merino Short Sleeve Henley – $85

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/175 

Quite the premium price. Fabric blend is 49% Polyester, 46% Recycled Polyester, 5% Merino Wool. So not a lot of wool in there. But initial wear feels a bit more lux than even BR’s luxe polos. (Which, admittedly, are cotton, but still!) The collar is a bit closer than most. Partly due to there being more material/a VERY slight baseball jacket style raised area. Some may find the hem across the back shoulder more noticeable due to reinforcement of fabric. The brand recommends most size UP due to shrinkage, although Paul got a medium… and he usually wears a medium.

Amazon Goodthreads Long-Sleeve Lightweight Slub Henley – $20

Size Shown: Large on 5’7″/175

An absolute basic. There is nothing remarkable about this henley, nor anything especially offensive. The slub cotton fabric offers minimal stretch, and isn’t especially soft. Raglan sleeve construction is a solid value add at this low price point and offers more movement and thus, more comfort. You wouldn’t go wrong buying this, but your happiness will greatly depend on your physique.

Express Piped Moisture-Wicking Short-Sleeve Performance Henley – $30ish ($44)

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/175 

This thing runs pretty slim-fitting, which is expected from Express. Expect the sides to be hugging your torso. It’s that kind of slim. What stands out is the piping through the collar and placket, which even extends to the functional pocket. Four button placket. Deeper than most. Don’t go crazy unbuttoning more than a button. Or two. Unbuttoning more than that would be… something. They call it a “performance” henley, but it’s a cotton/poly/spandex blend. So no, not a workout henley. But a couple of these could look and feel good come summer.

GAP Raglan Striped Henley – $30ish

Size Shown: Medium on 5’7″/175

Mneh. Not great. Typically, raglan sleeves provide a bit more room in the chest for the bigger fellas who never miss a chest day, but this shirt had an oddly tight fit. Very tight. Not helping matters was an inflexible, stiff and somewhat scratchy 100% cotton fabric. This is one for the thinner, leaner guys looking for a cheaper option.

Amazon Peak Velocity Men’s Pima Cotton Modal Short Sleeve Henley – $24

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/175 

Amazon’s entry to more articles of clothing from house brand Peak Velocity expands beyond workout gear yet is now void of any logos. A blend of pima cotton and modal gives the shirt its softness compared to other jersey tee’s from house brands Essentials and Goodthreads. Fit feels between a slim and regular. One of those henleys with a higher placed top button… meaning: the top button is sewn right onto the collar, whereas some other henleys will drop the top button a quarter inch or so down the placket.

Amazon Peak Velocity Men’s Pima Cotton Modal Long Sleeve Henley – $26

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/175 

Very similar to the short sleeve variation in all (or lack of) its glory. You may notice that this one is rocking three buttons instead of deuce. Yet still remains with the top button on the collar again. This one also feels a bit roomier in the back area than its short sleeve counterpart. Sleeves are strangely long. They reach all the way to my knuckles.

Banana Republic Core Temp Henley – $35ish

Size Shown: Medium on 5’7″/175

***BEST IN SHOW MID PRICED*** Core temp tech regulates temperature to keep the wearer from getting too hot, but this one does lean toward best use for lower temperatures/fall and winter use. Thicker, waffle knit fabric provides helpful heat retention, while raglan sleeves offer great fit and range of motion. The waffle knit, raglan sleeves, and smart color-match elbow patches add great details and texture in an aesthetically pleasing piece.

L.L. Bean Unshrinkable Mini-Waffle Henley – $49.95

Size shown: Large on Grant, who is 6’2″ / 195 lb

A simple classic with a bit more room throughout. 100% cotton material is on the heavier side, with a finer waffle to it. Ribbed knit cuffs and collar are hefty and substantial, while the placket makes use of the waffle material too. Ten colors to pick from, while this option, saddle heather, was a standout among the group, with nice variation. Chunky buttons contrast nicely, though I could do without the LL Bean branding on them. Fit felt more standard here.

Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Henleys (short or long sleeve) – $59 – $98

Size Shown: Large on 5’10″/190

Terrific. But the two main drawbacks to Lululemon will bite you here: Price, and availability. These are one of those items they just can’t seem to keep in stock. Maybe they’ve discontinued them? But the metal vent tech line has been so successful, that seems unlikely. Very, very limited colors and sizes at post time. But certainly worth keeping an eye on. Soft fabric that really does move with you. Does a terrific job in all temps. I lean on my long sleeves in bitter cold, and my short sleeves in searing heat. Anti-stink. Built to be sweat in. Machine wash and dry. 49% Nylon, 43% Recycled polyester, 4% Elastane, 4% “X-static” nylon. Size shown above is a large on 5’10″/195

Old Navy Texture Twill or Ultra-Soft Breathe ON Henley – $15ish

Size Shown: Medium on 5’10″/175 

Finally, a CHEAP henley that you can run/workout in. Roomy fit for those workouts that need more articulation of your arms and shoulders. There are even reflective stripes on each sleeve if  you’re out for a walk/run past sundown. A lack of any tag and logos helps the shirt keep a minimum look. One noticeable detail is that instead of standard buttons, these use snaps. No not those kind of snaps, snaps, like… the fasteners. “Texture Twill” fabric is 74% polyester, 23% rayon, 3% spandex. “Ultra Soft” is 95% polyester, 5% spandex.

Huckberry PROOF 72 Hour Merino Henley – $98

Size Shown: Large on 5’10″/190

***BEST IN SHOW SPENDY OPTION*** Not cheap. But it’s kinda 3-henleys in one. Why? It’s right there in the name. You can wear it for 3 days straight. The 89% merino wool, 11% nylon fabric is anti-stink, temperature regulating, and holds its shape. So for daily wear, it’s dynamite. Terrific for travel too (once we all get to do that again). Fit is slim without being skinny. There’s still room to move. Matte metal snap placket. The fabric really is something else. Size shown is a large on 5’10″/190.

Got a favorite henley that didn’t make the list? Send those and any other tips into joe@dappered.com

For the polo shirt being such a basic staple of men’s style, there sure are a lot of crappy ones out there. But these aren’t those. These are not your grandpa’s boxy, logo emblazoned golf shirt. These are slim or athletic, clean lean and mean. Below is the best of the reasonably affordable polo crop from this year. Got a lead on a polo that should have made this list? Send those tips in to joe@dappered.com.

Banana Republic Luxe Touch Slim or Reg. Fit Polo – $30ish ($44.50)

***Best in Show*** Let’s not bury the lede. Exceptional. Especially considering they’ve been going for $19(!) – $25 often lately. They’re all cotton, yet somehow manage to be almost glass smooth, stretchy, and soft. (As if there’s some silk in there.) They’re so smooth they’re almost cool to the touch. Plenty of colors and patterns to pick from, and available in both slim and regular fits. There does seem to be a catch for some though. Many have reported shrinkage problems with these. Especially when it comes to the length. I don’t have this issue, and I can’t tell you why. I wash on warm or cold and dry on medium or cool. Do they shrink up a little in the wash? Maybe. But not to the extremes that I’ve heard. If you’re 6′ or over, maybe order a tall instead of a regular? Precise polo shown above is a large slim fit in one of their basic solids, on 5’10” / 195.

Target Goodfellow & Co Standard Fit Jersey Polo – $14.99

***Best Super Cheap*** A strong showing thanks in part to the strong collar. No weak curl action happening here. Under that collar is a reinforced placket, with a sideways top button and rounded collar band, much like you’d see on a dress shirt. While the texture of the fabric is almost slub-like, I wouldn’t put it in the same category. It wears too nicely for that, though the material is lightweight, airy and almost gauzy. The pattern is subtle, not loud, and it’s something I could wear to work and then right out to a happy hour. There’s a subtle, almost imperceptible patch chest pocket, and the fit, of course, is spot-on. Size shown above is a small on 5’9″ / 160.

Made in the USA Flint and Tinder Supima Air Knit Polo – $48.98 ($58)

Made in the USA? That’s tough to do these days. 100% supima cotton in a “baby jersey” knit. Nice and soft. More of a vintage-look. Not super slick or polished, so probably best for more casual duty. Certainly not a boxy fit, but not a super slim fit either. More athletic. Size shown in a large on 5’10″/195. Just about sold out at post time, but such a wheelhouse standard that you’d think they’d restock soon.

Amazon Peak Velocity Performance Athletic-Fit Polo – $15ish

Tremendous, with one catch: there seems to be quite a big jump between sizes. Shown above is a medium, and it’s just a touch too tight for my taste. That said, a large was WAY too big. This isn’t a unique issue. Lots of brands are struggling with these big size jumps in the 21st century (see Target’s Goodfellow & Co). But back to the polo. It’s the real deal. Feels great, not cheap. 52% Polyester, 48% Nylon fabric is lightweight, moves great, and looks polished, not, “techy.” Six colors to pick from. Size shown is a medium on 5’10” / 195.

EXPRESS Tech Stretch Polos – $29.94 when 40% off ($49.90)

Fabric & fit seems to be unchanged over the last few years, and still very, very good. 4.9/5 stars after 79 reviews. 95% cotton and 5% spandex = quite a bit of stretch. Yet still plenty smooth and soft. Deeper 4 button placket is a nice touch as well. (Not that you should be unbuttoning all those buttons… hardly… it just makes the shirt look and feel a little more substantial… even retro.) Super smooth. Often goes on sale for 40% off. Size shown above is a large on 5’10” / 195.

Good Man Brand Shinjuku Stripe Slim Fit Polo – $54.97 ($128)

A bit of an investment, but could be a real winner for those who prefer all cotton polos and crisp button down collars. But a word of warning about those collars: you’ll have to iron them. The body of these polos is 100% cotton jersey (mid weight), but the lighter, crisper, chambray collar wrinkles like CRAZY in the wash. So you’ll have to do a quick ironing job on just the collars pre-wear. From the contemporary, higher-end but not runway-luxury Good Man Brand, which Russel Wilson has a hand in. Size shown above is a large on 5’10″/195.

Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Polo – $49 – $88

Blasted Lululemon. They make great stuff, but man do they make you pay for it. Lightweight, breathable, flexible… the works. You could easily run a dang 10k (or more) in one of these things and feel great. Raglan sleeves are terrific, and sure seem to add more range of motion. Some colors are on sale, but most are not. Size shown is a large on 5’10″/195.

Spier & Mackay 100% Cotton Pique Polos – $38

Wow the fabric is much softer this time around. I usually don’t like 100% cotton, pique fabric polos. But these are threatening to change my mind. Super soft, but still has a bit of welcome crispness thanks to the pique weave. Terrific collar, great buttons, well put together placket. Also available in a spread collar. One note on laundering: They say lay flat or line dry. So no machine drying here. Sizing might run a touch big, but maybe that’s in case they shrink a little in the wash? Shown above is a medium on 5/10″ 195.

Arc’teryx Captive Polo Shirt – $69

Arc’teryx does a great job with their fit and fabric quality, as expected from a premium outdoor athletic company. The shirt is fitted, but not clingy, and has a nice taper from chest to waist. The 60% cotton, 35% polyester, 5% elastane fabric is soft, with legitimate breathability. It drapes lightly and never feels heavy, despite being of substantial build. On the build; what’s with all the stitching? For a tech polo, there sure are a lot of seams front and back, and they’re noticeable when wearing. I surmise those who engineered the shirt did this to create the athletic silhouette, but it comes off as over-engineered and other brands are able to create a taper without all the stitch work. And, the price. $69 at full retail. Arc’teryx is certainly a premium brand in the outdoor space, but this one, for most, won’t be worth the premium. Size shown is a large on 5’7″ / 175.

Amazon Essentials Tech Stretch Polo – $17

Good. Very good. Super breathable. Stretch is incredible. Size shown above is a medium on 5’10” / 195. So consider sizing down if you’re in between sizes. Tough to top for fifteen bucks. Just wish they made solids. Currently all options are heathered/marled looking.

Amazon Goodthreads Lightweight Slub Polo – $10 ‘ $20

Quite nice for the price. Tail isn’t chopped and this can be tucked in or left out, making it hugely versatile. These are one of the softest shirts around. You might end up buying multiple colors. And they have options. Nineteen different colors to pick from at post time. “Light Aqua” is shown above in a size small on 5’10” / 170-175 lbs.

Kent Wang Collar Band Polos – $65

A bit legendary, and as you’d expect, they’re priced like a legend too. 100% cotton jersey that’s a little thicker than I had anticipated, but not overly bulky. The collars are constructed like a woven shirt, with a collar band and a double layer of self fabric (what the body is made out of). So, none of that limp ribbed fabric that curls, bends, and rumples. Honest to goodness mother of pearl buttons that are THICK and really do stand out. True slim fit. They’re nice. Real nice. $65 nice? I think most will say that’s a little steep. But maybe worth a splurge for some. Size shown above is a large on 5’10″/195.

Target All in Motion Tech Pique Golf Polo – $17.60 ($22)

***Best Affordable Tech-Fabric*** No logo. That’ll please plenty. Not on the chest, not on the sleeve, not even on the hemline that would be hidden when tucked in. Nowhere. Unbelievable. Second, a lot of performance polos are slick, shimmery, and overall very “artificial,” barely being passable outside the links. Not so here. Not only is it not slick, it has a pique texture that is matte in appearance and feels premium. Third, the collar actually looks like a collar. This one is stitched all the way around, giving it structure and hope that it won’t flop over after the 4th hole. The fit is spot on and there’s just enough flex to give you full range of motion. Worth every penny at $22. Size shown is a small on 5’9″ / 160.

J. Crew Garment-Dyed Slub Cotton Polo in Nantucket Red- $39.50

A perfect polo for when you want to wear a t-shirt, but also want to look a little more put-together. The garment-dyed slub cotton creates a natural weathered fade in the shade of red, which will continue to evolve over time. That slub fabric makes it more casual than, say, the Banana Republic Luxe Touch polo. If a henley is a step above a plain tee, this is a step above that henley. Wash this on it’s own for the first few times, so the dye doesn’t bleed onto other garments. A perfect go-to barbecue polo. Size shown above is a large slim-fit on 5’7″ / 175.

UNIQLO Airism Button Down Collar Polo – $29.90

***Best for Shorter Guys*** They truly do run short. Which is great if you’re not tall. But if you’re average, it’s gonna be close. If you’re tall? Forget it. But if the length works for you, they’re terrific. Improved, smoother fabric this year on the NON WHITE options. Really. White is the old fabric. I don’t know why. Just about a 50/50 cotton nylon blend that’s almost cool to the touch. Runs $29.90 a pop, but will drop to $19.90 with select sales and multi buy deals. Size shown is a medium on 5’10″/195. And yeah, it’s a bit too short for my current tastes (and my slightly longer than average torso), which bums me out.

Got a favorite polo that didn’t make the list? Send in a style tip. They’re always welcome at: joe@dappered.com.

Last week we recognized the Best Affordable Style of 2019, focusing on the top products pumped out by the retail establishment. This week we’re taking a look back at the best (at least what WE consider the best) of what Dappered had to offer in 2019. Not trying to toot our own horn here. Consider this more of an exercise in recognizing what was popular with the Dappered readers, so we continue to create informative content in the New Year. And by the way, to those Dappered readers: thanks.

The Dappered Space

In 2019 we continued to bring you The Dappered Space (and yes, this will continue in 2020 with even more regular posts). A series designed to help guys apply the sense of personal style they’ve developed to the space they inhabit, because sometimes it’s easy to style oneself, but translating that style to something much bigger can seem daunting. Look for more ways to bring your personal space into alignment with your person in the coming year.

Style Scenarios

A continuing popular series on Dappered.com. Take a situation, build an affordable outfit around it. Ta-da. Instant content! But yeah, you guys seem to dig these things. Got a suggestion for a scenario that should be tackled in the new year? Send those sugestions to joe by emailing him at joe@dappered.com

In Review

In-person, honest reviews (if we lie, you stop visiting, if you stop visiting, what’s the point?) of new or heritage goods that might appeal to someone visiting this corner of the web. We do try to keep a lookout for items that have a unique style or quality/construction note that the competition just doesn’t have. Watch for more of these come 2020.

10 Men’s Style Things to Change Up for Spring / Summer

Moving from the heavier, insulating fabrics and materials of winter to the lighter, breathable materials typically donned in warm weather feels pretty good. In this post Joe organized these changes, and recommended what to move into, and gave plenty of picks to help you out along the way. One can look forward to the seasons ahead, buy reading posts from the past, right? Maybe?

Polopalooza

A welcome post every year, Polopalooza aims to find the best of the best when it comes to a combination of quality and affordability, taking into account a range of style budgets. From Amazon and Target, to Kent Wang and Proof, if you want polos, we’ve got polos.

Spring/Summer Temptation

Always a much appreciated post. This is where we gather all the things our favorite retailers are putting out for the warmer months, while the weather might not yet be warm enough to take advantage of them. Right up there with crocuses and the first buds, this is a heralding of spring. Yep, that’s right. The marvel of organic engineering at play, and Dappered. Wut?

The Dappered Gym Rat

Perhaps we’ll see an updated version of this all-things-gym roundup our man Jason P. contributed last year. As the days slowly grow longer, and the promise of warmer weather gets closer and closer, the motivation to get fit seems to incrementally increase. The suggestions contained in this post could help you out. (Even this version from last year.)

For the polo shirt being such a basic staple of men’s style, there sure are a lot of crappy ones out there. Whether they’re sweatshirt-thick, boxy pique, old-man golf shirts, or goofball-young-guy polos emblazoned with enormous logos, a lot can go “wrong” w/ the humble polo shirt. Below is the best of the reasonably affordable crop from this year. All polos, unless otherwise stated, are shown on 5’10” / 195. Got a lead on a polo that should have made this list? Send those tips in to joe@dappered.com.

EXPRESS Tech Stretch Polos – $23.94 when 40% off ($39.90)

Appears to be unchanged from last year, and still very, very good. 95% cotton and 5% spandex = quite a bit of stretch. Yet still plenty smooth and soft. Chambray, deeper 4 button placket is a nice touch as well. (Not that you should be unbuttoning all those buttons… hardly… it just makes the shirt look and feel a little more substantial.) Super smooth. Often goes on sale for 40% off and thus, can be had for around $24. Then there’s the usual multi-buy deals that they run as well. Really well done. Size shown above is a large.

H&M Slim Fit Polo – $12.99

A super smooth, jersey knit, 96% cotton and 4% stretch polo shirt. And while it’s lightweight, it doesn’t feel flimsy. H&M makes a lot of weak-feeling stuff. This one feels pretty darn good. Solids and stripes to pick from. Size shown above is a medium.

Spier & Mackay 100% Cotton Pique Polos – $30

I don’t like 100% cotton, pique fabric polos. But these are quite nice. Word is they finished the fabric a little different this year. Did a wash similar to how a manufacturer would wash a t-shirt, and it makes a big difference. They feel a little… “crisper” this year. Nice collar, great buttons, well put together placket. Also available in a spread collar. Size shown above is a large on 5/10″ 195.

UNIQLO Airism Button Down Collar Polo – $19.90 – $29.90

One of the best, with one big drawback that many won’t like. Just about a 50/50 cotton nylon blend that’s almost cool to the touch. Runs $29.90 a pop, but will drop to $19.90 with select sales and multi buy deals. UNIQLO has really messed with their fits over the years, and here’s proof. A few years back, when I was closer to 175, a medium fit great. Now I’m closer to 200lbs and… a medium, as shown above, fits great. UNIQLO has definitely “Americanized” their sizing templates in the last few years. So strongly consider sizing down. And another thing worth putting in bold (here comes the drawback): The tag suggests LINE DRY. So, dryer shrinkage may be a risk. Be warned.

H&M 70% Cotton / 30% Silk Polo Sweater – $34.99

Back for a second year. Thirty five bucks seems a little steep for H&M, but this thing is the real deal. Lightweight and a bit on the thin side, but not too flimsy feeling. 30% silk lends some great feel to the fabric, and some good strength too. Size shown above is a medium. Lots of colors to pick from.

Flint & Tinder Made in the USA Supima Air Knit Polo – $58

Cut & sewn here in the USA. Even the supima cotton is grown here in the states. Super soft, extremely well reviewed, and a fit that’s not shrink wrapped nor bulky. Knit into something called “baby jersey” for an unusually soft feel.

Target Goodfellow Standard Fit 100% Cotton Polo Sweater – $19.99

Not as nice as the H&M Cotton/Silk polo sweater. But still decent if you’re after a polo that truly does feel like a sweater. That’d be this one. It’s weird how a certain style of knit and the thread chosen can drastically change the feel of a garment. Retro for sure. Size shown here is a medium.

Amazon Essentials Tech Stretch Polo – $15

Good. Very good. Super breathable. Stretch is incredible. Size shown above is a medium. So consider sizing down if you’re in between sizes, even though they claim a slim fit. (They are slimmer than their standard fit Amazon Essentials Golf Polos. Those things are BIG.) Tough to top for fifteen bucks. Just wish they made solids. Currently all options are heathered/marled looking.

Kent Wang Collar Band Polos – $65

A bit legendary, and as you’d expect, they’re priced like a legend too. 100% cotton jersey that’s a little thicker than I had anticipated, but not overly bulky. The collars are constructed like a woven shirt, with a collar band and a double layer of self fabric (what the body is made out of). So, none of that limp ribbed fabric that curls, bends, and rumples. Honest to goodness mother of pearl buttons that are THICK and really do stand out. True slim fit. They’re nice. Real nice. $65 nice? I think most will say that’s a little steep. But maybe worth a splurge for some. Size shown above is a large.

PROOF 72-Hour Merino Blend Polo – $78

Spendy, but incredible. If you haven’t tried a lightweight merino polo or t-shirt or henley just to compare it to a regular cotton option? Be warned. Your world might shatter. Because merino is nature’s performance fabric, and once you try it, you might somehow find yourself spending tons of cash to replace all your old cotton gear with new, cool, super breathable, quick drying, anti-stink, merino stuff. From Huckberry. Called the “72 hour” because they’re designed to be worn for three days straight and still be comfortable and not stink.

Banana Republic SLIM Fit Luxe Touch – $26.70 – $29.70 ($44.50 – $49.50)

Currently 40% off thanks to a flash, no BR exclusions sale. No code needed. Exceptional with one big exception. Many have reported shrinkage problems with these. Especially when it comes to the length. So much so that some suggest ordering a “tall” size even if you’re not. I don’t have this issue, and I can’t tell you why. I wash on warm or cold and dry on medium or cool. Do they shrink up a little in the wash? Maybe. But not to the extremes that I’ve heard. That said, if you struggle sometimes in the laundry department, you might want to heed those warnings. Anyway, it’s the fabric that sets these apart. They’re all cotton, yet somehow manage to be super smooth, stretchy, and soft. Like there’s almost some silk in there. Plenty of colors and patterns to pick from. Style seen above is this year’s retro, tipped model. Size shown above is a Large Slim.

Amazon Goodthreads Lightweight Slub Polo – $10 ‘ $20

Quite nice for the price. Tail isn’t chopped and this can be tucked in or left out, making it hugely versatile. These are one of the softest shirts around (almost as soft as BR’s famous Luxe-Touch Polos). You might end up buying multiple colors. And they have options. Fourteen different colors to pick from. “Light Aqua” is shown above in a size small on 5’10” / 170-175 lbs.

Old Navy Built In Flex Cotton/Poly/Spandex Pro Polo – $15 – $20ish

Surprisingly decent. Old Navy has had some real duds in the past, but this doesn’t appear to be one of them. A pique-style knit, but the weight of the fabric isn’t suffocating, it actually does feel like it breathes pretty good, and it moves great. Size shown above is a medium, since Old Navy stuff tends to run big. So consider sizing down. Available in solids too.

Target Goodfellow & Co. Standard Fit Elevated Ultra-Soft Polo – $16.99

***BEST IN SHOW*** I was shocked that this year’s best in show polo came from Target. But here it is. These feel close to the EXPRESS option, if not better, and they’re obviously a hell of a lot cheaper. NOT pique. Super smooth, 100% cotton fabric that isn’t paper thin nor is it bulky. Nice collars, nice placket, and under seventeen bucks. Lots of colors to pick from too. Collar is the same style of fabric as the body of the shirt, and not some flimsy, curl-ridden, ribbed junk. Much, much better. These are cut in a “standard fit” and thus the size above is a medium. Shown above in “Williamsburg Navy.” Feels closer to a Kent Wang or Criquet polo. Not quite that fancy, but not what you’d expect for $17 either. Very impressive. Fingers crossed they don’t shrink like crazy in the wash.

Got a favorite polo that didn’t make the list? Send in a style tip. They’re always welcome at: joe@dappered.com.

For the polo shirt being such a basic staple of men’s style, there sure are a lot of crappy ones out there. Whether they’re sweatshirt-thick, boxy pique, old-man golf shirts, or goofball-young-guy polos emblazoned with enormous logos, a lot can go “wrong” w/ the humble polo shirt. Below is the best of the reasonably affordable crop from this year. Head here to get an idea on the measurements for the goober in all the in-person shots. Got a lead on a polo that should have made this list? Send those tips in to joe@dappered.com.

UNIQLO 100% Cotton Knit Polo Sweater – $19.90

Oddly impressed with this one. 85% cotton and 15% nylon, and that 15% nylon seems to make all the difference. Why? It’s not overly squishy. For it being a knit polo-style sweater, there’s an airy crispness to it. Size shown above is a medium.

Spier & Mackay 100% Cotton Pique Polos – $30 USD

Thick in fabric. If you’re looking for something airy and lightweight? These ain’t it. If you’re looking for a more traditional feeling polo in a modern fit with a button down, or, cutaway collar? Then these are for you. But if you run warm, these aren’t gonna be a great idea in the heat. Construction quality is nice. Good buttons. Nice collars no matter the style you’re after. But they’re just… thick is the word. Size shown above is a large on 5/10″ 195.

J.C.F. 100% Poly “Performance” Polos – $15.60 w/ SPRINGTIME

The polar opposite of the Spier & Mackay fabric in terms of weight. These are paper thin. Too thin for most if you’re looking for a white polo, but the solids seem solid. White? It’s translucent. If you run hot though, these could be a real winner. Just might want to stick with a color, any color, because white is pretty see-through in some lights. Size shown above is a medium.

Target Goodfellow & Co. 60% Cotton / 40% Poly Pocket Polo – $14.99

Surprisingly decent for a super cheap price. Pocket at the chest is a nice touch, and while there’s no buttons to keep the collar in place, it’s a crisper fabric than you’d expect. Softer fabric than some of their 100% cotton polos. And don’t be fooled by the description in the “fit and style” box on their website. It’s not 100% cotton. These are 60/40. Size shown above is a medium.

J.C.F. 100% Cotton Garment Dyed Polo – $15.60 w/ SPRINGTIME

A longtime favorite that’s back once again. An absurd amount of colors. Lemme let reader Marshall A. handle this one: “It nails the deeper placket, pocket, and substantial fabric. The collars hold up well too, but that may decline with wears and washes. It worked pretty well with a blazer the other day. I’d say they’re definitely worth checking out.”

H&M 70% Cotton / 30% Silk Polo Sweater – $34.99

Thirty five bucks seems a little steep for H&M, but this thing is the real deal. Lightweight and a bit on the thin side, but not too flimsy feeling. 30% silk lends some great feel to the fabric, and some good strength too. Size shown above is a medium. Six different colors to pick from.

B.R. SLIM Fit Luxe Touch – $26.70 – $29.70 when 40% off

Many have reported shrinkage problems with these. Especially when it comes to the length. So much so that some suggest ordering a “tall” size even if you’re not. I don’t have this issue, and I can’t tell you why. I wash on warm or cold and dry on medium or cool. Do they shrink up a little in the wash? Maybe. But not to the extremes that I’ve heard. That said, if you struggle sometimes in the laundry department, you might want to heed those warnings. Anyway, it’s the fabric that sets these apart. They’re all cotton, yet somehow manage to be super smooth, stretchy, and soft. Like there’s almost some silk in there. Plenty of colors and patterns to pick from. Size shown above is a Large Slim.

Target Goodfellow & Co. Tipped Loring Polo – $12.99

One of Goodfellow & Co’s basic, 100% cotton polos. This one has some piping to the collar. It’s fine. Nothing mind blowing. 100% cotton but better than Amazon’s attempt at a 100% cotton polo. Fabric is softer/less junky feeling. Size shown above is a medium.

Original Penguin “The Earl” Polo in Heritage Slim Fit – $39 – $59

A legend and for good reason. Heritage slim fit isn’t too tight, but it’s far from bulky. And that retro piping is the bee’s knees. Daddy-o. But beware: these things seem to be at risk for shrinkage in the wash. And that’s coming from a fella who rarely, if ever, shrinks anything in the wash. A bit pricey, especially considering many other brands are now making piped retro-style polos.

Target Goodfellow & Co. Sweater Polo – $16.99

Just not as good as the 85% cotton / 15% nylon UNIQLO option. All cotton here and knit like a sweater instead of a traditional polo shirt. A bit bulky in terms of the depth of the fabric, and pretty boxy looking in terms of the fit. Couldn’t find this navy option at my local Target, but that one might have more going for it. Size shown above is a medium.

Amazon Essentials Tech Stretch Polo – $15.00

Good. Very good. Super breathable. Stretch is incredible. Size shown above is a medium. Tough to top for fifteen bucks. Just wish they made solids. Currently all options are heathered/marled looking.

Old Navy 100% Poly “Go Dry” Performance Polo – $19

One of the better, super cheap “performance” style polos on the market. Fabric isn’t as soft as some other performance polos, but they’re super lightweight, and seemingly breathe and wick. Should drop further with codes and promos. Size shown above is a medium. These seem to run a little on the big side.

EXPRESS Tech Stretch Polos – $23.94 ($39.90)

Appears to be unchanged from last year, and still very, very good. 95% cotton and 5% spandex = quite a bit of stretch. Yet still plenty smooth and soft. Chambray, deeper 4 button placket is a nice touch as well. (Not that you should be unbuttoning all those buttons… hardly… it just makes the shirt look and feel a little more substantial.) Super smooth. Often goes on sale for 40% off and thus, can be had for around $24. Then there’s the usual multi-buy deals that they run as well. Thank goodness they left their lion logo thing off these polos. Really well done. Somewhere between a true slim and a more contemporary fit here. Size shown above is a medium. A good option for the guys with a little more bulk on em’.

H&M Stretch Cotton Polo – $12.99

H&M makes one of these every year, and this year’s is noticeably less flimsy feeling than previous editions. Jersey cotton fabric that feels sturdy. Not wimpy. Not overly thick. 95% cotton, 5% spandex has tons of stretch. Plenty of colors to pick from and a few patterns like the stripes shown above. Size shown here is a medium.

Kohl’s Apt 9 100% Cotton Soft Touch Polo – $20

A suprisingly decent offering almost every year that we’ve been doing this. Not a pique fabric, but instead a super smooth, almost BR Luxe-Touch like all cotton fabric. Super cheap too. Can drop to under $10 sometimes depending on the sale. Size shown here is a medium.

Kent Wang Collar Band Polos – $65.00

A bit legendary, and as you’d expect, they’re priced like a legend too. 100% cotton jersey that’s a little thicker than I had anticipated, but not overly bulky. The collars are constructed like a woven shirt, with a collar band and a double layer of self fabric (what the body is made out of). So, none of that limp ribbed fabric that curls, bends, and rumples. Honest to goodness mother of pearl buttons that are THICK and really do stand out. True slim fit. They’re nice. Real nice. $65 nice? I think most will say that’s a little steep. But maybe worth a splurge for some. Size shown above is a large.

UNIQLO Airism Button Down Collar Polo – $14.90 ($19.90)

***BEST IN SHOW*** These are a “wow.” These Airism polos are a massive improvement over the past “dry fabric” polos. 51% cotton / 49% Nylon is much smoother and almost cool to the touch. Tons of stretch here too. Plus, the 100% cotton shirting fabric collars are crisp, button down, and won’t drift during wear. The price sure is right too. Size shown above is a medium. Seems to run a touch on the shorter side in terms of the torso. Also, be aware that while these are machine washable, the tag suggests “line dry.”

Got a favorite polo that didn’t make the list? Send in a style tip. They’re always welcome at: joe@dappered.com.

For the polo shirt being such a basic staple of men’s style, there sure are a lot of crappy ones out there. Whether they’re sweatshirt-thick, boxy pique, old-man golf shirts, or goofball-young-guy polos emblazoned with enormous logos, a lot can go “wrong” w/ the humble polo shirt. Below is the best of the reasonably affordable crop from this year, with categorical distinctions when warranted. Full honesty fellas, this year has NOT been the best year for polos. Lots of brands and stores were tried, but the plenty just didn’t make the cut. Got a lead on a polo that should have made this list? Send those tips into joe@dappered.com.

Spier & Mackay “Shirt Collar” Polo – $18.75ish USD

Pique, but not bad pique. More crisp and cool than suffocating and spongy. And unlike other, cheap pique polos, these use the same fabric from the body of the shirt for the collar. There’s also extra, reinforced stitching for that collar. So? It’s got a cleaner, sharper look. It’s not a poplin or twill collar attached to a pique body… but it’s not that curled up ribbed junk found on most polos either. Size shown is a medium on 5’10” / 185-190 lbs.

Kohl’s Apt. 9 Natural Stretch Soft Touch Polo – $14.99

Seems like Kohl’s sneaks one of their “Apt. 9” polos into this list every year, and this year is no different. This isn’t their “luxury” polo line (the local brick and mortar was lacking in those when I went in?), but instead the more basic “soft touch” polo. A little thicker than the BR Luxe Touch polos, but still not overly weighty. Good stretch to it even though it’s 100% cotton. Tons of colors. Cheap. Size shown is a medium.

J. Crew Factory Garment Dyed Polo – $22ish

Lemme just let reader Marshall A. handle this one: “It nails the deeper placket, pocket, and substantial fabric. The collars hold up well too but that may decline with wears and washes. It worked pretty well with a blazer the other day. I’d say they’re definitely worth checking out.”

Old Navy Built-In Flex Pro Polo – $18.94 ($22.94)

**BEST IN SHOW CHEAP** I was honestly super surprised when I put this thing on. The level of stretch is incredible, and unlike Old Navy polos from years past, these aren’t paper thin. It’s more of a pique weave, but the fabric isn’t weighty or bulky. And again, that stretch. Super comfortable. They’re also claiming it has moisture wicking properties. Fabric makeup is 58% cotton, 39% polyester, and 3% spandex. Lots of patterns to pick from. Solids too. Should go for around $13 – $18 depending on codes and promos. Size shown is a medium, and know that these might fit a touch looser than polos of the same size from other brands.

B.R. SLIM Fit Luxe Touch – $26.70 – $29.70 @ 40% off ($44.50 – $49.50)

Heads up guys. Banana Republic is now offering TWO fits in their highly desirable Luxe touch polos (a regular and a slim fit.) And some seem to think that the new regular size is a bit more generous than last year’s standard fit. Now, that aside, they’re damn fantastic. They’re all cotton, yet somehow manage to be super smooth, stretchy, and soft. Like there’s almost some silk in there. Plenty of colors and patterns to pick from. Size shown above is a Large Slim.

Original Penguin “The Earl” Polo in Heritage Slim Fit – $39 – $59

A legend and for good reason. Heritage slim fit isn’t too tight, but it’s far from bulky. And that retro piping is the bee’s knees. Daddy-o. But beware: these things seem to be at risk for shrinkage in the wash. And that’s coming from a fella who rarely, if ever, shrinks anything in the wash. A bit pricey, especially considering many other brands are now making piped retro-style polos.

GAP Slub Cotton Jersey Polo – $17.97 w/ FILED ($29.95)

Gap is a perfect example of what’s going a bit sideways with the polo offerings this year. They’ve made either pretty standard, not that great feeling pique polos, or? These SUPER casual slub things. These will certainly appeal to some, but between the slub weave (purposefully a little uneven with texture) and the pre-distressed tail, these things are produced to look like an old, very worn in favorite. Again, not everyone’s cup of earl grey, but plenty will like how lightweight and washed they are. Color above is a charcoal/washed black that doesn’t appear to be for sale on the GAP site. Plenty of other colors though. Size, once again, is a medium.

Target Mossimo Supply Co Jersey Polo – $12.99

Wanted to get hands on with these, but surprisingly, they weren’t in stock yet at the ol’ local Tarzshay. It was just the crummy, standard pique Merona polos there. And those are kinda a “thanks but no thanks.” These sure appear to have a slub weave a la the GAP option above? Also, Mossimo stuff has a tendency to fit noticeably slimmer than the regular fits of Merona.

UNIQLO Dry Fabric Button Down Collar Polo – $19.90

Yes, they “Americanized” the fit last year. But most of us have made the adjustment to the more generous fit by now. The fabric holds up well, seems to dry a bit quicker than standard cotton, and the button down collars are a game changer for many. For the taller fellas, these might not work for you. They seem to run like UNIQLO’s blazers… as in, a bit shorter than the competition. Size is a medium in their newer, more generous fit.

Kent Wang Collar Band Polos – $65.00

Still legendary, and they get a mention every year. Also, as you’d expect, they’re priced like a legend too. The collars are constructed like a woven shirt, with a collar band and a double layer of self fabric (what the body is made out of). So, none of that limp ribbed fabric that curls, bends, and rumples. Honest to goodness mother of pearl buttons. Slim fit.

JCP MSX by Michael Strahan Tech Polo – $22.50 w/ 37SAVE ($30)

These are basically super cheap technical (think Under Armour) polos. All synthetic, super stretchy, and built to breathe and wick. They are also VERY lightweight. Just about paper thin. And beware the logo/stripe underneath the back of the collar. Still, not a bad option when on sale, and you’re looking for something that’s basically a workout shirt cut into the shape of a polo for the course. Code above jumps to 50% off if you trip a $50 balance, so, if you buy two? It’ll end up being just thirty bucks. Size above is a medium.

H&M Stretch Cotton Polo – $12.99

H&M makes one of these every year, and be aware that they might not have made it into all brick and mortar stores quite yet (like the Mossimo polos, they were absent at mine). 90% cotton, 5% spandex, 4% rayon, 1% polyester. Super stretchy. But if past is prologue, expect them to be very, very thin. That’s H&M for you though.

EXPRESS Tech Stretch Polos – $39.90

**BEST IN SHOW** 95% cotton and 5% spandex = quite a bit of stretch. Yet still plenty smooth and soft. Chambray, deeper 4 button placket is a nice touch as well. (Not that you should be unbuttoning all those buttons… hardly… it just makes the shirt look and feel a little more substantial.) Super smooth. Often goes on sale for 40% off and thus, can be had for around $24. Then there’s the usual multi-buy deals that they run as well. Thank goodness they left their lion logo thing off these polos. Really well done. Somewhere between a true slim and a more contemporary fit here. Size shown above is a medium. A good option for the guys with a little more bulk on em’.

Yes, this list isn’t as long as it usually is. But, to reiterate, it wasn’t the best year for polos. Lots of bad feeling and/or wonky fitting stuff out there. For the record, the following brands/retailers were all explored for sourcing polos for this list, some with better luck than others: Macy’s, J. Crew, J. Crew Factory, Express, Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy, JC Penney, UNIQLO, Spier & Mackay, Kohl’s, H&M, Target, and more. Got a favorite polo that didn’t make the list? Send in a style tip. They’re always welcome at: joe@dappered.com.