Polo shirts are an indispensable item in men’s wardrobes. According to the usage scenarios, they are mainly divided into business commuting styles and fashion casual styles. The former are mostly solid colors and LOGO designs, while the latter’s design features contrasting stripes, patterns, text/LOGO, splicing designs, etc.

We have evaluated the brand selection of POLO based on factors such as fabric quality, pattern cutting, production process, and exterior design, and have listed the top 15 most popular brands.

1. Ralph Lauren / the USA

Ralph Lauren was founded in New York in the late 1960s and it has become a clothing group with multiple categories including clothing, household goods, accessories, perfume, etc. In terms of their overall design style, it is a classic representative of American Ivy Style, with a semi-formal casual style as the main style, including solid colors, stripes, embroidery and prints.

It has multiple sub-brands, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Purple Label, Double RL, RLX Ralph Lauren and RLX Golf. Among them, Polo Ralph Lauren is the most famous. It is the first brand launched at the beginning of its establishment. It belongs to the Blue Label series and is also the most familiar men’s clothing sub-brand to the public. Its POLO shirts are known for their fine materials. They are mostly made of fine and long-fiber Pima cotton or combed cotton, which can reach 50 double-strand specifications, with a smooth feel and delicate skin.

There are many styles for different body types. Classic Fit is a classic style for US-sized clothing, which is loose for Asian men and has a straight-tube design. Custom Slim Fit is a custom slim fit style, which is more suitable for formal occasions. Another slim fit style, Slim Fit, has a tightening design starting from the chest, with shorter front and back lapels, which can better highlight the body’s advantages. Original Fit is the original style, with a looser shoulder cut and a slit hem.

Polo Ralph Lauren has cooperated with several popular fashion brands, such as CLOT, Palace, and MLB in recent years. The design of the co-branded products is closer to the style of the co-branded brands, and the version is mainly oversized, which is very suitable for layering in various styles. Among them, the Japanese fashion brand BEAMS is worth mentioning. The forms include co-branded and special cooperation. The overall design style is more casual and restrained, and most of them are loose versions.

2. Crocodile / France

Lacoste was founded in 1933 and its first Polo shirt was conceived and designed by its founder, René Lacoste. This small embossed mesh lapel shirt changed the polo shirt style of the Victorian era. Today, it has become a full-category clothing brand and also has a younger branch line, LACOSTE L!VE.

POLO has differentiated its styles according to the crowd and wearing occasions, including classic, fashion and casual series. The classic series is Lacoste’s evergreen product line, and the item number is named “L+number”. The loose version uses the iconic small embossed mesh fabric, which is breathable and comfortable. It is generally double-stranded 60 count and feels delicate and smooth. The details are also made of exquisite materials, such as the special polyester stitching on the outer layer and the natural mother-of-pearl buttons produced in 2010.

The casual fashion series is suitable for daily commuting, holiday travel and other non-sports occasions, and is named “PH+digital item number”. Its design and materials are basically the same as the classic series, mostly solid colors, and rich colors, including low-saturation and high-saturation colors. The only difference is that the casual fashion series adopts a slim fit, with a cut that tightens from the chest down, and a straight fit between the half sleeves and the shoulder line, which is suitable for more robust men.

The L!VE series is undoubtedly a new attempt for Lacoste. The design language of this series deviates from the mature style of the main line and incorporates the elements of street wear, such as printing and tie-dye, but still uses a loose version to stick to the “sports” positioning.

3. FRED PERRY / the UK

The laurel leaf and double-sided line are its representative logos. It was founded by Fred Perry, the eight-time tennis Grand Slam champion, in the late 1940s. It was originally positioned as a tennis product brand, but now it has become a full-category clothing brand. It has launched many POLO styles, such as M3, M12, M3600, M3636, etc., among which the most classic are M3 and M12.

M3 is the first POLO launched at the beginning of the brand’s establishment, designed by Fred Perry himself. The fabric is pure cotton pique mesh, with a count of double-strand 40S, and the texture is delicate and comfortable. The version is slightly slim, with a lapel and a three-button placket design. The width and length of the placket are narrower and shorter than Ralph Lauren, and the laurel leaf logo on the left chest is more conspicuous. With ribbed cuffs and a flat hem, the overall clothing is both wearable and practical.

M12 is a redesign based on M3. The iconic double-sided line design on the collar and cuffs is the finishing touch. The contrasting color line collar of POLO is inspired by this prototype. On this basis, it is further divided into two types: M12 (Regular Fit) and M3600 (Slim Fit). The former maintains the original classic, while the latter is more short and slim. The other model M3636 is the long-sleeved version of M3600.

4. Paul Smith / the UK

Founded by a famous British fashion designer Paul Smith in 1970, it has achieved great success in the fashion field with its bold and playful color style and practical and simple tailoring design. In 2015, it consolidated its 12 series into the main line Paul Simth and the young secondary line PS by Paul Smith. The former is still the brand’s high-end line, while the latter is a younger style with a slightly lower price.

The main line is divided into four types according to design elements: Stripe, Plain, Pattern, and Check. The color stripe is the brand’s signature element. The color of the Polo shirt is quite rebellious and bold, with more than ten colors from neutral black and white to highly saturated red, yellow, and pink, matched in the form of vertical stripes of varying widths, which is lively and bright. There are also styles that are subtracted on this basis, and the color matching is more conservative.

There are many clever ideas hidden in the details, such as the zebra embroidery logo of some styles is filled with colorful vertical stripes, or the logo stripe elements are added to the small seam on the outside of the placket and the selvedge inside the collar to enhance the design texture.

The fabrics used in the secondary line are roughly the same as those in the main line. The styles are also divided into two types: fitted and slim. There is a corresponding relationship between the width of the placket and the length of the clothes. For example, the wide placket with two buttons is shorter and looser, while the narrow placket with three buttons is longer and more slim. The main style is solid color basic style, but the colors are rich, ranging from black and white to orange, yellow and red.

5. BEAMS / Japan

Founded by Hiroshi Shitara in 1976, it became famous for its “Select Shop” concept, which combines a buyer’s selection store with a brand style clothing line. It has 34 branch lines, including BEAMS, BEAMS PLUS, BEAMS SSZ, etc. Many of the branch lines use POLO as a standard item.

The POLO version is loose, with sleeves to the elbow (some 3/4 sleeves to the forearm), mainly solid colors, with low-saturation or neutral colors accounting for a very high proportion, such as dark blue, black, white, etc., which can meet most daily wear. It is worth mentioning that some styles can be worn on both sides, and the inner and outer layers of the fabric have different hand feel. The solid outer layer is thicker, and the striped inner layer is softer, and there is no collar label.

BEAMS’ main product line features special collaborations with Ralph Lauren, Fred Perry, and Lacoste brands. Although their designs incorporate iconic elements of these brands such as Fred Perry’s double-edged lines or Lacoste’s crocodile logo, styles tend to follow classic models from each cooperating brand with shorter lengths and sleeves that fit Asian body types better.

The branch line BEAMS F was launched in 1987, focusing on the use of delicate fabrics and high-quality craftsmanship. The POLO is mainly solid-color, mostly neutral and adjacent colors. Some styles use sea island cotton fabrics, and the price is more than 1,000 yuan. The branch line BEAMS PLUS was founded in 1999, emphasizing American retro style. The branch line BEAMS G0LF was launched in 2012, with golf as the background and inspiration. The design combines casual street style with sports functionality, and the fabric has functions such as moisture absorption and sweat permeability or UV protection.

6. Champion /the USA

Founded in Rochester, New York in 1919, it has gradually gained a firm foothold in the industry with its excellent clothing technology and product design. It has many different product lines, including Reverse Weave®, BASIC, ACTION STYLE, etc.

Reverse Weave® is a branch line named after the “horizontal weaving” technology. It has the highest price among all series and cooperates with many brands. It uses horizontal weaving to lock the edges, effectively solving the problem of vertical shrinkage of clothing. Its POLO is mainly solid color short-sleeved style, with a traditional C-shaped embroidered logo on the left sleeve and a loose version, while the long-sleeved style has solid color or striped contrasting color designs, and the cuffs are generally ribbed to ensure comfort.

Champion’s BASIC series Polo shirts are among the most affordable and popular. Their primary feature is their signature small C logo that’s found both fitted and loose versions; design styles emphasize “basic”. There are classic solid color or stripe designs available, in neutral or warm hues to meet consumers of different ages’ needs.

The ACTION STYLE series emphasizes retro sports style and draws its design inspiration from items like skating suits from the 1980s and 1990s. This style utilizes more elements such as large-scale stitching patterns with contrasting color variations and printed logos for street casual styles.

7. Fila /Italy

Founded in 1911, FILA started out as a knitwear manufacturer.Currently, except for the United States and South Korea, which are operated independently, other markets adopt a licensing cooperation model.

The design style of the main brand FILA does not involve too many fancy elements. Low-saturation solid colors and simple edge elements occupy almost all of the designs. A small number of styles will add patch logos, back slogans, etc. Although FILA FUSION is consistent with the simple style of the main brand, it has different changes in logos, printing, etc., with a simple and fresh style, and is more youthful.

In terms of co-branded styles, the design is completely different from the daily styles. The brands it cooperates with include FENDI, Y/Project, Supreme, etc. The design of the co-branded items combines the sports attributes of FILA itself and the characteristics of the co-branded brands, with a strong Athleisure style, taking into account both fashion and practicality.

8. Tommy Hilfiger /the USA

Tommy Hilfiger, a fashion designer from Elmira, New York, founded his eponymous brand in 1985. The brand’s basic tone is a combination of college style and youth pop culture. Today, it also has a sub-brand, Tommy Jeans.

Tommy Hilfiger, as the main brand, had a profound impact on American street culture in the 1980s and 1990s together with Ralph Lauren and other brands. Among them, POLO shirts are one of the main categories. Just like the brand’s consistent college style, prints, contrasting colors and solid color elements are almost everywhere in all styles, and the style is between Street Wear and Ivy Style.

Jeans is renamed from the Denim series, and the price is relatively low, generally below 100$ ,including jeans, men’s and women’s shoes, accessories and other product lines. In addition to Polo shirts, there is also a “POLO-like” rugby shirt, which is basically the same as Hilfiger, mainly in solid color or contrasting stripes, and the main changes are that the loose style has a wider chest and waist, and the cuffs are not ribbed, which is more youthful and in line with the dressing habits of the millennial generation.

9. UNIQLO /Japan

UNIQLO is famous for its basic styles and focuses on the practicality of its products. Some of its product lines are directly named after fabric technology, such as AIRism, Dry Pique (quick drying), Dry Ex (quick drying) and other series, and the POLO category is mainly concentrated in the first two series.

The AIRism series was launched in 2013. The fabric used was developed by UNIQLO and Japan’s Toray. It is light, breathable, and cool. The new products launched every summer are very popular. Its POLO color scheme is mainly low-saturation pure colors such as brown and light blue, and the style is straight and fit. In addition, some styles also use shirt-style collars, with buttons on the collar tip and slightly split hems, which are neat and simple in style.

The Dry Pique series focuses on quick-drying performance, and its main material is a blend of polyester and cotton. Its POLO mainly has stripes, solid colors and other styles. The version is similar to the AIRism series, with a straight fit, sleeves above the elbow, and a split hem. The design is simple and low-key.

As the king of joint ventures, it has collaborated with many well-known designers or brands. For example, the popular Uniqlo U series was launched in collaboration with Hermès. With a strong minimalist style, solid color models are naturally the main focus. In terms of color, low-saturation colors and neutral colors account for a high proportion, and the materials used are also more sophisticated. Some styles use strong twisted pure cotton fabrics, which are tailored to fit and slightly loose, elegant and simple.

10. Binbo /Korea

Beanpole is affiliated to the Samsung Group of South Korea and was founded in 1989 by Cheil Industries, a subsidiary of the Samsung Group. It entered the Chinese market in the mid-1990s and operated its men’s and women’s clothing and sports series.

The POLO category focuses on the light business casual route, but the products are slightly different, with two types: business casual and Korean casual. The main difference between the two is the style. Unlike the business casual style that is mainly fitted or slim, the Korean casual POLO is basically a loose version, with a larger chest and waist size, sleeves to the elbow, and a slit hem, which is more casual.

In terms of design, stripes, lines and solid colors are the three main elements of its POLO. However, unlike other men’s clothing brands with a strong business atmosphere, Beanpole prefers low-saturation light colors, such as matcha, light blue, beige, etc. The tones are fresh, simple and easy to match.

11. Navigare / Italy

Navigare is an Italian clothing brand with a maritime theme. It was founded by the Italian Navigation Group in 1961 and has a global sales network. The style is mainly business casual, with novel and fashionable styles and simple and versatile clothing designs, which are quite suitable for young business people today.

Most Navigare’s polo shirts are simple, casual and versatile basic styles. They are simple yet fashionable. The styles combine contrasting color splicing and cutting designs, plus the use of various high-quality and high-end fabrics, as well as embroidery on the chest, making the overall texture of the clothes appear elegant and high-end, extremely eye-catching, beautiful and full of texture.

In addition, the anti-mosquito polo shirt series is also a highlight. It can repel mosquitoes and insects, and can also inhibit bacteria and naturally deodorize for a long time, making it most suitable for wearing in summer. Friends who like dynamic and simple style can also choose the sailor striped POLO shirt, which is stylish, youthful, fashionable and powerful.

Most of the polo shirts of this brand are standard fit styles, which are neither bulky nor too tight. They are crisp and stylish, comfortable and unrestrained. The overall shape is not dull, but energetic, unconventional, and fashionable enough to go out on the street.

12. Hugo Boss / Germany

Hugo Boss originated in 1923 Germany, starting with the production of workwear, waterproof suits, raincoats, and uniforms. Its design and image began to be masculine, starting with a steady style of men’s clothing – it was not until 1972 that Hugo Boss officially entered the fashion industry.

The style of Hugo Boss is based on traditional European images and has a strong German flavor. It never goes with the flow, its design is introverted and elegant, without sentimental details or unnecessary accessories, but it focuses on social recognition.

In terms of design style, Hugo Boss’s polo shirts emphasize a masculine style, highlighting internal qualities such as simplicity, generosity, appropriateness, and stability.

13. Sunspel / The UK

Founded in 1860, as a former supplier of handmade underwear to the British royal family, it enjoys the Royal Warranty logo. Focusing on high-quality and outstanding materials, we specialize in cotton knitted clothing, with multi colored basic T-shirts and polo shirts as our main styles. Currently, we have entered multiple high-end department stores around the world, including Mr. Porter, Le Bon March é, Harrods, and more.

For over 160 years, the iconic polo shirt worn by 007 in movies is Sunspel. Sunspel’s most classic polo series is Reviera, Sea island cotton。 The small chest pocket is a symbol, with a simple, clean and generous design, and mostly solid colors. It has a low-key quality and connotation. Choosing it is not wrong.

Sunspel’s benchmark product uses island cotton, known as the “King of Cotton,” with stable quality. Its polo shirts are usually designed in the UK and produced in Portugal, mainly including Riviera, Sea Island Cotton, Piqu é, towels and other series. The entire series has a simple and pure style, sharp cutting, mainly solid colors, and almost no striped patterns or printed embroidery designs.

For over a hundred years since its establishment in 1860, SUNSPEL has almost only focused on one thing, which is to strive to perfect the classic and essential basic items in the wardrobe.

14. Hazzys/Korea

Hazzys was established in 2000 as part of LG Group’s LF Corp in South Korea, and offers mid to high end British casual clothing for both men and women ranging from clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, and other categories.

Hazzy’s POLO is clearly trending towards a younger design style. From its slightly slim fit, cuffs that fold up to the middle of the arms, and slightly fresh color schemes and contrasting designs, it can be seen that the target audience is young men aged 20-30. If further classified based on fabric functionality, it can be roughly divided into three categories: cotton series, antibacterial series, and wrinkle resistant series.

The cotton series of Hazzy Polo shirts is relatively basic, with most styles woven using bead mesh fabric. Some styles can reach 40-50 strands of fabric, and are made of double bead cotton, providing better comfort and breathability. Not only that, the collar craftsmanship of most of its styles is at a good level, with a flat placket, a straight collar shape, and a snug circular collar that fits snugly around the neck, making it comfortable to wear.

The antibacterial series undergoes special treatment on the fabric to inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacterial strains, which meets the usual industry standards. The antibacterial rate against Staphylococcus aureus is over 99.99%, and the antibacterial effect reaches Class A. The anti wrinkle series adopts Regal liquid ammonia finishing technology to change the fiber cross-sectional shape and crystallinity, making the cotton fabric softer and more shiny, less prone to wrinkling, and therefore easier to wear and maintain compared to ordinary cotton fabric POLO shirts.

15. John Smedley/the UK

Co founded by John Smedley and Peter Nightingale in 1784, it was one of the earliest manufacturers in the UK to enter the knitwear industry and received Royal certification in 2013 and 2021, respectively. In addition, it has collaborated with different brands such as Fragment Design, Porter, Katharine Hamnett, etc., with innovative and outstanding style designs.

John Smedley’s outstanding qualities lie in his fabric selection and top-notch production standards. The fabric is mainly made of high-end rare materials, including island cotton and ultra-fine Merino wool. In 1825, it became one of the first companies to install fully formed knitting machinery, with needle spacing often reaching 24-30 needles/3cm. Its polo shirts are often lightweight, delicate, and durable. Moreover, its 3D design system is also involved in the entire knitwear production process, reducing material waste, time costs, and improving the cutting texture of the product.

John Smedley has a wide range of polo shirt styles and models, including Adrian, Payton, Cisis, Galey, Cpayton, etc. Among them, the Icons series includes Isis, Finchley, Adrian, and Rhodes etc.

The polo shirts of the above brands enjoy a high reputation worldwide, attracting a large number of consumers with their unique designs, craftsmanship, and quality.