The Ultimate Guide to Polo Shirts: Fit, Style & Modern Menswear Picks

Author: Robin Blake | Sharp Casualwear by Tellar.co.uk

The polo shirt is a rare style essential — it bridges tailoring and casualwear, structure and softness. It’s more refined than a tee but more relaxed than a shirt. From summer weddings to smart weekends, a well-fitted polo shirt is one of the most useful tools in a modern man’s wardrobe.

At Tellar.co.uk, we make sure it fits. A perfect polo hugs the shoulders, flatters the chest, and finishes at the right point on the waistband. Here’s your complete guide to men’s polos: styles, brands, when to wear them, and how to make them work.

Types of Polo Shirts

Cotton Piqué Polo

Classic texture and subtle breathability. The traditional polo shirt. Great for smart-casual dress codes, golf, or summer dinners.

Jersey or Supima Cotton Polo

Smoother, softer, and more modern. Perfect for clean, minimalist outfits or under a blazer. Drapes well and feels like a luxe tee.

Merino or Knit Polo

Worn like a lightweight sweater. Great for evening events, workwear layering, or transitional weather. Slim-fitting, structured, and elevated.

Long Sleeve Polo

Refined and practical. Ideal for layering or cooler months. Try it tucked into trousers or under a light jacket. Adds polish without effort.

How to Wear a Polo Shirt Well

• Fit across the shoulders is key: Seams should sit right at the shoulder bone

• Sleeves should hit mid-bicep: Not tight, not baggy

• Length should end mid-fly: Too long and it’s a tunic, too short and it rides up

• Always iron or steam: Polos lose appeal when wrinkled

What to Wear With a Polo

• Tailored trousers and loafers = business casual

• Chinos and a field jacket = smart weekend

• Relaxed denim and clean trainers = daily casual

• Suit jacket and dress trousers = summer formal (yes, it works)

Best Brands for Men’s Polo Shirts

Sunspel

The Riviera Polo worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale. Lightweight cotton, tailored fit, British made. Ideal for minimalists and purists.

John Smedley

Luxurious Sea Island Cotton and Merino knit polos made in Derbyshire. Long-lasting, elegant, and smart enough to wear with tailoring.

Reiss

Slim silhouettes and contrast collar styles. Good for sharp workwear, tucked into pleated trousers or worn solo with loafers.

Ralph Lauren

The original icon. Available in every colour and fit imaginable — Classic, Custom, and Slim. The Polo Pony still works with everything.

L’Estrange London

Made for a minimalist capsule wardrobe. Subtle details, organic fabrics, and flattering shapes. Quiet luxury at its best.

COS

Oversized fits, structured jersey, and modern colour palettes. Great for men who like architectural cuts or smart layering.

Polo Fit Tips by Body Type

• Broad/athletic build: Go for structured cotton or knit polos with fitted arms and more room through the torso

• Slim frame: Opt for slightly shorter polos with tapering through the waist

• Thick set/stocky build: Choose lightweight jersey with a looser drape and side vents

• Long torso: Avoid polos that are too short — look for styles with a touch more body length

Tellar.co.uk: Helping You Nail the Polo Fit

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We take your chest, shoulder and waist measurements — then show you your exact size in over 1,500 brands. No more guessing. No more ill-fitting sleeves or collar gaps.

The right polo doesn’t just fit your body. It fits your lifestyle.

Tellar.co.uk – Fit better. Wear smarter.