An added bonus: As this is a little thicker than other styles, it’ll sub in for most of your regular sweaters, and will stand up well during tricky transitional weather – not least because the longer fibres used in the fabrication will make it less likely to pill.
Best Everyday Upgrade Knit Polo: John Smedley Cotswold Wool Polo Sweater
The British clothing brand John Smedley is one of those mainstays that might not knock you sideways with excitement, but quietly makes some of the most consistent and wearable menswear on the market—and has done since (get ready) 1784. What they don’t know about knitwear isn’t worth knowing.
It stands to reason, then, that their iteration of the knitted polo is a workhorse. You could comfortably sub it in for any button-down shirt in your regular rotation and it’ll hold its own. It’s made from merino wool, which is well-worth looking out for: it’s breathable and highly durable (although, fair warning: moths love it, too). Lastly, its lighter fabrication and subtle buttoning means it’s also great for layering: beneath a cardigan, beneath an overshirt, even beneath a crew-neck knit.
Best Knit Polo for Fashion Guys: Auralee Super Kid Mohair Polo
Of all the designer labels menswear guys are likely to get misty-eyed about, Auralee sits close to the top of the list. The Tokyo-based brand has quickly become known for elevated, perfectly considered, and meticulously detailed versions of the things you wear every day.
It follows that their take on the knitted polo is a premium affair: made from kid mohair, it’s softer and more comfortable than regular wool, with a distinct fuzzy texture that sets it apart. Sure, it comes with a price tag to match, but it’s plain enough that you’ll get a lot of use from it. The natural slouchiness also means it’ll only look better as it wears in, when it’ll pick up the patina of a great vintage find. As for how to wear it? It’d look cool with browns, navy blues, or other neutrals, and would really kill under a classic denim jacket.
More Knit Polos We Love
Our Legacy are masters of making an otherwise challenging colour easy to wear. Don’t be daunted by the pastel shade: an injection of pale blue will perk up everything else you own.
Banana Republic Cashmere Silk Sweater Polo
A cashmere-silk blend gives this otherwise simple polo a pleasing luster, and makes it entirely appropriate for the evening as well as daytime. The price is hard to argue with, too.
Frescobol Carioca Vidal Knit Polo
You probably know them for their swimwear, but Brazilian brand Frescobol Carioca has been putting out some solid clothing, too. This one is probably for weekends and vacation only (though hey, we don’t know where you work).
J. Crew Cashmere Collared Sweater Polo
The long-sleeved brother to our favorite polo overall, acquiring just the two J.Crews on this list would be an exceptional strategy here.
Mr. P Honeycomb Knit Organic Cotton Polo Shirt
Mr. P—the in-house line from Mr Porter—has a smart way with menswear perennials: Take the honeycomb knit here, a neat departure from the ordinary.
Inis Meáin Knitted Linen Polo Shirt
The Irish knitwear brand Inis Meáin has become a favourite of male clothing enjoyers for its thoughtful and sustainably-produced collections. Which is doubly nice when the result is this open-placket, summery knit.
Carter Young Kowalski Knit Polo
The young American designer Carter Young mixes his Americana riffs with grunge and western influences. Here, it’s the football panelling around the shoulders that stands out. (Ignore that it’s in the women’s section of SSENSE, that’s a very rare error on the retailer’s part.)
If you prefer a slouchier, more relaxed fit, this cotton-blend style from tennis-inspired Palmes has you covered. It’s designed to slope from the shoulders, and pairs brilliantly with oversized denim.
Madewell Shaker Stitch Johnny Collar Sweater Polo
Finally, here’s a budget-friendly stalwart in a denser weave, which means it looks more expensive than it is. Best worn over a white tee, in place of your usual sweater.
How We Test and Review Products
Style is subjective, we know—that’s the fun of it. But we’re serious about helping our audience get dressed. Whether it’s the best white sneakers, the flyest affordable suits, or the need-to-know menswear drops of the week, GQ Recommends’ perspective is built on years of hands-on experience, an insider awareness of what’s in and what’s next, and a mission to find the best version of everything out there, at every price point.
