Polos are a perfect balance: they are not too casual such as T-shirts but not as polished as button-down dress shirts. They are just as versatile as those garment pieces, too. You can style them with your jeans, khakis, and dress pants and wear them with sneakers and dress shoes. A well-fitted polo just looks good, too.
If you wear big and tall polo shirts, follow our tips below on styling them throughout the year. From tossing over a stylish cardigan or jacket when the weather calls for matching it with fresh white kicks, you have plenty of ways to wear your polos. Also, make sure you know your proper measurements if shopping for new polo shirts to wear all year long.
Polo shirts and khaki pants are like peanut butter and jelly—they are constantly paired. This combination works so well for work because it allows you to kick back in comfort while looking a bit more put-together if you were wearing, let’s say, a graphic T-shirt and jeans. Managers especially love wearing this combination if they work in an office with a casual dress code since it elevates them above their subordinates.
If you decide to style your polo shirts with khaki pants, finish off your ensemble with clean white kicks, brown leather loafers, black men’s dress shoes, or chukkas. Finish off your looks with designer sunglasses, a clean watch, and a leather belt.
If you really want to dress to impress, switch the khaki pants with black dress pants. Dress pants make for an overall more dressed-up look. Up the stylish flair by rocking dress pants that hit right at or right above the ankle. Then style them with leather loafers (brown or black) with no-show men’s socks. Leave the polo hanging out or tucked in with a belt. Consider gray pants, too, or windowpane big and tall pants.
For laid-back, casual days, rock your polo shirts with everyday black or blue big and tall men's jeans. If you work in an office with loose dress codes, this style works any day of the week, from work through to the weekend (make sure to wear your nicer jeans if you are headed to your 9-5). Pro tip: for cooler days, put on one of your usual big and tall tee shirts and let it peek from underneath.
Big and tall jeans are available in plenty of sizes, just like regular men’s sizes. Try big and tall skinny jeans with your favorite polo shirts and finish off your look with the latest sneakers for a cool way to trek across the city. Lend a bit of flair to your overall ensemble by choosing to don jeans with additional stylish attributes, such as distressing, fading, and splatter paint.
In the spring or summer, rock your polo shirts with shorts for a stylish way to go about your day. If you are on vacation and want to dress to impress, go for more tailored chino shorts matched with sneakers or sandals. Shorts with nautical patterns—such as sailboats, anchors, and awning stripes—are ideal for vacationing at the resort. Finish off your look with a Panama hat and sunglasses.
If you are into streetwear-inspired looks and have been looking for another way to style your sweats, one trend includes wearing a polo shirt with sweatpants. This style looks best if the sweatpants are cuffed and slim-fitted. Finish off with sneakers and a baseball cap or bucket hat.
Long-sleeved polo shirts provide extra warmth during the colder seasons. However, you can toss on a warm layer over your short- or long-sleeved polos to keep toasty during cool nights in the spring or during fall or winter days. A wise choice is a cozy-knit cotton or wool sweater. However, you have plenty of layers to play around with—from leather jackets to double-breasted herringbone wool coats. Bomber jackets add an extra dose of cool to your outfit, while big and tall fleece jackets and hoodies are fit for laid-back days when styled with jeans.
Finally, finish off your looks with stylish accessories that show off your personality or are functional. Designer watches, sunglasses, and belts all add a polished finishing touch to your outfits. If you are heading to work, perhaps invest in a leather briefcase. If you are a bit of a techie, a durable business backpack will do. And, if you are heading across town, a gym bag will lend a sporty element to your looks.
Polo shirts as just as versatile as T-shirts, crewneck sweaters, and shirts. You can wear them pretty much anywhere, especially if you know how to style them. Make sure you know your correct size before shopping for additional polos to add to your year-round wardrobe. Measure your chest, arm length, and neck to be sure. Use retailer sites’ fit predictors and read product descriptions to find perfectly fitted polo shirts. Then use our tips above and style them to show off your personal style.