The 9 Best Knitted Polo Shirts in 2025, Tested by Style Editors

Pros

• Textured seed stitch adds visual depth
• Looks great tucked in or loose over pants
• Comes in a range of colors
• Elevated but still gives laid-back vibes

J.Crew took your basic short-sleeve shirt and gave it a glow-up with a pebbled texture that adds a bit more oomph and screams “I’ve got taste” without you having to say a word. The cotton fabric is midweight, and soft enough to nap in, but still structured enough to hold its own under a blazer. It’s the kind of knit that breathes like a tee but looks like you made an effort.

The fit is dialed in and sits right in the Goldilocks zone: not too slim, not too boxy. The sleeves hug just enough without choking my biceps, and the hem lands perfectly at the hip. Tuck it in for a dinner date, wear it loose for weekend hangs—either way, you’re golden. You can wear it with chinos, jeans, linen trousers, or hell, even tailored shorts.

It’s polished but not preppy, elevated but still laid-back. Whether you’re heading to a rooftop bar or just want to flex at brunch, it’s your go-to. You’re getting a premium-feeling texture and design that looks way more expensive than what you actually paid. It could easily pass for something twice the price hanging in a boutique.

Read More: Best Sweaters for Men

Despite the $16 price tag, Amazon Essentials’ polo shirt doesn’t skimp on quality. For starters, it’s made from a cotton pique fabric, which is known for its raised, textured pattern—often resembling a subtle waffle or honeycomb. Compared to regular cotton, this material’s texture not only gives a refined, sporty look, but it also enhances breathability and moisture-wicking properties. We wore it out in 80 degree weather on the golf course and didn’t break a sweat.

The rib trim on the collar and sleeves is a unique detail that adds visual interest. Our style editors suggest pairing this polo with relaxed chinos or jeans for a laid-back look. The tailored fit is cut closer to the chest and arms, giving a sharp look for guys who want to flex their pecs and biceps. Plus, the fabric has a natural stretch, so you can show off your new gains without feeling like you’re bursting out of it.

Knit polos look just as great—if not better than oxford shirts—with a full suit look. Take this sharp design from SuitSupply. It’s got a unique fabric mix— Californian cotton for that durable, breathable feel, and Mulberry silk to give it a smooth, slightly glossy finish.

We love the open weave of the crochet because not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but also enhances airflow. Speaking of which, our testers found themselves cool as a cucumber while still being dressed to the nines when they paired it with a suit for a summer wedding.

The structured lines of their blazer contrast nicely with the breezy, textured knit of the polo, striking that perfect balance between dressed-up and relaxed. The slim fit looks great on guys with athletic builds, as it highlights the shoulders and chest while tapering in at the waist. Another cool element: the deep button placket puts a special twist on a classic polo.

A sweater polo is basically the best of both worlds: think of the structure and small collar of a classic polo, coupled with the softness and texture of your favorite knitwear. Bonobos nails that mashup perfectly here. The brand’s knit channels vintage ‘60s energy with an open collar, while also offering cable detailing on the body. These design elements, paired with its sharp slim fit, makes it a great swap for your usual dress shirt.

It tends to drape better than a standard pique polo, making you look put-together without trying too hard. What also makes it great is its versatility—you can wear it casually with dark jeans or chinos. Though, we found it looks especially sleek styled under a suit, giving you that smart, modern vibe with a little extra personality.

This isn’t your average polo. Mango’s pearl-knit polo elevates the classic silhouette in a rare combo of texture, tailoring, and timeless appeal. First, the pear-knit itself—a kind of weave that creates a soft, slightly raised texture—adds a luxe dimension you don’t get with basic cotton polos. With a subtle nod to vintage Riviera style, it looks and feels more opulent. Second, the fit.

We found the straight fit is a bit tailored but not tight with clean shoulders and just the right length, so it works just as well tucked into trousers as it does hanging loose over off-duty denim. The unique combo of the standard collar and deep, v-shaped placket makes it wearable across seasons. Throw it on with linen pants for a beach dinner or wear it under a blazer to the office, and it holds its own. Lastly, price point. It feels designer without the sticker shock, so you’re spending an arm and a leg for quality craftsmanship.

Pros

• Works with chinos or dressier trousers
• Contrast tipping on the collar, placket, chest pocket, waistband, and cuffs
• Rib stitching throughout the front body
• Left exterior chest pocket

Whether you wear it buttoned up or open over a tank, Wax London’s knitted polo works for your day and night fits. Cut with a relaxed fit, it’s got that breezy, laid-back vibe with enough texture to make it pop. The honeycomb cable stitch pattern quietly flexes on the typical flat-knit polos, adding a touch of dimension that makes it look way more premium. The fine-gauge cotton ensures a lightweight and breathable feel, which means it’ll be perfect for warm summer temps.

We’re used to the classic three-button or the open-collar Johnny style polo, but the full button-through version feels like a fresh twist. It has this refined, almost retro vibe that makes a familiar staple feel new again. I’ve worn this to a fancy dinner, gallery opening and even on vacation. I prefer to pair the cream top with black jeans, but you can make it more dressy with dark trousers, too.