A polo shirt for warm office days

Short answer: A polo is a step smarter than a T-shirt and a step cooler than a shirt. On warm office days it sits right in between, so you look tidy without overheating.

The collar makes the difference

The collar is what makes a polo look smarter than a T-shirt. It frames the face and gives a neater look, while the freedom of movement in the shoulders and arms stays the same. That makes it a natural choice for days when you want to look tidy without dressing formally. See bamboo polo shirts for men.

Cooler than a shirt

A shirt buttons all the way down, has long sleeves and often a denser fabric. A polo has a short placket and short sleeves, so more air reaches the body. In a warm office or a meeting room without air conditioning, the difference is noticeable, especially in the afternoon.

Under a blazer

A polo works well under a blazer if the fabric is thin enough not to bulk at the shoulders. The collar needs to sit neatly and must not have gone limp in the wash. With a blazer on top, a polo is smart enough for most meetings, and you can take the blazer off when it gets warm.

Sweat

On warm days it is sweat under the arms and on the back that makes the day uncomfortable. Bamboo viscose moves moisture away from the skin, so the polo stays drier and does not stick to your back when you get up from your chair. For something even lighter at the weekend, see bamboo T-shirts for men.

The fit

A polo should end just above the hip and not be so long that it needs tucking in. The shoulder seam should sit on the shoulder, and the sleeves should end mid upper arm. Too tight over the stomach and the placket pulls, too loose and it looks sloppy. Fit matters more than colour.

Colours for the office

Navy, black, grey and white work best in an office because they go with most trousers and jackets. A single muted colour adds some variety without looking too casual. Avoid large logos and prints if the polo is for meetings, as they pull the look in a relaxed direction.

The collar in the wash

The collar is the first part of a polo to lose its shape. The heat of a tumble dryer makes it limp and wavy, and then the whole polo looks tired. Dry the polo flat or on a wide hanger, and smooth the collar with your hand while it is still damp.

When a shirt is needed

For formal meetings, presentations and suits, the shirt is still the standard. A polo cannot be worn with a tie and looks too casual with a full suit. If you have both office work and an important meeting on the same day, a shirt is the safe choice. See bamboo shirt for men.

Washing

Wash the polo at 40 degrees inside out so the surface and colour last longer. Undo the buttons before washing so the buttonholes do not pull out of shape. Skip fabric softener and let the polo air dry. The rest of the care advice is in the washing guide.

How many you need

If you wear a polo to the office most summer days, three or four is a good starting point. You can change every day and wash them together once a week. Pick two neutral colours and one slightly more personal one, so you have a choice in the morning.

Frequently asked questions

Can a polo be worn with a suit?

In relaxed settings and under a blazer, yes. For formal meetings and a full suit, the shirt is still the standard, because a polo cannot be worn with a tie.