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For more intel on the pique polo shirt resurgence, check our guide to the best of the genre.
Over the last decade, aided by pretty much every handsome hunk in Hollywood, the knit polo shirt has seen a tremendous surge in demand. And for good reason. Whether in thin merino, fuzzy mohair, or a cotton-nylon blend, the knit shirt is equally sophisticated and flattering on a toned body type. And for those who like to make a strong impression on arrival, it doesn’t hurt that knit polos often came in eye-catching prints and colorways.
But here’s the thing: Personally, I’ve never felt right in one. A hot-weather garment in a cold-weather fabric? Make it make sense! Even when the weather’s been appropriate and I attempted to wear a knit polo, I still always felt a little too on-show. Maybe that’s a personal confidence issue, but to me the knit polo defeats what makes a classic pique polo so great. Pique polos are flattering without demanding attention, wick sweat away like no other fabric, and withstand almost any kind of wash cycle. I just don’t think you can say the same for knit.
Six Pique Polos to Pique Your Interest
- The Platonic-Ideal Pick: Gant Shield Pique Polo Shirt, $105
- The Court Classic Pick: Lacoste Classic Pique Polo Shirt, $
110$71 - The Strategically-Pocketed Pick: Banana Republic Pique Polo, $
60$40 - The Endless Summer Pick: J.Crew Washed Pique Polo Shirt, $80
- The Bond-Approved Pick: Sunspel Pique Polo Shirt, $135
- The Fashion Guy Pick: Auralee Button-Up Polo, $
265$201
So I’m glad to report that recently, cultural opinion seems to be swinging back in the other direction. A whole host of trending menswear brands are offering classic pique polos right now, the result of a few look du jours firmly taking root, chief among them the explosion of tennis style and the re-emergence of the quiet, “old money” aesthetic. But the fact that pique is on trend is besides the point. There’s an eternal case to be made for the pique polo, and that starts with the fact that on a truly hot day, the textured, waffle-like nature of the pique weave—which helps the fabric stay off your skin—keeps you much cooler than a T-shirt, even if the cotton is thicker.
Beyond that, the fact that it's collared makes it more acceptable for formal settings, and simply more flattering, framing your neck and jaw like only a collared item can. Need proof? Here are 11 of our favorite classic-standard pique polos worthy of your attention right now.
The Platonic-Ideal Pick: Gant Regular Fit Shield Pique Polo Shirt
A flat knit collar with the right amount of roll, that just-loose-enough (but never sloppy) fit, and a barely-there heritage logo—this is the platonic ideal of a work and play pique polo, especially given that GANT’s been perfecting their polo shirt’s quality and comfort for 70 years.
While most of the polos on this list are logo-less, this one’s insignia actually serves a valuable function—once your shirt has developed some sun-fading and collar frays, the contrast of that patina with the steadfast shield logo will be a high-low contrast moment worthy of applause and attention. Available in over 15 colors, with a vast range of sizes going from XXS to 5XL, once you’ve perfected your fit, reordering will also be a cinch.
The Good Bloke Pick: Fred Perry M12 Polo Shirt
Fred Perry’s pique polo—still made in England today—has been a fixture of British counterculture since the 1950s. (Wearing them was the one thing Blur and Oasis had in common.) The heavier weight but still soft pique is knitted on traditional machines, in a factory literally called the UK Pique building, in an area called—we’re not kidding—Spinney Hill. The iconic wreath and collar trim remains, and is now available in 20 colorways.
The Office-Friendly Pick: Stoffa Cotton-Pique Polo Shirt
Not only is this polo the exact color of a blue dress shirt, but it also has collar detailing and a classy, button-free placket that combine to repel any allegations that you’re dressed too casually for a workplace. Though of course, its 100 percent cotton pique material means you’ll still feel like you’re a few steps from the beach, mentally at least.
The Budget Pick: Uniqlo Dry Pique Polo Shirt
The Qlo’s polo offering, of course, has a price that can’t be beat. With loyal fans among shoppers who could afford polos five times the price—like GQ columnist Chris Black, who buys three of these at a time—it’s pill-resistant, with ribbed cuffs and, again, a price tag that will help you wear it with the all the devil-may-care abandon polo shirts are designed for.
The Endless Summer Pick: J.Crew Washed Pique Polo Shirt
A step up from Uniqlo in terms of finishing and style, J. Crew’s washed pique polo shirt feels borrowed straight from 1993. That’s a very good thing.
The Court Classic Pick: Lacoste Classic Pique Polo Shirt
Lacoste literally invented the pique polo in 1933, and this genre-defining polo is worn today by prepsters and punks in equal measure. Today, each one is still knitted according to a well-guarded formula, using 12 miles of thread and that iconic crocodile logo (made up of 2367 stitches.)
The Bond-Approved Pick: Sunspel Pique Polo Shirt
British maker Sunspel may have invented one of the earliest t-shirts, but James Bond (well, Daniel Craig as James Bond) wears their polos. Note that Sunspel’s cut is a little closer to the body, but that may be just what you’re looking for.
The Fashion Guy Pick: Auralee Off-White Button Up Polo
Tokyo-based Auralee—the extremely wearable standout designer of the last two Paris Fashion Weeks—offers this highly-covetable, tuck-in-or-out pique polo in a gorgeous Ivory color.
The Stealthy Pick: Reigning Champ Supima Pique Ace Polo
It tracks that the makers of some of the best premium athletic wear out there would also make a well-fitting, soft, easy to move in polo. But the black buttons on this black colorway mean theirs is also the most serious-seeming polo on this list—you could imagine it being a part of the SEAL Team Six on-boarding pack.
The Strategically-Pocketed Pick: Banana Republic Pique Polo
Banana Republic is no stranger to second chances. So it follows that the resurgent mall brand knows its way around the polos once associated with the worst type of golf pro shops. Its luxe-leaning riff comes done up in a blanket-soft cotton for an ultra-smooth finish, a flourish only upstaged by the nifty pocket by its chest. A decade ago, we might've suggested leaving a few pens in there ironically for maximum geeky-cool points. Now, though, we're suggesting it genuinely.
The No-Frills, No Notes Pick: Todd Snyder Pique Polo
Todd Snyder’s play on pique is, naturally, a little special and a little dressier. We’re not fully back in knit territory, but the cotton-tencel blend makes this a finer weave than classic pique, and the three-button placket is just a touch more formal than the standard two.