THE COMPLETE POLO SHIRT GUIDE

Polo shirts are many things—preppy, sporty, low-maintenance, great under a jacket, to start—but they're not just for one type of guy or one type of place. And like T-shirts, there's pretty much one for every occasion. It's no secret we love the 'em, but have we really done enough to help the johnnie-O guys find the right polo for them? Maybe not. So today we've put together a pool of our favorites that are ready to be snapped up right this second. Think of this as your cheat sheet to beginning of summer shopping. But don't worry, you can still wear them long into fall. And if you are lucky enough to come visit us in Santa Monica… YEAR ROUND!

When worn correctly, a polo shirt is one of the most iconic pieces of clothing a man can wear. An improperly fitting polo shirt, on the other hand, can ruin an entire outfit. From long sleeve polos to polo shirts for sports, here are some tips for avoiding ill-fitting polos of all types. After all, wearing the perfect fitting polo is an easy way to achieve a smart yet laid-back look.

Forever a classic, the short sleeve polo is a more traditional choice for guys who want to look great and be comfortable. The fit is loose so you can easily move around, making it an excellent choice for casual golfers, tennis players, and other athletic guys. Whether you opt for a slim fit or stick with a regular fit, make sure there's no overhang at the shoulder seam, that the sleeves sit close to the arm, and that the shirt ends just below your belt.

No matter how many buttons your polo has, you always want to leave the top 1-2 buttons undone & never unbutton them all. Keep in mind that you want your buttons to end no further than the top of your armpits. Doing so frames your face and can make your entire outfit look more put together. Forever a classic, the short sleeve polo is a more traditional choice for guys who want to look great and be comfortable. The fit is loose so you can easily move around, making it an excellent choice for casual golfers, tennis players, and other athletic guys. Whether you opt for a slim fit or stick with a regular fit, make sure there's no overhang at the shoulder seam, that the sleeves sit close to the arm, and that the shirt ends just below your belt.

Better for colder weather, the long sleeve polo is a great piece for any wardrobe because you can dress it up for a more smart-casual occasion or dress it down if you’re hanging around the house. Plus, it’s always good to have a few of these handy in case you live somewhere where the weather is cold, rainy, or otherwise unpredictable. Just make sure you’re not wearing an oversized long sleeve polo--the longer sleeves combined with a baggy midsection will make you look much larger than you are.

The biggest difference between a standard polo shirt and a polo shirt intended for sports is performance. These shirts are engineered to allow for a wide range of motion, and most have moisture-wicking properties built into them so you won’t have large circles of sweat under your arms when golfing on an especially warm summer day. When shopping for a performance polo shirt, check out which materials the shirt is manufactured from. Choose ones that are made using a synthetic blend of materials, and avoid those constructed from thicker materials.

Let’s face it. Guys wear polo shirts with everything from dress slacks to jeans. They wear them to baseball games and casual dinner parties, and most guys have at least 10 of them hanging in their closet. Whether you love polo shirts or are divided, there are a few rules to keep in mind:

• Never wear an undershirt with a polo
• Wear them fitted, but not too tight (a tailor can help you get the perfect fit)
• Size them to your height (taller guys may need to shop at a specialty store)
• Don’t pop your collar
• Avoid really big logos
• The shoulder seam should sit on your shoulder bone
• Don’t wear it too long
• Polos should be slim and fitted, but not tight
• Don’t unbutton all the buttons

Now that you know how a polo shirt should fit, it’s time to build out your polo shirt wardrobe. Include a variety of fabrics and styles in your collection, from short sleeve cotton-blend polos to performance polos that are perfect for the golf course. Mix things up, and don’t be afraid to take some risks with your clothing. With short and long sleeve polos available in a variety of colors and patterns, johnnie-O is a great place to start building your polo shirt collection. And don't forget that little man in your life with our collection of boys polo shirts. And with free returns and exchanges within 30 days, it’s a pretty risk-free place to start, too.