As the de facto shirt for tennis players since the 1930s, the polo shirt has transcended its athletic roots, becoming a casual wardrobe staple appropriate for everyone. Polo athletes adopted the style soon after tennis players and by the mid-century, the public recognized the short sleeve, soft collar, jersey-knit shirt as a ‘polo shirt.’ In 1972, Ralph Lauren introduced a polo shirt for everyday wear to his Polo label, catalyzing the design’s dissemination into the western wardrobe. Now, countless brands are offering versions of this preppy, smart garment. The design has remained relatively unchanged for decades and is an easy way to dress up any casual outfit.

Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt

This classic cotton shirt features side slits, ribbed trims and pearlescent buttons. It fits small, so size up when ordering.

Onia Shaun Polo Shirt

This polo shirt is cut from loopback jersey fabric made from a polyester-rayon blend. The design features a relaxed open placket and side slits.

Outerknown Nomadic Polo

This affordable polo shirt is cut from a 215-gram hemp and organic cotton blend. It features mother-of-pearl buttons, a flat-knit collar and it’s available in seven different colors.

Howlin’ Mr. Fantasy Polo Shirt

Made in Belgium, this shirt is made from a soft cotton-poly terry. It includes a chest pocket, side slits and three-button closure.

Sunspel Riviera Polo Shirt

This breathable polo is made cut from a light-pink cotton mesh fabric. The design features a chest pocket, side slits and tonal buttons.

Oliver Spencer Hawthorn Polo Shirt

This simple polo shirt is cut from navy mélange cotton-jersey fabric. Instead of a traditional multi-button finish, it features a single button-and-loop closure.

Orelebar Brown Felix Striped Polo Shirt

This polo is cut from a fine cotton-jersey with narrow white stripes. For a more relaxed aesthetic, it features an open collar with no buttons.

P. Johnson Super 160s Merio Wool Polo Shirt

Made from dark brown Super 160s merino wool, this shirt is incredibly soft and smooth, but also very durable. It features mother-of-pearl buttons and ribbed trims, and unlike other shirts on this list, you need to hand wash or dry clean this shirt.

Massimo Alba Wembley Polo Shirt

Made in Italy from a light-blue linen-piqué fabric, this shirt has a slubby texture that is different than cotton shirts. It includes five mother-of-pearl buttons, a chest patch pocket and a regular cut.

Canali Polo Shirt

This polo shirt is made in Italy from a textured white-cotton fabric. The simple design features a single mother-of-pearl button, banded cuffs and a slim fit.