Which jacket to wear over the polo?
The polo is a timeless and characterful knitwear piece, but to express its full potential it must be part of a well-balanced layering game. The choice of jacket to wear over the polo is crucial: the wrong jacket can make the polo look neglected, while the right one enhances it, even in the most formal contexts. Let's discover together the most elegant and versatile options.
Unstructured blazer over the polo
The blazer is the most natural choice over a polo. In particular, an unstructured model, that is without stiff padding, perfectly complements the softness of the polo.
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Ideal with: merino wool polo, silk blend or smooth cotton.
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Occasions: informal office, smart-casual events, appointments.
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Recommended palette: navy blue, light gray, beige, or tobacco blazer, to be paired with neutral or tone-on-tone polos.
Wearing a linen or wool-cashmere-silk blend jacket
Lightweight, breathable, and refined, the linen jacket is an excellent choice over a polo in warm seasons.
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Choose soft cuts, without lining.
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Great with short-sleeve polos in fresh yarns.
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Complete the look with chinos and suede loafers or quality espadrilles.
If linen is challenging for you as a fabric because it wrinkles too much, try the zip jacket by Lanaioli in a cashmere, silk, and wool blend: light, comfortable, cozy.
Technical or field jacket
For those who love a contemporary aesthetic, the technical jacket (in water-repellent or ultralight fabric) offers practicality without sacrificing style.
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To be worn with jersey polo, stretch cotton, or lightweight wool.
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Great with chino pants, clean jeans, or tailored joggers.
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Add minimal accessories: leather backpack, tone-on-tone sneakers.
Trench
The trench, especially in lightweight spring models, pairs perfectly with a polo. It's the jacket that makes even the simplest outfit refined.
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Choose merino wool polo or smooth cotton.
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For him: beige trench + blue polo + gray pants.
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For her: sand trench + blush polo + ivory pants or midi skirt.
Bomber or Harrington
With the right polo, the bomber becomes a highly charming piece, with a retro yet very current taste.
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Preferably in neutral colors (blue, gray, olive green).
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In fabrics like suede, waxed cotton, or lightweight wool.
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To avoid a look that's too casual, opt for tailored pants or chinos.
Cardigans and vests
A well-cut cardigan or a knit vest or cashmere can replace the jacket in more relaxed looks.
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Great for creative settings, elegant weekends, informal offices.
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For a striking look: open vest over long-sleeve polo, tapered pants, lace-up shoes.
Oversize or double-breasted women's blazer
For women, a polo can be framed by:
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Oversize blazer: for an androgynous-chic touch, paired with high-waisted pants or straight jeans.
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Double-breasted blazer: with palazzo pants or midi skirt, for a bold and sophisticated look.
The golden rules for matching
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Neatly arranged collar: it should not stick out messily from the jacket.
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No to narrow shoulders: a jacket that's too tight flattens the polo.
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Balanced contrasts: if the jacket is light, choose a dark polo (and vice versa).
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Consistent fabrics: wool with wool, linen with cotton, jersey with technical fabrics.
The polo is an inherently elegant knitwear piece, but it's the right jacket that gives it the character you want: urban, refined, relaxed, or formal. With careful attention to the palette, volumes, and seasonality, every combination can become an authentic expression of style.