When can you wear the polo?
The polo is one of the most versatile garments in the wardrobe. With sporty roots and an elegant evolution, it lends itself to multiple contexts, from leisure to the office, from aperitifs to semi-formal events. In this article, we explore when to wear a polo with style and good taste, season by season, occasion by occasion.
In spring and summer
The mid-seasons and warm months are perfect for the polo, especially in versions made of cotton piqué or in extrafine merino wool.
Ideal occasions:
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Informal outdoor outings
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Days in the city with mild weather
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Brunches, outdoor lunches, boat trips
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Trips and weekend getaways
Pair it with light chinos, light jeans, or linen trousers. On your feet, unlined loafers or clean sneakers.
In autumn and winter
With the arrival of cold weather, the polo does not hibernate. It transforms: long sleeve, merino wool, cashmere, or silk blend.
Ideal occasions:
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Working days in smart-casual environments
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Elegant but informal dinners
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Business trips with comfortable looks
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Winter evenings with refined layering
Under a flannel blazer or a cardigan, it is a valid alternative to the shirt. Also perfect with a single-breasted coat or an autumn trench.
At work
In offices that are not too formal, the polo is a conscious style choice: less rigid than a shirt, but more structured than a T-shirt.
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Opt for sober colors: navy blue, anthracite gray, optical white, or cream.
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To pair with tailored trousers, chinos, or midi skirts.
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Add a light blazer for a complete look.
On the go
The polo is perfect for traveling light but well-groomed. Choose breathable and easy-to-fold fabrics (like merino wool or technical jersey).
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For the plane or train: polo + comfortable trousers + technical jacket.
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For walking around the city: polo + dark jeans + sneakers.
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For dinners at the hotel: polo + elegant trousers + loafers or ballet flats.
For leisure
In free time, the polo is synonymous with comfort with class.
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For him: cotton polo + tailored bermuda shorts or chinos + light loafers.
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For her: slim polo + high-waisted jeans or culotte pants + flat sandals.
Ideal for informal dinners, walks, outdoor events, cultural trips, or days at the beach.
Elegant but informal occasions
There are events where the shirt is too formal and the t-shirt too simple: the polo is the right middle ground.
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Dinners with friends, evenings on the terrace, openings, relaxed professional meetings.
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Choose wool or silk blend polos, to wear with tailored trousers and a light blazer.
When to avoid the polo
Although the polo is a very versatile garment, there are occasions when it is better to choose a shirt:
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Formal events: weddings, ceremonies, contexts where a specific dress code is required.
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Traditional job interviews: better to wear a shirt, except in creative environments or startups.
The polo can be worn practically all year round and in many situations, as long as you choose the right model, fabric, and combinations. The polo is the wildcard piece of the modern wardrobe: comfortable like a t-shirt, elegant like a shirt, always current.
