10 Polo Shirts to Smarten Up Your Casual Wardrobe

Think of these five things when you're shopping for a polo shirt: fabric, style, occasion, color, and buttons. We've done some of the work for you by indicating the fabric and fit of every polo on this list, so whether you want a slim, quick-drying, moisture-wicking option to wear on the golf course or a standard-fitting cashmere option to dress up for work, you're not short of choices.

Style and OccasionStyle and occasion are two elements that go hand in hand. A bold look, like a polo from Gucci or Casablanca, probably isn't your best bet if you prefer an understated, minimalist vibe, but something just as high-end—like the bee-embroidered pick from Dior—will do perfectly. If you're just going to work, chances are you can get away with almost any option. But we wouldn't recommend wearing, say, the Lululemon or Vuori polo to a formal dinner. Like any piece of clothing, always think of where you'll be wearing it before you make the purchase. If you're the type of guy who travels a lot, you'll want to look for polos that are made of wrinkle-resistant materials and can easily pair with what you pack in your suitcase, but if you're planning on wearing it casually, those restrictions don't apply.

ColorIf you're building out your wardrobe or just looking for staples that will go with the things you already have, you'll want to purchase a polo in a basic color like white, black, gray, or navy. Trust us when we say that this rotation will become the most frequented in your closet. But, of course, you should also add some colorful patterned polos to your arsenal for special events, nights out, and, hell, even weddings.

ButtonsWhen shopping for polos, one of the first things you'll notice is the various number of buttons. There are options with two, three, or four buttons (while some have none and use a zipper instead), but our general rule of thumb is that the more buttons you have, the more formal the shirt will look. So if you want an elevated appearance, remember, the more buttons, the merrier.