It’s funny how certain menswear looks take on a specific association and never quite shake it. The polo shirt in particular has gotten a bit of a bad reputation over the years: Lurid colors, oversized logos, baggy silhouettes. But that was before the best sweater polos firmly entered the modern menswear lexicon—or re-entered, rather.
You could say that it’s purely the cyclical nature of fashion, or you could credit one suave, sharply dressed Don Draper for helping bring the hybrid style back into play. Thicker knit fabric (usually either stretch cotton or merino wool, or a blend of the two), gives the sweater polo a heavier handfeel than traditional cotton pique fabric. And sweater polos have more structure, a thicker hem at the waist and thicker cuffs at the sleeves—like, y’know, an actual sweater. They often retain the traditional button placket of a polo, but some are built with a run of buttons like a cardigan—consider either for your rotation.
The Mad Men finale was a decade ago (time flies!) but the retro influence of the ’50s and ’60s has never been stronger in menswear. While skinny ties aren’t as en vogue as they were during the early days of the hit AMC show, certain styles have stuck around from that style resurgence a decade-plus back: The sweater polo is one of them.
Knit polos that blend the structure of a lightweight sweater with the preppy, crisp look of a polo are having a major moment, and plenty of trusted brands (both affordable and luxe) are getting in on the action. These look so good, you’ll be itching to trot one out at your next BBQ or evening rooftop date.
Photo via Huckberry
Wills Cotton Cashmere Goleta Polo
With a normal polo shirt, what you see is what you get: Sometimes, there’s not a lot of texture or visual interest at play. But with sweater polos, especially this cotton-cashmere blend from Huckberry’s in-house Wills line, you’re getting more variety in your fabric, plus refined yet rogue-ish details like an open V-neck collar. It pairs as well with linen trousers and leather loafers as it does with chino shorts and an Aperol Spritz.
Photo via Huckberry
Flint and Tinder Ribbed Button-Up Sweater Polo
Sweater polos hold a special appeal for their blend of elegance and rakish style: Vertical ribbed stitching and a full button front mean you can wear this number buttoned to the top (elegant) or undone over a textured tank top by the pool (rakish).Take it from the coast to evening rooftop drinks on your next summer getaway.
Photo via Mr. Porter
Mr. P Wool Polo Sweater
As temperatures start to cool slightly in the weeks ahead (ever so slightly, mind you!), a long-sleeve version of a sweater polo maintains the same crisp look as its short-sleeve editions, with added coverage and heftier fabric. A V-neck collar offers a flattering, refined finish.
Photo via Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder Beechwood Sweater Polo
If the regular short-sleeve polo shirt is preppy yet elevated, its long-sleeve brother is even cooler and more wise. There’s a devil-may-care edge to this open V-collar long-sleeve polo sweater, which is woven with organic cotton in a specially-spun design, all the better to retain its shape. The only question is, which Todd Snyder trousers match best with this seriously cool sweater polo–and what are you sipping on while you wear it?
Photo by Taylor Stitch
Taylor Stitch Valencia Sweater Polo
If you ask us, wearing one of the best sweater polos for men should make it look like you’re on the go to somewhere exclusive and perhaps even fabulous.There’s an effortless cool to this two-tone Taylor Stitch option, which merges cotton and linen for extra breathability.
Photo via Mack Weldon
Mack Weldon Tech Button-Up Sweater Polo
If ever you’ve tried Mack Weldon’s famed boxer briefs, you know the brand puts a premium on soft, breathable, and high-performing fabric. Apply that same approach to a throwback-tinged sweater polo, and you’ve got a winner. Subtle piping at the collar and sleeves further cement its sporting appeal.
Photo via Bonobos
Bonobos Hudson Sweater Polo
Bonobos features an almost dizzying array of colors and patterns across its lineup of sweater polos, but vertical stripes are flattering, slimming and versatile–all things you should look for when replacing your trusted, traditional polo shirt.
