Polo Occasion Guide

Men's polo shirts for different occasions

Polo Occasion Guide

Office, weekend, golf and events -- matching the polo to the day

OD's Designer Clothing · Knowledge Hubs

The right polo depends on where you are wearing it. This hub matches polo styles and fabrics to each occasion, so you can dress the shirt up or down with confidence. Browse men's polo shirts (/collections/mens-polo-shirts).

Smart and work

Office Polo

A smart polo for relaxed workplaces.

How to wear it

Choose a plain pima or jersey polo in a dark colour, worn with chinos or tailored trousers for a smart-casual office.

Quick tip

Keep branding subtle for a professional look. Browse men's polo shirts (/collections/mens-polo-shirts).

Smart-Casual Polo

A polo dressed up for smarter days.

How to wear it

Pair a tailored-fit pique polo with chinos and clean shoes or loafers for smart-casual events.

Quick tip

A knitted polo lifts the look further. Browse Gran Sasso polos (/collections/mens-gran-sasso-polo-shirt).

Evening Polo

A refined polo for relaxed evenings out.

How to wear it

Choose a mercerised or knitted polo in a rich colour with dark trousers for an easy evening look.

Quick tip

Add a blazer to smarten it instantly.

Casual and leisure

Weekend Polo

An easy polo for days off.

How to wear it

Wear a classic pique polo with jeans or shorts and trainers for a relaxed weekend.

Quick tip

Stripes and tipping add casual character. Browse men's polo shirts (/collections/mens-polo-shirts).

Holiday Polo

A breathable polo for warm trips.

How to wear it

Pack light cotton or cotton-modal polos in fresh colours that pair with shorts and linen trousers.

Quick tip

Choose colours that mix and match easily.

Layering Polo

A polo worn under a jacket or overshirt.

How to wear it

Use a slim or tailored polo as a collared base under an overshirt, gilet or unstructured jacket.

Quick tip

A long-sleeve polo layers neatly in cooler weather.

Sport and warm weather

Golf Polo

A performance polo for the course.

How to wear it

Choose a stretch performance polo that wicks sweat, worn with golf trousers or shorts.

Quick tip

Pick a fit that moves freely through the swing. Browse men's polo shirts (/collections/mens-polo-shirts).

Summer Polo

A cool, light polo for hot days.

How to wear it

Wear a breathable pique or cotton-modal polo in a light colour with shorts and loafers.

Quick tip

Lighter colours feel cooler in strong sun.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wear a polo shirt to the office?

Yes, in a smart-casual workplace. Choose a plain polo in a premium fabric such as pima or jersey, in a dark or neutral colour with subtle branding, and pair it with chinos or tailored trousers and clean shoes for a smart, professional look.

How do you dress up a polo shirt?

Choose a refined fabric such as mercerised or knitted cotton in a rich colour, go for a tailored fit, keep branding minimal, and pair it with tailored trousers and smart shoes. Adding an unstructured blazer lifts a polo to a dressier occasion.

What polo is best for golf?

A performance golf polo in a stretch, moisture-wicking fabric is best. It keeps you dry and cool, moves freely through the swing and holds its colour. Choose an easy fit and pair it with golf trousers or tailored shorts.

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