admin The best knit polo brands for men understand exactly why these shoulder-hugging, sweater-adjacent shirts have quickly become menswear’s newest staple. It probably has something to do with the fact that knit polos are both universally flattering and extremely refreshing after decades of prep-leaning pique polos. (You know, the tennis-style OGs with that almost-scratchy woven-cotton texture.) Hollywood’s handsomest dudes are fully on board, having turned knit polos into a red carpet style hack. Right now, the knit polo may just be the best men’s polo, period. We’re hooked.
9 Polos from the Brands That Make ‘Em Best
Okay okay, sure, the knit polo isn’t exactly new, either: it was beloved decades ago by dart-ripping PGA pros and wise guys at the Copacabana. It’s looser and more louche than your average polo. Feels like it was born at a high-roller craps table. That combo of throwback cool and suave style is why a knit polo just works, whether it’s sliding under a slick sharkskin suit or lazily topping off a pair of jeans.
The best brands making knit polos right now cover all sartorial vibes. The retro graphic bent that kickstarted the knit polo’s revival is still going strong, particularly at brands like Todd Snyder and Beams. If you’re minimalism-inclined, there’s no shortage of pared-down knit polos in subtly-textured premium materials and quietly luxe hues. And now that the knit polo rollercoaster is really gaining speed, we’re seeing designers get freaky, conjuring knit polos with impressionistic prints and wild patterns. Even if you don’t have mob boss money, there’s a knit polo out there at a price that’s hard to refuse.
To help you navigate your way through the knit polo explosion, we’ve pulled together nine of the best knit polo brands that you can turn to for all your soft-n-sexy needs.
Abercrombie & Fitch
The mall brand ditched its popped-collar, oiled-abs past, and there’s no better proof than its enormous range of knit polos. They’re doused in retro vibes, not teen cologne—and all scan at the register under 100 bucks. If you’re looking for a low-risk way to test the knit polo waters—or ready to dive in head-first with a closet overhaul—Abercrombie has you covered.
Beams Plus
Since the ’90s, Beams Plus has led the Japan-Americana wave, and the label’s knit polos prove how well it pushes the source material into downright dope new places. They’ll smash up mohair and Mondrian, or emphasize details (oversized collars, variegated stripes, zip-up constructions) to make them stand apart from anything you’ll find at the mall.
Bode
Right now, designer Emily Bode’s world-building brilliance is on every remotely stylish person’s moodboard—which is why you can’t throw a $10 latte in a major American metropolis without seeing her grandma-sanctioned embroidered shirts and hand-crafted patchwork jackets. The label’s knit polos can seem tame in comparison to her most whimsical one-off pieces, but don’t get it twisted—Bode’s versions, like the rest of the line, are a step ahead.
Corridor
Corridor’s psychedelic hand-crocheted cardigans dominate the feed, but its knit polos have helped turn the young Brooklyn-based brand into a knitwear force. The brand’s playbook is simple: make a staple feel flat-out fun. Corridor’s recent foliage theme is a cooler way to get into the autumnal spirit than mainlining PSLs, while its space-dye knit polos are a trip. Don’t be afraid to micro-dose by pairing one with your navy blue suit.
John Smedley
There are heritage brands, and then there are historic brands, like John Smedley, a label that’s been making world-class knitwear in England for more than 200 years. The brand sources Succession-grade cottons and wools from New Zealand for its signature knit polos, which aren’t flashy—or cheap. If you’re looking for a knit polo that transcends hype and can outlast decades of trend cycles, John Smedley deserves your quid.
King & Tuckfield
Founder Stacey Wood draws equal inspiration from her military grandfather and ballerina grandmother, making for shirts that gracefully dance between rugged and dainty. Knit polos that, at first glance, look like flea market scores turn out to have properly right-now oversized fits and unique fabrications. No surprise that the brand’s signature style has earned co-signs from Donald Glover to Chris Evans.
Percival
British brand Percival is only six years old, but its already become a mainstay on the backs of red carpet-bound A-listers and aspiring style influencers who can’t get enough of its high-vis showmanship. Tom Holland and Andrew Garfield are fans, while Captain America himself and his ginormous biceps inspired a near instant sell-out of Percival’s multi-color impressionistic polo. (The “Chris Evans polo” is blessedly back in stock.)
Sunspel
Some of the best knit polo brands specialize in arms-waving statement shirts, but Sunspel specializes in subtle perfection and quiet confidence. The 160-years-young British label’s knit polos are like a dry-aged T-Bone from the legendary Peter Luger’s steakhouse: nothing nouveau or showy—just flawless craftsmanship made from grade-A cuts of Sea Island cotton and Scottish lambswool.
Todd Snyder
You don’t need a four-hour film to understand the Todd Snyderverse: the all-American brand takes everything in your closet—from derbies to suits to shirts—and raises it up two notches. Whether you want a knit polo made from cloud-like cashmere, a retro-inflected version that oozes Talented Mr. Ripley-levels of vacation swagger, or a shaggy-and-showy argyle mohair style that should come with a snifter of single-malt, you’re covered in Todd’s world.
