Solid colors, stripes, little guys, big guys…there’s a polo shirt for everyone.
UPDATED: We originally posted this polo roundup in September 2017 , 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. It has been updated with Fall 2022 options!
Ah, uniforms! We waited all summer long for the girls to stop asking us what to wear. Now it’s time to get the boys some basics. Many boys schools require boys to wear shirts with collars. And while button-down shirts work, polo shirts are much comfier, don’t need to be ironed, and they look neat whether they’re tucked or untucked. They’re usually the go-to school attire.
Here are some of our favorites.
Basic Solids
Zara basic pique polo is our overall favorite. Slim and nice fit….and the price is unbeatable at $10.90. Pair up solid and solid like navy with navy pants for a neat crisp look. While there are very few color choices (navy, white, grey, and light blue), you can find a similar fit with more color choices at J Crew Factory, also with a nice slim fit. (See this J Crew Factory jersey fabric.)
There are also cheaper options (when using discount codes) and a bigger color selection at Old Navy and Gap, but the fit will be looser (great for fuller boys).
Looking for even more comfort?
These Polos at J Crew Factory and those at Primary.com are made from a jersey fabric, not the usual pique, they’re extra comfier and breathable, and that’s a big plus. The J Crew shirts are slim, but Primary shirts will look good on bigger boys too; just size up one size.
We’ve been told that Marks & Spencer Long Sleeve Polo Shirts are great quality!
Lil Legs makes beautiful polo for boys. Check them out!
Target usually has a very nice and affordable line of polos. See here.
Petit Clair has one of the largest selections to choose from! Check it out here.
For more Polos with a little more style check out Mayoral.
Finally, Abercrombie Polos are sure to be a favorite but the full long sleeve selection is not yet available.
For Big Guys:
MOFI clothing – has a great selection of polos in husky sizes. Solids, prints, in different colors and styles!
Gap Husky has solid long sleeve polos (we don’t see them this year but will update when we do). Grab them when you see them as they always seem to be out of sizes. Lands End also makes their classic polo in husky sizes.
Brooks Brothers is a good option for the huskier or bigger sizes. The largest size they have is 18-20. Regular polos are pricier, but always check out their sale section for some better buys. (out of stock for now).
Tommy Hilfigers XL is approximately the same size. They don’t wash as well as the Brooks Brothers but with coupons you can get a great deal. At this time of this posting, we don’t see any long sleeve polos, but they occasionally have some.
Which polos are your fav?
U forgot to mention lands end
Hi! Just want to mention from my experience regarding quality- Zara polos fade and j crew runs really small- I’ve always had to go up a size (my boys are slim but tall so maybe that’s why). So far I have enjoyed the polos from Walmart- they wash (and dry!) really well, and the Hanes brand – soft fabric, great price and color never faded, and looks great right out of the dryer.
Thanks so much for another great post! I never heard of Primary.com before, but so excited about this great site! The polo looks like the J crew one, but its cheaper and hopefully better quality! Thanks again!
We love Ralph Lauren. They go on sale on their site too!
Anyone ever order from Marks & Spencer and know how they run?
True to size. The sizes are by year. So 4-5 years old. 5-6 year old…
Can you do an updated polo shirt post? Would love to see if there are any new options out there! TIA!
These are amazing! Nice slim fit and looks great after tonz of washing!.. and are a great price!
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32833784095.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dGFlOSx
Rivka, your link seems to be for a different item. Would you mind updating? Would love to see the item you were originally referring to.
whoops! wrong link (thats a link to a great hat from ali express 🙂 )
heres the link to the Eddie Bauer shirt- a great find!
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Eddie-Bauer-Boys-School-Uniform-Short-Sleeve-Pique-Polo-Shirt-Little-Boys-Big-Boys/56203173
I found Cat and Jack to be nice (target brand)
FRENCH TOAST BOY’S POLOS are excellent quality. They are not 100% cotton, and they therefore do not fade…wash beautifully!
Zara’s has the banded wrists…do boys like that? I’m new to the boy-uniform-world 🙂
Hi shein.com has alot of long sleeve beautiful polo options. And so cheap. Childrens place has polos for cheap and alot of colors.
Target cat and jack are very soft and nice and slim
We LOVE Tottini Polos. Buy a few at beginning of season and the rest when they go on sale 🙂
Can you do a post on boy’s pants?
I’ve found that Zara’s has a nice fit but they never washed well for me and never lasted very long. Crewcuts and abercrombie have always gave me the fit and longevity I expected. And Lacoste also had nice sales this summer definitely worth checking out.
Next has really nice t shirts
On amazon you can get french toast – also comes in husky. Great price too.
with my experience with 6 boys, Siccinino Brand available in the jewish stores – Juvenile Planet and Styled Child – beats them all. Great design, fit and washability.