The Boys Need Some Basics: The Polo Shirt Roundup

Solid colors, stripes, little guys, big guys…there’s a polo shirt for everyone.

UPDATE: We originally posted this roundup in September 2017. It has been updated with Fall 2018 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. Most 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 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 red), you can find a similar fit with more color choices at J Crew, which also with a nice slim fit.

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.

Like a little pocket for a bit more style?

These Polos at J Crew Factory and Primary.com both have a small pocket on the chest and stitching on collar. They’re also made from a jersey fabric, not the usual pique, they’re extra comfier 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. Both are also available in lots and lots of colors.

Of course, Ralph Lauren polos are a perennial favorite because they fit so nicely and seem to last forever and ever. Macy’s always has great sales, so that’s the time to get them. You can find the little boys’ options here or here for big boys. 

Marks & Spencer is our new fav for 2018. Have you got a kid who likes a little more style? Our top picks are this colorblock polo sweater shirt, or this one with a zig-zag rib. They also have great stripes, but we’ll get to that next…

Stripes  and Mixed Fabrics

Wide Stripes in comfy jersey? Sign us up! The Children’s Place has nice basic, striped polos (their solids are also similarly priced)…look for the right promotions.  

Dressier stripes (and pricier) are available at Brooks Brothers for the particular boy. Tommy Hilfiger also usually gets in some nice striped styles (though it seems they didn’t get in their fall line yet.)

J.Crew Factory striped polos are a personal favorite though.

Big Guys

Gap Husky has solid long sleeve polos. 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.

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 should be coming in, so keep on checking.

Which polos are your fav?