A polo shirt is one of the most underrated essentials in a man’s wardrobe. It’s the perfect middle ground—more polished than a t-shirt but less formal than a button-down. Whether you're heading to the office, a weekend event, or a smart casual gathering, a well-fitted polo can instantly elevate your look. But styling it the right way is key.
Pair it with a grey suit for an effortlessly modern touch, or layer it under a lapel jacket for a refined, yet relaxed, feel. With the right fabric, fit, and colour, a polo can transition seamlessly between work and play, making it a must-have in every man’s collection. But not all polos are created equal. The difference between looking sharp and looking sloppy comes down to quality, fit, and knowing how to style it properly.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to wear polo shirts for different occasions, from officewear to smart casual outings. We’ll also explore where to find the best options in Australia, including top Australian suit brands that offer premium polos and menswear designed to last.
Whether you're dressing for business, a night out, or just want to upgrade your everyday style, here’s how to make the polo shirt work for you.
Choosing the Right Polo Shirt for Your Style
Fabric Matters: Cotton vs. Blends
The fabric of a polo shirt makes all the difference in how it looks and feels.
-
100% Cotton: A classic choice that’s breathable, comfortable, and ideal for both office and casual wear. Look for a pique cotton polo for a textured, structured feel or a jersey cotton polo for a smoother, more relaxed look.
-
Cotton Blends: Often mixed with elastane or polyester for added stretch and durability. These work well for long hours at the office or layering under a lapel jacket without looking too stiff.
-
Performance Fabrics: Best for hot climates or active days. If you’re wearing a polo in the Australian summer, a moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cool.
Fit: Slim, Tailored, or Relaxed?
Getting the right fit is key to looking sharp.
-
Slim fit: Best for an athletic or lean build. Looks great under a navy suit or grey suit, creating a sleek, modern silhouette.
-
Tailored fit: A versatile middle ground that flatters most body types. Works well with both officewear and casual outfits.
-
Relaxed fit: Great for casual settings but can look sloppy in professional environments. If opting for a relaxed fit, make sure it’s structured enough to avoid looking too baggy.
Choosing the Right Colour
The colour of your polo can dictate whether it feels formal, business-appropriate, or completely casual.
-
Neutral tones (white, black, navy, grey): Perfect for pairing with mens suits Australia or office clothes. These shades look sharp under blazers and lapel jackets.
-
Pastels (light blue, soft pink, beige): Ideal for warmer months and smart casual events. Looks great with chinos or tailored trousers.
-
Bold colours (burgundy, emerald, mustard): Best for making a statement. Try pairing a velvet jacket with a deep-toned polo for a unique, sophisticated look.
Polo Shirts in Formal Attire: Making It Work
A polo shirt in a formal outfit? Absolutely—when done right. While polos are naturally more relaxed than dress shirts, they can work seamlessly with suits and structured jackets for a refined look.
-
Grey suit or navy suit? A grey suit offers a softer, modern contrast with a neutral or pastel polo, while a navy suit paired with a darker polo creates a sharp, streamlined look.
-
The lapel jacket effect: A structured lapel jacket elevates a polo instantly, keeping the outfit polished rather than too casual. Stick to slim or tailored-fit polos to maintain a clean silhouette.
-
Velvet jacket green statement: A deep green velvet blazer over a polo is a bold yet sophisticated choice. Perfect for evening events where you want to stand out without going over the top.
-
Accessories matter: Leather dress shoes, a minimalist belt, and a classic watch refine the outfit and bring everything together. Avoid sneakers—they can make the look feel mismatched.
Polo Shirts for Business and Office Wear
A well-styled polo is a great alternative to a button-up shirt in professional settings. Whether your office leans formal or business casual, polos can work with the right styling.
-
Understanding the dress code: In corporate offices, a polo should be paired with tailored trousers and a blazer. In more relaxed workplaces, it can be worn solo with chinos.
-
Wearing polos with mens suits in Sydney: Stick to fitted polos in neutral shades under a suit for a modern business look. Avoid oversized or overly bright polos that can make the outfit look sloppy.
-
Best work clothes pairings:
-
Chinos or tailored trousers keep the look office-ready.
-
Loafers, oxfords, or monk strap shoes add sophistication.
-
Layering with a lightweight blazer gives a professional edge without looking too rigid.
Smart Casual Polo Shirt Styling
Polos are a go-to for smart casual dressing—effortless but put-together. The trick is pairing them with the right items for a polished yet relaxed vibe.
-
Refined yet relaxed: Swap stiff button-ups for a polo when dressing up casual outfits. Tuck it into tailored trousers or dark denim for a sleek touch.
-
Blazers and layers: A polo under a lightweight blazer creates a sharp but laid-back look. Pairing it with a structured coat in cooler months keeps it versatile year-round.
-
Black and white tie rules: A black tie event calls for a dress shirt, not a polo. However, at less formal events, a black or white polo under a blazer can work as a modern take on traditional attire.
Where to Buy High-Quality Polo Shirts in Australia
Australia has no shortage of premium menswear retailers offering well-made polos. Stores like MJ Bale, Calibre, and Politix stock polos designed to pair effortlessly with mens suits Australia styles, whether for work or smart casual dressing. These brands focus on fit, fabric, and versatility, making them great investments for a refined wardrobe.
Unlike fast fashion alternatives, suits Australia brands prioritise quality materials and expert tailoring. A well-crafted polo retains its shape, resists pilling, and drapes better under a lapel jacket or blazer, ensuring a more polished look over time.
When choosing a brand, consider your personal style and budget. Look for polos made from breathable cotton or performance blends, and opt for neutral shades that pair well with work clothes and formalwear. Investing in quality pieces means you'll have a versatile wardrobe staple that lasts beyond one season.
Are you ready to spice up your style with a perfect polo shirt and suit combo?
How To Style Polo Shirts
A polo shirt is one of the most underrated essentials in a man’s wardrobe. It’s the perfect middle ground—more polished than a t-shirt but less formal than a button-down. Whether you're heading to the office, a weekend event, or a smart casual gathering, a well-fitted polo can instantly elevate your look. But styling it the right way is key.
Pair it with a grey suit for an effortlessly modern touch, or layer it under a lapel jacket for a refined, yet relaxed, feel. With the right fabric, fit, and colour, a polo can transition seamlessly between work and play, making it a must-have in every man’s collection. But not all polos are created equal. The difference between looking sharp and looking sloppy comes down to quality, fit, and knowing how to style it properly.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to wear polo shirts for different occasions, from officewear to smart casual outings. We’ll also explore where to find the best options in Australia, including top Australian suit brands that offer premium polos and menswear designed to last.
Whether you're dressing for business, a night out, or just want to upgrade your everyday style, here’s how to make the polo shirt work for you.
Choosing the Right Polo Shirt for Your Style
Fabric Matters: Cotton vs. Blends
The fabric of a polo shirt makes all the difference in how it looks and feels.
100% Cotton: A classic choice that’s breathable, comfortable, and ideal for both office and casual wear. Look for a pique cotton polo for a textured, structured feel or a jersey cotton polo for a smoother, more relaxed look.
Cotton Blends: Often mixed with elastane or polyester for added stretch and durability. These work well for long hours at the office or layering under a lapel jacket without looking too stiff.
Performance Fabrics: Best for hot climates or active days. If you’re wearing a polo in the Australian summer, a moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cool.
Fit: Slim, Tailored, or Relaxed?
Getting the right fit is key to looking sharp.
Slim fit: Best for an athletic or lean build. Looks great under a navy suit or grey suit, creating a sleek, modern silhouette.
Tailored fit: A versatile middle ground that flatters most body types. Works well with both officewear and casual outfits.
Relaxed fit: Great for casual settings but can look sloppy in professional environments. If opting for a relaxed fit, make sure it’s structured enough to avoid looking too baggy.
Choosing the Right Colour
The colour of your polo can dictate whether it feels formal, business-appropriate, or completely casual.
Neutral tones (white, black, navy, grey): Perfect for pairing with mens suits Australia or office clothes. These shades look sharp under blazers and lapel jackets.
Pastels (light blue, soft pink, beige): Ideal for warmer months and smart casual events. Looks great with chinos or tailored trousers.
Bold colours (burgundy, emerald, mustard): Best for making a statement. Try pairing a velvet jacket with a deep-toned polo for a unique, sophisticated look.
Polo Shirts in Formal Attire: Making It Work
A polo shirt in a formal outfit? Absolutely—when done right. While polos are naturally more relaxed than dress shirts, they can work seamlessly with suits and structured jackets for a refined look.
Grey suit or navy suit? A grey suit offers a softer, modern contrast with a neutral or pastel polo, while a navy suit paired with a darker polo creates a sharp, streamlined look.
The lapel jacket effect: A structured lapel jacket elevates a polo instantly, keeping the outfit polished rather than too casual. Stick to slim or tailored-fit polos to maintain a clean silhouette.
Velvet jacket green statement: A deep green velvet blazer over a polo is a bold yet sophisticated choice. Perfect for evening events where you want to stand out without going over the top.
Accessories matter: Leather dress shoes, a minimalist belt, and a classic watch refine the outfit and bring everything together. Avoid sneakers—they can make the look feel mismatched.
Polo Shirts for Business and Office Wear
A well-styled polo is a great alternative to a button-up shirt in professional settings. Whether your office leans formal or business casual, polos can work with the right styling.
Understanding the dress code: In corporate offices, a polo should be paired with tailored trousers and a blazer. In more relaxed workplaces, it can be worn solo with chinos.
Wearing polos with mens suits in Sydney: Stick to fitted polos in neutral shades under a suit for a modern business look. Avoid oversized or overly bright polos that can make the outfit look sloppy.
Best work clothes pairings:
Chinos or tailored trousers keep the look office-ready.
Loafers, oxfords, or monk strap shoes add sophistication.
Layering with a lightweight blazer gives a professional edge without looking too rigid.
Smart Casual Polo Shirt Styling
Polos are a go-to for smart casual dressing—effortless but put-together. The trick is pairing them with the right items for a polished yet relaxed vibe.
Refined yet relaxed: Swap stiff button-ups for a polo when dressing up casual outfits. Tuck it into tailored trousers or dark denim for a sleek touch.
Blazers and layers: A polo under a lightweight blazer creates a sharp but laid-back look. Pairing it with a structured coat in cooler months keeps it versatile year-round.
Black and white tie rules: A black tie event calls for a dress shirt, not a polo. However, at less formal events, a black or white polo under a blazer can work as a modern take on traditional attire.
Where to Buy High-Quality Polo Shirts in Australia
Australia has no shortage of premium menswear retailers offering well-made polos. Stores like MJ Bale, Calibre, and Politix stock polos designed to pair effortlessly with mens suits Australia styles, whether for work or smart casual dressing. These brands focus on fit, fabric, and versatility, making them great investments for a refined wardrobe.
Unlike fast fashion alternatives, suits Australia brands prioritise quality materials and expert tailoring. A well-crafted polo retains its shape, resists pilling, and drapes better under a lapel jacket or blazer, ensuring a more polished look over time.
When choosing a brand, consider your personal style and budget. Look for polos made from breathable cotton or performance blends, and opt for neutral shades that pair well with work clothes and formalwear. Investing in quality pieces means you'll have a versatile wardrobe staple that lasts beyond one season.
Are you ready to spice up your style with a perfect polo shirt and suit combo?