Old-School No More: The Polo Shirt Is Officially Trendy Again

This Summer, the Classic Polo Shirt Is Getting a Rethink

Once a dependable staple for golf dads and country club regulars, the polo shirt is getting a bold, fashion-forward update for summer. No longer relegated to dress codes and uniforms, the classic collared shirt has been liberated—and redefined—as one of the most versatile, expressive garments of the season.

A Heritage Piece With a New Attitude

The polo shirt, which originated in the early 20th century as activewear for tennis and polo players, has long been associated with a polished, sporty aesthetic. But this summer, designers are challenging its buttoned-up image by playing with proportion, material, and styling. The silhouette is being exaggerated or shrunken, collars are replaced with zippers or removed altogether, and the fabrications range from ultra-light mesh to plush knitwear.

This isn’t just a minor refresh—it’s a total reinvention. Think open-weave crochet polos perfect for the beach, or boxy, cropped versions paired with low-rise denim for a nostalgic Y2K vibe. Brands like Loewe, Raf Simons, and Miu Miu are using the polo as a base to showcase creative energy, while high-street labels such as Zara, COS, and Uniqlo are offering accessible takes that capture the trend without sacrificing wearability.

Fashion’s Favorite Canvas

What makes the reworked polo so exciting is its blank-slate potential. Its clean lines and minimal design make it a natural canvas for experimentation. Graphic prints, ombré gradients, embroidery, sequins, fringe—you name it, it’s all fair game this season.

Designers are also exploring how the polo can be both gender-fluid and occasion-fluid. Crocheted or sheer polos styled with tank tops and wide-leg trousers feel modern and unisex. Structured polos with shoulder pads are suddenly office-appropriate again, while oversized zip-collar versions worn with sneakers lean into the athleisure trend.

Celebrity Endorsement: Cool Factor Secured

If you need further proof of the polo’s newfound status, just look to the style icons of the moment. Zendaya wore a tailored, monochrome polo look during a press tour, giving it a sleek, sci-fi edge. Timothée Chalamet layered a translucent polo over a tank top for an effortlessly chic vibe. Bad Bunny, known for pushing fashion boundaries, embraced a psychedelic-print version for one of his stage looks—far from your average Sunday brunch outfit.

And it’s not just high fashion; even TikTok influencers and Gen Z stylists are mixing polos into unexpected outfits—layered over turtlenecks, belted at the waist, or worn as dresses with cowboy boots. It’s a far cry from the safe, color-blocked polos of the early 2000s.

Why Now?

The polo’s resurgence taps into a broader cultural moment where nostalgia, comfort, and individuality all intersect. In a post-pandemic world, people crave pieces that are easy to wear but still allow for self-expression. The polo shirt, in all its iterations, hits that sweet spot.

It’s also part of a larger trend of reworking traditional “menswear” pieces for a more inclusive, modern audience. Much like the tank top or the white button-down, the polo is being stripped of its gendered baggage and reintroduced as a timeless, all-purpose item.

How to Wear It Now

• Minimalist Chic: Opt for a monochrome knit polo with tailored trousers and loafers.
• Casual Cool: Try a terry cloth or oversized zip polo with bike shorts or cargo pants.
• Retro Revival: Go full 1970s with a striped polo tucked into flared jeans and chunky sneakers.
• Evening Edge: Wear a sheer or sequined polo over a bralette with a midi skirt or satin trousers.

In short, the polo shirt has graduated from its prep-school past and is now one of summer’s most surprising style MVPs. Comfortable, customizable, and quietly subversive, it’s proving that reinvention doesn’t always mean reinvention of the wheel—sometimes it just means rethinking the collar.

Would you like styling tips for different body types or moodboards for this trend?