Polo shirts have long carried the reputation of being a bit... square. But in an age where “square” has evolved into “preppy,” and where Quiet Luxury defines a new era of minimalist elegance and high-quality craftsmanship, the polo shirt is reclaiming its place as a wardrobe essential. It’s classic, versatile, and, when worn right, it's anything but boring. The question is: how do you style a polo shirt throughout the year? In this Polo Shirt Style Guide, we’ll show you how to wear a polo shirt for every season. Smartly, stylishly, and without slipping into dad-on-holiday territory.
Today’s luxury doesn’t scream. It doesn’t need any bling, gimmicks or garish branding. No oversized logos. No loud prints. Just clean lines, calm tones, and a focus on essentials. This mindset and quiet confidence has made its way into our wardrobes too. The result? Understated styles that are stripped-back, timeless and sustainable. And no other piece in your wardrobe embodies that ethos quite like the polo shirt. The polo strikes the perfect balance between casual and polished. You can wear it to the office, on a date, at family gatherings or just out and about. It’s that rare sweet spot where a t-shirt is too sloppy and an Oxford shirt is overkill. That’s why a well-made polo shirt is more than a seasonal fling, it’s a year-round staple.
But before we dive into how to wear a polo shirt throughout the year, allow us to introduce the one polo that does it all: The Perfect Polo Shirt by SANVT.
The Perfect Polo Shirt by SANVT
What makes it perfect, you ask? Let’s start with the fabric. SANVT’s polo is made from a finely structured 220 g/m² Tech Piqué, woven from 100% premium soft cotton. Thanks to a special production process, piqué fabric becomes a double-layered knit that’s breathable, hard-wearing, and quietly luxurious. It’s performance disguised as polish. Each piece is handcrafted in Portugal with meticulous attention to detail. Oh, and it’s sustainably made, climate neutral, and ethically produced. No compromises.
But it's also the cut of our polo shirt that makes it the perfect essential. A sporty silhouette with subtle side slits for movement. A size system designed to fit and flatter every body type. Ultimately, however, it is the fine details that perfect our polo shirt. The seamless French placket gives the polo a subtle, luxurious touch, while the minimalist shark collar adds a touch of understated modernity to the look. The perfect polo shirt by SANVT is sure to impress on any occasion.
The Polo Shirt in Spring
Spring brings that first taste of sun on the skin, but never without a reminder of how quickly the weather can turn. So best to be prepared for anything. Try a black polo paired with relaxed-fit, dark grey jeans and clean white sneakers. Throw a beige sweatshirt over your shoulders to lighten up the look and to pick up the tone of your shoes, adding contrast to the otherwise dark outfit. Think of it like those first spring rays breaking through grey skies. This look is calm with an understated edge. Not too loud, not too laid-back. Ideal for a stroll through town, a casual coffee, or a low-key day at the office.
The Polo Shirt in Summer
When the heat’s on, keep it breezy. And that’s exactly what this look delivers, without going full linen tone on tone. A black polo shirt paired with beige chinos is the ultimate warm-weather uniform. Ideal for a sunset aperitivo on holiday, or a casual day in the city. Add a retro pair of sunnies and a string of pearls if you’re feeling it. Nothing over the top, just a bit of edge to keep it interesting. It’s an effortless mix of elegance and ease. Timeless and fresh, with the kind of quiet confidence that turns heads without trying. In short: This is how you wear a polo shirt in summer without looking like every other guy at the park.
The Polo Shirt in Autumn
Just because the temperature drops, doesn’t mean your look needs to feel heavy. In this autumn outfit, a white polo shirt takes centre stage under a loose-fitting overshirt in charcoal grey. Add wide-leg trousers and open sandals for a mix of structure and lightness. The monochrome palette keeps things grounded, while the textures add depth and movement. Perfect for those in-between days, when sun and wind swap places by the hour. A look that’s thought-through without trying too hard. Proof that the polo shirt holds its own, even in the off-season.
The Polo Shirt in Winter
In winter, the polo shirt becomes your base layer for elevated, layered looks. Start with a white polo and pair it with relaxed black chinos for a deliberate contrast of classy and casual. Add chunky black loafers with a platform sole and white socks to tie in with the polo and finish the look with intention. Layer on an unzipped grey zip hoodie for a modern clash of sporty and polished. And if winter really bites, throw over a black trench coat and a grey wool scarf. This is how you do winter layering without bulking up like a snowman. A winter-ready outfit for anyone who can do both: statement and understatement.
Polo Shirt Style Guide: Conclusion
The polo shirt is more than just a classic. It’s preppy, yes, but it’s also quietly confident, endlessly adaptable, and ready for every season. Fresh and easy in spring. Crisp and cool in summer. Textured and calm in autumn. Clean and on point in winter. It’s a chameleon, always changing, yet never losing its essence of quiet luxury. Whether you’re styling it with shorts, pleated trousers or relaxed chinos, the secret is in the contrast: classic and sporty, polished and relaxed, minimal and playful. Play with opposites. That’s how your polo becomes a statement, season after season.
Want a fresh twist? Discover our Perfect Polo Shirt in our newest summer shade: light blue.