You guys know Chris Pine, right? Wonder Woman’s straight man and occasionally naked Outlaw King? He’s stupidly handsome and a bona fide movie star. But more importantly, the man is a damn snappy dresser. Yes, I said snappy and hoo boy do I mean it. He makes everything he wears look effortlessly elegant; he’s totally at ease in everything—from overalls (!) to caftans (!!) to a white dinner jacket. But there’s one thing he looks especially dashing in. A piece that will instantly fit into your regular warm-weather rotation: the knit polo.
Here he is wearing one with slacks and loafers; no socks. Here he is wearing one with a braided belt. And here, look at that monochromatic moment! It doesn’t take piercing blue eyes or a Hollywood stylist to nail this look, at least not when you’ve got me. The knit polo is one of those closet additions that delivers Pine-level effortless elegance with like, zero effort. Just put it on, run a comb through that mane and step out into that crisp spring air.
Banana Republic Sweater Polo, $65 (Currently $32 at checkout)
Made from Supima cotton (known in the fashion game for being v soft and v durable), Banana Republic’s knit polo is about to be your summer workwear hero. Let the subtle texture peek out from under your favorite suit or pair it with slim-fit chinos and go sockless on casual Friday.
Far Afield Clifford Polo, $125
Oh my god, put on the Beegees, wiggle your toes in that shag carpet and shimmy right into this Far Afield polo. From the widespread ‘Johnny’ collar (see above) to the vanilla bean color, this knit cotton pullover has cool, 70s dad written all over it—in the best, 2019 way possible. Go on, let that chest hair breath a bit! It’s spring!
Mr P Knitted Cotton-Pique Polo, $200
I always enjoy seeing how Mr Porter’s in-house brand interprets their favorite menswear trends of the season. This delightful Mr P. Italian-knit polo has some serious retro vibes thanks to a button-free v-neck (called a ‘Johnny’ collar) and that teal-and-white color combo that looks like a Slim Aarons photo you can wear.
Fred Perry Texture Knit Polo, $200
Fred Perry (the brand) was founded in the 1940s by Fred Perry (the champion tennis player) along with an ex-Austrian football player named Tibby Wegner. Cute! Anyway, at the moment, the label is reissuing some of it’s best designs from the 1960s—namely this knit polo that skirts the line between on-court sporty and off-court chill. I’m honestly obsessed.
John Smedley Sweaters Pique Polo, $220
Magnolia trees and lilacs are blooming, and wouldn’t you know it, the color of this John Smedley knit is “pink blossom.” Along with lavender (honk honk beep beep please don’t forget!) pastel pink is one of the choicest colors for dudes, especially this time of year. The truly bougie among you will find this the perfect topper for your next sailing excursion or poolside day soiree.
Incotex Slim-Fit Stretch-Knit Polo, $500
How much would you pay to exude some serious ‘off-duty Don Draper’ vibes? This luxe knit polo from historic Italian menswear label Incotex is crazy expensive, I know. But it’s also gorgeously lightweight and breathable—perfect for long, lingering walks on those perfectly warm spring nights. Whether you have a beautiful girl on your arm and a little bounce in your step? Totally optional but definitely recommended.