KNIT POLOS GO WAY BEYOND QUIET LUXURY
Tied to a trend or not, knit polo shirts have always had a strong presence in fashion, and 2024 sees no change.
It would be easy—and not incorrect—to say that the popularity of knit polo shirts can be chalked up to the still-popular quiet luxury trend, but the vitality of the knitted polo goes a lot further back than quiet luxury’s reign. The uncluttered, standard design of the polo—three buttons at the placket and a regular-width spread collar to boot—fits squarely into the quiet luxury rubric, but this kind of refinement has been a characteristic of knitted polo shirts for decades, and modern interpretations of the style suggest there’s a bright future for it beyond the intrinsic sell-by date of any trend it may be part of.
Another major advantage of the polo shirt following a standard blueprint is that it allows designers to put a creative yet familiar spin on the style with ease—from bold colorways seen in the Paul Smith x Commission polo and signature embellishment, as exemplified by Thom Browne’s gray version, all the way to absolute minimalism, as in the case of Sunspel’s pure merino wool polo.
Featured In This Image: Sunspel polo
Not one for big graphics or logos, British label Sunspel has become a master with luxury fabrics and elegant tailoring as its tools. This black knit polo shirt for men is made from ultrasoft pure merino wool and abides faithfully to the qualities that made the style such a timeless feature of the modern wardrobe.
Featured In This Image: Paul Smith polo
While Paul Smith usually follows in the footsteps of Sunspel with minimal finishes, the collaborative force of Commission brings out a different side to the iconic tailor. Defined by its striking red hue, this knit polo features contrasting black stripes throughout the stretch merino wool build.
Featured In This Image: Samsøe Samsøe polo
Small alterations can make a big difference when dealing with classic pieces like polo shirts. Samsøe Samsøe swaps a traditional three-button fastening for a clean silver-tone zip, which modernizes this piece.
Featured In This Image: Thom Browne polo
When it comes to classic menswear pieces, Thom Browne always finds a way to add a twist to the tale without ever losing sight of the style’s original qualities. This polo features a subtle tonal pinstripe design thanks to pinched seams as well as tricolor detailing on each arm and a lengthened button placket—each subtle changes in their own right, but together they create a refreshing new look.
Featured In This Image: lesugiatelier polo
The arena of Korean fashion brands grows more interesting by the season. Names like lesugiatelier continue to offer up exciting new angles on familiar favorites. This open-knit take on the polo shirt features a relaxed silhouette with dropped shoulders to soften the formality that the style often has.
Featured In This Image: Casablanca polo
Clean white knit polos slot effortlessly into Casablanca’s sun-soaked vision of summer apparel. Framed by green hems, this cropped polo shirt for women has a distinctive, exclusive-tennis-club sparkle to it.
Featured In This Image: Proenza Schouler polo
Proenza Schouler’s Louisa Polo is characterized by a central tie-dye print, but don’t overlook the gentler details. Half-length arms and a tight cut give the piece an elegant silhouette that tempers the eye-catching tie-dye effect.
Featured In This Image: We11done polo
Another of South Korea’s gems, We11done’s streetwear-leaning sensibilities are raised to higher heights by experimental cuts and distinctive details. This striped knit polo looks to pastel hues and a beautiful perforated check pattern to make its mark.
Featured In This Image: Isabel Marant Etoile polo
Neutral palettes and understated detailing are always a safe bet, especially in the hands of Isabel Marant Etoile. Tortoiseshell buttons and an intarsia logo on the chest punctuate the off-white wool-blend construction of the Nola Polo.
Featured In This Image: AMI Paris polo
Removing the standard Ami de Cœur logo, Alexandre Mattiussi places more focus on texture here. The alpaca-wool blend has a shaggy finish that brings a sense of playfulness to the knitted piece, which sides with formal styling.
- Date: January 19, 2024
