Are you wondering if polos are business casual? If so, you’re not alone! In fact, the business casual dress code is known for being a bit confusing and tricky.
Business casual attire can vary from office to office. However, there are a few simple rules to guarantee that your outfits are on point and you follow the business casual dress code.
Before wearing a polo shirt to the office, there are a few things that you should know. Which raises the question…
Is a Polo Shirt Business Casual?
Yes, polos are appropriate for men’s business casual outfits. Men should wear polo shirts in a business casual environment, as they are a step up from a t-shirt while being more casual than a button-up. Polo shirts have been a staple in men’s business casual attire for years.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the world of business-casual polo shirts, helping you discover the best styles, top picks, and expert tips for confidently wearing a polo shirt in a professional setting.
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What Kind of Polo Shirts Are Business Casual?
Since there are a few styles of polo shirts, it can be hard to know which ones are business casual. A short-sleeved polo shirt with a button-up collar has a smart casual look, which is ideal for the workplace. For colder days, wearing a long-sleeved polo is a good idea.
Avoid polo shirts made with thin or sporty materials, as they are too casual for the workplace. Brands like Nautica, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Lacoste make stylish business casual polo shirts.
3 Best Polo Shirts for Business Casual Outfits:
When it comes to choosing the best business casual shirts, consider these brands and styles that combine style and comfort:
1. Nautica Solid Deck Shirt
If you’re looking for a polo shirt that has a professional look, then check out the Nautica Solid Deck Polo Shirt. Whether you’re going to a casual event, job interview, or business meetings, this shirt looks great.
This polo shirt has a lightweight feel, is very comfortable, and comes in various colors, making it a great option for a business casual setting.
Recommended: Nautica Solid Deck Shirt (see over 5,000 positive reviews on Amazon)
2. Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Polo Shirt
The Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Polo Shirt is a good choice for someone who wants a well-fitted polo shirt. Since this polo shirt is made with high-quality materials, it has a comfortable feel.
This shirt looks great with khaki pants, chinos, jeans, or dress pants. Whether it’s for casual meeting or formal occasions, a Polo Ralph Lauren polo shirt always looks great.
Recommended: Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Polo Shirt (see price on Amazon)
3. Lacoste Short Sleeve Polo Shirt
If you’re looking for a crisp polo shirt that is perfect for office and casual wear, then the Lacoste Short Sleeve Polo Shirt is an excellent choice. This shirt is made with high-quality materials, is comfortable, and fits well.
Lacoste is a brand that is known for their polo shirts. Originally, Lacoste polo shirts were worn by tennis players. Nowadays, Lacoste polos are a staple in men’s business attire, and professionals around the globe wear them.
If you’re looking for a polo shirt that will last you for a while, this Lacoste shirt is the perfect choice.
Recommended: Lacoste Short Sleeve Polo Shirt (see different colors on Amazon)
5 Tips for Wearing Polo Shirts as Business Casual Attire:
Here are some helpful tips for wearing polo shirts in a business casual environment:
1. Invest in Good Quality Polo Shirts
When it comes to polo shirts, investing in quality clothing is a good idea. Look for polo shirts that are made with high-quality materials like prima cotton or cotton-blend.
A good quality polo shirt will last longer, look better, and fit better. Clothing brands like Polo Ralph Lauren. Lacoste, Hugo Boss, Nautica, and Tommy Hilfiger are known for making high-quality polo shirts.
2. Find the Right Fit
Before purchasing a polo shirt, it’s essential to try it on! A polo shirt may have a different fit than a regular t-shirt, so you’ll want to ensure it fits your body type correctly.
When you’re looking for a polo shirt, you’ll want to find a balance between not being too tight and not being too loose. If you feel comfortable and confident in the polo shirt, then it’s definitely worth buying.
If you can’t find a polo shirt that fits your body right, you can always get it tailored to get the perfect fit.
3. Tuck in Your Shirt
Tucking your polo shirt into your pants is a safe bet in most business casual settings. Tucking in your shirt will elevate your style and give you a more formal look.
An untucked shirt may be acceptable on casual Fridays or in a casual office. However, it’s a good idea to see how other people dress before going to work without tucking in your shirt.
4. Make Sure Your Shirt Is Clean
When you wear a polo shirt in the workplace, it’s essential to ensure it is clean. Check for any stains and marks before wearing it to the office.
It’s important to pay attention to the small details. Make sure the shirt is well-ironed and free of wrinkles. Also, pay attention to the collar and cuffs to avoid wrinkles.
5. Wear the Right Shoes
Your shoes are extremely important when you’re putting together a business casual outfit. Dress shoes, loafers, leather tennis shoes, and boat shoes (on warm days) are great options.
When choosing your dress shoes, ensure they adhere to your company’s dress codes. If you need help deciding what shoes to wear, dress shoes are always a safe bet!
Do You Have to Tuck in Polo Shirts For Business Casual?
Your polo t-shirt should be tucked in for any business casual event or formal event. Tucking in a shirt bridges the final gap between casual attire and business casual. If the event is not work-related, you can leave your shirt untucked for a casual look.
Business Casual Alternatives to Polo Shirts:
There are a few alternatives to polo shirts that look great in a business casual environment. This list includes some versatile top options to consider:
- Dress shirts
- Long-sleeve polo shirts
- Long-sleeve button-up shirts
- Short-sleeve button-up shirts
- Turtleneck sweater
- T-shirt and suit jacket
It’s important to note that specific dress codes for business casual attire can vary between workplaces. Verifying your company’s guidelines and adjusting your outfits is a good idea.
These polo shirt alternatives offer flexibility and style while maintaining a smart casual style.
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Final Thoughts On Is a Polo Shirt Business Casual?
Wearing a polo shirt with a business casual outfit is a total game-changer. Choosing the right polo shirt style and paying attention to the fit will give you a professional outfit in no time!
In this post, I shared if a polo shirt is business casual, the best business casual polo shirts, and tips for wearing a polo shirt in a professional setting.
To tuck or not to tuck…that age old polo dilemma lol. Leave it to a Z’er to explain the rules so concisely and clearly – nice!
Your articles are like mini “webinars”, and I always look forward to seeing which topic is up for discussion next. I usually learn at least one cool new modern fact in each article that I did not know before. In the last article on Polo Ralph Lauren, I learned that polo shirts and joggers are now being worn together, and in this article I learned that T-shirts and suit jackets can actually be paired as business casual these days. I looked up some pictures of both of those concepts and yeah, crafted the right way those pairings really do look super sick!
Like I always say, the 2020’s are truly amazing and I love learning about and being a part of it all ! This website is the best.