How to Wear a Knit Polo Without Looking Like a Retiree

The knit polo has a reputation problem. Say the words and most guys picture their uncle at a country club, tucking a patterned knit polo into pleated khakis. But designers from Lemaire to Our Legacy have been championing the knit polo as one of the most sophisticated casual tops in menswear.

Fabric and gauge determine the polo character. A fine-gauge merino or cotton knit polo with a clean finish reads contemporary and elegant. A chunky, cable-knit polo reads heritage and vintage. For avoiding the retiree association, start with fine gauge in a solid color.

Fit should be relaxed, not loose. The knit polo should skim your torso with a bit of ease, not cling to every contour. A slightly boxy or dropped-shoulder cut reads as a deliberate style choice.

Collar treatment matters enormously. Button the polo all the way up for a mod-inspired look. Leave it completely open for a casual drape. The middle ground, one button undone, is the most conventional and also the most forgettable.

Pair down instead of up. A knit polo with jeans and sneakers reads modern. A knit polo with tailored trousers and loafers reads smart casual. A knit polo tucked into khakis with a belt is where you enter the danger zone.

For knit polos that nail the contemporary balance, check NN07 and John Smedley. NN07 Ryan Knit Polo runs about $140 and fits the modern silhouette perfectly. Browse NN07 at https://www.nn07.com.

The knit polo becomes a retiree garment only when it is worn in a retiree context. Change the context and you unlock one of the most versatile warm-weather tops in menswear.