Modern men appreciate knit polos, and it's easy to see why: they're universally flattering and—we can't deny—broadening shoulders. Over the past few years, knit polos have firmly established themselves as a staple in the contemporary wardrobe, making it essential to know how to style a knit polo effectively.

Their charm lies in their versatility; at work, you can easily pair a knit polo with tailored pants or use it to dress down your usual suit. On weekends, it complements your favorite jeans. A lighter-weight knit style can even work wonders during your vacations. In fact, the real challenge is figuring out where you can't wear one rather than how to wear a sweater polo right.

Knit polos tend to be more versatile than their piqué variations, primarily because they drape better. They offer the same comfort as a t-shirt but have a more polished and intentional look. This means you can confidently wear outfits with polo shirts for a range of occasions, from job meetings to date nights. With corduroy pants? Absolutely! Under a denim jacket? Definitely! Invest in a simple style in both long and short sleeves, and if you have the space, add one that boasts a touch of flair, whether a retro detail or an unexpected color.

Read further to discover how to style a polo sweater for various occasions, along with some handy tips and tricks to elevate your outfits.

What is the Knit Polo?

The men's knit polo is a unique garment that combines the cozy materials typically found in sweaters with the classic polo collar design. This results in a short body and generally short sleeves, though long-sleeve variations also exist. The collar gives it a distinctive look compared to a standard knit T-shirt. Depending on the style, it may feature a full opening in the front or a simpler pop-over design. Knit polos started gaining traction in the 1930s as people began wearing them beyond the tennis courts.

Short-sleeved knit polo: Crafted from soft knitted cotton, wool, or synthetics, this polo offers comfortable wear. Featuring loosely ribbed short sleeves, it has a collar that includes either three buttons or none at all. The fabric typically has a plush feel, making a short-sleeve knit top an ideal choice for all-day wear.

Long-sleeved knit polo: A knitted long-sleeve shirt is a timeless wardrobe essential. Featuring long sleeves and a buttoned neckline, long-sleeve polos come in a variety of fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, or wool, to ensure that the wearer stays comfortable and cool throughout the day.

Piqué knit polo: Piqué knit polos stand out due to their textured weave, which contributes to their durability and stylish appearance. This slightly thicker fabric is ideal for a polished look, making it versatile enough for casual outings and semi-formal events.

Jersey knit polos: Known for their soft, smooth texture and lightweight feel, they provide a relaxed fit and a casual look. While they shine in laid-back environments, they can be dressed up with the right accessories for a sharper appearance.

Outfits with Polo Shirts

Now that you're familiar with the various types of polo shirts for men, let's shift our focus to polo styling. Below, we'll explore the best men's knit polo outfit for different occasions.

For City Strolls

A knit shirt with a collar is the perfect choice if you want to achieve that polished city look without all the fuss. It's stylish and comfortable, making it a great pairing with classy blue jeans and some trendy sneakers. 

For this casual polo outfit, we've selected the Knit polo shirt in blue from Tiger of Sweden. We've paired it with Relaxed rise jeans from Citizens of Humanity and finished our urban look with Ghoud's striking Contrast panelled sneakers.

For Date Night

No matter when or where your date takes place, a sweater polo for men provides that timeless, classic style that's always in vogue. By pairing your best knit t-shirt with relaxed trousers, an overshirt, and loafers, you can be sure she'll be eager to see you again.

For the perfect date polo layering, we recommend the versatile Short-sleeve polo shirt in trendy green, combined with the brown Tapered slub drawstring pants from Les Deux. To elevate your outfit, simply throw on a Washed denim overshirt for that added touch of style.

To the Office

Revamp your usual five-day office wardrobe by swapping in a tucked-in polo with neutral jeans. This more laid-back style allows for a casual blazer, which serves as a perfect mid-layer and adds a touch of sophistication suitable for the workplace. The true highlights of this knit polo with blazer look are the details of your accessories—opt for a leather-braided belt that adds texture and pair it with loafers.

The Half-zip polo shirt is our top knit polo style for this ensemble. Style it with Straight-fit jeans and a chic Casual wool-blend blazer featuring a distinctive check pattern. To complete the look, Hereu's Slip-on loafers bring that stylish flair to your office attire that often gets overlooked.

To the Beach

Say goodbye to the bulky beachwear of the 1800s; nowadays, knits are a perfect choice for the beach—specifically, a men's knitted short-sleeve shirt paired with linen or swim shorts, complemented by a stylish pair of fisherman sandals.

In this summer knit polo outfit, we combined a white Contrast-collar polo shirt from Aeronautica Militare with the Striped swim shorts from Les Deux. To keep the look effortlessly comfortable, just slip on the Fisherman sandals from Hereu.

For Everyday Errands

The casual knit polo style is ideal for your daily activities—catching up with friends, taking your dog for a walk, or running errands. It's an effortless way to look stylish while feeling comfortable.

Elevate your everyday wardrobe with the Eagle-patch polo shirt in a trendy shade of green. Team this men's knit shirt up with Tapered slim jeans from Citizens of Humanity for a polished look, and don't forget about a pair of comfy shoes, like the Suede contrast-detail sneakers from Voile Blanche.

To Summer Wedding

If you're looking to shake things up for a summer wedding but don't want to go too bold, a polo without buttons is the perfect choice. Pair a knit polo with a suit, ideally made of linen, and relish in a fashion-forward, breathable outfit while the rest of the guests slowly roast in the heat.

For our stylish knit polo with suit outfit, we selected a cream linen suit from Tiger of Sweden. This ensemble features Linen straight-fit trousers and a matching Linen blazer, layered underneath with a pastel purple Piqué polo shirt from Les Deux that adds a vibrant pop of color to the overall look.

To Brunch

Casual elegance is versatile, perfect for brunch outfits and beach weddings. A men's knitted polo paired with linen trousers strikes the ideal balance between sophistication and relaxation. To keep the look laid-back, accessorize with a standout piece and slip on some flip-flops.

Our relaxed knit polo outfit features the Short Sleeve Linen Polo Shirt from 120% Lino, teamed with Linen tailored trousers. We've finished the look with the Flat Square Crossbody Bag from Hereu, which brings a unique woven texture and an understated touch of style.

To Bar

The vintage appeal of a knitted shirt is ideally suited for a bar setting. To liven things up, consider adding some accessories that complement the long-sleeve knit polo theme—pair your knit sweater polo with textured trousers to maintain a contemporary edge. Your entire ensemble should express your distinctive vibe, so choose your key pieces with care.

For our long-sleeve knit shirt look, we opted for the vibrant burgundy Long-sleeve merino polo shirt from Johnstons of Elgin, which we teamed with dark navy Corduroy chino trousers from A.P.C. This combination creates a stylish and textured foundation. To finish the outfit, we added the distinctive Webbing belt from Les Deux, featuring a unique rope-weave design as a standout accessory.

Styling Tips

• Fit and Size: To perfect your knitted top, focus on the fit and sizing. Aim for a snug yet comfortable feel—neither tight nor loose. The length should ideally reach just about your trouser waistband. Choose a silhouette that flatters your body shape, whether you prefer a slim or relaxed fit. For sleeves, aim for a mid-bicep length. Make sure the shoulder seams align perfectly with your shoulder points for that tailored finish. Don't forget to consult sizing charts, as they can differ across brands and regions.
• Styling for spring: Embrace the lively energy of the season by teaming a men polo sweater with tailored chinos or denim for a relaxed yet polished appearance. Choose lighter shades like pastels or vibrant accents to mirror the blooming surroundings. For added flair, layer your knitted polo with a chic cardigan or a classic blazer, then finish off your look with smart sneakers or loafers. Experiment with different textures to create depth in your outfit—mix merino wool with cotton for a refreshing twist.
• Styling for summer: Choose a breathable polo knit sweater made from light materials such as cotton or merino wool. Pair your polo with linen or cotton trousers or shorts for a fresh look. Opt for lighter shades like pastels or classic navy to embrace those summer vibes. When the evenings cool down, throw on a chic blazer or denim jacket. Top off your outfit with fashionable shades and a trendy hat to complete your ensemble.
• Styling for autumn: Choose luxurious merino wool or cashmere pieces that provide warmth without the added bulk, ideal for those in-between weather days. Pair your polo with tailored trousers or dark denim to create a polished look. Wear a classic blazer or a cozy cardigan to elevate your outfit. Play around with earthy tones such as navy, olive, or burgundy. Finish off your knit polo outfit with a stylish scarf or a sleek belt.
• Styling for winter: Opt for blends of merino wool, alpaca, or cashmere for superior insulation and comfort. Pair your knitted polo with a tailored blazer or a stylish coat for a polished look that keeps the chill at bay. Experiment with various colors and textures to bring depth to your outfit. Complete your ensemble with a fashionable scarf and beanie for that extra touch of warmth and flair.