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“Italians see fashion as a search for beauty,” says Matteo Persivale, one of Milan’s best-dressed men and a senior writer at Corriere della Serra, the country’s leading daily newspaper.

Perhaps that’s why those in less tropical climes are still so drawn to the Italianate style — it breaks free of the workaday pragmatism of traditional tailoring, and lives with a passion that most rarely allow their more buttoned-up wardrobes to experience.

Italian style has a classic quality about it, but right now it’s also pushing envelopes and generating hype for fun. Luxury brands like Gucci, Moncler and Stone Island – all with strikingly different heritage – are enjoying crossover success, appealing to one-percenters and streetwear-loving millennials alike.

Not that you have to be a high roller to sprinkle some sprezzatura over your wardrobe. Here are 10 of the finest Italian menswear brands, and the particulars of their own search for beauty.

Incotex

Best For: Versatile Trousers

Venetian label Incotex is part of the much-loved Slowear collective — a group of craftsmen and design houses with a shared belief in producing higher quality clothes and a distinct aversion to disposable garments and fast fashion. The brand’s simple but expertly built chinos are a staple of most Italian men’s wardrobes, where their understated colourways and traditional detailing means they’re equally at home below a blazer or paired with a T-shirt and sneakers.

Aspesi

Best For: Expertly Engineered Outerwear

Since 1969, Aspesi has specialised in the kind of lifelong clothing companions that will weather any storm and grow better with age. The brand’s founder, Alberto Aspesi, seldom gives interviews and designs his garments without any outer logos. Instead, he lets the garments speak for themselves, mainly through their precise craftsmanship and rich materials. Its field jackets, for example, are some of the most coveted in the world thanks to their military-issue detailing, utilitarian feel, and year-round versatility.

Brunello Cucinelli

Best For: Indulgent Investment Pieces

It’s little wonder the Italian press dubs Mr Brunello Cucinelli ‘The King of Cashmere’. Aged 25, having recently dropped out of university, he took the bold step of being the first to dye the ultra soft textile to create his designs. Today, Cucinelli’s clothes sit at the higher-end of the men’s market, worn by everyone from the Hollywood elite to royalty, but they’re characterised by such next-level craftsmanship that they’re well worth saving up for.

Rubinacci

Best For: Neapolitan Flair

Triple-pleated trousers! Voluptuous silk pocket squares! Butter-soft ‘Belgian’ loafers! Rubinacci is Neopolitan flair incarnate. But this dandified label isn’t just the fare of Pitti Peacocks and their overly choreographed carelessness, this is the real deal. Founded under the watch of Gennaro Rubinacci in 1932, the brand continues to be run three generations later by the same family. The Napoli-based house’s construction is near masterful, with an emphasis on super light tailoring and exquisite detailing: most Rubinacci blazers, for example, are silk-lined and printed with extravagant baroque scenes.

Gucci

Best For: High-Fashion Fun

Under the visionary gaze of Alessandro Michele, one of Italy’s most established fashion houses has finally got its groove back. Though timeless staples like the horsebit loafer add a pinch of classic Ivy League style to any outfit, it’s in the newer, more outlandish designs and collaborations that Gucci has come to life (and been restored to the top of luxury fashion’s best-seller list). Don the label’s statement outerwear or ornately embroidered knitwear for a dose of go-to-hell Italian expressionism.

Loro Piana

Best For: Cashmere

For Loro Piana, it’s all about the fabric. Since its conception in 1924, this family business has weaved some of the finest cashmere known to man and is still the world’s largest producer of the soft stuff today. That’s not to say the design and finishing aren’t pretty special too — expect versatile wardrobe staples like chambray shirts and suede trucker jackets in a range of high-tech finishes. The wind and water-resistant Storm System coating, for example, protects its baby cashmere without ever diminishing its handfeel.

Tod’s

Best For: Statement Footwear

Few things embody that certain un certo non so che (the Italian version of ‘je ne sais quoi’) like a pair of Tod’s Gommino driving shoes. Their soft soles, each set on the brand’s signature rubber pebbles (133 to be exact), and illuminated colourways show a healthy disdain for our soggy Anglo Saxon weather, but they’re worth a punt no matter the climate. Owned by the achingly stylish Della Valle family, Tod’s has also developed a wider range of sturdier, year-round options that will complement any wardrobe. We particularly like its take on the traditional chukka boot.

Armani

Best For: Double-Breasted Suiting

Perhaps Italy’s best-known designer, Giorgio Armani is a purveyor, ambassador and creator of truly immaculate tailoring. The house, which is still overseen by the eponymous man himself, made its mark with the kind of flawless double-breasted suits that could create an A-lister overnight (we’re looking at you, Mr Gere), with subtle touches such as patch pockets on half-lined blazers that continue to be adored the world over.

Prada

Best For: Retro Colour

After starting life as a high-end leather goods shop in 1913, Prada quickly became a darling of the Italian royal family and its official supplier of livery and court clothing. Though today we don’t have much use for ornamental gold epaulettes, there is a space in most wardrobes for the label’s distinctly retro, 1970s-inflected suiting, mid-century Cuban collar shirts and bold, nigh-on fluorescent sneakers.

Persol

Best For: Dolce Vita Eyewear

Steve McQueen wore Persols religiously, which tells you pretty much everything you need to know about the eyewear dons. Rugged yet refined, equally at home on the open road as on the red carpets of Venice, a pair of Persols is the ultimate Italian accessory. Their silver hallmark, dubbed the ‘Supreme Arrow’, is a sign of remarkable build quality and badass elegance wherever it’s spotted. One for the pub quiz: the company developed the first ever flexible stem sunglasses, which allow the arms to contour to any head shape.

How To Dress Like an Italian

Accessorise Artfully

“Italy’s a diverse country, with a diverse climate, diverse habits and diverse cultures,” says Persivale. As such, the accessories that Italian men wear are personal, unique and distinctive.

“Your ties, pocket squares, the patterns of your fabrics: every accessory carries the values of the Italian man who wears it.” Translated, accessories can be extravagant and overstated (most often in the south) or muted and understated (in Milan and the north), but they should always be true to the wearer’s own style.

Live And Breathe Sprezzatura

“Sprezzatura is the gift of making difficult things look easy,” says Persivale. “It’s hard to explain to people that it can’t be forced.

“Look into yourself, find the piece of wardrobe that better expresses your taste, your attitude, and go ahead. Rules aren’t really there any more, just break them in a way that makes sense to you, and allow them to tell a story.”

Master Unstructured Tailoring

Lighter, less structured tailoring is a staple of Italian dressing. And even though it lends a more relaxed look to an ensemble, there are still conventions to observe.

“A higher armhole and a fuller sleeve are a thing of beauty on unstructured suiting,” says Persivale. “Also, I’d rather have a slightly higher waist than a too-low waist.”

Trouser Length Is Everything

“I’d always advise paying attention to the way the leg falls on your shoe when you’re having your trousers altered,” says Persivale. “It doesn’t matter if you’re sample size or need significant alterations, find the best tailor for alterations that you can afford.”

The general rule for elegant trousering the Italian way is simple: “Show your shoe without necessarily showing your ankle.”

It was only a generation ago (give or take) that a basin-cut was still a legitimate men’s hairstyle for some barbers. Before the barbershop renaissance in the 21st century, the trade often amounted to a hairy half hour in the chair as someone with minimal training took a hack-it-and-hope approach to your head.

A lot has changed. These days even high-street barbers are capable of creating haircuts akin to artwork, using tools that wouldn’t look out of place in an operating theatre.

Case in point: the taper fade.

This modern haircut element is the perfect mix of classic and contemporary, providing the ideal foundation upon which to build almost any style. As sharp on a LinkedIn bio as it is on a Tinder one, it’s a next-level barbering technique and one that will get you noticed. But just what exactly is it?

Taper Vs. Fade: What’s The Difference?

The first thing to understand about the taper fade is that it is actually an amalgamation of two different barbering tricks – somewhat unsurprisingly, the taper and the fade.

These two cutting methods are similar in that they both offer a way to graduate smoothly between differing lengths of hair. The distinction between the two is that a taper deals with longer hair and sculpts using both scissors and clippers, while a fade is performed with clippers only and is much shorter, right down to the skin usually.

Leading barber Joe Mills, of Joe & Co., has a handy analogy to make it clear.

“Think about trousers that taper, says Mills. “They gradually get narrower. So, in haircut terms, a taper is not down to skin but the hair gradually gets shorter. A fade is similar but fades away entirely, hence the term ‘skin fade’. It’s more extreme than a taper.”

What Is A Taper Fade Haircut?

Combining a taper with a fade allows barbers to neatly transition from hair of a significant length, right down to a skin fade with – quite literally – razor-sharp precision. This creates the sort of modern, polished look that would have had the hairdressers of yesteryear scratching at their butchered barnets in astonishment.

How Did The Taper Fade Become Popular?

Both tapered and faded styles have had a huge resurgence over the past few years, thanks in no small part to certain period dramas opening men’s eyes to a new (or old) style of grooming.

“It descended from the old days when hair clippers were hand powered and you could only go short,” explains Mikey Pearson, director of Manifesto barbershop. “They would cut along the hairline to create a kind of wedge then blend it in with scissors. If hair flicked out from above the ears you would be classed as ‘scruffy’.”

The taper fade harks back to this, while keeping one foot firmly planted in the here and now, making it the trim of choice for so many contemporary, style-conscious gents.

“It’s a clean, crisp look,” says Pearson. “And thanks to the likes of the Peaky Blinders we’re seeing more and more men asking for it.”

Is It For You?

The taper fade is a versatile trim, because it’s essentially a boss-level version of the short back and sides. It can be worn with anything from a short crop to an all-singing, all-shiny pompadour on top. Because of this versatility, it’s a cut that can be adapted to suit most face shapes.

However, if you’re cursed with a boat race longer than Seabiscuit’s and want to try this style, you’re best advised to steer clear of anything with too much height. The close-cut sides and length left on top mean that the taper fade naturally lends the face some additional length. Which, unless you’re deliberately going for the equine vibe, is probably something to avoid.

“The taper fade is suited to most as you can adapt the height and shape of the fade and weight of the blend to suit any client,” explains Tom Chapman, founder of the Lions Barber Collective and ambassador to The Bluebeards Revenge. “If you have a more daring client in the chair you can take the shortest grad up pretty high and leave a heavy blend. You can also leave more weight at the sides behind the ear by creating an arch as your base shape instead of the usual straight shape.”

The Best Taper Fade Styles And How To Get Them

Before you buzz off to the barbers for one of the decade’s defining chops, take a look at some of the style’s most popular variations for a bit of follicular inspiration.

Taper Fade & Short Crop

They say less is more and, looking at the minimalist styling of this particular trim, we’re inclined to agree. It’s perfect for the kind of guy who wants something smart and low maintenance that won’t leave him wincing at old photographs 10 years down the line.

“This style has a very graduated skin-fade from the base up to a longer layer,” explains Mark Woolley, founder of Electric Hairdressing. “The top layer is slightly disconnected from the back and sides.”

Think this might be the cut for you? Woolley always recommends taking a photo along with you to avoid any awkward, post-trim mirror moments.

“You ultimately want to ask for a fading cut with a slightly disconnected top layer which gives you a nice, choppy texture,” he says.

Apply a salt spray or matte clay/paste roughly with your fingers to increase separation and help emphasise the natural, care-free texture created on top.

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Taper Fade & Pompadour

If Johnny Cash had been born 60 years later, there’s no doubt that this would be the do he’d be rocking. A perfect blend of old and new, the pompadour is a nod to one of the defining styles of the last century, while the taper fade on the back and sides brings things right up to date.

So, how can you get the look? Again, you’ll want some inspiration.

“A picture is worth a hundred words,” says Mills. “This is doubly true when getting a cut. Take an image in so at least your barber knows what you are thinking. The terminology we use can be confusing and for me the consultation with the client is key.”

Mills adds that the trick to getting the cut right is to know how close you want to go at the back and sides. “Ideally the top should be at least four or five inches longer than at the back and sides,” he says.

“To style it you will need a decent hair dryer and a Denman vent brush,” advises Mills. “This isn’t a wash and go look.

“I recommend a styling mousse on clean damp hair. Evenly distribute a tangerine-sized amount through the hair and then using your brush and dryer, style it back away from the face creating height and direction.” Finish with a strong-hold hair spray if you find your style loses its pomp after a couple of hours.

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Taper Fade & Side-Swept Length

Generally speaking, the graduated back and sides of a taper fade is geared towards shorter haircuts. However, with some clever, asymmetrical styling, there’s no reason you can’t embrace your inner grunger at the same time.

“The key characteristics of this cut are the low fade on the back and sides with a disconnected top,” says Pearson.

“Ask for a low fade, something like a five into a four. Keep the top disconnected, cutting short to long to keep length at the fringe. As always I would recommend taking a photo with you.”

In terms of styling at home, Pearson suggests using a volume spray in damp hair and blow drying upwards. Once dry, he recommends finishing off with a matte clay to add texture.

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Taper Fade & Short Braids

A few short braids or dreads thrown into the mix adds a nice touch of personality to a taper fade, while remaining clean and smart enough to dress up or down. Highly-experienced barber Joseph Lanzante, who runs his own barbering academy, is certainly a fan.

“A taper fade finished with short dreads on top has become a very popular haircut as it provides a clean and stylish finish to the overall style,” he says.

“To create a clean-cut taper fade, you will need to ask your barber for a grade one cut on the back, fading up to grade two and three. Make sure you keep your hair long on top long to ensure you can create the short dreads that are key to this style.”

Another plus point for this particular style is that management at home couldn’t be easier. Lanzante recommends nothing more complex than coconut oil. Rub the oil through the hair to keep it nourished and moisturised but be careful not to use too much or it could wind up looking oily.

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You don’t have to be a haulier to get a lot of mileage out of a trucker. Or a cowboy. The jean jacket has, like a lot of workwear staples, gone from being a beat-up old-reliable of menswear to a go-to for more dress codes than you’d imagine. But what do you pair with a denim jacket besides… More denim? That’s where this guide to men’s jean jacket outfits comes in.

“A denim jacket is a fantastic option to have at your disposal for its versatility, especially at this time of the year,” says Daniel Rhone, stylist and personal shopper for a squad of top, top Premier League footballers – emphasis on ‘ballers’. “I like to layer one as a middle tier between my choice of outerwear and an underlayer of a tee or shirt. Particularly if I’ve underestimated the temperature outside.”

You don’t have to take his word for it, although you should, because he’s a very cool guy, even when he wraps up warm. But to drive the point home, here are 10 different ways to wear a jean jacket so that you can keep on trucking down the road.

Key Takeaways

Discover how to style a men’s denim jacket for any occasion with our concise guide. A denim jacket offers unmatched versatility, pairing well with everything from casual chinos and white tees to more refined black jeans or tailored trousers.

Adapt your look to suit different seasons by layering effectively or keeping it simple. For an optimal fit and a stylish ensemble, focus on coordinating colors and appropriate sizing. Elevate your wardrobe by integrating this timeless piece, blending classic and contemporary styles seamlessly.

Jean Jacket With Chinos

You’re effectively wearing jeans on your top half, and you know that double denim is dangerous territory. But so is going out half-naked. Enter chinos. They can be smart, with formalising features such as pleats, creases and a tab closure, but they can also be casual.

Their military history and typically utilitarian cotton-twill fabric nevertheless make them a dependable denim ally; the original khaki – technically a colour, not a style – is a classic pairing. Add a white T-shirt (see below) and you’re Don Draper at the weekend.

Jean Jacket With A White T-shirt

This is another classic pairing enshrined in Americana. A crisp but fuss-free look, it’s not quite as easy as you might think.

Its success largely hinges on finding the perfect white tee, which can be a Goldilocks-ian quest: not too slim, not too baggy; not too translucent, not too bulletproof; not too “gunny”, not too modest; not too much like a dress, not too much like a crop-top; not so high on the neck so that it’s an undershirt-cum-garotte, not so low that it’s a clavicle-exposing deep-U.

Whoever called the white tee a basic was wrong.

Jean Jacket With Joggers

A denim jacket doesn’t exactly fall under the category of sportswear, unless you’re a rodeo rider. But it provides a degree of structure to offset the softness of your joggers, as well as more prosaically just not being another piece of jersey, thereby saving you from having to go full tracksuit or ‘Tesco tuxedo’.

This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule (there aren’t many of those left in menswear) but you’re probably best to steer clear of cowboy details on your denim jacket. Style historians don’t record athleisure as having been a key trend in the Old West.

Jean Jacket With Black Jeans

Double denim can be doubly good even if you flagrantly transgress the ‘distinct shades’ rule: see Martin Sheen in Badlands. It can also be very, very bad: see Justin Timberlake in your nightmares. But for a fail-safe way to splice jeans, black and blue is hard to beat.

Other colours of jeans can do the same trick: grey, for one, and even white, although that presents its own pitfalls, not to mention impracticalities. But like Wesley Snipes having a cheeky flutter on the Rugby World Cup, always bet on black.

Jean Jacket With Indigo Jeans

A shade more difficult than black jeans, but still not that hard, unwashed indigo denim will stand much less of a chance of optically bleeding into a lighter and/or distressed denim jacket than lighter and/or distressed jeans, for reasons that should hopefully be apparent from reading this sentence.

It’s not like double, indistinguishably dark denim can’t ever be done, mind: we seem to recall Ryan Gosling looking fairly badass in Drive. But that said, he is Canadian, so may possess a home country advantage.

Jean Jacket With A Shirt And Tie

Yes, you can mix business with workwear. Make the partnership less what-the-hell by dialling down the dressiness of the other elements to bring them more in line with your decidedly casual trucker: a button-down Oxford instead of a stiff-coloured poplin; a knitted tie instead of woven silk; chinos instead of tailored trousers (although they can work too – see below).

N.B., even if your denim jacket isn’t overly faded, it’s still way more informal than any tailored equivalent, so may not be SFW at your place of employment.

Jean Jacket With A Hoodie

This combo is a fallback for any menswear blogger attempting to look vaguely urban. Don’t let that put you off. A hoodie is a natural sparring partner for a denim jacket because they’re both low-key, chuck-on weekend staples.

In that vein, don’t overdo it. Keep the colours neutral and don’t go too boxy with the fit of the hoodie. Avoid the brash logos of streetwear’s latest drops and stick to a navy or grey marl under a blue denim jacket.

Jean Jacket With Tailored Trousers

Similar to the shirt and tie, it helps if you can minimise the seeming discord between your casual jacket and smart trousers. That could be by jacking your jacket up in smartness with an unwashed dark denim, plus minimal bells and whistles such as contrast stitching or rivets.

Likewise, you could pull your trousers down a notch in formality with a more substantial, nubby material that’s closer to denim on the spectrum. Or opt for a relaxed fit, a cropped length or turn-ups.

Jean Jacket With A Roll Neck

Anywhere you can wear a shirt, you can rock a roll neck. Well, pretty much. But before you knit up, consider your denim jacket’s finish, whether pristine indigo or battered stonewash, and how that metaphorically stitches together with your jumper.

If the latter’s too sheer and sheeny, there might be a dissonance with the rough, tough denim; too chunky and your jacket might appear insubstantial by comparison. (Generally speaking, layers should get thicker the further away they get from your body, and vice versa.)

Jean Jacket With An Overcoat Or Topcoat

As with a tailored blazer, your denim jacket should be slim fitting if you want to wear it under an overcoat. You should just about be able to get two fingers down it when done up and it should be narrow-necked so it doesn’t compete with your coat’s lapels.

By its nature, even the smartest tailored outerwear has a degree of ruggedness so this is not as incongruous as you might think. Don’t be afraid to juxtapose, either: camel, which normally skews formal, can be a really nice combo. Bonus points if your jacket’s stitching matches the colour.

 

Final Verdict

Discover how to style a men’s denim jacket for any occasion with our concise guide. A denim jacket offers unmatched versatility, pairing well with everything from casual chinos and white tees to more refined black jeans or tailored trousers.

Adapt your look to suit different seasons by layering effectively or keeping it simple. For an optimal fit and a stylish ensemble, focus on coordinating colors and appropriate sizing. Elevate your wardrobe by integrating this timeless piece, blending classic and contemporary styles seamlessly.

We all know the best men’s polo shirts are a good compromise between classy dress shirts and cozy tees.

They’re often made with the same fabric as athletic wear and come in solid colors, vibrant hues, and bold patterns.

They can be worn for a wide range of occasions, whether it’s in the office, at cocktail parties, during happy hours, or even as a casual base layer for suits.

A good polo shirt needs to be woven with high-quality materials and should be breathable to stand against daily wear.

I’ve researched high and low for the best men’s polo shirts—and even recently tried a few styles from the top brands—that can match your needs for various occasions.

Whether you just want to elevate your attire or have a cozy staple for work, these are the best polo shirts for men.

Key Takeaways

To unravel the best men’s polo shirts, I combed through a ton of brands, Amazon listings, and customer reviews. The nine below are the top options I found based on material, size, fit, and color.

My best overall is the Collars and Co Semi-Spread Collar Polo Rosewood because of its modern design combined with a breathable fit. It’s then followed by the Gildan Ultra Cotton 6.5 oz. Pique Polo for its heavyweight build, soft texture, and affordable price.

Why it’s great: The Collars & Co. Semi-Spread Collar Polo Rosewood weaves comfort and style together. This short-sleeved shirt sports a formal semi-spread dress collar and offers 4-way stretch to ensure the perfect feel, tucked or untucked.

The collar can even accommodate a large tie knot and it’s breathable to wear with a blazer on. It’s also equipped with moisture-wicking properties, so you won’t deal with annoying sweat when you wear it during warm weather or a round of golf.

Who is this for? This is one of the very best men’s polo shirts. It’s a perfect shirt for men who want a comfortable top that doesn’t feel stuffy. Plus, it comes in a lot of colors and patterns.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The fabric may pill easily when washed with other types of clothes. Please follow the care instructions!

Material: 100% Polyester | Sizes: S–3XL | Colors: 28 | Care: Machine wash

Why it’s great: Crafted from certified organic cotton, the LESTRANGE Fine Knit Polo boasts a smooth fabric with a luxurious finish that drapes effortlessly. The fabric is “gassed,” which makes it free from fuzz, in turn producing fine fibers. The result is a vibrant garment that truly shines with its colors.

The shirt’s lightweight and breathable structure makes it the perfect warm-weather staple. It also displays a clean, refined, and modern image through its minimal open placket collar.

Who is this for? If you have the cash for it, then is is one of the best polos for sustainability and design.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is one of the best men’s polo shirts you can buy. However, you’ll pay more than $100, so it might not be for everyone.

Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: 4 | Care: Machine wash

Why it’s great: The Billy Reid Pensacola Polo hides its features behind its simple design. It’s cut in soft organic cotton and garment-dyed to produce its soft and vibrant texture. It boasts a classic fit with straight sleeves, giving the shirt an elevated vintage look.

The collar and placket maintain their form through the brand’s woven cotton sheeting technique. You’ll look equally dapper when unbuttoned, as the underplacket’s twill tape adds a refined touch.

The Billy Reid Pensacola is one of the best men’s polo shirts you can get. It’s a versatile top that you can wear tucked or untucked, making it a great everyday wear option for both dressy and casual social events.

Who is this for? A great option for modern guys searching for that “effortless” look. Its construction will also accentuate a muscular build (if that’s you, champ).

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The pocket tends to curl up if cared for poorly. Nothing a regular iron can’t fix!

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: S–XXL | Colors: 8 | Care: Machine wash

Why it’s great: Cozy and definitely airy, the Aurélien White Egyptian Polo Shirt maximizes the softness and lightweight texture of fine cotton to provide possibly the most comfortable shirt men can find.

This piece of smart-casual wear drapes effortlessly down the body and is extra soft. It also boasts the relaxed elegance the brand is known for and showcases 14 vibrant colors that can match just about any outfit. All of that makes it one of the best men’s polo shirts out there.

Who is this for? A great option for summer-ready attire for men, as the light cotton fabric provides enough breeze to stay cool despite the rising temperature.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: It’s a bit loose, so men who want to show off their masculine figure may not find this to be the right shirt for them.

Material: 100% Egyptian Cotton | Sizes: S–3XL | Colors: 14 | Care: Machine wash

Why it’s great: Woven in Brescia, Northern Italy, the Luca Falconi Elba Polo is a premium linen jersey polo shirt that showcases unparalleled breathability. Its lightweight weave is accompanied by a smooth and soft texture brought about by its Aloe Vera treatment finish.

The shirt comes with a relaxed fit and nine visually pleasing hues. The mother-of-pearl buttons further upscale the shirt’s elegance. It also comes with sweat-absorbent characteristics, making it ideal for daily wear.

Who is this for? This is one of the best men’s polo shirts you can find. It’s a great, functional staple for a man’s wardrobe. One that goes well with both city casual and beach-side leisure.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The fabric is a bit thin, so it may not be a good option for more formal work events.

Material: 100% Linen Jersey | Sizes: XS–3XL | Colors: 9 | Care: Hand wash

Why it’s great: One of the best deals on Amazon is the Hanes Men’s X-Temp Short Sleeve Polo Shirt. This midweight pique top feels super soft against the skin, and the “X-Temp technology” it’s designed with will keep you cool and dry no matter how hot the weather is.

It’s made to adapt to your body temperature and wicks moisture away from your skin. Moreover, the FreshIQ feature keeps bad odors away from your body and prevents the shirt from permanently staining.

Another nice aspect of this shirt is that it doesn’t wrinkle easily—you can throw it in the closet unfolded, and it’s still going to come out smooth when you pull it out.

Who is this for? This is one of the best men’s polo shirts. It’s great for guys who don’t want to deal with sweat, odor, or ironing. No fusses here.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: They’re a little loose, so order a size down if you want a tighter fit.

Material: 50% Polyester, 50% Cotton | Sizes: S–6XL | Colors: 8 | Care: Machine wash

Why it’s great: The Gildan Ultra Cotton 6.5 oz. Pique Polo is an affordable polo shirt that’s roughly between $8 and $14. Despite being made from cotton, it’s quite heavy, so you know that it’s built to last the test of time. It’s also still soft and quite breathable.

The three wood-tone buttons offer a touch of sophistication in case you intend to wear it to smart-casual business events. Its quarter-turned body (seams on the size) minimizes creases, meaning you’ll look great even when you wear it all day.

Another great thing about this shirt is the extensive selection of colors—you can pretty much grab a colorway for any outfit you may be rocking.

Who is this for? A great, breathable shirt for guys looking to spend less on clothing and still get something good.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is one of the best men’s polo shirts. Know, though, that the size runs smaller than usual. Unless you want a super tight look, size up by one.

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: 19 | Care: Machine wash

Why it’s great: The CQR Men’s Polo Shirt is a top that comes with extra athletic features compared to more traditional shirts. Made from polyester FrostTech fabric, it offers sweat-wicking, maximum stretchiness, quick-dry, and two-way air circulation, making it the ideal choice for outdoor activities.

Simply one of the best men’s polo shirts, its classic 3-button crewneck design gives you a sophisticated look, even when you’re hiking, camping, or hunting. It comes with a pen pocket on the left shoulder—talk about added convenience.

In addition, the built-in mesh ventilation system gives the shirt more breathability, so you’ll barely feel the heat even when you suffer the toughest workouts.

Who is this for? This is the polo shirt for trailblazers and adventurers who work and spend time outdoors.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The length is true to size, but the width may run a little tight. Order a size larger for a comfortable fit.

Material: 100% Polyester | Sizes: XS–3XL | Colors: 20+ | Care: Machine wash

Why it’s great: Boasting an ultralight texture that keeps you cool and dry, the Woolly Polo gives you the comfort of merino wool in a standard, professional-looking shirt. Its six color options and modern fit make it ideal for business meetings or date nights.

The flatlock seams, chest pocket, and button-down collar add more style to this subtle yet comfortable polo. Its fully merino construction provides you with natural stretch, odor resistance, and moisture-wicking properties. It’s also hypoallergenic, so you won’t have to deal with skin irritation and itchiness.

Who is this for? A smart casual polo shirt is great for modern men who want to look sharp and feel cool when out on the town.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is one of the best men’s polo shirts on the market today. However, it does tend to shrink after a few washes, so it might be safe to order larger than your usual.

Material: 100% Merino Wool | Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: 6 | Care: Machine wash

Buying Considerations For the Best Men’s Polo Shirts

Material

The best men’s polo shirts will vary depending on their construction and the materials used. If you want a shirt that’s breathable and soft, then a cotton fabric will suit your needs.

Merino wool offers a lightweight texture on top of natural stretch and quick-dry features; so if you’re looking for a more athletic fit, this fabric may be the best for you.

Polyester, on the other hand, is more durable and can easily take daily wear and tear and sweat. Generally speaking, go for polyester for golf or tennis and cotton or linen for casual wear.

Size & Fit

The size and fit of a men’s polo shirt are extremely important, but it all depends on the wearer’s preferences. You might want something a bit breezy, so going for a relaxed or loose fit is the right choice here.

If you’re in the market for a shirt that contours to your masculine figure, then a nice shirt with four-way stretch may be the solution. What you don’t want, however, is a shirt that feels too tight or has extra room under the sleeves – those will never look the best.

Color

Like the size, colors will also depend on how you want your overall style to look. Neutral colors go well with dark pants, whereas patterned and vibrant ones may look better with washed jeans or chinos.

It’s paramount to consider how you want to appear to others—whether you want to look sharp and refined or casual and carefree.

How We Chose

Polo shirts can span from top-quality European fabrics or budget-friendly synthetic blends. The truth of the matter is that each type works better for certain individuals and settings.

Keeping this in mind, I prioritized quality over everything else and read through customer reviews and product descriptions to find the best men’s polo shirts that match specific people’s needs based on these factors:

Purpose: Is it breathable? Is it soft? Does it have sweat-wicking properties? I searched for polo shirts that served the proper purpose, not ones that claimed to be the best all-around shirt for every situation.

Customer Reviews: What do people say about the shirt? Would they recommend it to their friends? Customer reviews were one of the key indicators of a great product when rounding up these selections.

Price: You shouldn’t force yourself to buy the most expensive item available if the affordable alternative offers the same features at a better deal. I balanced quality and price points when selecting the polo shirts.

Why Trust Us?

Joe Niehaus is an experienced researcher, product reviewer, and tester. He’s written for sites including The Adult Man and Travel + Leisure, so he has a keen eye for top-quality polo shirts that can serve men’s needs.

Joe’s careful research method to find the best men’s polo shirts includes testing the products hands-on, analyzing and judging the selected materials, while also working with industry experts to zone in on the features that matter versus marketing jargon.

His readers get first-hand experience and curated recommendations, not just generic descriptions, to help them make enlightened decisions based on real-life customer testimonials.

Final Verdict 

The best men’s polo shirts should fuse stylish comfort with appealing functionality like a breathable fit and stretchy texture, all within a reasonable price tag.

The Collars and Co Semi-Spread Collar Polo Rosewood takes the top spot because of its fun patterns and streamlined collar that makes it a great base layer for suits and blazers.

It also comes with moisture-wicking properties and offers a classy and timeless build. It’s loved by hundreds of paying customers, and those testimonials carry a lot of weight, too.

Finding underwear that keeps your nuts at semen-production temperature is harder than it sounds. Too chilly? Try thermals. Too hot, sweaty, and stinky?

The best breathable underwear for men utilizes shape and innovative fabric to maximize airflow and keep things cool. But there is an important distinction between boxer briefs and boxer shorts.

Boxer shorts mimic the shorts boxers wear and come with an elasticated waist and a billowy leg. This gives optimum airflow but little in the way of support and movement reduction. Plus, they can get bunched up and irritate.

Boxer briefs are in the same vein as tighty-whiteys; they’re skin-tight. But if they’re too tight, then they can constrict blood flow, raise testicle temperature, and induce sweat. Personally, a slightly loose boxer brief is where it’s at.

This brings us to the fabric. Just as in most athletic underlayers, moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics will outperform most. On a day-to-day basis, I find cotton breathable and very durable. However, it is sweat-absorbent, potentially leading to smells over long periods.

Elsewhere, Tencel is a silk-like fabric that’ll feel like heaven on your junk and still deliver high breathability. Tencel tends to be more expensive because of its qualitative superiority and eco-conscious construction.

Each product has a unique blend of shape, color, size, bagginess, stretch, and fabric composition. That’s why I’m here to guide you through some of the best breathable underwear for men.

Read on below for a breath of fresh air.

Key Takeaways 

If you thought finding these boxers was a veritable breeze (excuse the clanging pun), then think again. For this task, I found myself flinging underwear across my bedroom on a Monday morning. I used my experience of wearing breathable underwear for men and combined it with online wisdom.

This is how I compiled the 8 boxer shorts you see on this list. I trawled Reddit. I read articles. I scrolled through customer reviews. And, I stared at Jeremy Allen White’s Calvin Klein campaign for a while.

Overall, the best breathable underwear for men is the Lululemon Always in Motion, mainly because it consistently crops up as the internet’s favorite and comes in a super soft, breathable, stretchy modal fabric. Plus, the shape is simple and ergonomic.

In addition to these factors, I wanted to find products that were optimum value for money, good for sustainability, and had a loose shape. This is why I chose Brava Fabric’s traditional boxer shorts as the runner-up for its prime airflow through a baggy leg.

Why it’s great: This pair of boxers is a Reddit favorite. The brand’s unique modal-elastane fabric is anti-odor, sweat-wicking, and has a four-way stretch. Modal is an eco-conscious wood pulp that has been compressed into super silky, breathable and durable fibers. Only the best breathable underwear for men is constructed from modal.

These shorts are available in both 5” and 7” inseams, a gargantuan range of sizes, and enough color choices for you to find “the one.”

Who is this for? Whether it’s for yoga or a sightseeing tour of ancient European ruins in the summertime, this pair of Lululemon boxer shorts has it all. It is tactile, breathable, and hardy. It is, quite simply, superior.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: It needs to be machine-washed cold. That’s it!

Sizes: XS–XXXL  | Material: 91% Modal, 9% Elastane | Colors Available: 11 | Style: Boxers | Care: Machine Wash Cold

Why it’s great: At the time of writing, these Hanes boxer shorts on Amazon have a whopping 141,436 reviews to their name. And to achieve 4.6 out of 5 on this scale suggests they really are that good.

Other than being well-received, they are affordable at just $3.30 per boxer short (time of writing) and made of cotton, which is very durable, easily washable, and relatively breathable. A lot of people end their search here, and I don’t blame them. These are the all-round package.

Who is this for? Do you prefer a little side-opening for your manhood to escape through to relieve yourself at the urinal? Or do you prefer to pop it over the top? There’s no right answer, of course, but this pair of Hanes opts for the side-window.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Although cotton provides longevity, it lacks breathability when compared to other fabrics.

Sizes: S–XXXL | Material: Solids: 100% Cotton; Heather: 75% Cotton, 25% Polyester | Colors Available: 10 | Style: Boxers | Care: Machine Wash

Why it’s great: The dual pouch system on these David Archy boxers is a fascinating feature. Separating the goods is meant to cool your testes and be more comfortable. Plus, there’s a wild lift-up pouch with a hole in it for easy toilet access. It is thrilling.

David Archy has redesigned the whole boxer short setup, and one Amazon review reads, “The ingenuity of the concept alone is enough to buy a pack, just to see/feel in action.”

Who is this for? If you’re open to a new way of genital operation, this is totally for you. But also, if you’re in the market for silken-soft micro-modal fabric with a lot of stretch, breathability, and durability, complete with a supportive fit, then look no further.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Does it fix a problem that was never there? Maybe. Would they be worth trying out? Almost certainly.

Sizes: S–XXL | Material: 92% Modal, 8% Spandex | Colors Available: 11 | Style: Trunks | Care: Machine Wash

Why it’s great: Boxer shorts as a luxury lifestyle item? The pure silky soft (not actually silk, though) feel of the Tencel™ Lyocell will elevate the somewhat necessary, somewhat barbarian act of keeping your junk secure into an item of decadence.

This is some of the best breathable underwear for men. It has natural moisture-wicking and high breathability ratings. The fit is a majestic blend of tight and loose, for that snug but breathable security.

Who is this for? If you want to feel sensual, sexy, and hot, even if you’re binge-eating and watching on the couch all day. I do recommend these for date night, though.

Having these on during intimate moments signals you as a well-kept man who can file his taxes and bring someone to orgasm with ease. Now, whether that’s true or not is entirely down to the pants-wearer.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: No flaws in the product other than its heightened price tag.

Sizes: XS–XXL | Material: 95% Tencel™ Lyocell, 5% Elastane | Colors Available: 6 | Style: Boxers | Care: Machine Wash (40 degrees Celsius)

Why it’s great: Being breathable isn’t all about intense, innovative fabrics. How about nature-friendly, high-quality organic cotton designed in a loose, old-school boxer short style? If you want to let air through, give your downstairs mix-up some space, goddamnit!

This pair of Brava Fabric boxer shorts are constructed with organic cotton, meaning no pesticides, no herbicides, and a greater respect for the natural world.

Who is this for? For those who like to let it all hang out. Think of it like a holiday for your nuts. But also, its more generous volume makes it ideal for the larger man.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Not the sexiest breathable underwear for men, but they get the job done.

Sizes: S–XXL | Material: 100% organic cotton | Colors Available: 1 | Style: Boxer Shorts | Care: Machine Wash Cold

Why it’s great: There’s an untold secret in fashion journalism. I am about to tell you. Ready? It’s to just shop at Uniqlo forever. It is quality, affordable, chic, simple, versatile, innovative and timeless. If that’s not enough adjectives to reach for your wallet, then I’m out of a job, I suppose.

This particularly innovative, seamless design is something I’ve never seen before and has a very aesthetically pleasing finish. Finally, the AIRism mesh stretch fabric receives a lot of love online for its breathability, comfort, lightweight feel, and affordability.

Who is this for? Ideal for those who don’t want another dude’s name bannered above their privates (see: Calvin Klein, David Archy, Tommy Hilfiger, etc.).

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is some of the best breathable underwear for men. However, the style and slightly cool-to-the-touch feel of the sheened fabric might not be to everyone’s flavor.

Sizes: S–XXXL | Material: 87% Nylon, 13% Spandex | Colors Available: 3 | Style: Seamless Boxer Brief | Care: Machine Wash Cold

Why it’s great: What has intense micropower? JAW, of course. AKA, The Small King. AKA Jeremy Allen-White. AKA, the internet-breaking star of the latest Calvin Klein campaign. But, also, these “Intense Power Micro Boxer Briefs” by Calvin Klein.

The synergy of product and star is perfected here. Although I don’t own this particular style of CKs, I am a proud owner of Calvin Klein boxer shorts and have been for years. In my opinion, they are the best.

I wear them almost every day, they wash well, the elastic stays strong, the color doesn’t fade, there’s no pilling, and inevitably, the branding has weight. The brand couldn’t survive solely on its famous sexualized billboards, as I and many others can attest, there is substance.

Who is this for? This is for those who want to embody the bold new graphics of new-era CK, support eco-conscious materials (88% reprocessed polyester), and be swaddled by a super relaxing microfibre.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The bold branding might turn some away, but it could be the move.

Sizes: S–XL | Material: 88% Reprocessed Polyester, 12% Elastane | Colors Available: 5 | Style: Boxers | Care: Machine Wash

Why it’s great: The Internet speaks, and we listen. Although I was unfamiliar with this pair of boxers, it kept cropping up on Reddit threads like r/onebag and r/askmen. So much so I couldn’t ignore it anymore. The boxers are moisture-wicking, stretchy, anti-stench, and easy to wash. The ideal all-rounder?

Who is this for? The choice of patterning from golf tees, all the way up to the heady cultural heights of garden gnomes, means that even teenagers now have access to high-quality boxer shorts. Hurray for them! The generous size range of these boxers makes them a great choice for larger men, too.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: From the images online, they look too tight. But, the swathe of positive reviews suggests that the fit is just right.

Sizes: S–4XL | Material: 4.4-oz. 93% Nylon, 7% Spandex | Colors Available: 8 | Style: Boxer Briefs | Care: Machine Wash

Buying Considerations for the Best Breathable Underwear for Men

Material

Cotton and merino wool fall under natural fibers. Lyocell, rayon, Tencel, and micro-modal are all synthetically achieved natural fibers. Polyester, nylon, spandex and elastane are all synthetic.

Natural fibers are better for the skin and don’t release microplastics. Synthetics offer stretch and innovative breathability functions.

Each brand uses a blend to achieve breathability, durability, washability, sweat-wicking, odor-prevention, and affordability. Creating the best breathable underwear for men is an artistic alchemy of fabric.

Color

Please, for the love of God, do not buy childish, cartoon-printed boxer shorts. The thought of wearing something too extravagant in a region barely seen just seems baffling to me. And I am someone who was a teenager who wore that type of boxer shorts.

I wore it because I had a strict school uniform and that was my only form of expression. I hope that you are less repressed and can-wear plain colors and simple check or stripe patterns. If in doubt, stick to white, gray, black, and navy. Your boxers aren’t the domain to be making colorful statements.

Size & Fit

Boxers should be snug but not uncomfortable. When you sit down for long periods, it’s natural that some readjustments be made, but if they’re painful or you’re readjusting every five minutes, then you have an issue. Essentially, if it registers with you, then you’ve got a problem.

As a skinny, 31” waist, 6 ft 2” guy, I tend to go for a large. I think maybe I’m naturally between a medium and a large, but I prefer the extra fabric and extra breeze, and this ensures that I never go too tight.

It’s important, too, to distinguish between boxer briefs and boxer shorts. Shorts, typically, are free-flowing and baggy, like… boxer shorts. Briefs are generally skintight, like tighty-whiteys.

However, the modern boxer short is a hybrid, somewhere in-between, a best of both worlds. The brief will refer to a tighter boxer short. And, if it looks like a baggy loose boxer short, then it is. Simple. Right?

How We Chose

There are infinite variations of shapes, fabric blends, styles, brands, sustainability ratings, and colors to choose from. This makes finding the best products an arduous task. For this reason, I factored in the top three considerations for the best breathable underwear for men out there.

Testicular Health: Surprisingly, this isn’t higher up on people’s search. We are in a male fertility crisis, and this is one easy solution to keeping sperm motility and sperm population high.

Boxers that value testicular health will be supportive to prevent needless knocks throughout the day but won’t be constrictive, allowing for blood flow and cool temperature.

Online Reputation: This was key to the search. With a treasure trove of information inside the murky depths of Reddit, we focused on reliable threads that have an ethos of providing genuine and honest feedback on consumer products for men.

Price/Fabric: The price generally fluctuates with the fabric. However, if the fabric used didn’t match the market value, then we didn’t consider it.

A brand is not worth more than a comfortable and affordable pair of boxer shorts. Calvin Klein is somewhat of an anomaly since the product is so good and the brand name is so unimpeachable for underwear.

Why Trust Us?

Harvey James is a journalist committed to the health and wealth of men’s testicles. In early 2023, he wrote a seminal (excuse the pun) article for British GQ titled “How to shave your balls”. Although that piece focussed on the aesthetics of the nether region, this article, best breathable underwear for men, tackles (excuse the pun) gonad health.

Harvey understands the medical importance of keeping your balls at a cool temperature and the impact that underwear can have on that. It was integral in this piece that each pair of boxer shorts supported the underlying health of a man’s testicles. Amid a “spermageddon,” this is more pressing than ever, and Harvey is the man to help.

Final Verdict 

Overall, the best breathable underwear for men is the Lululemon Always in Motion pair of boxer briefs. There are three reasons for this. Number 1 is the super breathable, durable, soft, and stretchy modal-elastane fabric blend. Number 2 is the simplistic shape and relaxed/supportive fit. Number 3 is the fact that everyone really loves it online.