Style guide
How to style a long-sleeve or knitted polo
A long-sleeve or knitted polo gives an outfit a collar without the stiffness of a shirt, which makes it one of the most useful tops between casual and smart casual. The sections below show how it is worn, with every piece tagged.
Updated 5 November 2026 · 6 outfits in this guide
01
Wear a striped cotton polo with denim
Jacket, T-shirt & Jeans
Casual · 6 pieces
Blue, T-shirt & Denim
Casual · 6 pieces
Stripes & Wide Denim
Casual · 6 pieces
A striped long-sleeve polo in cotton is the casual version. With washed or relaxed jeans it is a complete outfit on its own in spring and autumn.
Leave the top button open. Buttoned all the way up, a casual polo looks stiff.
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02
Choose merino for smart casual
A knitted polo in merino lies flatter and looks smarter than cotton. In brown, navy or grey with raw or dark denim and suede shoes, it works for most smart casual settings.
03
Add a jacket on top
A chore coat, a field jacket or an overshirt over a polo keeps the collar visible and adds structure. Plain jackets work best over striped polos.
04
Swap the jeans for canvas trousers
Cream or sand canvas trousers with a striped polo make a lighter, warm-weather outfit. Canvas deck shoes or suede sneakers keep it relaxed.
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05
Pick suede or clean leather shoes
Suede slip-ons, court sneakers and simple leather sneakers suit a polo. The smarter the polo, the plainer the shoe should be.
Questions
Should you tuck in a long-sleeve polo?
A knitted polo can be tucked into trousers for a smarter look. A casual cotton polo usually looks better untucked with jeans.
Is a long-sleeve polo smart casual?
Yes, especially a knitted or merino polo in a plain colour. A striped cotton polo sits closer to casual.
What jacket goes over a polo?
A chore coat, an overshirt, a field jacket or an unstructured blazer. Keep the jacket plain if the polo is striped.
Should a polo be buttoned to the top?
Usually not. One or two open buttons look relaxed; buttoned to the top works only with a fine knitted polo in a deliberately neat outfit.