The humble polo shirt has made a fierce return—and no, we’re not talking about your local IT guy’s Friday casual look. In 2026, the polo shirt is sexy, fitted, sheer, and high fashion. Once designed for functionality on the tennis court, the collared tee now holds a powerful place on runways, red carpets, and Instagram feeds.

The Evolution of the Polo Shirt

Originally crafted in the 1920s by French tennis legend René Lacoste, the polo shirt was born out of necessity: players needed a breathable, short-sleeved shirt with a collar to protect the neck. Lacoste’s pique cotton design was revolutionary, and it quickly found fans in the polo community—hence the name.

Through the decades, the polo shirt evolved from sportswear to casual menswear. By the 1980s and 1990s, it had become a preppy staple thanks to brands like Ralph Lauren and Lacoste, often layered with sweaters over the shoulders and worn in country clubs and suburban boardrooms.

Polo Shirts in the 1990s and 2000s

Remember the Y2K era when celebrities wore two or three polos layered together with all collars popped? Think Abercrombie models, Jersey Shore guys, and pop stars like Justin Timberlake. Back then, polos were worn loose, striped, and tucked into baggy jeans. The look was more frat boy than fashion-forward—but it laid the groundwork for its current resurgence.

Why Polo Shirts Are Back in 2026

Today’s polos are a statement of form, fit, and fluidity. Tight cuts, cropped hems, sheer fabrics, and exaggerated collars bring the piece into high fashion territory. The difference? Confidence and context.

Celebrity Influence

Pop star Kim Petras ignited the trend with her song “Polo,” name-dropping Lacoste and Ralph Lauren in a sultry ode to the shirt’s unexpected sex appeal. “You wanna get me out my polo shirt?” she sings—perfectly capturing the garment’s new flirty power.

Celebs like Rihanna, Manu Rios, and Benito Skinner have also embraced the trend. Rihanna styled hers effortlessly with jeans and pointed pumps, proving it’s unisex, versatile, and effortlessly cool.

Runway Revival

At the Spring/Summer 2026 menswear shows, the polo shirt ruled. Key moments included:

• No. 21: A striped polo tucked into oversized jorts with exposed boxer briefs—gritty, sporty, and street-chic.
• Comme des Garçons x Fred Perry: Checkerboard polo shirts with color-blocking turned classic prep into avant-garde statements.
• AMI Paris: Cropped polos paired with high-waist trousers and loafers for a retro-meets-modern silhouette.

These runway moments redefined the polo as more than nostalgic sportswear—it’s now a gender-fluid, forward-thinking staple.

Styling the Modern Polo Shirt

For Men: Form Meets Flexibility

Today’s men’s polo shirts go beyond golf courses and boardrooms.

• Slim Fit or Cropped: Fitted cuts show off physique and elevate the silhouette. Some opt for slightly cropped versions with high-waisted pants for added edge.
• Colors and Texture: Pink, sage green, cream, and muted black are popular. Fabrics range from fine-gauge knit to semi-sheer jersey and even mesh.
• Layering: Style under a linen suit for formal-casual looks, or over joggers for off-duty weekend vibes.

Lookbook Idea:

• Black sheer polo + wide-leg cream trousers + leather sandals
• Cropped pale pink polo + light-wash denim + white sneakers
• Ribbed knit polo + linen shorts + boat shoes

For Women: Genderless and Elevated

Women’s fashion has embraced the polo shirt in unexpected ways. These are not borrowed-from-the-boys looks—they’re reshaped, cinched, cropped, and styled.

• Oversized Polo Dress: Belted at the waist and paired with heels or platform sneakers.
• Feminine Polo Blouse: Soft collars, cap sleeves, and button-down details allow for both office and casual styling.
• Transparent or Mesh Polos: Styled with visible bralettes for street style glamour.

Lookbook Idea:

• Sheer white polo + high-waist leather skirt + heels
• Oversized polo dress + waist belt + cowboy boots
• Sleeveless mesh polo + tailored pants + statement earrings

For Everyone: The Unisex Appeal

Brands like Fred Perry, Lacoste, and emerging Gen Z labels have launched gender-neutral polo lines, celebrating the shirt’s versatility across identities. Details like neutral tones, boxy cuts, and adjustable collars keep things inclusive and expressive.

Polo Shirt Trends for 2026

1. Sheer and See-Through

Transparent polos are the year’s biggest risk—and reward. Whether mesh or thin knit, these tops are sultry yet tasteful when styled with confidence.

2. Cropped and Boxy

Shorter hems have found a home in both men’s and women’s fashion. Cropped polos pair perfectly with cargo pants, tailored shorts, or flowy skirts.

3. Color Pop

Bold colors are back. Think cobalt blue, lime green, or bright coral. Offset the statement hue with neutral trousers or denim.

4. Retro Collars

Exaggerated lapels and double-button plackets are calling back to the 70s and 90s, but with a cleaner aesthetic.

5. Texture Play

Expect polos in terry cloth, waffle knits, and pique weaves. Texture elevates the look and adds depth to basic pieces.

Fashion Brands Leading the Polo Renaissance

While heritage labels like Ralph Lauren and Lacoste still dominate, newer players and fashion houses are adding their spin.

• Fred Perry (with Comme des Garçons): Preppy, punk, and street at once.
• AMI Paris & JW Anderson: Known for sculpted collars and cropped forms.
• Emerging brands: Many indie labels are offering sustainable, gender-neutral polos made from recycled cotton or bamboo.

How to Shop for Polos Online in 2026

With so many styles available, here’s how to choose your perfect modern polo:

• Check Fit: Look for tailored fits or stretch fabric. Too loose = outdated.
• Fabric Choice: Lightweight knits or pique cotton feel modern and breathable.
• Details Matter: Button style, collar shape, and sleeve width make a big difference.
• Color Palette: Choose something bold if your wardrobe needs energy. Stick with beige, white, or navy for timeless versatility.

Polo Shirts and the Street Style Scene

Scroll through any fashion week street style gallery, and you’ll spot influencers, stylists, and celebrities styling polos in edgy, artistic ways:

• Tucked into suit pants with a belt chain
• Worn oversized over bike shorts and combat boots
• Half-unbuttoned with a chain necklace and bucket hat

The new wave of polo shirts is all about contrast: classic yet modern, modest yet daring, sporty yet chic.

Voice-Search Optimized FAQs

1. Are polo shirts in style for 2026?
Yes, polo shirts are one of the hottest fashion items for 2026, styled in new cropped, sheer, or fitted designs.

2. What celebrities wear polo shirts?
Celebrities like Kim Petras, Rihanna, Manu Rios, and Benito Skinner have been seen wearing stylish polo shirts in public and on social media.

3. How do I wear a sheer polo shirt?
Layer it over a bralette, tank, or bandeau for a confident look. Pair with tailored pants or denim.

4. Are polo shirts gender-neutral now?
Yes, many brands now offer unisex polos with boxy fits, neutral tones, and minimalistic detailing.

5. Can women wear polo shirts stylishly?
Absolutely. Women wear polos cropped, oversized, sheer, or as dresses—styled with everything from skirts to boots.

6. What’s the best fit for a modern polo shirt?
Fitted or slightly cropped styles in breathable fabric give a modern, flattering silhouette.

7. What shoes go well with polo shirts?
Sneakers, loafers, boots, or even pointed heels depending on how formal or street you want the look.

8. Are polos still considered preppy?
Some are, but 2026 versions focus more on fashion-forward elements like see-through fabric or edgy details.

9. How do I choose the right color polo shirt?
For a bold look, go bright like pink or lime green. For timeless styling, stick with black, navy, white, or beige.

10. What makes the 2026 polo different from older styles?
Modern polos are slimmer, more versatile, and come in innovative fabrics with high-fashion detailing.

Final Style Forecast

The polo shirt is no longer background noise in your wardrobe—it’s front and center. With fashion houses, musicians, and influencers endorsing it, the modern polo is a unisex, fashion-forward essential ready to be styled for the street, the studio, or the club.

Expect to see polos in your favorite lookbooks, online shops, and wardrobes well beyond 2026. Just maybe skip the layered popped collars this time around.