Dappered | Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2019

[Dappered | Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2019]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2019](#1) - [In Review: The PROOF Performance Oxford](#2) - [In Review: Old Navy Spring Roundup 2019](#3) [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2019](r/Dappered/~3/3QTT0_OB57k/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 30 Apr 2019 03:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( For the polo shirt being such a basic staple of men’s style, there sure are a lot of crappy ones out there. Whether they’re sweatshirt-thick, boxy pique, old-man golf shirts, or goofball-young-guy polos emblazoned with enormous logos, a lot can go “wrong” w/ the humble polo shirt. Below is the best of the reasonably affordable crop from this year. All polos, unless otherwise stated, are shown on 5’10” / 195. Got a lead on a polo that should have made this list? Send those tips in to joe@dappered.com. [EXPRESS Tech Stretch Polos – $23.94](//www.express.com/clothing/men/express-tech-polo/pro/05047075/cat1830014) when 40% off ($39.90) [Dappered.com](//www.express.com/clothing/men/express-tech-polo/pro/05047075/cat1830014) Appears to be unchanged from last year, and still very, very good. 95% cotton and 5% spandex = quite a bit of stretch. Yet still plenty smooth and soft. Chambray, deeper 4 button placket is a nice touch as well. (Not that you should be unbuttoning all those buttons… hardly… it just makes the shirt look and feel a little more substantial.) Super smooth. Often goes on sale for 40% off and thus, can be had for around $24. Then there’s the usual multi-buy deals that they run as well. Really well done. Size shown above is a large. [H&M Slim Fit Polo – $12.99]( [Dappered.com]( A super smooth, jersey knit, 96% cotton and 4% stretch polo shirt. And while it’s lightweight, it doesn’t feel flimsy. H&M makes a lot of weak-feeling stuff. This one feels pretty darn good. Solids and stripes to pick from. Size shown above is a medium. [Spier & Mackay 100% Cotton Pique Polos – $30]( [Dappered.com]( I don’t like 100% cotton, pique fabric polos. But these are quite nice. Word is they finished the fabric a little different this year. Did a wash similar to how a manufacturer would wash a t-shirt, and it makes a big difference. They feel a little… “crisper” this year. Nice collar, great buttons, well put together placket. Also available in a spread collar. Size shown above is a large on 5/10″ 195. [UNIQLO Airism Button Down Collar Polo – $19.90 – $29.90]( [Dappered.com]( One of the best, with one big drawback that many won’t like. Just about a 50/50 cotton nylon blend that’s almost cool to the touch. Runs $29.90 a pop, but will drop to $19.90 with select sales and multi buy deals. UNIQLO has really messed with their fits over the years, and here’s proof. A few years back, when I was closer to 175, a medium fit great. Now I’m closer to 200lbs and… a medium, as shown above, fits great. UNIQLO has definitely “Americanized” their sizing templates in the last few years. So strongly consider sizing down. And another thing worth putting in bold (here comes the drawback): The tag suggests LINE DRY. So, dryer shrinkage may be a risk. Be warned. [H&M 70% Cotton / 30% Silk Polo Sweater – $34.99]( [Dappered.com](//hm.evyy.net/c/94385/226427/3909?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hm.com%2Fus%2Fproduct%2F65654%3Farticle%3D65654-J%26cm_vc%3DSEARCH) Back for a second year. Thirty five bucks seems a little steep for H&M, but this thing is the real deal. Lightweight and a bit on the thin side, but not too flimsy feeling. 30% silk lends some great feel to the fabric, and some good strength too. Size shown above is a medium. Lots of colors to pick from. [Flint & Tinder Made in the USA Supima Air Knit Polo – $58]( [Flint & Tinder Made in the USA Supima Air Knit Polo]( Cut & sewn here in the USA. Even the supima cotton is grown here in the states. Super soft, extremely well reviewed, and a fit that’s not shrink wrapped nor bulky. Knit into something called “baby jersey” for an unusually soft feel. [Target Goodfellow Standard Fit 100% Cotton Polo Sweater – $19.99]( [Dappered.com]( Not as nice as the H&M Cotton/Silk polo sweater. But still decent if you’re after a polo that truly does feel like a sweater. That’d be this one. It’s weird how a certain style of knit and the thread chosen can drastically change the feel of a garment. Retro for sure. Size shown here is a medium. [Amazon Essentials Tech Stretch Polo – $15]( [Amazon Essentials Tech Stretch Polo]( Good. Very good. Super breathable. Stretch is incredible. Size shown above is a medium. So consider sizing down if you’re in between sizes, even though they claim a slim fit. (They are slimmer than their standard fit Amazon Essentials Golf Polos. Those things are BIG.) Tough to top for fifteen bucks. Just wish they made solids. Currently all options are heathered/marled looking. [Kent Wang Collar Band Polos – $65]( [Kent Wang Collar Band Polos]( A bit legendary, and as you’d expect, they’re priced like a legend too. 100% cotton jersey that’s a little thicker than I had anticipated, but not overly bulky. The collars are constructed like a woven shirt, with a collar band and a double layer of self fabric (what the body is made out of). So, none of that limp ribbed fabric that curls, bends, and rumples. Honest to goodness mother of pearl buttons that are THICK and really do stand out. True slim fit. They’re nice. Real nice. $65 nice? I think most will say that’s a little steep. But maybe worth a splurge for some. Size shown above is a large. [PROOF 72-Hour Merino Blend Polo – $78]( [PROOF 72-Hour Merino Blend Polo]( Spendy, but incredible. If you haven’t tried a lightweight merino polo or t-shirt or henley just to compare it to a regular cotton option? Be warned. Your world might shatter. Because merino is nature’s performance fabric, and once you try it, you might somehow find yourself spending tons of cash to replace all your old cotton gear with new, cool, super breathable, quick drying, anti-stink, merino stuff. From Huckberry. Called the “72 hour” because they’re designed to be worn for three days straight and still be comfortable and not stink. [Banana Republic SLIM Fit Luxe Touch – $26.70 – $29.70](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/search.do?searchText=Luxury-Touch+Polo) when 40% off [Dappered.com](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/search.do?searchText=Luxury-Touch+Polo) Exceptional with one big exception. Many have reported shrinkage problems with these. Especially when it comes to the length. So much so that some suggest ordering a “tall” size even if you’re not. I don’t have this issue, and I can’t tell you why. I wash on warm or cold and dry on medium or cool. Do they shrink up a little in the wash? Maybe. But not to the extremes that I’ve heard. That said, if you struggle sometimes in the laundry department, you might want to heed those warnings. Anyway, it’s the fabric that sets these apart. They’re all cotton, yet somehow manage to be super smooth, stretchy, and soft. Like there’s almost some silk in there. Plenty of colors and patterns to pick from. [Style seen above is this year’s retro, tipped model](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=4247990120003&cid=1131050&locale=en_US). Size shown above is a Large Slim. [Amazon Goodthreads Lightweight Slub Polo – $10 – $20]( [Dappered.com]( Quite nice for the price. Tail isn’t chopped and this can be tucked in or left out, making it hugely versatile. These are one of the softest shirts around (almost as soft as BR’s famous Luxe-Touch Polos). You might end up buying multiple colors. And they have options. Fourteen different colors to pick from. “Light Aqua” is shown above in a size small on 5’10” / 170-175 lbs. [Old Navy Built In Flex Cotton/Poly/Spandex Pro Polo – $15 – $20ish](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=392952012&searchText=built+in+flex+polo) [Dappered.com](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/search.do?searchText=built%20in%20flex%20polo) Surprisingly decent. Old Navy has had some real duds in the past, but this doesn’t appear to be one of them. A pique-style knit, but the weight of the fabric isn’t suffocating, it actually does feel like it breathes pretty good, and it moves great. Size shown above is a medium, since Old Navy stuff tends to run big. So consider sizing down. [Available in solids too](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=509747012&searchText=built+in+flex+polo). [Target Goodfellow & Co. Standard Fit Elevated Ultra-Soft Polo – $16.99]( [Dappered.com]( ***BEST IN SHOW*** I was shocked that this year’s best in show polo came from Target. But here it is. These feel close to the EXPRESS option, if not better, and they’re obviously a hell of a lot cheaper. NOT pique. Super smooth, 100% cotton fabric that isn’t paper thin nor is it bulky. Nice collars, nice placket, and under seventeen bucks. Lots of colors to pick from too. Collar is the same style of fabric as the body of the shirt, and not some flimsy, curl-ridden, ribbed junk. Much, much better. These are cut in a “standard fit” and thus the size above is a medium. Shown above in “Williamsburg Navy.” Feels closer to a Kent Wang or Criquet polo. Not quite that fancy, but not what you’d expect for $17 either. Very impressive. Fingers crossed they don’t shrink like crazy in the wash. Got a favorite polo that didn’t make the list? Send in a style tip. They’re always welcome at: [joe@dappered.com](mailto:joe@dappered.com?subject=style%20tip%20polo). ff/Dappered?a=3QTT0_OB57k:R6fx6OExW8E:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=3QTT0_OB57k:R6fx6OExW8E:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=3QTT0_OB57k:R6fx6OExW8E:gIN9vFwOqvQ [In Review: The PROOF Performance Oxford](r/Dappered/~3/kQi18D3knhI/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 29 Apr 2019 02:00 PM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( [Huckberry Proof Performance Oxford – $61.98]( ($89) About the Author: Stephen Knight is a photographer / videographer who founded [itsaknightsstyle]( and [Itsaknightslife](. His mission is to tell the story of people through style, food, music, and dancing. Catch his stuff on [Instagram]( and [Youtube](. With Spring time taking its full grip (kind of) in most areas, the time to be outside and active is upon us. Huckberry has created a fully functional performance oxford shirt that will move with you whether you are in the mountains, or in the city. The Look If you weren’t careful, you could mistake this shirt for just a regular chambray shirt. There’s a little bit of shine that engulfs the shirt which comes from a stain-resistant finish to help repel any accidents you may have throughout the day. Because nothing is worse than rushing to work just to have your morning coffee spill and stain your shirt… and your day. The “Navy” color I was checking out wasn’t exactly the Navy I was expecting, but I still found the shirt to have a nice neutral tone to it that would be easy to match with khakis, jeans, and even olive pants. Overall it has a regular oxford shirt look, making it a classic piece. [In Review: The PROOF Performance Oxford | Dappered.com]( Fabric = 70% cotton, 27% polyester, 3% spandex, providing 4-way-stretch and a stain resistant finish. The Fabric Putting on this shirt, I immediately noticed that this was a material that would be able to handle a ton of movement. The four way stretch design is made up of a blend of nylon and cotton, which means that this will be able to move the way you do yet feel comfortable doing it. I won’t lie… it wasn’t T-shirt soft, but that’s not what it’s meant for. The shirt is a little heavier than a normal oxford, but considering they advertise it as mid-weight, it didn’t come as a surprise to me. It feels plenty hefty too, like it can handle any activity you throw at it. [In Review: The PROOF Performance Oxford | Dappered.com]( Charcoal, “Navy,” and Slate. This variant comes in an “athletic fit,” which in my eyes just means a little slimmer than a regular fit, but by no means a slim fit. Putting this shirt on confirmed my thoughts almost exactly. The sides draped a little more off my body than I personally would like. But coming from a 165 lb. [ectomorph](, you could probably see why. There was plenty of room from all sides, although the sleeves were a little slimmer, which I found interesting. Personally, I would take in the shirt with a tailor, so it hugs my body a little more, but considering this shirt is designed to move in all directions, not sure if I would make it an objective recommendation. [In Review: The PROOF Performance Oxford | Dappered.com]( Size small, in navy, on 5’10” / 165. Final thoughts It seems like the trend with clothing is a combination of functionality with the ability to be worn in a variety of locations, including the office (depending on dress code). On sale for $62, this isn’t the cheapest oxford on the market. But considering the quality of materials and the ability to be a chameleon with use, this is still a shirt I would recommend be put in your rotation, IF you’re the type who likes the tech trend and is willing to pay for it. Maybe just take in the sides a little. ff/Dappered?a=kQi18D3knhI:yMT7x1DweG8:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=kQi18D3knhI:yMT7x1DweG8:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=kQi18D3knhI:yMT7x1DweG8:gIN9vFwOqvQ [In Review: Old Navy Spring Roundup 2019](r/Dappered/~3/iUfJ4GAWxpY/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 29 Apr 2019 08:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( [Old Navy Spring 2019 – 30% off w/ HURRY (exp 4/29)](//oldnavy.gap.com/) About the Author: Ryan N. is a professional web developer for (and alum from) the University of Delaware, who keeps a close shave as to not be confused with his strongly-bearded twin brother. He plays guitar and drums, loves going to concerts with his wife, and loves being a dad. Ryan is 5’9”, 155, and wearing a size small in shirts/jackets, while the pants are 31×30 or 30×30 and specified in the description. When it comes to Old Navy, the brand has reportedly been doing so well that [it’s separating from its BR/Gap siblings and flying solo](. But does that translate to a significantly better product? There’s some hits and misses here in this sampling of their new Spring lineup, but unfortunately, the misses range from [double-doink]( to some real [butt-fumbles](. Let’s start with some of the good. [Soft-Washed Jersey Henley – $7.69 – $9.09](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=509556042) ($14.99) [In Review: Old Navy Spring Roundup 2019 | Dappered.com](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=509556042) Much like [the Goodfellow roundup](, not too much to say here. Feels great to the touch, soft, fits nicely. I’m particular about my plackets, though, and this one seems to lay a bit.. squarish? Could very well be a quick wash away from laying more round (the website looks as such). [Striped Soft-Washed Crew-Neck Tee for Men – $10.49](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=394749002) ($14.99) [In Review: Old Navy Spring Roundup 2019 | Dappered.com](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=394749002) Soft as the henley, and fits awesome. Arms aren’t roomy like a lot of department store crewnecks tend to be, and there’s even a nice little shadow stripe to this for some visual interest. 100% cotton here. [Gray Built-In Flex Denim Jacket for Men – $24.47](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=394228002) ($59.99) [In Review: Old Navy Spring Roundup 2019 | Dappered.com](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=394228002) I’ve been so smitten by [my trusty AE 360 Extreme Flex denim jacket]( over the past few years that I haven’t even so much as tried another stretchy one, but I like this in both shade and feel. It has some flex in the body and arms, but not in the cuffs, which is a bummer. It’s also plagued by the strange Old Navy cut of slim arms and a roomy torso (more on that later, unfortunately). If you like a more standard fit, this may be right up your alley. Slim fit fans will probably need to size down. Currently on sale and sizes are getting short, so, might want to check in store for this one if it’s something you’re after. [Slim-Fit Built-In Flex Printed Everyday Shirt – $18.89](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=392376002) ($26.99) [In Review: Old Navy Spring Roundup 2019 | Dappered.com](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=392376002) Solid fit and feel all around. A bit roomy in the chest but that’s just fine in a breezy, summery shirt. Arms are slim enough and the fabric feels cool to the touch and very lightweight. An odd note: the website photos show your run-of-the-mill plasticky white buttons, yet my shirt sports some sharp-looking faux-horn buttons! Not sure if they come standard, but the horn buttons are a super-nice touch that really ups the summer appeal. [Slim-Fit Built-In Flex Everyday Oxford Shirt – $24.49](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=295360542) ($34.99) [In Review: Old Navy Spring Roundup 2019 | Dappered.com](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=295360542) SO CLOSE. Another for the woulda-coulda-shoulda pile. When I first slipped this on, the sleeves felt GREAT. I mean, the arms are some of the best-fitting I’ve felt on a mass-produced OCBD. The fabric feels thick without being suffocating, but if you’re looking for a slim torso.. what happened? I am literally grabbing 4”+ of fabric to size down the torso in the “slim” photo above! ON’s sizing chart notes that a Small will fit a 39-41” chest. Since when is that a slim fit, especially on a shirt that “flexes”? Compare that to the recent Goodfellow OCBD, which is cut for 36-38” in Small. Sure, you could tailor it, but why? Size down here, but the arms may get tight. SIGH: [Built-In Flex Blazer for Men – $55.99](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=289158032) ($79.99) [In Review: Old Navy Spring Roundup 2019 | Dappered.com](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=289158032) This started out so promising, but all the weirdness of Old Navy found its way into one blazer. Sleeves fit great, and it is completely unlined and lightweight.. but that’s about it in terms of what’s to like here for this reviewer. Functional, hard-to-tailor sleeve buttons? Check. RIDICULOUS armholes that make the whole jacket move around?? Check and check. I couldn’t even raise my arms above my shoulders without the bottom of the jacket reaching my waist. For a claim to “flex,” this thing don’t move where it needs to move. If you’re going to be standing completely still, sure, it drapes okay. But for the rest of us, just move along. [Nothing to see here](. [Slim Built-In Flex Textured Ultimate Pants – $31.49](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=291029072) ($44.99) [In Review: Old Navy Spring Roundup 2019 | Dappered.com](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=291029072) These perfectly match the fabric of the blazer already mentioned, so you could make yourself a nice little un-suit pairing. But you’re gonna want to just stick with the pants due to the jacket’s armholes. Lightweight but sturdy fabric, and a flattering cut with a nice break right at the ankle. Order a size or two up, though – the 30×30 looked spraypainted on! One the left is a 31×30. One the right you’ll find me “applying” the 30×30. They were tight. Quite tight. BEST IN SHOW: [Slim Built-In Tough All-Temp Ecru-Wash Jeans – $34.99](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=392607) ($49.99) [In Review: Old Navy Spring Roundup 2019 | Dappered.com](//oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=392607) Oh baby. Now these? These actually fit great in a 30×30. If there’s one thing Old Navy has been nailing recently, it’s their pants. I don’t even know what to make of this – a “tough” off-white jean? Probably not doing yardwork or climbing mountains in these, but they claim they’re 2x more tear-resistant than regular denim, which is pretty cool. These are one sharp pair of pants. All-Temp means these are great for summer, a lightweight almost-twill type of denim, yet with that aforementioned toughness. “Ecru” wash seems to be a fancy word for “unbleached,” so these aren’t going to be get-out-your-sunglasses white, thankfully. Have I mentioned I like these? Got a recent warm weather favorite from Old Navy? Do you think they deserve more coverage, or, are you still a bit skeptical despite their recent business success? Send those tips into joe@dappered.com ff/Dappered?a=iUfJ4GAWxpY:EN2CfS-Qevw:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=iUfJ4GAWxpY:EN2CfS-Qevw:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=iUfJ4GAWxpY:EN2CfS-Qevw:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States