What makes (and who?) a high quality polo shirt

[Kent Wang]

I suppose the only important criteria are quality fabric and nice MOP buttons.

Who makes them? Regardless of fit, which RTW polos are the best? Let's say above Lacoste level at the least. I've read that RLPL and Bobby Jones are good as well.

Are they all made in Italy?

 

[RJman]

Nah, John Smedley and Geeson make/made good ones in England. Good construction is key as well

 

[lee_44106]

I wear exclusively RL purple label. I'm sure the likes of the swiss cotton offerings are "better," in term of fabric, but RLPL is good enough.

 

[Roger]

Yes, the John Smedleys are very nice, particularly their Sea Island ones. I haven't been impressed with those from RLPL. Other really good polos are those from Brioni, Brunello Cucinelli, Avon Celli, Isaia, Borrelli, Barbera, and Loro Piana. I have at least one by Smedley, Brioni, Brunello Cucinelli, Avon Celli, and Loro Piana, and all are nice, but I would rate the Brioni ones as the very best. Last year, Alex Kabbaz introduced some very nice-looking Sea Island cotton polos that he designed, I believe, and produced in collaboration with Zimmerli.

 

[GeorgePaul]

I'm really liking my new Hugo Boss pima cotton polos. Great fabric and slim fit. Much nicer than standard RL polos. Reasonable price (about $70) too.