I Recently Tested the Top Striped Polo Shirts from the High Street—These 5 Caught My Attention.

I Recently Tested the Top Striped Polo Shirts from the High Street—These 5 Caught My Attention.

      When I reflect on the resurgence of the striped polo shirt, I am immediately reminded of fashion trends from the late ‘90s and early 2000s. This simple silhouette was largely associated with the wardrobes of our fathers and grandfathers for about two decades. However, Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2024 collection turned the concept of the striped polo on its head—reviving this preppy chic style resonates with shoppers' nostalgia and the carefree spirit of that era. Since the Italian brand (known as Lyst Index’s Hottest Fashion Brand of 2024) reintroduced this classic piece this year, the trend has permeated various sectors of the fashion industry, making striped polos ubiquitous. If someone had asked me a year ago whether I would trade my white t-shirts for a preppy polo in 2025, I would have said no. Yet, after seeing countless Instagram posts, celebrity styles, and editor suggestions, I’ve become completely enamored with the look. (Image credit: @sofiamcoelho)

      Integrating a striped polo or rugby top into outfits may seem a bit challenging, but it actually fits effortlessly into any type of capsule wardrobe, whether minimalist or maximalist. What makes these charming collared shirts so appealing? A polo is inherently versatile. Usually crafted from lightweight, breathable materials, it’s a top that keeps you comfortable even in hot weather. Worn under a blazer, it presents a refined, collegiate appearance. For a more casual vibe, pair it with combat trousers and penny loafers. If you have solid wardrobe staples, a striped polo can entirely elevate a basic outfit, infusing it with a playful and intentional feel. Bold striped tops can be styled with simple pieces like a black skirt complemented by white socks and loafers, while more classic, subtle stripes pair nicely with jeans, tailored trousers, skirts, and virtually any bottom you can think of. (Image credit: Getty Images)

      This week, I took on a challenge: to find the best striped polos available on the high street and check if any could deliver that Miu Miu aesthetic on a more affordable M&S budget. Spoiler alert—several options truly distinguished themselves. Here is a round-up of the best affordable polo shirts I tried on, along with a few more that I suspect won’t last long in stock.

      1. Mango (Image credit: Future)

      Style notes: My top pick has to be this striped polo from Mango—it exceeded my expectations. The material was incredibly soft against my skin, and its lightweight fabric kept me cool as the weather warmed up. Sticking to my usual size (Medium), the naturally oversized, boxy fit fell perfectly to my preferred length. I’d embrace the preppy aesthetic when styling this, teaming it with a black miniskirt, white socks, and loafers for that effortlessly chic appearance.

      MANGO

      Striped Polo-Neck Sweatshirt

      The combination of white and dark blue looks quite luxurious. Pair it with tailored navy trousers and crisp white sneakers for a refined off-duty look.

      2. Zara (Image credit: Future)

      Style notes: I have to admit—I ended up purchasing this polo. Despite the fabric being more sheer than anticipated (lighter than it appeared online), the color scheme completely captivated me. It instantly evoked thoughts of summer and the various outfits I could create around it. One standout feature? The buttons against the rich burgundy color—they create a lovely contrast and feel elevated. Regarding fit, I chose my regular Medium size, and it hugged in all the right places without being too clingy. For a more relaxed appearance, you might consider sizing up, but I found the true size worked well for me. I’d pair this with light-wash denim shorts or a white mini skirt for a laid-back warm-weather style. If you favor lightweight layers and playful color combinations, this one is absolutely worth a try—just keep the sheerness in mind!

      ZARA

      Striped Knit Polo Top

      This one is flying off the shelves, so if you like it, I recommend checking it out soon. Style it with—or tuck it into—a white midi skirt and add strappy sandals for an effortlessly chic summer look.

      3. H&M (Image credit: Future)

      Style Notes: This polo was at the top of my list for this try-on. It's been trending on social media for good reason. After seeing it styled in various ways by fashion influencers, I decided to get the H&M textured knit. Sold as part of a two-piece set, this is the ultimate summer polo because its texture adds interest while maintaining a casual, relaxed vibe. It fits true to size—I loved the length—and since it’s not fitted, you can size up or down based on your preference. What really impressed me is its versatility. I’ve styled it since the try-on with everything from straight-leg jeans and trainers to a black mini skirt and biker boots. This

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I Recently Tested the Top Striped Polo Shirts from the High Street—These 5 Caught My Attention.

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