The Best Outfits to Wear With a Red Polo Shirt

The Classic Red Polo Shirt

The red polo shirt has become a versatile staple in many men's wardrobes. Its classic look pairs well with a variety of bottoms to create sharp, put-together ensembles. A quality red polo shirt made from soft piqué or jersey cotton will quickly become a go-to top time and time again.

A Brief History of the Polo Shirt

The polo shirt emerged in the late 19th century as a practical garment for sports like tennis, golf, and polo - hence the name. Over time, polo shirts transcended the parameters of athletic apparel and entered mainstream fashion as a comfortable, preppy staple. Today, polo shirts come in a multitude of colors and patterns, but the red polo remains an iconic foundational piece for summer fashion.

Why Every Man Needs a Red Polo

A red polo shirt flatters most skin tones while making a bold (but not overpowering) style statement. Red polos possess a youthful energy perfect for casual everyday affairs while still maintaining a put-together aesthetic. Furthermore, red polos pair seamlessly with wardrobe basics like blue jeans, khakis, and shorts.

Complementary Pieces for a Red Polo Shirt Outfit

Great outfits start with a strong core piece that inspires the supporting garments. A vibrant red polo shirt serves as an attention-grabbing centerpiece to design stunning daily getups. Here are some complementary wardrobe items that will take your red polo to the next level.

Bottoms

Neutral bottoms balance the eye-catching red polo top beautifully. Light or dark wash jeans are foolproof options. For a more formal twist, reach for tan, gray, or navy chinos. Linen blend pants also help capture a laidback vibe. Shorts like flat front khaki shorts likewise pair perfectly with a red polo.

Shoes

Low top white sneakers offer a crisp, minimalistic contrast against dark denim and the red top. Brown leather boat shoes or loafers also coordinate timelessly with a preppy red polo shirt aesthetic. For a rugged touch, try lace-up boots or chukka boots.

Accessories

Maintain a clean, streamlined look with minimal accessories. A simple watch and dark aviator sunglasses polish off a red polo shirt outfit without overcomplicating it. Additionally, a canvas belt matching your shoes pulls everything together.

Red Polo Shirt Outfit Ideas

Use these exemplary red polo shirt combinations as inspiration when designing your own daily getups:

Weekend Errands

For casual weekend activities, pair your red polo with dark fitted jeans and clean white sneakers. Throw on a baseball hat and watch to complete the laidback look. A versatile outfit like this works well for running errands, meeting friends for brunch, enjoying a daytime date, and other lowkey plans.

At the Office

For professional workplace environments, combine a red polo shirt with tan chinos, brown leather loafers, a sleek watch, and subtle patterned belt. This polished look makes the traditionally casual polo appropriate for the office. It also helps you stand out and express personal style in corporate settings requiring business casual attire.

Happy Hour

Meet friends after work in smart casual wear by matching a red polo with tailored gray shorts, white low top sneakers, and a simple pendant necklace. Pull lighter pieces from your wardrobe to offset the prominent red shirt for an effortlessly cool post-work look.

Caring for Your Red Polo Shirts

Follow these tips when laundering and storing your red polo shirts to keep them looking vibrant for countless wears:

Washing

- Machine wash cold, delicate cycle

- Wash similar red colors together to prevent fading

- Use a detergent for bright colors/darks to maintain richness

Drying

- Line dry or tumble dry low

- Remove promptly from dryer to avoid shrinking

- Iron while slightly damp if necessary

Storing

- Fold flat or hang neatly to retain shape

- Keep covered in closet to protect from dust/debris

- Place fabric freshener sheets in storage bins/closet to keep clothes smelling clean

With proper laundering and storage habits, your beloved red polos will withstand countless stylish wears for seasons to come!

FAQs

What colors go well with a red polo shirt?

Stick with neutral colors like white, gray, tan, denim blue, or navy. Neutral bottoms and shoes balance the bold red top nicely.

What pants look best with a red polo shirt?

Dark wash jeans, tan or gray chinos, and fitted shorts all pair great with red polo shirts for sharp casual looks.

What shoes do you wear with a red polo shirt?

Clean white sneakers, brown leather loafers, chukka boots, and boat shoes all coordinate with red polo shirts. Match shoe color to your belt.

Can you wear a red polo shirt to work?

Yes, combine it with chinos and leather shoes to make the traditionally casual polo work appropriate for business casual offices.