Men's Knitted Polo Shirts: The Trend Taking Over Menswear
Why is the knitted polo suddenly everywhere? Because it looks smarter than a t-shirt but stays just as easy to wear, so it works for almost any occasion. Its textured knit brings depth a flat polo cannot, and it works just as well with shorts in summer as it does under a jacket in autumn. With its retro, heritage feel, it suits the way men dress now.
Search interest in knitted polos has climbed steeply over the past year, and the shelves back it up. Heritage names like Sergio Tacchini, Fila and Gabicci have leaned right into the trend, and the terrace-casual crowd has taken to it in a big way. This guide looks at where the knit polo came from, whether it is here to stay, how to wear one, and the best examples in stock at RD1 Clothing right now.
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What is a knitted polo shirt?
A knitted polo is a polo shirt made from knitted yarn rather than woven fabric, giving it a softer, more textured finish. Where a standard polo uses flat piqué cotton, a knit polo has visible stitch detail and a bit more stretch and drape. That texture is what makes it feel a step smarter than an ordinary polo.
They come in short and long sleeve, in fine gauge knits for summer and heavier ones for the cooler months. Some feature open collars, others a classic button placket or a quarter zip. What ties them together is that knitted texture, which is exactly what has caught everyone's eye.
Are knitted polos a trend or a timeless classic?
Knitted polos are far more timeless than they are a passing trend, with roots stretching back nearly a century. The knit polo first appeared in the 1920s and 30s on tennis courts and golf courses, prized for its breathability and freedom of movement. By the 1950s and 60s it had crossed over into everyday menswear, worn by film stars and style icons who valued its easy elegance. That heritage is why it never truly disappears.
The mod movement of the 1960s took to it, and the football casual scene carried it through the decades that followed, always drawn to well-made continental knitwear. So while search interest is spiking now, this is a revival rather than an invention. The knit polo is a genuine classic having another well-earned moment in the sun.
Why are knitted polos everywhere in menswear right now?
Part of the answer is the wider return of heritage and retro style, which has put 70s and 80s pieces back at the centre of menswear. The knit polo fits that mood perfectly, with its vintage feel and understated branding. It also suits how men want to dress today, smart enough for the pub or a meal but relaxed enough for every day. Versatility like that is rare, and it is why the knit polo has become a genuine wardrobe staple.
Brands have responded in kind. Gabicci has built much of its identity on the knitted polo, Fila's Gold range has expanded its knit offering, and Sergio Tacchini and Lyle & Scott keep the style front and centre each season. When the best heritage names all lean into the same piece, you know it is more than a flash in the pan.
How to style a men's knitted polo
The knit polo is one of the easiest pieces to style, which is a large part of its appeal. For a relaxed summer look, wear it with chino shorts and clean trainers, letting the texture do the work. For something smarter, pair it with tailored trousers or dark denim and a pair of loafers or court shoes. Keep the colours simple and the polo becomes the centre of the outfit.
It layers beautifully too. Worn under an overshirt or a lightweight jacket, a knit polo bridges seasons without missing a beat. It also sits right at the heart of mod style clothing, where a smart knitted polo has always been a cornerstone. For more on that heritage, our guide to male mod fashion is well worth a read.
The knitted polo in casual and terrace fashion
Few pieces sit as naturally in football casual clothing as the knit polo. The casual scene grew out of a love for premium continental sportswear, and knitted polos from Italian and British heritage labels fit that world exactly. They carry the right names, the right texture and the right understated confidence, worn on the terraces and in the pubs for decades. It is a look built on quality over flash.
That is why the current revival feels so at home with the RD1 customer. A Fila or Gabicci knit polo is not a fleeting fashion buy, it is a piece with real cultural weight behind it. Whether you lean mod, casual or simply like dressing well, the knit polo has a place in your wardrobe.
The best men's knitted polos at RD1
We stock a strong run of knitted polos from the brands leading the trend, and with our mid-season sale now live, plenty are reduced. Below are our current picks, but the best of them move quickly, so it is worth grabbing yours before they are gone.
Gabicci knitted polos
Gabicci has been synonymous with the knitted polo since 1973, worn through the mod and casual movements and still leading the way today. Its knits carry that unmistakable heritage feel with the signature gold 'G'.
Gabicci Daron Knitted Polo Shirt Lemon - was £85 now £65
The Daron Knitted Polo in Lemon brings a fresh colour to a sharp, tailored shape. A smooth knitted texture and classic polo detailing make it as at home at a smarter occasion as it is on an everyday outing. A proper standout for the warmer months.
Gabicci Vintage Stripe Knitted Polo Navy - was £75 now £55
The Stripe Knitted Polo in Navy delivers a sharp, heritage-inspired look with clean horizontal stripe detailing. Its smooth knitted texture and classic construction make it a polished choice for relaxed and smarter settings alike. A real nod to the mod era.
Gabicci Vintage Lasso Knitted Quarter Zip Navy - was £65 now £45
For a slightly different take, the Lasso Knitted Quarter Zip in Navy offers a sharp, tailored look with a clean knitted texture. The quarter zip neckline and ribbed trims give it a versatile edge that works across relaxed and smarter outfits. An easy layer for the trend-conscious.
Fila knitted polos
Fila's Gold range has taken the knit polo and given it a premium, heritage-led finish. Drawing on the brand's roots in 80s casual clothing and terrace wear, these are some of the standout knits of the season.
Fila Gold Castello Knitted Polo Black - was £65 now £52
The Fila Gold Castello Knitted Polo in black carries a refined, heritage feel. Part of the Fila Gold range, it draws on classic 80s casual clothing and terrace wear with a smarter knitted finish. A clean, versatile piece that goes with almost anything.
Fila Gold Marty Knitted Polo Sterling Blue - was £65 now £52
The Fila Gold Marty Knitted Polo in Sterling Blue offers a clean, heritage-led look in a fresh seasonal shade. Its refined knitted finish and button-up collar make it an easy everyday choice with a smart edge. Terrace style through and through.
Fila Gold Denny Diamond Knit Open Collar Polo Coconut Milk - was £60 now £48
The Fila Gold Denny in Coconut Milk pairs a textured diamond knit with a classic open collar. Part of the premium Gold collection, it reflects Fila's heritage in 80s casual clothing while keeping a clean, timeless look. The open collar gives it a relaxed, continental feel.
Fila Giorgio Crochet Patchwork Knitted Polo Navy - was £65 now £52
The Fila Giorgio Crochet Patchwork Polo in Navy is the real showstopper. Its eye-catching crochet patchwork knit reflects Fila's rich sporting heritage while looking like nothing else on the rail. A distinctive piece that carries a whole outfit on its own.
Fila Giorgio Crochet Patchwork Knitted Polo Tapioca/White/Tiger Lily - was £65 now £52
The same standout Giorgio crochet knit arrives here in a brighter Tapioca, White and Tiger Lily colourway. The textured patchwork construction and branded zip collar make it a bold, summery pick for those who want to stand out. Premium craftsmanship with real personality.
Lyle & Scott and Arthur & Russell
Two more heritage-minded takes on the knit polo, from a British golfing icon and a contemporary label with a clean, classic eye. Both prove the style's range.
Lyle & Scott Cotton Argyle Knitted Polo Light Grey Marl/Opal Blue - was £75 now £65
The Lyle & Scott Cotton Argyle Knitted Polo blends a classic argyle pattern with a clean, casual fit. Soft cotton knit and the signature eagle on the chest give it that timeless, heritage feel. A smart, easy-to-wear nod to the brand's golfing roots.
Arthur & Russell Knitted Stripe Button Through Polo Ivory - £65
The Arthur & Russell Knitted Stripe Button Through Polo in Ivory offers a clean, easy option with a subtle striped design. A lightweight knit and full button-through front make it just as good for a casual day as a smarter evening. Understated and versatile.
Where to buy men's knitted polos
At RD1 Clothing, we are an independent menswear store in the heart of Hastings and a proper home for the knit polo. We are an authorised stockist of Gabicci, Fila, Lyle & Scott, Sergio Tacchini and more, with sizes up to 4XL so the fit is never a compromise. Shop online or come and see us in store, and you will get the same friendly, one-to-one service either way.
We also go live on TikTok every day from 5PM with styling tips, the latest drops and exclusive flash deals, so it is worth a follow. UK delivery is Royal Mail Tracked, with free Tracked 48 on orders over £75. Our team is always happy to help you find the right knit polo for your wardrobe.
With our mid-season sale now live, loads of knitted polos from Fila, Gabicci, Original Penguin and more are reduced. The best pieces are already moving fast, so grab yours while stocks last.