There are plenty of contenders for summer’s closet MVP, but the polo is in the running. Specifically, the best buttonless polo shirts might be the real stars of the show. Equally as sharp as any regular polo, but infinitely more cool—and not just because that V is completely open to a breeze.
A buttonless polo looks just a bit more relaxed, without sacrificing any of what makes the polo so versatile. You can wear one with a pair of chinos or a linen suit for matters of business; you can wear one with shorts or breezy summer pants or even swim trunks on days when the hardest decision you’ll make is between an ice cold beer and a Campari spritz. Either way, you’ll look like a man who has his priorities in order: dress well, stay chill, always take a summer Friday.
It’s worth knowing about the variations in buttonless polos—don’t worry, we’ll make it quick. The basic version simply drops the buttons, and calls it a day—a convertible Mustang instead of a hardtop. Pair it with an overshirt or a breezy summer blazer for a look that blends brunch and business.
The Johnny collar polo takes things a bit further with a V-shaped neckline and a soft spread collar. It brings a real Mad Men-era playboy vibe, particularly when the patterns get lively and the cuffs and hems are ribbed.
And we’re including the quarter-zip among the best buttonless polos. Unlike your fly, we believe this is a zipper best kept in the down position. Casual, commanding, and dripping with ’70s swagger, it’s hard to go wrong with the zip polo.
The buttonless polo may not stop you from sweating, but it’ll do everything it can to keep you feeling as chill as possible.
What should I look for in a buttonless polo shirt?
The buttonless polo is meant to be as easy-wearing as a t-shirt, but not all buttonless polos are created equal in the eyes of the Lord (or HR). Keep an eye out for a few pitfalls.
- Avoid thin or clingy fabrics. Particularly synthetics. They’ll stick in all the wrong places, and make you look vacuum-sealed—particularly as the humidity ticks up. Midweight cotton, jersey, and piqué are what you want to see in the “details” section.
- Know when you’ll want to wear it. Buttonless polos can swing both casual and dressy—but not every one works everywhere. Solid colors, more structured collars, and ribbing look more sleek and sophisticated. (Worn under summer suiting with Venetian loafers, you’re the cool guy in the conference room.) Bold patterns and “open” weaves (including mesh) read as off-duty.
- Read that laundry tag. Assuming nothing says “dry clean only,” wash a buttonless polo on cold—especially knits. Skip the dryer unless you want your new favorite polo to become a crop top. If yours has a zipper, zip it all the way up before tossing it in the wash to avoid any snag-related tragedies. When you set it out to dry, put it either someplace flat, or hanging over a rack. A wet knit on a clothes hanger is a recipe for shoulder lumps.
