The polo shirt is a versatile piece that can see you through a variety of occasions depending on how you style it. Tucking it in, especially with a pair of dress trousers or chinos, provides a neat, classic look perfect for semi-formal events or a day at the office. Leaving it untucked on the other hand creates an effortlessly stylish vibe, ideal for a summer outing or a casual day out. Whether it’s a solid, patterned, or a pocket polo, at Barkers we design our polo shirts to be a fashionable staple, ensuring you’re always on-trend no matter how you wear it.

For most New Zealand workplaces, yes. A well-fitted polo in a solid colour or subtle pattern reads as polished and considered alongside chinos or dress trousers. Pair with leather loafers or clean sneakers and the outfit covers casual Friday comfortably. For client-facing roles or more formal office environments, layer a blazer over the top to lift the formality without changing the outfit.

It depends on the dress code. For smart casual and cocktail occasions a quality polo in a refined fabric such as merino or pique cotton works well paired with tailored chinos and leather footwear. For formal or semi-formal weddings, a collared business shirt or dress shirt is the stronger choice. When in doubt, check if there is a dress code guide for the Wedding you are attending.

Start with your chest measurement as this is the primary fit indicator for polo shirts. If you sit between sizes, size up for a relaxed fit or stay true to size for a slimmer silhouette. Pay attention to the length if you plan to wear it untucked, as shorter cuts sit cleanly at the hip while longer styles can be tucked. Each Barkers polo includes full size and fit details on the product page.

A well-cared-for polo in quality cotton or merino should last three to five years of regular wear. Washing in cold water on a gentle cycle, avoiding tumble drying and storing folded rather than hung prevents fabric stretch and colour fade. Natural fibres like merino are particularly resilient — they hold their shape longer between washes and recover well from wear.