Style

Polos to Keep You Cool and Dry

Your standard polo shirt can run the risk of feeling a bit bland. If the fit and finish isn't spot-on, you can look a little "middle management on casual Friday." But what you really want, especially in the summertime, is a shirt that's easygoing and comfortable, that not only looks good but also keeps you cool and dry. And that shirt is a terrycloth polo. The same kind worn by Sean Connery when he was playing James Bond in the 1960s. There's a sexy swagger to the textured toweling material—it's laidback and louche yet incredibly functional too. Wear it with shorts, your swim trunks or a pair of lightweight chinos. Are they a little far-out? You bet. But are they stylistically bulletproof? You better believe it.

Your Best Options

Onia Terrycloth Polo Shirt

Onia, $85

OAS Terrycloth Polo Shirt

OAS, $99

J.Crew Terrycloth Polo Shirt

J.Crew, $64.50

Sunspel Terrycloth Polo Shirt

Sunspel, $145

Howlin Terrycloth Polo Shirt

Howlin, $108

Goodlife Terrycloth Polo Shirt

Goodlife, $135

Todd Snyder Terrycloth Polo Shirt

Todd Snyder, $138

Closeup of terrycloth cotton

How does it absorb?

Terrycloth's texture is what makes it so absorbent. The loops on the fabric's surface provide more places for the cotton and water to come into contact.