The smart casual office outfit: a knitted polo and what to wear with it

A grey chevron knit polo, navy chinos and tan loafers is a smart casual office outfit that needs no jacket. A plain watch on the wrist finishes it.

Start with the knit, because it sets the tone. Everything else in this guide is chosen to sit quietly beside it.

The top: our Sorrento Chevron Knit Polo

The Sorrento Chevron Knit Polo is a men's knitted polo in 100% combed cotton, a 2/30 yarn at 220 to 230 GSM. The chevron is worked into the knit as a vertical arrow texture. It is not a printed pattern, so it reads as surface rather than decoration, which suits an office.

The fit is tailored. It comes in Grey, Butter and White, in sizes S to XL. For a desk day, start with Grey: it sits between navy and tan without competing with either. It is designed in London and made in our Colombo workshop, and it costs £34.

It belongs to our men's knitted polo shirts. If you are unsure of size, the guide to how we measure shows where each number comes from.

Trousers

Chinos are the obvious partner, and a mid to dark navy is the easiest colour with a grey knit. Charles Tyrwhitt lists its Ultimate Non-Iron Chinos in navy as 97% cotton, 3% elastane, available in classic, slim and extra slim fit. We would wear a tailored polo with the slim cut, so the waist of the knit and the line of the trouser agree.

Keep the trouser plain. The chevron knit already has texture, so a flat cotton twill is the right foil. Avoid a second pattern below the waist.

Tuck is optional. A tailored knit sits cleanly either way, but tucked into chinos with a slim belt gives the smartest line for a meeting.

Shoes

Loafers dress a polo up without a tie. Loake sells loafers in both classic Goodyear welted and rubber-soled styles. A Goodyear welt means the sole can be replaced, which matters if the shoes go to work five days a week.

Tan or dark brown leather pairs well with grey and navy. Black loafers work too, but they push the outfit towards formal. If your office is strictly business, take black. If it is relaxed, take brown.

Watch or accessory

A simple, plain-dialled watch keeps the outfit tidy. Christopher Ward lists its C63 Sealander Automatic as a 39mm watch with 150m water resistance. At that size it sits neatly on the wrist below a short polo sleeve.

Choose a bracelet or a plain leather strap. Leave the second accessory out. One watch and a slim belt are enough with a textured polo.

When to wear it

• Open-plan office days where a shirt feels stiff.
• Client meetings that stop short of a suit.
• Casual Fridays and the commute home to dinner.
• Train travel, where a cotton knit stays comfortable for hours.

We have not paired this with a tie. If a dress code asks for one, a shirt and tie is the better choice. For everything else in the smart casual range, the knit does the work.

For more ideas on what to put with a knit, read what to wear with a knitted polo.

How to care for the knit

Follow the care label sewn into the garment. Our knitwear care guide covers washing, drying and storage in more detail. Fold a knitted polo rather than hanging it, so the shoulders keep their shape.

Other brands are named only as examples of the kind of piece that works with the knit. We have no partnership with any of them and do not endorse them.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wear a knitted polo to the office?

Yes, in a smart casual office. A tailored cotton knit in a plain colour such as Grey sits between a shirt and a T-shirt. Pair it with chinos and leather shoes to keep it sharp.

Should a knitted polo be tucked in?

Either works with a tailored fit. Tuck it in for meetings, wear it out for a relaxed day. If you leave it out, check the hem sits at the belt line and no lower.

What colour trousers go with a grey polo?

Navy is the easiest. Stone and dark olive also work. Avoid grey on grey unless the tones are clearly different.

Which shoes suit a polo and chinos?

Brown loafers or suede derbies. Clean white trainers are fine for casual days. Black formal shoes make the outfit look unbalanced.

What size should I choose?

It is cut to a tailored fit, in sizes S to XL. Check your chest measurement against our measuring guide before you order.

Is delivery free, and can I return it?

Delivery is free and tracked. Returns are accepted within 30 days, with postage at your cost.