July 24, 2025
The Tees and Polos That Quietly Dominate Every Room
From Monday meetings to movie sets, ribbed and waffle knits are the unsung heroes in your wardrobe — and here’s why they’ve never gone out of style.
Some clothes are clearly made for the stars — the kinds of outfits you see on red carpets or in car commercials featuring dramatic stares and wind machines. But then there are three humble-yet-heroic shirts that bridge the gap between the guy showing up to a Monday morning meeting and the guy showing up to a table read in Burbank.
They are the ribbed tees, ribbed polos, and knit polos. These knit classics have serious staying power. They’ve been the go-to for icons like JFK, Sidney Poitier, and Marlon Brando — and today, they’re flexing their way through press tours on the likes of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Chris Evans, and Michael B. Jordan. The next guy to pull it off? You.
Before we get into how we’re styling these for summer, let’s talk about why these shirts have ruled both red carpets and office carpets for decades. First off, the fit. Ribbed tees and polos hit that magical middle ground between hugging the body and forgiving your weekend snack habits. The stretch in a rib knit contours just enough to make you feel like you’ve got your life together. Waffle knits, on the other hand, play it cool. They drape just right without grabbing onto any unfortunate zones. They’re relaxed but never sloppy.
And let’s not sleep on texture. A ribbed or waffle knit brings subtle depth and visual interest. It adds dimension to your look without trying too hard. Whether you’re into Ivy League crispness, heritage ruggedness, or normcore minimalism, these shirts slot in perfectly. Rock a ribbed polo under a blazer for a dressed-up-smart-guy move, or throw on a waffle knit tee with cargos and channel that off-duty ‘70s dad vibe. They’re blank canvases — and this is how we’re styling them all summer long.
Outfit 1: The Heartthrob Upgrade
A ribbed tee gets its texture from vertical ridges created by the knit pattern — basically, it’s almost like it has built-in abs. The neckline is usually a crewneck or scoop neck, and the fit is slim and stretchy, hugging the body, reminiscent of the heartthrobs from Beverly Hills, 90210.
Ours comes in a rich burgundy that tones down when paired with a chocolate linen suit, making the red feel suave, not shouty. If you wore it with light-colored pants, it might lean a little more look at me, but with deeper tones, it’s all about quiet confidence.
Just like you can rock it under a suit, you can also throw it on with high-waisted trousers, dark denim, or some breezy linen pants. The ribbing adds just enough visual interest to make it feel elevated — more polished than a basic tee, but just as easy to wear. Layer it under a denim jacket, or let it shine on its own.
Outfit 2: Riviera Revival
The ribbed polo features the same vertical ribbing as its tee sibling but adds a Johnny collar — an open placket that’s sometimes buttonless, always charming. It fits like a ribbed tee but with a bit more elegance, thanks to that classic collar. Think retro refinement, like something you’d spot on the Riviera in the ‘60s or ‘70s — A-lister at a seaside café, espresso in hand.
Our version leans into the throwback vibe with ivory tipping and looks sharp under a suit. Pair it with light-wash jeans, let the collar casually drape over your blazer for that louche, tailoring energy, or toss one on after a poolside dip. Instant style, zero effort.
Outfit 3: Gridlocked in Style
Knit polos typically feature a grid-like or honeycomb texture that’s more open and breathable than your average ribbed shirt — think AC for your torso. They’re also looser than ribbed tees and polos, which gives them an easy drape, but they still play nicely with tailoring. Ours, in a stunning basil green, looks ridiculously good with a cream-colored double-breasted linen suit.
Details like ribbing at the hem, sleeves, and a classic three-button placket keep it sharp, whether you button it all the way up or leave a couple undone when the heat kicks in. Here are a few other ways we’ve been styling this versatile staple — for this season and well into the “is it still summer?” days.
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