Knit Polo Sweaters for Women: How to Wear the Polo Collar Knit

The short answer: a knit polo is a sweater with a shirt-style collar and a short button placket. It looks smarter than a crew neck and softer than a shirt, which is why it has become the go-to knit to wear under a blazer. Choose wool and cashmere for warmth, fine merino for layering, cotton for spring. Wear it tucked into high-waisted trousers, under a jacket with the collar laid over the lapels, with straight jeans at the weekend. The Blazé Milano Highland Polo from Blazé Milano is a good example of the classic version.

The polo collar used to belong to sportswear. In knitwear it has turned into the quiet hero of the tailored wardrobe: a collar frames the face the way a shirt does, but in a soft yarn that you can wear all day. This guide explains what to look for, how a knit polo should fit and how to style it.

What makes a good knit polo?

The yarn. Wool and cashmere is the best all-rounder for autumn and winter: warm, soft and resilient. The Blazé Milano Highland Polo is a 70 percent wool, 30 percent cashmere blend. Pure cashmere is softer still, as in the Brunello Cucinelli Cashmere Knit Polo Shirt in Navy Blue and the Yves Salomon Heavy Cashmere Knit Polo Sweater in Brown. Silk and cashmere gives a slight sheen, as in the Gabriela Hearst Frank Knit Polo in Dark Navy Silk Cashmere.

The collar. A good polo collar keeps its shape and lies flat, without curling at the points. Some knits use a stand collar instead, like the Blazé Milano Polo Army in Highland Marino, which buttons up with leather-covered buttons.

The placket and buttons. Buttons are where a knit polo shows its quality. The Highland Polo uses gold-tone logo buttons; others go tonal for a quieter look.

The gauge. A fine knit sits neatly under a blazer; a chunky one is a standalone piece. Decide which job you need it to do before you buy.

How a knit polo should fit

For layering, choose a regular fit that skims the body without clinging. The shoulder seam should sit at your shoulder, the sleeves should end at the wrist bone, and the hem should finish at the hip so it tucks in cleanly. If you want to wear it on its own with a relaxed look, go one size up. Blazé Milano cuts the Highland Polo to a regular fit and recommends your usual size; Blazé Milano sizes 00, 0, I, II, III and IV convert to UK 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 (US 2 to 12, Italian 36 to 46).

Five ways to wear a knit polo

1. Under a blazer. Lay the collar over the lapels for a slightly retro, very polished line. A camel polo under a brown check blazer is the classic autumn pairing; try it with the Blazé Milano Charmer Blazer in Moat Multicolor. Our guide to what to wear under a blazer has more options.

2. Tucked into tailored trousers. A polo tucked into a high waist with a belt is the easiest smart look of the season. Pair black with the Blazé Milano Fox Pant in Classy Carbon Black, camel with grey check, Bordeaux with navy. See our guide to wide-leg trousers.

3. With a pleated skirt. A fine polo over a midi skirt reads modern rather than prim, especially in a deep colour.

4. With straight jeans. Half tuck a polo into straight dark denim with a loafer for the weekend.

5. As a cardigan. The polo collar also works on a cardigan, which buttons open like a jacket. The Blazé Milano Highland Ines Polo Cardigan in Highland Marino is the Blazé Milano version.

Knit polo, polo shirt, roll neck: what is the difference?

A polo shirt is cut from cotton pique jersey, with short sleeves and a ribbed collar; it is sportswear first. A knit polo takes the same collar and placket and puts them on a sweater, usually long-sleeved, in wool, cashmere and silk. It is warmer, softer and smarter, and it can go under tailoring in a way a pique polo cannot. A roll neck covers the throat completely; it is warmer still but gives a closed, minimal line, while a polo collar opens the neck and frames the face. A stand collar, as on the Polo Army, sits between the two. If you wear blazers most days, the knit polo is the most useful of the four.

The colours that work hardest

Camel goes with grey, navy, brown and black, and flatters most skin tones. Black is the sharpest under grey tailoring. Navy is the softer alternative to black. Burgundy is the colour of the season, rich next to grey and navy. The Highland Polo comes in Blazé Milano camel, Blazé Milano black and Blazé Milano Bordeaux, and in a pale green as the Blazé Milano Polo in Highland Sugar.

The knit polos worth knowing

Caring for a knit polo

Air knitwear between wears and wash sparingly: cold, by hand, with a wool detergent. Roll it in a towel to remove water, then dry flat and reshape the collar while damp. Fold, never hang, and store with cedar. A cashmere comb removes pilling.

Shop the full edit of sweaters at Coveti, and see our guide to Blazé Milano knitwear for the whole Highland range, including the gilet and cardigans.

Frequently asked questions

What is a knit polo?

A knit polo is a sweater with a polo collar and a short button placket at the neck. It sits between a crew neck sweater and a shirt in formality.

How do you wear a polo sweater with a blazer?

Choose a fine gauge, tuck the polo into high-waisted trousers and lay the collar over the blazer lapels. Camel under brown, black under grey and navy under navy are easy pairings.

Should a knit polo be tucked in?

For a tailored look, yes: tuck it into high-waisted trousers with a belt. With jeans, a half tuck at the front looks more relaxed.

What is the best fabric for a knit polo sweater?

Wool and cashmere for warmth and softness in winter, pure cashmere for the softest feel, merino for fine layering, cotton for spring.

How should a polo sweater fit?

For layering, choose a regular fit: shoulder seams at your shoulder, sleeves ending at the wrist bone, hem at the hip. Size up one for a relaxed standalone look.

What is the Blazé Milano Highland Polo made of?

The Highland Polo is a 70 percent wool and 30 percent cashmere blend with a polo collar and gold-tone logo buttons, cut to a regular fit.