Figuring out the best custom polo shirts for your business can be daunting. How can you know that you are making the right decision when choosing between so many different brands, shirt styles, and customization options? Luckily, you don't have to make this decision alone! At Underground Printing, we specialize in working with all sorts of organizations and businesses, which is why we created this guide to help you. To skip to a specific section simple select one of the options below:
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Your team’s apparel isn’t just fabric—it’s your brand’s first impression. A cheap, uncomfortable polo that fades after a few washes or stretches out of shape can send the wrong message about your business or event. The wrong choice can leave employees itching at stiff collars, attendees sweating through heavy material, or volunteers tugging at an awkward fit all day long.
Choosing the best custom polo shirts for businesses and events is about more than just style—it’s about creating a lasting impression, ensuring comfort, and reinforcing your brand’s credibility. Whether you’re looking for sleek executive polos, durable work uniforms, or stylish event apparel, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from fabric choices to decoration methods to our top recommendations.
Because when it comes to your brand, every detail matters—even the shirt on your back.
How to Choose the Best Custom Polo Shirts for Your Business
A custom polo should not only look good but also be comfortable, durable, and practical for the people wearing it. Before making a selection, consider the following:
Define the Purpose: Why Do You Need Custom Polos?
A polo that works well for a high-end corporate office might not be the best fit for a nonprofit volunteer team at an outdoor event. Here are some key use cases:
Business and Corporate Branding – Employee uniforms, client meetings, networking events, and trade shows.
Company Events – Conferences, team outings, staff appreciation gifts, and company-sponsored activities.
Promotional Use – Branded giveaways, sponsorship apparel, or retail merchandise.
Outdoor and Volunteer Work – Durable and breathable options for community initiatives, charity runs, and staff uniforms.
By identifying how and where the polos will be worn, you can make more informed choices about fabric, fit, and branding options.
Fabric Matters: Finding the Right Balance of Comfort and Durability
Choosing the right fabric blend is one of the most important decisions when selecting a polo. The material affects not only the feel and durability of the shirt but also how your branding appears after printing or embroidery.
100% Cotton: Offers a classic, soft feel but is prone to shrinking and wrinkles. Best for retail-style or executive polos. To learn more about cotton check out the Benefits of Cotton.
Polyester: Lightweight and moisture-wicking, making it ideal for outdoor events, staff uniforms, and active environments. Resists shrinking and wrinkles.
Cotton-Polyester Blend: Provides the best of both worlds—soft like cotton, but more durable and resistant to wrinkles and shrinking. A great all-around choice for businesses and events.
If your team works in high-heat environments or physically demanding roles, opt for moisture-wicking polyester to keep them cool and dry.
Embroidery vs. Printing: Which Decoration Method is Best?
Once you’ve selected a polo, the next step is deciding how to apply your logo or branding. The choice between embroidery and printing comes down to the intended use and desired aesthetic.
Embroidery – Offers a high-end, professional look that lasts through frequent wear and washing. Ideal for business uniforms, corporate apparel, and executive polos.
Screen Printing – Cost-effective and great for bulk shirt printing orders, making it ideal for event giveaways, staff apparel, or promotional campaigns.
Heat Transfer Printing – Allows for smaller, custom details like individual names or event-specific information. Best for limited-run designs or personalization.
For business or corporate polos, embroidery is the preferred option because of its durability and premium appearance. For events or promotional polos, screen printing provides a cost-effective solution while still looking sharp.
The Best Custom Polo Shirts We Recommend Based On Your Needs
Not all polos are created equal. Below are some of the best options, categorized based on intended use.
Best Custom Polo Shirts for Employee Uniforms
For daily wear, it's essential to select polos that are comfortable, durable, and maintain a professional appearance. Here are our top picks:
Port Authority Silk Touch Polo – A classic, budget-friendly polo that is soft to the touch. This polo is wrinkle and shrink-resistant, making it low-maintenance for employees.
Sport-Tek PosiCharge RacerMesh Polo – This polo offers exceptional breathability with its lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric, ensuring employees stay comfortable throughout the day. PosiCharge technology locks in color and prevents logos from fading, keeping uniforms looking sharp.
Gildan Dryblend Jersey Sport Shirt – Combining the softness of cotton with moisture-wicking properties, this shirt ensures comfort and dryness. It's a cost-effective option that doesn't compromise on quality.
Best High-End Custom Polo Shirts for Executive Branding
When aiming to impress clients or represent your brand at high-profile events, premium polos with superior fabric and craftsmanship are ideal. Consider these selections:
Nike Golf Tech Sport Dri-FIT Polo – This polo features Nike's renowned Dri-FIT technology, providing moisture management in a sleek design. The micro pique fabric offers a refined look suitable for executives.
Dubarry Menton Men's Technical Polo – A premium choice for executives and professionals who want sophisticated style with modern performance features. These include Aquatech quick dry fabric, UPF50 sun protection, and moisture wicking fabric.
Adidas Performance Sport Shirt – Designed for comfort and style, this polo uses performance fabric to wick moisture away, ensuring a cool and dry experience. The three-button placket and rib-knit collar add a touch of sophistication.
Best Custom Polo Shirts for Events and Promotional Use
For team events, volunteers, and giveaways, the focus should be on cost-effectiveness and practicality while still maintaining a polished look.
Ash City Core 365 Men's Origin Performance Piqué Polo – This polo offers moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties, ensuring comfort during events. Its wide range of colors allows for easy customization to match event themes.
Sport-Tek PosiCharge Tri-Blend Wicking Polo – With a soft feel and moisture-wicking technology, this polo is perfect for active events. The PosiCharge technology ensures logos and colors remain vibrant.
Port Authority Dry Zone UV Micro Mesh Polo – Featuring UV protection and micro-mesh fabric for breathability, this polo is ideal for outdoor events. Its professional appearance makes it suitable for various promotional activities.
Best Custom Polo Shirts For Businesses on a Budget
For budget-conscious businesses, it's important to find polos that offer quality without breaking the bank. Here are our top affordable picks:
Gildan DryBlend Jersey Sport Shirt – An economical choice that offers moisture-wicking properties and a comfortable fit, making it suitable for various business needs.
Hanes 50/50 Sport Shirt – This polo combines affordability with comfort, featuring a blend of cotton and polyester for easy care and durability.
Port Authority Silk Touch Polo – A budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality, offering a silky feel and resistance to wrinkles and shrinking.
Our Most Popular Custom Polo Shirts
Curious what other people have picked? Based on customer feedback and sales, here are 3 options from our most popular custom polo shirts:
- Ash City Core 365 Men's Origin Performance Piqué Polo – A versatile, budget-friendly option designed for comfort, durability, and performance in one package makes it an easy favorite.
Gildan DryBlend Jersey Sport Shirt – An economical choice that offers moisture-wicking properties and a comfortable fit, making it suitable for various business needs.
Port Authority Silk Touch Polo – A classic and best-selling option, the Silk Touch Polo is shrink and wrinkle-resistant, making it incredibly low-maintenance.
Still unsure of which custom polo would work best for your situation? Reach out to our human support team with any questions!
Why Choose Underground Printing?
Choosing the best custom polo shirts is only half the equation—the other half is working with a print partner that understands your needs. At Underground Printing, we specialize in high-quality custom apparel with an emphasis on precision, durability, and fast turnaround times.
Unlike large-scale print shops that take a one-size-fits-all approach, we provide personalized service to ensure your polos reflect your brand’s quality and professionalism. Our team works with businesses, universities, nonprofits, and event planners every day to make the customization process seamless and stress-free.
No minimum order requirements—order one or a hundred.
Bulk Order Pricing Designed to Benefit Businesses and Organizations
Embroidery and printing options tailored to your branding needs.
Nationwide coverage with fast and reliable free shipping.
Whether you need custom uniforms for your employees, promotional polos for an event, or high-end custom business apparel, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.
Get Started With Custom Printing Today
The best custom polo shirts will elevate your brand, unify your team, and leave a lasting impression. If you’re ready to order or need guidance on which polo is best for your needs, our team is here to help.