How to Wear a Lavender Polo Shirt
Lavender adds colour without shouting. What to pair it with, which combinations to be careful with, and four outfits from office to summer.
In short: lavender is a soft pastel that adds colour without shouting. Wear a lavender polo with grey, navy, white or charcoal and it looks fresh and calm; keep the rest of the outfit plain so the shade can be seen.
Why lavender is easier than it looks
Many men avoid pastels because they expect them to be difficult. In fact lavender behaves much like a pale blue: it is light, cool and gentle, and it sits comfortably next to the neutrals most wardrobes are already built on. It is a good step for anyone who usually wears navy, grey and white and would like a little more colour.
Trousers that work with a lavender polo
- Mid-grey or charcoal — the most natural match. Grey and lavender share a cool tone, and this is how the lavender polo is worn in our own photographs.
- Navy — crisp and reliable for the office.
- White or off-white — bright and summery.
- Beige or stone — soft and light for warm weather.
- Dark or mid-blue denim — the easy weekend option.
Combinations to be careful with
- Other pastels. Pastel on pastel can look like an Easter egg. One pastel is enough.
- Bright, warm colours such as orange or bright red, which clash with lavender's cool tone.
- Brown trousers. Some browns work, but grey and navy are far more dependable.
Shoes and accessories
White trainers keep a lavender polo relaxed; dark loafers or black leather shoes make it smarter. A navy or grey jacket over the top is the simplest way to dress it up.
Four outfits to copy
- Office: lavender polo, navy chinos and dark loafers.
- Smart-casual: lavender polo tucked into charcoal trousers, with a grey or navy blazer.
- Weekend: lavender polo, mid-blue jeans and white trainers.
- Summer: lavender polo, white or stone chinos and canvas shoes.
When to choose lavender
Lavender suits daytime, warm weather and relaxed occasions particularly well, and it is quiet enough for most casual offices. If you want something more neutral, look at beige; for a stronger statement, mustard yellow or red. Our overview of choosing a polo colour compares all four.
Frequently asked questions
What colours go with a lavender polo shirt?
Grey, charcoal, navy, white, beige and blue denim. Cool neutrals are the safest.
Can men wear lavender?
Of course. Lavender is a long-established menswear colour for shirts and polos, and it works with the same trousers as pale blue.
Is a lavender polo suitable for work?
Yes, in a casual or smart-casual workplace. With navy or grey trousers it looks neat and understated.
Is lavender only for summer?
No. It is at its freshest in bright weather, but under a navy or charcoal jacket it works all year.
Will the shade look the same as on my screen?
Screens show colour slightly differently, and pastels are especially sensitive to this. If the exact shade matters, message us before you decide.
What does the Mountain Explora lavender polo look like?
It is our logo polo in a soft lavender, with the emblem embroidered in a dark thread on the left chest. See the lavender polo on the product page.
