The best men’s polos and knits
Plus: An on-sale AC
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The Recommendation

May 18, 2026

Today: 7 great polos and summer knits. Plus …

Our favorite men’s polos, lightweight knits, and more

Various lightweight knit sweaters and polos are shown laying on top of one another.
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

In our brand-new guide to men’s lightweight knitwear, our style expert researched nearly 100 tops to find the most versatile, breathable options. Some of our favorites include a classic polo that looks more expensive than it is and a soft, thin crewneck that’s perfect for layering. Each piece is a workhorse that should serve you well wherever you’re headed this summer: the office, rooftop soirees, and beyond.

Including the ultimate short-sleeve polo→

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Plus: Surprisingly stylish golf shorts

A polaroid picture of a person wearing the Puli Men’s Golf Shorts in front of a building's entranceway.
NYT Wirecutter

These affordable golf shorts combine the comfort of athleisure with the versatility and effortlessness of jeans. Says writer Alexander Aciman: “They allow me to feel the summer breeze on my legs while also looking good in just about any situation.”

“They work just as well with loafers as they do with sandals by the pool”→

What’s hot at Wirecutter

Two photos: the first a screenshot from the Indyx app showing the different items for the outfit of Thursday Jan 29, the second a mirror selfie of a person wearing that outift.

“I cataloged my wardrobe ‘Clueless’-style. It changed my life.”

This app digitizes and organizes the contents of your closet, so planning an outfit becomes something like a virtual game of dress-up→

A collage of images of plants, a pruning saw, and a person wearing work gloves while holding a pitchfork.

The gardening tools that horticulturalists swear by

We asked experts at America’s biggest botanical centers for their favorite tools, like unanimously beloved pruners and great, grippy work gloves→

Several different air purifiers displayed next to potted plants in front of a blue background.

Our new favorite air purifier

It’s one of the best-performing purifiers we’ve ever tested→

The Calm app on a phone, a Patagonia fanny pack and a Philips electric toothbrush on display.

13 little luxuries our travel experts take on trips

Including a hydrating face mask, clogs you can wear on a short hike, and a lightweight power bank→

Your daily deal: The very best AC

A U-shaped air conditioner from Midea in front of a light green background
Midea

This AC is the quietest and most energy-efficient window unit we’ve ever tested. Plus, its unique U-shaped design lets you keep using your window even when it’s installed.

It’s $100 off today→

Gift of the week: Plastic-free tumblers

A Falcon enamel tumbler in the color Mustard Yellow
Falcon

These durable enamelware cups come in an array of very pleasing colors. They’re ideal for outdoor dining, but we love them for indoors too, whether on a desk or by your bed. Says editorial director Marguerite Preston: “They elicit compliments and cries of ‘where did you get these?’ every time I pass them around.”

“The star of my picnic go-bag”→

Independent reviews, expert advice and intensively researched deals from Wirecutter experts.

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