St Johns Bay Polo Shirts

As summer approaches, it’s time to refresh my wardrobe with some lightweight, breathable shirts that will keep me cool and comfortable in the warmer weather. Polo shirts are my go-to for the season – they’re easy to dress up or down, and look great with shorts, jeans, or chinos. I’ve worn polos from many brands over the years, but my favorites have become St. Johns Bay. Their polo shirts check all my boxes for fit, quality, and value. If you’re in the market for some new polos this summer, read on for my complete buying guide to St. Johns Bay polo shirts!

An Introduction to St. Johns Bay

For those not familiar with the brand, St. Johns Bay is a clothing line sold exclusively at JCPenney. It offers casual fashions for men, women, and kids at affordable prices. St. Johns Bay has a reputation for delivering stylish, quality basics that stand up well over time. The brand covers all the wardrobe essentials – think t-shirts, jeans, shorts, shirts and sweaters.

Within their extensive polo shirt collection, you’ll find classic styles in pique cotton, jacquard knits, and performance fabrics that wick moisture. They come in traditional solids and stripes as well as novelty prints. While staying true to the iconic polo style, St. Johns Bay offers modern touches like slimmer fits, updated collars, and stretch fabrics that enhance comfort. Keep reading for my complete breakdown of sizing, fit, quality, pricing, and more!

Fabric and Materials

The majority of St. Johns Bay polos are constructed from pure pique cotton – this has a knitted texture that helps the fabric breathe while providing durability. Pique cotton polos hold their shape well and resist fading, shrinking, and pilling even after repeated wears and washes.

Some styles incorporate polyester for increased stretch, moisture wicking, and wrinkle resistance. These performance fabrics come in handy for more athletic pursuits like golfing or hiking, or for travelers who want to pack light. The marled jacquard knit polos have a casual, textured look thanks to their cotton/poly blend.

Overall the materials used in St. Johns Bay polos are high quality, especially considering the affordable prices. I find they wear and launder better over time than cheaper polos I’ve purchased at discount retailers.

Fit and Sizing

In my experience, St. Johns Bay polo shirts run true to size but veer towards a relaxed, roomy fit – especially in the classic pique styles. I prefer a more tailored look, so I often size down for a slimmer fit through the body and arms.

The athletic-inspired, poly-blend polos have a trimmer cut but still leave room for layering. There are also some “Slim Fit” options designed with shorter, narrower dimensions. Just keep in mind that the relaxed fit provides more airflow for warm weather wear.

St. Johns Bay polos are available in men’s sizes from Small to 5XL (or numeric sizes 38-68). There are Big & Tall sizes too – ranging from LT to 6XLT. The size charts provide detailed garment measurements to help you select your ideal fit.

If you’re unsure between two sizes, consider sizing down for a neater fit or up for a roomier feel. The shirts maintain their shape well so you don’t have to worry about them stretching out with wear.

Quality and Durability

Considering the accessible price points, I’ve been impressed with the quality and durability of my St. Johns Bay polo shirts. The fabrics feel substantial, the stitching is reinforced, and the collars hold their form – even after countless machine washes.

The pique cotton shirts have a heftier handfeel compared to cheaper or thinner polos. The colors remain vibrant wash after wash. They don’t excessively wrinkle, shrink, or pill with regular care. I find I can get multiple seasons of wear out of St. Johns Bay polos before they start showing signs of wear. That’s a great return on investment!

While not as luxe feeling as premium polos, St. Johns Bay delivers better quality than most value-priced options. The performance fabrics perform as promised, wicking moisture and resisting odors during active pursuits. For the cost, I find the quality here hard to beat.

Extensive Color and Pattern Selection

A major perk of St. Johns Bay’s vast polo selection is the wide range of colors and prints to choose from. They offer all the classic solid polo shades like white, black, navy, grey, and royal blue. You’ll also find bolder hues like neon orange, mint, lilac, and teal for summer.

The color-block and tipped styles provide visual interest, while stripes and plaids add preppy personality. There are color-saturated options for bold branding or subtle heathers for casual flair.

Beyond solid colors, St. Johns Bay offers polos in unique patterns and prints: tropical motifs, camo, film graphics, geometric jacquards, and novelty knits. For guys like me who get bored of basics, the extensive variety lets you stand out while staying in the dress code.

Great for Work or Play

A major appeal of the polo shirt is its versatility – St. Johns Bay polos can seamlessly transition from workdays to weekends. The classic pique styles look sharp with chinos or trousers for business casual offices. I like adding a blazer or cardigan for polished looks that still beat the heat.

The moisture-wicking performance polos are ideal for company golf outings or summer team building activities. The stretch fabrics allow a full range of motion for the course or field.

Off the clock, St. Johns Bay polos pair perfectly with shorts or jeans for barbecues, concerts, beaches and more. The casual vibe and breathable fabrics make them a warm weather staple. I appreciate having options suitable for both professional and playful settings.

Great for Hot Weather Wear

As a guy who runs warm, I’m always on the hunt for shirts that will keep me cool and breezy in summer. St. Johns Bay polos deliver on that front – the cotton, poly blends and knit fabrics are naturally breathable and moisture-wicking.

The roomier cut allows for airflow circulation, so I never feel stifled on sweltering days. The short sleeve construction means less fabric. Targeted mesh ventilation in high sweat zones enhances cooling comfort.

I find St. Johns Bay polos help regulate my temperature far better than a basic t-shirt once the mercury rises. The fabrics dry quickly after getting damp with sweat or rain. The lighter colors help reflect heat instead of absorbing it.

If you overheat easily like me, these polos will have you feeling chill through summer. Their performance rivals my pricier athletic brands for hot weather wear.

Washing and Care

I’m admittedly lazy about reading clothing labels, so I appreciate that St. Johns Bay polos are low-maintenance when it comes to washing. The pique cotton styles can be machine washed and dried without risk of shrinking, distorting, or fading.

I like tossing them in with my regular laundry. The poly-blend and jacquard knit polos fare well in the wash but air dry fastest. In a pinch, I’ll throw them in the dryer on delicate or low heat with no issues.

Minimal ironing needed as the fabrics shake out most wrinkles. I spot treat any stains prior to washing but the colors seem to release dirt easily. With proper wash care, the polos look fresh wear after wear.

Great Value and Savings

At full price, St. Johns Bay polos retail from $15 to $45 – with premium performance styles at the higher end. But with frequent sales and clearance deals, you can often score them for 50% off or more!

I’ve picked up Signature pique polos for as low as $8 on clearance racks. Even the specialty fabrics and fits can be found for under $20 if you shop the sales. Considering the brand quality, fit and selection – the value here can’t be beat.

Signing up for JCPenney’s mailing list and app provides early access to discounts. I always scope out the sales when I need to replenish my polo stock before summer. The prices compel me to try new colors and patterns each season without breaking the bank!

Sizing Runs Up to 5XL

Great news for big and tall guys like myself – St. Johns Bay polos run up to 5XL and size 6XLT to accommodate extended sizes. The roomy cut leaves plenty of room through the body and arms for larger frames. And the fabrics have stretch for ease of movement.

It can be frustrating trying to find quality polos beyond XL or 2XL at most stores. St. Johns Bay offers not only extended sizes but a variety of colors and prints so we’re not stuck with just basic black or white.

The value pricing means I don’t have to pay a premium for the specialized sizing. Whether you need a trim athletic fit or expansive room to layer, the wide size range has you covered.

Comparable to Premium Brands

While the St. Johns Bay name may not carry the prestige of Lacoste or Ralph Lauren, I’ve found their polos stack up nicely to the pricier brands. The fabrics, construction and detailing rival what you’d expect from labels charging twice as much.

In fact, most people can’t discern any noticeable difference in quality once the polos are on. The fits cater to both athletic and stocky builds. You get the same easycare washing, wrinkle resistance and lasting construction of higher end names.

If you’re on a budget but appreciate quality, St. Johns Bay delivers a comparable experience to the big brands for far less. Unless you need the status name inside your collar, these polos meet the same style and performance demands with massive savings.

Made Ethically in Trusted Factories

In today’s retail climate, I appreciate that JCPenney has transparently addressed their supply chain and manufacturing standards. St. Johns Bay polos are primarily produced in factories JCPenney has established longstanding partnerships with.

Their facilities have been vetted for safe, ethical working conditions – no child or forced labor, regulated hours and rest periods, fire precautions, clean environments etc. JCPenney inspectors perform regular audits to ensure compliance.

It’s reassuring to know extra measures are taken to source St. Johns Bay apparel ethically and responsibly. And the factories’ expertise delivers consistent quality and sizing. While most manufacturing has shifted overseas, these polished facilities uphold good working standards.

Customization Options Available

St. Johns Bay offers in-house personalization and customization for a personalized twist on their polos. You can choose from several embroidery fonts and thread colors to monogram initials or a name on the front, back or sleeve.

For corporate functions, you can have a company logo stitched onto polos for unified team apparel. Businesses can even design custom polos coordinated with brand colors and id.

It’s a nice touch for family reunions, golf clubs and other organizations too. Since the polos are so affordably priced, it’s easy to customize them for any occasion without spending a fortune. Add that special touch for just a few dollars more.

What Do Reviews Say?

User reviews for St. Johns Bay polos are consistently positive across online retailers like JCPenney and Amazon. Many praise the comfortable fit, quality fabrics, and extensive color choices. Customers love having options suitable for both work and casual functions.

Many reviewers say the shirts fit as expected based on size charts – though some warn the non-slim cuts can run generously large. There are rave reviews on the performance fabrics’ ability to keep wearers cool and dry.

Some note that the polos seem to pill faster than pricier brands, so care is required. Overall, most agree St. Johns Bay polos deliver fantastic bang for your buck. The quality rivals higher end brands at a mere fraction of the cost.

Wrinkle Resistant Fabrics

No one wants to be seen in a polo riddled with wrinkles. Fortunately, the pique knit cotton and poly-blend fabrics used in St. Johns Bay polos have natural wrinkle-resistant properties. The fabrics quickly snap back into shape upon washing and drying.

I’ve found they press out any minor wrinkling with a quick touch up using an iron. The wrinkle-free performance polos live up to their name – I’ve unpacked them from trips looking crisp and sharp.

You won’t have to endlessly steam or flat iron these polos to keep up a polished look. The fabrics shake out wrinkles and retain their structure exceptionally well, preventing a rumpled appearance.

Where to Buy Online and In-Store

As St. Johns Bay is a JCPenney exclusive brand, that’s the only major retail chain you can shop the brand in person. JCPenney stores across the country carry the polo shirt collection – it’s one of their most ubiquitous products.

JCPenney.com offers the largest online selection with frequent discounts and doorbuster deals. You can also snag discounted St. Johns Bay polos through online resellers like Amazon, eBay and Poshmark.

JCPenney often runs promotions like “buy one, get one 50% off” sales both online and in-brick-and-mortar locations. Take advantage of these offers coupled with coupons for serious savings on quality polos!

The Verdict: A Wardrobe Staple!

For affordable, high-performing polos from an ethical brand, St. Johns Bay delivers on all fronts. The extensive catalog of styles, colors and sizes ensures a perfect match for any guy’s needs. While staying true to the polo’s iconic roots, modern fits, prints and fabrics inject fresh versatility.

The fabrics and construction hold up impressively over seasons of wear – Outlasting cheaper brands. St. Johns Bay polos rival the quality of premium names at a fraction of the price, especially when scored on sale.

Whether you need versatile polos for work or play, the breathable fabrics will keep you cool and comfortable all summer. I’m always impressed with the brand’s innovations and value. That’s why St. Johns Bay polos have become wardrobe staples season after season!