Shoppers often ask whether Tencel or cotton is the better choice for a polo or shirt. Both are breathable and easy to wear — the difference is feel and formality.
Tencel: soft, cool, a touch dressier
Tencel is a smooth, fluid fibre that drapes close to the body and feels cool on the skin. The Riviera Polo uses it for a knit V-neck that reads a step above a standard polo — good for hot days, travel and smart-casual evenings.
Cotton piqué: structured and hard-wearing
Classic cotton polos like The Essential Polo and the Active Polo sit a little crisper and take everyday wear well — the reliable warm-weather staple.
Which to choose
Pick Tencel for softness, drape and a dressier look; pick cotton piqué for structure and durability. For a relaxed shirt with a velvet-soft hand, The Velvet Shirt is a different lane worth a look.