Wire grid polarizers, and methods of making wire grid polarizers, including an array of parallel, elongated nano-structures disposed over a surface of a substrate. Each of the nano-structures can include a first rib disposed over a surface of a substrate and a pair of parallel, elongated wires, each laterally oriented with respect to one another, and disposed over the first rib. The wire grid polarizers can be durable with high transmission of one polarization of light, high contrast, and/or small pitch. The wire grid polarizers can also have high absorption or high reflection of an opposite polarization of light.