The polo, the stylish sibling of the T-shirt, was introduced in 1926 by tennis legend René Lacoste. One day, he traded in his traditional match outfit—a shirt and tie—for the then-revolutionary polo shirt. Lacoste promptly won the tournament, and just like that, the polo shirt became a sensation! After his tennis career, he teamed up with his good friend André Gillier, and the Lacoste brand was born. Before long, the polo was showcased by various fashion houses on the runway. Today, every man has at least one polo shirt in his closet, but how do you find the polo that fits you perfectly?
1. Start with the Collar
When choosing a polo, the collar is a crucial aspect to consider, as it affects both comfort and overall style. The classic button-down collar is versatile and timeless. By unbuttoning one or two buttons, you can give your outfit a more relaxed look. A collarless design offers a smooth silhouette and a laid-back, summery vibe. Additionally, there are polos with zip closures for a sporty twist and athletic look. It’s wise to align your choice with your personal style and the occasion for which you’ll be wearing the polo.
2. Think about the fabric
The traditional polo shirt is made of piqué, a knitted fabric with a subtle texture that provides breathability and durability. Piqué polos have a sporty and timeless appearance, making them easy to integrate into outfits. Another popular fabric is jersey, a smooth, soft material known for its comfort and flexibility. Jersey polo shirts are often lighter and have a more modern look. For a more distinctive appearance, you can opt for polos with a knitted texture, which gives your outfit a refined and elegant vibe.
3. Choose the fit
Men’s polos come in a variety of sizes and fits. Most modern polo shirts are tailored, meaning that fabric has been removed to accentuate your body shape. As a result, the polo fits snugly but shouldn’t be too tight. If possible, try on the polo first and pay attention to the following points:
- The shoulder seams should sit right on the edge of your shoulders.
- The sleeves of a short-sleeve polo should hit about halfway down your biceps.
- You should be able to move your arms comfortably without the fabric pulling or stretching.
- The polo should fit comfortably around your chest without being restrictive.
- The ideal length of a polo is to hit around the middle of your zipper.
4. Experiment with colors
Classic colors for polo shirts include white, black, and navy blue. These shades are versatile and timeless, making them suitable for both casual and formal settings. Neutral colors like gray, beige, and olive green offer a subtle and sophisticated appearance, allowing for easy pairing with almost any men’s pants or shorts. Additionally, polos in bright and vibrant colors like red, yellow, and green are perfect for summer days or making a statement. Pastel colors such as light blue, pink, and mint green are also popular, especially in spring and summer, providing a soft and friendly look that fits well with a relaxed vibe.
5. Don’t forget about the sleeves!
The very first polo was designed for comfort during summer tennis. The classic model features short sleeves. Nowadays, you can also find polo shirts with long sleeves, which are especially nice on cooler days and are ideal for layering.
6. Looking for something special?
If you’re after something a bit different, consider special variations of the polo shirt. The rugby shirt, for example, resembles a long-sleeve polo but is made from thicker piqué fabric. The traditional rugby shirt also features reinforced shoulders and sleeves, horizontal stripes, and a white collar. On the other hand, a Camicia polo shirt is an elegant version with a modern twist. It looks like a long-sleeve polo but is as comfortable as a dress shirt.
Polo shirt don’ts
We’ll wrap up this article with a few fashion faux pas you should definitely avoid when wearing a polo:
- Buttoning up the top button of your polo.
- Wearing the collar of a polo shirt flipped up.
- Having a basic T-shirt or undershirt visibly showing under your polo.
