Polo is a type of clothing that combines the best features of sports and classics. In terms of fit and comfort, this wardrobe is closest to a T-shirt, but thanks to the collar, buttons and (as a rule) the recognizable brand logo on the chest, it is quite appropriate in the office, and in general it gives style to elegance without any extra effort. Polos are especially relevant in summer, when they can be combined with almost everything: from trousers and jacket to shorts.
Today we will take a closer look at how to choose a polo shirt and fit it into your wardrobe.
Polo history
At the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th centuries, a new sport for that time – outdoor tennis – gained great popularity in Europe. It was played in casual suits, which then consisted of trousers, a jacket, a shirt and a tie. Not particularly convenient, right? And then someone came up with the idea to create a new piece of clothing specifically for playing tennis. Representatives of the Lacoste brand claim that it was their founder, the French athlete Rene Lacoste, some sources refute this legend, but be that as it may, in the 1920s tennis players first came out onto the court in jersey t-shirts, which were previously worn under clothes . To somehow distinguish a new piece of sports wardrobe from underwear, a collar and buttons were sewn onto them. Actually, approximately in this form, polo-shirts, which are also called t-shirts, have survived to this day.
The main contender for the title of the inventor of polo is tennis player Rene Lacoste
If Lacoste never invented polo, he was clearly the first to see its commercial potential: in 1927 he released the first collection of polo shirts with a small crocodile logo. The idea was a huge success, and the tennis player himself was nicknamed 'Alligator' in the newspapers. In 1933, Lacoste left the sport and devoted himself entirely to the production of crocodile T-shirts, which were sold throughout Europe and the United States, and gradually gained a mass of followers.
Lacoste polo shirts have hardly changed over several decades, only the color range has expanded
As for the history of the name 'polo' itself, it is connected with the fact that in the 19th century in Great Britain polo players used shirts with a similar collar with buttons, but that piece of clothing, unlike the invention attributed to Lacoste, had long sleeves. The commercial production of such shirts was first established by the Americans – the Brooks brothers in 1896, and the Brooks Brothers brand continues to produce them to this day.
Polo – T-shirt or shirt?
If in English polo shirt is a separate category of clothing, then in Russian we often ask ourselves the question: is polo a t-shirt or a shirt? To what type should it be attributed and in which department to look in stores? In fact, there is no single answer to this question, since polo combines elements of both garments.
Polo can be discreet colors, like a shirt, or with a bright pattern – like a T-shirt
Short sleeves, cut and fabric were taken from the T-shirt: modern polos are made from different types of knitwear, but never from shirt cotton. Meanwhile, a turn-down collar, buttons and an overall more elegant style make it a polo shirt. Both definitions have a right to exist, but the 'polo shirt' still outweighs a little, since the way of wearing this garment is more like a T-shirt. Polos are worn outside and most often as an independent top: of course, if the weather or the situation requires it, you can put on a jacket, jacket or sweatshirt on top, but in principle you can do without them.
Types of polo shirts
Polo shirts usually have a similar cut and recognizable style, but differ mainly in the type of fit.
Classic polos
The style of the classic polo shirt stays the same year after year
Classic polos have a standard straight cut: they do not fit the figure, but they clearly indicate it. A collar and a clasp with two or three buttons are required. Most often they are sewn from pique jersey, often have small cuts on the sides, and the front part may be slightly shorter than the back.
Slim fit polo shirt
Fitted polos – trendy “hipster” option
Slim-fit polo shirts have a slim fit: they fit quite tightly to the figure and perfectly emphasize the athletic build. In this case, manufacturers usually choose thinner stretch knitwear, the bottom of the product is made of the same length and without cuts. Such models are often decorated with prints: stripes, inscriptions and even patterns in the manner of Hawaiian shirts. The collar of fitted polos is often smaller than that of classic polos.
Relaxed fit polo
Free-cut polo – the most comfortable model
Relaxed-fit polos are loose fit and do not indicate a figure in any way, as a rule, such models are made in solid colors or in a thin strip. They are good for overweight people, as well as for anyone who loves free things. It is also the only polo that can be tucked into trousers and worn like a shirt.
What to wear with a polo
Polo shirts are surprisingly democratic, suitable for all ages and body types. You can wear them almost anywhere, especially during the summer months, but it's important to remember some rules.
To the office
For the office and smart casual style, it is better to choose plain polos without bright prints and inscriptions. They go well with chinos, and you can wear a sports jacket on top. For a semi-formal setting, it makes sense to pick up a loose polo and tuck it into your pants, in which case don't forget to wear a matching belt.
Polo will not match a classic suit, but in a semi-formal set it may well replace a shirt
For shoes, moccasins or topsiders are suitable, it is better to avoid sports models. Also, leave your baseball cap and backpack at home – it's better to wear a leather shoulder bag and a spectacular wristwatch.
On every day
A classic polo shirt is a great solution for a casual summer look. She will make the perfect set with cotton pants and any jeans, except for ripped and tight-fitting models – it's still better to choose a T-shirt for them.
Vibrant colors of the polo shirt can be supported by accessories
For shoes, sneakers or sneakers are suitable, but do not forget that although polos were born as sportswear, today they are still more about fashion and elegance, and not about training. You can use small bags or backpacks as accessories, don't forget stylish sunglasses with wooden frames, for example.
For relax
On a hot day, the polo can be worn with shorts. Choose bermuda shorts for restrained models; short and denim shorts are also suitable for bright ones with large inscriptions and prints.
White pants or shorts with a polo shirt – an elegant set for a seaside holiday
Light polos paired with shorts create a relaxed yet elegant look, something of the world of seaside resorts and yachting. You can support this theme in accessories.
Popular brands of polo shirts
The polo shirt is an iconic item, its recognizable cut and tradition of embroidering the manufacturer's logo on the chest immediately makes it clear where exactly yours was bought. Whenever possible, choose models from recognized leaders in this segment, such as the already mentioned Lacoste with a crocodile or Polo Ralph Lauren with a polo player figure. Also high-quality and beautiful polos are produced by Napapijri, Tommy Hilfiger, EA7, Gant, Fred Perry, Aeronautica Militare, U.S. Polo Assn. and other brands of similar style.
A classic polo shirt is a great investment: this garment doesn't change from season to season and never goes out of style. Polo has a lot of fans who collect whole collections of different colors of models of popular brands.
Classic-cut polo shirt suits men of all ages
An important point: if your plans do not include spending several thousand rubles on polo, you should not buy fakes. Crocodile T-shirts are stamped by many Chinese manufacturers, but the quality of the fabric and finishes immediately show that they have nothing to do with almost a century of Lacoste history. Instead, look for polos in popular mass-market stores: most brands include this garment in their collections and decorate them with other logos, lettering and prints, which sometimes looks even cooler than those of the segment leaders, who have already become hostages of their own traditions to some extent. and cannot afford to experiment.
How to wear a polo shirt – video
Conclusion
A polo shirt is truly versatile. Like a classic suit, it is beyond age, physique and fashion trends, but at the same time it is as comfortable as possible to a sports T-shirt. Pay attention to this wardrobe item: perhaps your closet is missing exactly this.
