The polo shirt is a combination of the timeless button-down Oxford dress shirt and the t-shirt. Polo shirts feature a collar and placket with three buttons and they are made from a knitted cotton known as piqué. This design breathes, is elastic and absorbent, and is traditionally worn for sports such as polo, tennis, and golf. It was first worn for polo but became famous through the famous French tennis player René Lacoste in the 1930s. Today polo shirts remain a popular choice for a smart-casual look.
Wearing a Polo Shirt.
There are two essential criteria for achieving the right fit when you wear polo shirts. The hem should extend no lower than a couple of inches below the belt line and no higher than the hip, i.e. short enough to tuck in, but long enough to wear untucked. The sleeve should end just about midway down the bicep. The fit should be a little tight in the chest and arms and then taper to the waist. Overall it should fit close to the body without looking tight. Polo shirts can be worn for a variety of occasions, from a day on the beach to a ritzy cocktail party. It all depends on what you wear with it. If you want casual, a polo could be worn with fitted shorts and canvas sneakers. You could also swap the shorts for tidy jeans or chinos. To be more formal, exchange the jeans or chinos for a smart pair of trousers. Add a nice belt and tuck the polo in. A pair of loafers and a quality watch would complete the look. Monochrome colours will always look more stylish and formal. You can top this off with a sports jacket for an even more formal occasion.
A Comparison Between Polo Shirts and Other Shirts:
Polo Shirt and T-Shirt.
There are two main differences between polo shirts and t-shirts: the collar and the material. The polo collar is a little classier than a t-shirt, so the polo can be worn on rather more formal occasions. In terms of material, both shirts are made of cotton, but while polos are in knitted cotton, t-shirts are in woven cotton.
Polo Shirt and Button-Down.
Button-down shirts are definitely more formal than polo shirts and can be worn with a tie whereas a polo obviously cannot. Button-down dress shirts are mostly made of stiffer fabrics like Oxford, twill, or broadcloth. However, they are similar in that both can be worn tucked in or untucked depending on the formality of the occasion.
Polo Shirt and Golf Shirt.
They are basically the same, only differing in fabric and fit. Golf shirts tend to be made from a thinner knit than polo shirts, they are worn with a looser fit and usually contain some moisture-wicking material. So, golf shirts are designed to be practical, whereas polos are designed for fashion. When wearing polo shirts remember to find the right fit, and style your outfit to the level of formality you want to adopt.
