What is a polo shirt?
Polo shirt A T-shirt with a soft turn-down collar and a short button placket is a wardrobe item. Initially designed exclusively for athletic wear, it has become a staple of everyday style.
The style was developed in 1926 by French tennis player René Lacoste. It became a comfortable alternative to the classic long-sleeved shirts worn by athletes previously. Later, the style was adopted by polo and golf players, giving it its current name.
The traditional material used for sewing is cotton pique. It's a dense, breathable fabric with a distinctive, finely ribbed or honeycombed texture that holds its shape well.
Distinctive features
The polo's main architectural detail is the soft turn-down collar, which flows into a short placket at the neck. The placket typically has two, three, or four buttons; less common are zipped or buttonless versions.
The classic version features short sleeves finished with elastic cuffs. These ensure a snug fit. Long-sleeved versions, known as long-sleeved polo shirts, are also available.
The hem of the T-shirt is traditionally straight-cut with small slits on the sides. In authentic sportswear styles, the back is often slightly longer than the front—this detail is called a "tennis tail" and prevents the fabric from bulging out of the pants during vigorous movement.
Modern variations have gone far beyond the sporty cotton pique. Today, polos are made from smooth knits, silk, viscose, or fine merino wool (known as knitted polos).
What to combine with
For a smart casual look, pair a tucked-in polo shirt with chinos or straight-leg jeans in heavy denim. Classic leather loafers, topsiders, or minimalist urban sneakers complete the look.
Knitted polos made of fine wool or silk jersey are appropriate for a business wardrobe. They are worn under a structured blazer or jacket, offering a more relaxed yet elegant alternative to a formal office shirt.
Summer and sporty looks revolve around classic ribbed cotton styles. They're worn untucked or partially tucked in, paired with Bermuda shorts, pleated tennis skirts, and loose linen trousers.
Polos work great in layered outfits. They're used as a base layer under a V-neck jumper or a voluminous cardigan. In these combinations, the turn-down collar is typically worn over the top layer.
