Why the polo shirt is a men’s wardrobe staple

The polo shirt is a true staple of the well-dressed man’s wardrobe. This design has a rather misleading name, as it wasn’t invented with the aristocratic horseback sport in mind; instead, it was invented by the tennis champion Rene Lacoste to be the ultimate tennis shirt. Today, the polo shirt is worn for many different occasions, so let’s take a look at why this item belongs in every man’s wardrobe.

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Dress it up

Despite its start in life as a sports shirt, this design can be worn to smart events. The men’s style experts at GQ recommend pairing a black polo shirt with a formal trousers and blazer combination to echo one of Jake Gyllenhaal’s red carpet looks. For a more smart-casual vibe, team it with your trendiest chinos and stylish footwear, such as on-trend Chelsea boot or debonair boat shoes. For a stylish twist on the polo shirt, consider luxe branded options such as mens Ralph Lauren polo shirts.

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Dress it down

Although it certainly exudes a more suave style than the simple T-shirt, you can still create a laid-back look with a polo shirt. To dress it down, you just need to pair it with the right clothes, shoes and accessories; for example, you can wear it with jeans or shorts depending on the season, your favourite trainers, and a cool pair of sunglasses. Retailers such as EJ Menswear have a range of breathable polo shirts ideal for casual wear and sports use.

Get the perfect fit

One of the brilliant things about this design is how universally flattering it is when you get the fit right. You should ensure that the sleeves come halfway down your biceps and that the shirt doesn’t hang more than three inches below your waistband, which will enable you to style it tucked in or loose.

Style it right

Whether you want to dress the polo shirt up or down, we have a few important tips for you. Firstly, you must do up one of the buttons. Leaving them all undone isn’t trendy; instead, it is sloppy dressing. Secondly, invest in polo shirts in solid, versatile colours such as black, white, navy and light blue. Last but not least, avoid polo shirts with large tacky logos. As a rule, a sophisticated brand’s logo should be no larger than your thumbnail.