There aren’t many garments capable of both performing on the sports field and mingling at the pre-match champagne reception, but the polo shirt is one of them.
Over the past century, this smart-casual staple has transitioned from Wimbledon court to wardrobe, but not without stopping off at the odd youth subculture en route. As a result, it’s become ingrained in the very fabric of modern menswear; a fixture in every well-dressed man’s spring/summer rotation.
Part of the polo shirt’s crossover appeal is down to its versatility. It’s a garment that can work across a range of outfits and occasions, so long as it’s styled with consideration.
With that in mind, we’ve collected some of our favourite ways to wear a polo shirt to serve as a handy point of reference next time you find yourself reaching for yours.
Athleisure
The re-appropriation of gym gear as casualwear (often referenced as athleisure) has become the new normal in menswear over the last decade. If it doesn’t already occupy a considerable chunk of your wardrobe, it probably ought to.
The polo shirt is one of this aesthetic’s defining garments, so naturally it slots well into a variety of athleisure-based outfits. Success lies in pairing it with other sporty garments, mixing dedicated athletic wear with upscale premium pieces.
Keep the colour palette subdued and mostly monochrome, incorporating sportswear staples like fitted joggers, hoodies and track jackets. Footwear-wise, go for a streamlined technical trainer or a premium minimalist leather sneaker.
Separates
Experimenting with suit separates is a clever way to tone down tailoring while still looking sharp and swapping a smart shirt for a more relaxed polo builds on this effect. It’s a quick way to give your suiting a summery edge and is ideal for warm-weather events or even as a business-casual work outfit.
Getting the colour and contrast right is key when it comes to styling separates – and that extends to your polo shirt too. To play it safe, stick to neutrals and monochrome, but if the jacket and pants are pretty subdued, a pop of bolder colour from the polo can work nicely too.
Fit is always crucial, but particularly when it comes to tailoring. The polo shirt should fit like a glove to enable it to slot beneath your blazer without bunching up or crumpling. It should be form-fitting but never tight and the seams should align perfectly with the shoulders.
With A Suit
Nobody likes donning a suit when it’s 100 degrees outside. The problem is, it sometimes can’t be helped. When those situations arise, a well-fitting polo shirt can make an unlikely yet powerful ally.
Provided the dress code permits it, the breathable pique cotton fabric of a polo shirt can offer some respite from the heat when worn in place of a shirt. This can be a great option for events like summer weddings, where the dress code is smart, but the weather can be sweltering.
In terms of colour, there are two ways to approach this one. Firstly, you could opt for a tonal outfit. That means keeping your suit and polo shirt to different shades of the same, or similar, colours. Alternatively, you could go for contrast. To achieve this, select a polo shirt in a colour that complements your suit but doesn’t match it. Steer away from anything to punchy or bright, favouring subtle tones instead.
Tucked In
Sometimes the simplest of style moves have the biggest impact. Case in point: tucking your shirt in. It might sound basic – and it is – but this quick move has the power to completely alter the feel of an outfit. Use it to your advantage.
This Ivy League-approved twist on the T-shirt tuck can turn what is seemingly a pedestrian outfit into something much more individual and considered. Just make sure your polo shirt fits like a dream to avoid excess fabric billowing over the top of your pants.
The best approach in terms of styling is to stick with the theme of simplicity. If you can drop the belt, great. If not, make sure it’s understated and plain. Keep accessories to the bare minimum and the colour palette subtle. Chinos and dress pants are both good options legwear-wise, or swap them for tailored shorts if the weather’s on your side.
Riviera Ready
Sadly, you probably aren’t spending your weekend sipping Aperol spritz and grazing on charcuteries in Portofino. Still, don’t let that stop you from dressing like you are. Those Italians know a thing or two about classy nonchalant style and a crisp white polo shirt has long been one of their weapons of choice.
Embracing a bit of Riviera cool is never a bad move when it comes to your summer wardrobe and adding a polo shirt into the mix keeps things nice and casual. Classic pique cotton is the obvious choice but don’t ignore knitted options for something a little more sophisticated. A zip collar is great for adding a contemporary twist too.
Moving south, legwear should be smart, but not too smart. Think pleated trousers or chinos. Italian men are partial to a pair of white pants but just take it easy on the gesticulating if you happen to have a glass of Barolo in hand. As for footwear? Loafers or deck shoes every time.
Keep It Simple
The best thing about a polo shirt? Probably the fact that it doesn’t require much thought to make one look good. It’s the sort of garment that makes it look like you’ve put a bit of thought into an outfit even if you haven’t. An upgrade on the T-shirt, but still nice and relaxed.
This is why one of the best things you can do when styling a polo shirt is to take things back to basics. Pairing one with shorts, chinos or jeans and your favourite summer footwear is a recipe for easy, timeless style.
All there really is to think about is texture and colour. Use these two elements to keep a simple outfit from straying into boring territory. That said, a muted palette is always a safe bet, just be thoughtful in your colour matching to keep things interesting.
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As an expert in fashion and menswear, I can provide information related to the concepts mentioned in the article. Let's dive into each concept and discuss them in detail:
Polo Shirt as a Versatile Garment
The polo shirt is a versatile garment that can be worn in various settings, from sports fields to social events. It has transitioned from its origins on the Wimbledon court to becoming a staple in modern menswear Its smart-casual nature makes it suitable for a range of outfits and occasions, as long as it is styled with consideration.
Athleisure
Athleisure refers to the re-appropriation of gym gear as casualwear, which has become a popular trend in menswear over the last decade. The polo shirt is a defining garment of this aesthetic and can be paired with other sporty pieces to create athleisure-based outfits. To achieve a cohesive look, it is recommended to incorporate sportswear staples like fitted joggers, hoodies, and track jackets. When it comes to footwear, streamlined technical trainers or minimalist leather sneakers work well.
Suit Separates
Experimenting with suit separates is a clever way to tone down traditional tailoring while still looking sharp. Swapping a smart shirt for a more relaxed polo shirt can give your suiting a summery edge and is ideal for warm-weather events or business-casual work outfits. It is important to consider the color and contrast when styling separates. Neutrals and monochrome are safe choices, but a pop of bolder color from the polo shirt can also work nicely if the rest of the outfit is subdued.
Polo Shirt with a Suit
Wearing a well-fitting polo shirt in place of a shirt can be a great option for situations where a suit is required but the weather is hot. The breathable pique cotton fabric of a polo shirt provides some respite from the heat. When styling a polo shirt with a suit, you can either opt for a tonal outfit by keeping the suit and polo shirt in different shades of the same or similar colors, or go for contrast by selecting a polo shirt color that complements the suit without matching it exactly.
Tucked-In Polo Shirt
Tucking your polo shirt in can have a significant impact on the overall look of an outfit. This style move can turn a seemingly pedestrian outfit into something more individual and considered. It is important to ensure that the polo shirt fits well to avoid excess fabric billowing over the top of your pants. When styling a tucked-in polo shirt, simplicity is key. Consider dropping the belt or opting for an understated and plain one. Keep accessories to a minimum and stick to a subtle color palette. Chinos, dress pants, or tailored shorts can be suitable legwear options depending on the weather.
Riviera Ready
Embracing a bit of Riviera cool in your summer wardrobe can elevate your style. A crisp white polo shirt is a classic choice for achieving a casual yet classy look. Classic pique cotton is the obvious fabric choice, but knitted options can add a touch of sophistication. When it comes to legwear, think smart but not overly formal, such as pleated trousers or chinos. Italian men often opt for white pants, but be mindful of any potential spills if you're enjoying a glass of wine. Loafers or deck shoes are recommended footwear choices.
Keeping It Simple
One of the best things about a polo shirt is its ability to make an outfit look good with minimal effort. Pairing a polo shirt with shorts, chinos, or jeans and your favorite summer footwear is a recipe for easy, timeless style. When styling a simple outfit with a polo shirt, consider texture and color to keep it interesting. A muted color palette is always a safe bet, but be thoughtful in your color matching to add visual interest.
I hope this information helps you understand the different ways to wear a polo shirt and how it can be styled for various occasions. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!