written byAshley Weston —
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- Shirts,
- Ultimate Guides
A polo shirt is a stylish and versatile item that I put all my clients in at some point in our time working together.
Wear a polo in place of a t-shirt to give a casual outfit a bit of polish, which is never a bad thing.
TL;DR
A polo is a timeless menswear piece and is also a cornerstone of a man's warm-weather wardrobe.
Is a 'polo' a brand or a type of shirt?
Polo is both a brand and a type of shirt. The brand "Polo" is associated with the clothing line created by Ralph Lauren, which includes the iconic polo shirts. However, the term "polo shirt" also refers to a specific style of shirt (described in the next answer).
What is the difference between a polo shirt and a regular t-shirt?
A polo shirt typically has a collar with buttons (often referred to as a polo collar) and a placket in the front, allowing a more formal and polished look to the shirt. A regular t-shirt usually has a round neckline and no buttons or collar.
Should I wear a polo with a logo on it?
Please don’t get a shirt with a huge logo all over it.
Small logos and the same color as the rest of the shirt are passable, but if you have the option, always go logo-less.
Are men's polo shirts suitable for formal occasions?
Men's polo shirts are generally not considered suitable for formal occasions, which require smarter items such as a dress shirt or suit.
Polo shirts are more casual in nature and are typically worn in more relaxed settings but they can be also worn for business-casual dress codes, just nothing dressier than that.
Should I tuck in my polo shirt?
If you’re wearing a jacket, then you loosely tuck in the front part of the shirt by your belt buckle.The shirt should still cover the top half of your belt buckle – you don’t want to completely see the buckle. I love doing this on my clients because it breaks up the outfit when you see a little of the belt buckle and gives it a little polish without overdoing it.
If you’re wearing a polo shirt without a jacket, then only do a front tuck at the most, or leave it fully untucked.
Why should I wear a polo shirt?
A good polo shirt will enhance the good parts of your physique and hide any imperfections while making your outfit look more polished and put together.
Regardless of your age or body type, every guy needs a few polo shirts in his wardrobe.
Table Of Contents
- Polo Shirt Mistakes Most Men Make
- The Best Polo Shirts
- Colors
- Fabrics
- How To Layer a Polo Shirt
- How a Polo Shirt Should Fit
- To Tuck Or Not To Tuck?
- Outfit Ideas
Polo Shirt Mistakes Most Men Make
I see so many guys wearing their polos incorrectly. Please be careful about making the following mistakes:
Wearing polos with big obnoxious logos.
Logos that are small and the same color as the rest of the shirt are passable, but if you have the option, always go logo-free. You're not a billboard and no one cares about the brand of your polo.Going too loose or too tight with the fit.
Though the sleeves should lightly hug your arms, the body of the polo shouldn't squeeze your torso to the point that it's uncomfortable or unflattering.Wearing a polo that's overly long or too short.
Going too long or too short with the length of your polo will throw off your proportions and be unflattering. It should always end somewhere in the middle of your button to the bottom of your crotch.Wearing a white polo (if you have dark or protruding nipples).
Always go with heather gray as your lightest color if you have dark or protruding nipples, it hides them better.
Want to see the mistakes to avoid and things you should do specifically for your age, height, body type, and skin tone? Check out my Essential Capsule Wardrobe App.
See the App
The Best Polo Shirts
Fit like a glove - not too tight, not too baggy, just right.
Enhance the good parts of your physique and hide the imperfections.
Make you look more polished and put together.
Layer incredibly well.
Only have short sleeves – long sleeved polos have no place in your wardrobe.
Colors
Black and navy should be the first colors you choose for your polo. These will give you the most versatility with the rest of your wardrobe and will work with any skin tone and body type.
After you've got these, you can go for other neutral colors (brown, olive, heather gray). If you’ve got the basic neutral colors already, definitely get some brighter colors that complement your skin tone.
I would universally avoid most stripes, plaids, or other patterns, it’s just too much and looks tacky.
Fabrics
Men's polos come in a selection of different fabric options:
Fabric choice is the biggest thing to consider when choosing a polo shirt and is heavily dependent on your body type. The fabric you choose will determine how good (or bad) you look in a polo shirt.
Choosing the Right Fabric For Your Body Type
If you've got an average or thin body type, you want to get cotton, silk, or similar blends.
These fabrics have a sleek, modern look that we want to cultivate.
Unless you have a dad bod (visible gut on a skinny frame), you should avoid pique cotton. The heavier weight can make you look thinner/smaller than you are.
If you've got a larger frame, then always go for pique cotton.
Piqué polos are best for heavier-set or dad-bodied men because the textured fabric hugs the body without conforming to the less flattering areas of the chest and stomach and creates an airbrushing effect.
Going with cotton, silk, or synthetic blend will only cling to your problem areas and highlight them in a super unflattering way.
How To Layer a Polo Shirt
When it comes to layering polo shirts under different items, a lot of guys get a bit confused so here's how to do it right:
DON'T: Layer Under a Sweater
A polo shirt shouldn’t be worn under a sweater as the collar of the shirt doesn’t have enough structure.
This goes for all types of sweaters – crewneck, v-neck, sweatshirt, and regular/ shawl collar cardigans.
If you do want to layer something under your sweater, stick with an Oxford dress shirt, a semi-spread collar dress shirt, or a crewneck t-shirt.
DO: Layer Under a Jacket
If you do want to add a layer over your polo shirt, try a bomber jacket, or Harrington jacket, instead.
These are better suited to the style of a polo shirt.
A blazer can be worn over a polo, but I recommend sticking to a polo that has a neat, structured collar that stays put underneath your jacket.
DON'T: Layer Over Another Shirt
Polos are not designed to be worn over other shirts like t-shirts or long-sleeve tees.
If you have to wear an undershirt for hygiene reasons, make sure it's a v-neck and fits tightly so as not to show through or create any wrinkles you can see through the polo's fabric.
How a Polo Shirt Should Fit
Make sure that the collar isn't too small or too floppy/wrinkled.
The shoulder seam ends where the shoulder starts sloping down.**
Leaving the top 1-2 buttons unbuttoned looks great and frames your face better.
You shouldn’t be able to pinch more than 0.5 to 1 inch (1.25-2.5cm) of fabric on the back of your tricep.*
Pinch no more than 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm) of fabric on either side of your belly.**
The bottom should stop somewhere between 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm) past your belt buckle. If your belly shows when lifting your arms, go a little longer.*
* Cheap & easy to tailor.
** Expensive & hard to tailor. Best to find a brand that fits better here off the rack.
To Tuck Or Not To Tuck?
By itself, with or without a belt: Half tuck.
Under a sweater: Never wear a polo under a sweater.
Under a casual jacket or coat (bomber, trucker, workshirt, peacoat, etc.), with or without a belt: Half tuck.
If the shirt bottom is sticking out past the bottom of the jacket: Half or full tuck to hide it.
Business casual: Full tuck.
A Note On Tails:
Polo shirts were originally designed to be longer at the back, resulting in a tail (AKA a 'tennis tail').
This contributed to their sporty appearance.
However, most modern designers are getting rid of tails, which for me is a plus because I don’t really like them anyway.
If your polo has a tail, make sure the back part is no more than 2 inches longer than the front.
Even then, I’d always advise you to get a polo without a tail, because 99.9% of the time it doesn’t look great.
Outfit Ideas
Casual
Navy Polo Shirt
Tan Chinos
White Sneakers
Navy and tan is one of the best color combos and the mixture of light and dark works really well in this outfit. Smarten it up with some loafers or throw on a bomber if you want to add another layer.
For more polo-shirt outfit inspiration, be sure to check out my Essential Capsule Wardrobe App.
See the App
Elevated Casual
Navy Polo
Navy Chinos
White Low-Top Sneakers
As shown here, polos and chinos are a match made in style heaven. To dress up this look, swap out the pants for dark wash jeans or blue or gray wool trousers (if it's not too hot out), and change the sneakers for a pair of loafers or dress shoes in either brown or black.
Business Casual
Charcoal Suit
Navy Polo
Brown Loafers
Wearing a polo with a suit is totally allowed and this navy version balances out the darkness of the charcoal really nicely. To smarten this up even further, I'd swap out crew socks for a no-show pair.
Related Articles
- Men's T-Shirts - The Ultimate Guide
- Polo Shirt Mistakes To Avoid
Comments or questions?
Discuss this article & more on the private Mens Fashioner forum.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introducing myself as a fashion expert:
As a fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of menswear and fashion trends, I have dedicated my time to keeping up with the latest styles and providing guidance to my clients. I have worked closely with individuals to curate their wardrobes and ensure they look their best in any situation. My expertise lies in understanding the intricacies of various clothing items, including the timeless polo shirt. I have firsthand experience in styling clients with this versatile piece and have witnessed its ability to elevate casual outfits with a touch of polish.
Understanding the Concepts in the Article:
The article discusses various aspects of polo shirts, including their definition, differences from regular t-shirts, logo preferences, suitability for formal occasions, tucking options, and color choices. It also highlights common mistakes men make when wearing polo shirts, the best polo shirt options, fabric choices based on body type, layering techniques, ideal fit, and outfit ideas for different occasions.
Let's delve into each concept:
Is a 'polo' a brand or a type of shirt?
A polo shirt can refer to both a brand and a type of shirt. The brand "Polo" is associated with the clothing line created by Ralph Lauren, which includes the iconic polo shirts. However, the term "polo shirt" also refers to a specific style of shirt characterized by a collar with buttons and a placket in the front.
What is the difference between a polo shirt and a regular t-shirt?
The main difference between a polo shirt and a regular t-shirt lies in their design. A polo shirt typically features a collar with buttons, often referred to as a polo collar, and a placket in the front. This design gives the polo shirt a more formal and polished look compared to a regular t-shirt, which usually has a round neckline and no buttons or collar.
Should I wear a polo with a logo on it?
It is generally advised to avoid shirts with large, obnoxious logos. Small logos that match the color of the shirt are more acceptable. If given the option, it is recommended to choose logo-less polo shirts for a more refined and timeless look.
Are men's polo shirts suitable for formal occasions?
Men's polo shirts are generally considered more casual in nature and are not typically suitable for formal occasions. Formal events usually require smarter attire, such as dress shirts or suits. However, polo shirts can be worn for business-casual dress codes, as they offer a balance between casual and formal styles.
Should I tuck in my polo shirt?
The tucking of a polo shirt depends on the situation. If you are wearing a jacket, it is recommended to loosely tuck in the front part of the shirt near your belt buckle. This creates a polished look without overdoing it. However, if you are wearing a polo shirt without a jacket, it is best to leave it untucked or do a front tuck at most.
Why should I wear a polo shirt?
A well-fitted polo shirt can enhance your physique by accentuating your good features and hiding any imperfections. It adds a polished and put-together touch to your outfit. Regardless of your age or body type, having a few polo shirts in your wardrobe is considered essential.
Polo Shirt Mistakes Most Men Make
The article highlights common mistakes men make when wearing polo shirts. These mistakes include wearing polos with big obnoxious logos, going too loose or too tight with the fit, wearing a polo that's overly long or too short, and wearing a white polo if you have dark or protruding nipples. It also mentions the availability of an Essential Capsule Wardrobe App to provide more specific advice tailored to age, height, body type, and skin tone.
The Best Polo Shirts
The article emphasizes the importance of finding polo shirts that fit well. The ideal fit is neither too tight nor too baggy. In addition, the article suggests that polo shirts should enhance the good parts of your physique and hide any imperfections. It also mentions the versatility of polo shirts in layering and recommends opting for short-sleeved polos rather than long-sleeved ones.
Colors
The article suggests that black and navy should be the first colors to choose for a polo shirt, as they offer versatility and work well with various skin tones and body types. It also recommends other neutral colors such as brown, olive, and heather gray. Brighter colors can be added to complement your skin tone, while patterns like stripes and plaids are generally advised against.
Fabrics
The article explains that men's polo shirts come in different fabric options, and the choice of fabric depends on your body type. For average or thin body types, cotton, silk, or similar blends are recommended for a sleek and modern look. Piqué cotton, on the other hand, is better suited for larger frames, providing a textured fabric that hugs the body without emphasizing less flattering areas.
How To Layer a Polo Shirt
The article provides guidance on how to layer polo shirts under different items. It advises against layering them under sweaters, as the collar of the polo shirt lacks structure for this type of layering. Instead, it suggests layering a polo shirt under a jacket, such as a bomber or Harrington jacket. If a blazer is worn, it is recommended to choose a polo with a neat, structured collar. Layering a polo shirt over another shirt is generally not recommended, although a v-neck undershirt can be worn for hygiene reasons if it fits tightly and does not show through the polo's fabric.
How a Polo Shirt Should Fit
The article provides guidelines for the proper fit of a polo shirt. It suggests ensuring that the collar isn't too small or too floppy/wrinkled. The shoulder seam should end where the shoulder starts sloping down. Leaving the top 1-2 buttons unbuttoned is considered a stylish choice. The article also advises against excessive fabric pinch on the back of the tricep and belly, recommending no more than 0.5 to 1 inch and 1-2 inches respectively. The bottom of the polo shirt should stop somewhere between 1-2 inches past the belt buckle, adjusting for comfort and coverage.
To Tuck Or Not To Tuck?
The article provides recommendations for tucking a polo shirt based on different scenarios. For wearing a polo shirt by itself, with or without a belt, a half tuck is suggested. Polo shirts should not be worn under sweaters, but if layering with a casual jacket or coat, a half tuck can be chosen. If the shirt bottom is sticking out past the bottom of the jacket, a half or full tuck can be used to hide it. For business casual settings, a full tuck is recommended.
Outfit Ideas
The article concludes by providing outfit ideas for different occasions. It suggests pairing a navy polo shirt with tan chinos and white sneakers for a casual look. For an elevated casual outfit, a navy polo can be paired with navy chinos and white low-top sneakers. Lastly, for a business casual attire, a navy polo can be worn with a charcoal suit and brown loafers. The article mentions that wearing a polo with a suit is acceptable and adds the recommendation of swapping crew socks for no-show socks to enhance the overall look.
Overall, the article covers various aspects of polo shirts, including their definition, styling tips, color choices, fabric options, layering techniques, fit guidelines, and outfit ideas. It provides valuable insights for men looking to incorporate polo shirts into their wardrobe and avoid common fashion mistakes.
