One of the most popular clothes today may be the polo shirt. But what is a polo shirt exactly?
Polo shirts are a knitted fabric form of shirt with a collar and placket with 2 or 3 buttons, generally worn as part of a smart, casual uniform as an alternative to a less casual, regular cotton t-shirt or a smarter, corporate shirt.
Continue reading for information on what a polo shirt is and advice on how to put together your final look as you get ready for the upcoming school year.
What is a Polo Shirt?
Before we jump into whether polo shirts are professional or casual, let’s talk about what are polo shirts.
The name of the shirt came from its use in sports, which led to its later association with high-society sports like golf and, naturally, polo.
Polo shirts are now worn everywhere because people adore the look so much. As a result, there are various kinds of polos that are produced in different styles and materials.
In general, a polo shirt is a cotton or cotton-blend shirt with a loose collar and three buttons at the neckline that can be left open or buttoned all the way up.
A variety of colors are available for polo shirts, which are available for men, women, and even children.
Related Post: Are Polo Shirts in Style 2023?
How Should a Polo Shirt Fit?
You can really nail the ideal aesthetic by using two criteria for determining the proper fit for polo shirts.
- Length: The bottom hem should hit no lower than a couple of inches lower than your belt line and no higher than the hip, a good reference is that it should be short enough to tuck in and long enough to wear untucked
- Sleeve length: The sleeve should end about halfway down your bicep; if it is longer, your arms may appear smaller than they actually are.
Before the shirt tapers down to your waist, it should be a little tighter in the chest and arms. In general, the shirt should be snug against your body without looking overly restrictive.
If you are interested in polo shirt care, please check below posts:
How to Wear a Polo Shirt?
Polo shirts are very versatile and can be worn for a wide range of occasions, from a laid-back beach day to a classy cocktail party. It all depends on how you accessorize the rest of your ensemble.
The most laid-back way to wear a polo shirt is with a good pair of fitted shorts and a pair of unassuming canvas sneakers. Change out the shorts for denim jeans or chinos to amp up this casual look; however, khaki is best avoided if you want to avoid the business look.
You can swap out the chinos or denim jeans for a pair of trousers for a more formal appearance. Put on an elegant belt, then tuck the polo in. Your outfit will be finished with a nice watch, a pair of loafers, and this.
Monochrome clothing is always more stylish and appropriate, but for those who can pull it off, a retro-inspired wool knit polo can also be a fashionable option.
For the most formal occasions, wear a sports jacket over your polo. Since the polo and sports jacket were both created with sporting activities in mind, they go together naturally to create a stylish look.
Related Reading: What Shoes to Wear With Polo Shirt?
Is a Polo Shirt Business Casual?
Not only are polo shirts considered business casual by many workplaces, but they also provide an option for your wardrobe that is simultaneously comfortable and easy to style.
You can wear polo shirts to work all year long with the appropriate ensembles and finishing touches.
Also Read: Can I Wear a Polo Shirt to An Interview?
Final Words: What is a Polo Shirt
We hope you found this guide to polo shirts useful.
Polo shirts are a very adaptable and well-liked item of clothing worn by individuals in sports, the workplace, for fashion, and by laborers on construction sites.
When wearing polo shirts it’s important to remember to find the right fit for your body, and to style your polo shirt outfit to match the level of formality you want to display.
Now that you know how to make a fantastic, timeless outfit for a wide variety of occasions, you are well on your way!
FAQs About What is Polo Shirt
What Are Polo Shirts Made of?
Polo shirts are typically made from knitted cotton (as opposed to woven fabric), typically a piqué knit or, less frequently, an interlock knit (the latter being frequently, though not exclusively, used with pima cotton polos), or from other fibers such as silk, wool, synthetic fibers, or mixtures of natural and synthetic fibers.
What is the Difference Between a Shirt and a Polo Shirt?
In contrast to most t-shirts, which lack collars, polo shirts typically have a collar and placket with two or three buttons beneath the collar.
Why Do Polo Shirts Have Collars?
Polo players created the button-down collar in the late 19th century to prevent their collars from flapping in the wind, and this shirt was the first to feature it.
