What Is Polo Shirt?
27 Jun 2024
In this warm season, sportswear reigns supreme. Along with other "workout" models, polo shirts have returned to the list of fashionable items. Last year, fashionistas were already starting to cautiously integrate them into their looks, thanks to the old money style. But in the summer of 2024, the popularity of polo shirts with a lapel collar will reach its peak. Actually, this is nothing new, since polo shirts were worn a hundred years ago when the English nobility wore them as a uniform while playing polo.
In 2024, several major brands officially "proclaimed" the trend for polo shirts, and once again used this model in a huge number of looks at their spring/summer fashion shows. Polo appeared in the lines of Miu Miu, Carolina Herrera, and Celine. And in completely different variants: there were short tops with a characteristic collar, voluminous knitted "ringlets", and classic T-shirts. The fashionista's response did not keep him waiting: the demand for polo jumped up sharply.
The 1972 advertising campaign of the cult brand Polo Ralph Lauren says: "It gets better with age". We can only agree with this statement because the polo does its job perfectly: to smooth the line between elegant and casual. To understand why polo is chosen by absolutely all celebrities from Rihanna to Victoria Beckham, it is worth going back a few centuries and getting acquainted with the history of the favorite piece of clothing.
Well, it's time for us to embrace the trend, as the weather is almost here. The polo shirt is trending again, so we tell you how and why it has become a legend in the closet, which is chosen by the most stylish women in the world. How to make stylish combinations with polo, we tell you in this blog.
In 2024, several major brands officially "proclaimed" the trend for polo shirts, and once again used this model in a huge number of looks at their spring/summer fashion shows. Polo appeared in the lines of Miu Miu, Carolina Herrera, and Celine. And in completely different variants: there were short tops with a characteristic collar, voluminous knitted "ringlets", and classic T-shirts. The fashionista's response did not keep him waiting: the demand for polo jumped up sharply.
The 1972 advertising campaign of the cult brand Polo Ralph Lauren says: "It gets better with age". We can only agree with this statement because the polo does its job perfectly: to smooth the line between elegant and casual. To understand why polo is chosen by absolutely all celebrities from Rihanna to Victoria Beckham, it is worth going back a few centuries and getting acquainted with the history of the favorite piece of clothing.
Well, it's time for us to embrace the trend, as the weather is almost here. The polo shirt is trending again, so we tell you how and why it has become a legend in the closet, which is chosen by the most stylish women in the world. How to make stylish combinations with polo, we tell you in this blog.
The Origins and Evolution of the Polo Shirt
19th century
It's not hard to guess that the polo shirt is inextricably linked to the equestrian sport of the same name, in which participants on horseback move the ball around the field with the help of special clubs. A folded collar with several buttons, soft cotton material, and sleeves that don't restrict movement - what else do you need for a comfortable ride?
It took centuries of polo practice to create the perfect shirt cut, which originated in Persia around 600 BC. If we talk about etymology, the name of the sport can be associated with the ancient Indian word pulu, which means the material from which the ball was made. The game became popular in Europe thanks to the British colonizing soldiers who brought new entertainment from India in 1871.
The beginning of the 20th century
By the beginning of the 20th century, the game of polo had already become a full-fledged part of the Olympic Games, as well as a symbol of elitism and wealth. It is worth saying that due to the subtropical climate, the sport initially required a lighter form of clothing. These were the long-sleeved, round-neck cotton shirts previously worn by Indian aristocrats, jodhpurs, riding pants, and special boots.
The emergence in the 1900s of a type of knitwear such as jersey, named after the British island of Jersey, revolutionized textiles and became widespread due to its properties: the breathable blend of wool and cotton had excellent elasticity and was suitable for underwear and sportswear.
The first versions of polo shirts were sewn from jerseys, they were characterized by long sleeves and a lapel collar, which protected players from the wind. Later, the closet element became variable: long-sleeved models were worn in the cold season and short-sleeved models in the warm season.
1950s-1970s
Soon shirts were the talk of the world. In the 50s and 70s of the last century, they were worn by the "golden youth" who studied in the Ivy League, wearing Izod Lacoste knitted polo shirts (the trademark existed from 1953 to 1993) under sports jackets with university symbols. Students at prestigious institutions skillfully adapted the shirts to the preppy style: they combined the elite DNA of the shirt with a slight carelessness.
Later, in the 70s, polo began to spread into the closets of young people of various different subcultures, including the Teddy Boys and the Mods that replaced them. Polo was to everyone's taste: from tennis players to yachtsmen (read also: Wardrobe of a rich girl: how to dress in the style of "quiet luxury" - fashionable images and basic rules). The fashion for a laconic shirt with three buttons reached the USSR and even got its name - tenniska.
Present time
How did the polo shirt come into the women's closet? Already in the 30s of the 20th century, men wore polo shirts on a casual basis. Women managed to introduce polo shirts into their closets only in the 80s when the fashion pedestal reigned the " tomboy " style, that is, the style of a rebel who is not afraid to look like a boy. Now polo shirts can be called a classic of both men's and women's closets, which is suitable for all ages and in all situations.
Over the past few years, the polo shirt has experienced another recognition by the fashion industry: it increasingly appears on influencers and stars, which is confirmed by street styles from Fashion Weeks. And it's no wonder: the garment has long since become a gender-neutral part of the closet and has filled the gap between the classic shirt and the T-shirt.
It's not hard to guess that the polo shirt is inextricably linked to the equestrian sport of the same name, in which participants on horseback move the ball around the field with the help of special clubs. A folded collar with several buttons, soft cotton material, and sleeves that don't restrict movement - what else do you need for a comfortable ride?
It took centuries of polo practice to create the perfect shirt cut, which originated in Persia around 600 BC. If we talk about etymology, the name of the sport can be associated with the ancient Indian word pulu, which means the material from which the ball was made. The game became popular in Europe thanks to the British colonizing soldiers who brought new entertainment from India in 1871.
The beginning of the 20th century
By the beginning of the 20th century, the game of polo had already become a full-fledged part of the Olympic Games, as well as a symbol of elitism and wealth. It is worth saying that due to the subtropical climate, the sport initially required a lighter form of clothing. These were the long-sleeved, round-neck cotton shirts previously worn by Indian aristocrats, jodhpurs, riding pants, and special boots.
The emergence in the 1900s of a type of knitwear such as jersey, named after the British island of Jersey, revolutionized textiles and became widespread due to its properties: the breathable blend of wool and cotton had excellent elasticity and was suitable for underwear and sportswear.
The first versions of polo shirts were sewn from jerseys, they were characterized by long sleeves and a lapel collar, which protected players from the wind. Later, the closet element became variable: long-sleeved models were worn in the cold season and short-sleeved models in the warm season.
1950s-1970s
Soon shirts were the talk of the world. In the 50s and 70s of the last century, they were worn by the "golden youth" who studied in the Ivy League, wearing Izod Lacoste knitted polo shirts (the trademark existed from 1953 to 1993) under sports jackets with university symbols. Students at prestigious institutions skillfully adapted the shirts to the preppy style: they combined the elite DNA of the shirt with a slight carelessness.
Later, in the 70s, polo began to spread into the closets of young people of various different subcultures, including the Teddy Boys and the Mods that replaced them. Polo was to everyone's taste: from tennis players to yachtsmen (read also: Wardrobe of a rich girl: how to dress in the style of "quiet luxury" - fashionable images and basic rules). The fashion for a laconic shirt with three buttons reached the USSR and even got its name - tenniska.
Present time
How did the polo shirt come into the women's closet? Already in the 30s of the 20th century, men wore polo shirts on a casual basis. Women managed to introduce polo shirts into their closets only in the 80s when the fashion pedestal reigned the " tomboy " style, that is, the style of a rebel who is not afraid to look like a boy. Now polo shirts can be called a classic of both men's and women's closets, which is suitable for all ages and in all situations.
Over the past few years, the polo shirt has experienced another recognition by the fashion industry: it increasingly appears on influencers and stars, which is confirmed by street styles from Fashion Weeks. And it's no wonder: the garment has long since become a gender-neutral part of the closet and has filled the gap between the classic shirt and the T-shirt.
Design Features of the Polo Shirt
A classic polo shirt is sewn from jersey or cotton piqué fabric (a complex dense weave of fibers that gives a characteristic texture in small cells). Traditionally polo has a straight cut and short sleeves, although now it is not uncommon to find a polo-longsleeve. Often there are models that have a back longer than the front - it is done so that the tucked shirt does not come out of the pants when bending.
The collar of the shirt has a lapel collar with two or three buttons on the bar. The collar of the polo, unlike shirts, was never starchy. It had a functional purpose - the collar was raised to protect the neck from the sun while playing tennis.
The logo is most often seen on the chest on the left side of the polo. This detail also goes back to Lacoste's invention. Other brands that are also famous for their polos, such as Polo Ralph Lauren, can also be recognized by their distinctive embroidered logos. The logo on the left can be replaced by a small breast pocket.
Polo shirts are an interesting item in the closet of fashionistas, which occupies a special place and has several advantages:
Versatility. With the help of a pop shirt, you can create a huge number of fashionable outfits in different stylistic directions.
Stylishness and elegance will emphasize the high quality of the fabric, impeccable cut and tailoring, and loose-fitting silhouette will emphasize the elegance of the figure.
Brevity. Polo contains very few elements - a few buttons, a collar, cuffs, and a pocket. Nothing superfluous, the main thing is simplicity in details.
Polo shirt - comfortable clothes, it is worn under any circumstances, ideal for walks, trips out of town, and sports.
The collar of the shirt has a lapel collar with two or three buttons on the bar. The collar of the polo, unlike shirts, was never starchy. It had a functional purpose - the collar was raised to protect the neck from the sun while playing tennis.
The logo is most often seen on the chest on the left side of the polo. This detail also goes back to Lacoste's invention. Other brands that are also famous for their polos, such as Polo Ralph Lauren, can also be recognized by their distinctive embroidered logos. The logo on the left can be replaced by a small breast pocket.
Polo shirts are an interesting item in the closet of fashionistas, which occupies a special place and has several advantages:
Versatility. With the help of a pop shirt, you can create a huge number of fashionable outfits in different stylistic directions.
Stylishness and elegance will emphasize the high quality of the fabric, impeccable cut and tailoring, and loose-fitting silhouette will emphasize the elegance of the figure.
Brevity. Polo contains very few elements - a few buttons, a collar, cuffs, and a pocket. Nothing superfluous, the main thing is simplicity in details.
Polo shirt - comfortable clothes, it is worn under any circumstances, ideal for walks, trips out of town, and sports.
Polo Shirts Vs. T-Shirts: Differences at a Glance
Polo and T-shirts are two of the most common types of outerwear that we can find in the closets of many people. Some people, however, do not even notice the differences between them. Polo is considered to be a stricter version of the standard t-shirt.
So, what is the difference?
The main difference lies in the collar. Polo has a narrow collar, which closes with two buttons. A t-shirt, on the other hand, usually has no collar, although some models may have a low round neckline.
Another difference is that on the sleeves, namely on the cuffs of the polo are often thin elastic bands. It is also not uncommon to find polos with a stitched chest pocket.
In addition to this, polo shirts usually have short sleeves, which can be medium length or reach the elbow. T-shirts can have short, long, or sleeveless options.
Polo was created in 19th century England as clothing for the game of polo, a game played on specially prepared fields, on horses, and with a staff in hand. Polo players were looking for lightweight yet practical clothing that was breathable and had a narrow collar to be less distracting.
The T-shirt, on the other hand, at least in its modern form, appeared in the early 20th century. It was created in the United States as part of the uniform for American soccer players, so it was called a "T-shirt". Since then, it has become an indispensable part of everyday clothing.
The bottom line is that while the polo and the t-shirt look similar, they have a few key differences. However, no matter which outerwear option you prefer, wear it with confidence and enjoy its comfort and style.
So, what is the difference?
The main difference lies in the collar. Polo has a narrow collar, which closes with two buttons. A t-shirt, on the other hand, usually has no collar, although some models may have a low round neckline.
Another difference is that on the sleeves, namely on the cuffs of the polo are often thin elastic bands. It is also not uncommon to find polos with a stitched chest pocket.
In addition to this, polo shirts usually have short sleeves, which can be medium length or reach the elbow. T-shirts can have short, long, or sleeveless options.
Polo was created in 19th century England as clothing for the game of polo, a game played on specially prepared fields, on horses, and with a staff in hand. Polo players were looking for lightweight yet practical clothing that was breathable and had a narrow collar to be less distracting.
The T-shirt, on the other hand, at least in its modern form, appeared in the early 20th century. It was created in the United States as part of the uniform for American soccer players, so it was called a "T-shirt". Since then, it has become an indispensable part of everyday clothing.
The bottom line is that while the polo and the t-shirt look similar, they have a few key differences. However, no matter which outerwear option you prefer, wear it with confidence and enjoy its comfort and style.
How to Style a Polo Shirt?
If the last polo shirt you wore was part of your gym kit, you might be hesitant to embrace the latest revived trend of the noughties era. However, the preppy knit t-shirt with a collar that was spotted on the runways in spring is getting a new look in 2024 - feminine and lustrous.
With jeans
An absolute classic is a polo and jeans. You can choose classic blue jeans or a bolder option - low-slung boyfriend jeans. Complete the look with comfortable sneakers or ballet flats and go for a walk, cafe, or museum.
With a skirt
Femininity and elegance - these are the qualities that can be emphasized by combining a polo with a skirt. An image consisting of a pleated mini-skirt, polo shirt, sneakers and a cap resembles the style of tennis players and is suitable for both sports and walks in the heat. By replacing a short skirt with a pencil skirt, you will create a great office look.
With pants
If you need a stylish canonical look in Old Money style, combine polo with classic pants in black, gray, and beige shades. Add ballet flats or low-heeled shoes to emphasize the sophistication of your look.
With jeans
An absolute classic is a polo and jeans. You can choose classic blue jeans or a bolder option - low-slung boyfriend jeans. Complete the look with comfortable sneakers or ballet flats and go for a walk, cafe, or museum.
With a skirt
Femininity and elegance - these are the qualities that can be emphasized by combining a polo with a skirt. An image consisting of a pleated mini-skirt, polo shirt, sneakers and a cap resembles the style of tennis players and is suitable for both sports and walks in the heat. By replacing a short skirt with a pencil skirt, you will create a great office look.
With pants
If you need a stylish canonical look in Old Money style, combine polo with classic pants in black, gray, and beige shades. Add ballet flats or low-heeled shoes to emphasize the sophistication of your look.
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