The polo shirt is an ingenious invention. Comfortable and elegant at the same time, airy but still suitable for the office. In its original form, the polo shirt was invented by French tennis player René Lacoste in 1933, when his fellow athletes still wore rolled-up long-sleeved shirts. Since then, a year or two have passed in the meantime , a lot has changed. T-shirts are now available in a wide variety of designs.
We present to you the most common types of polo shirts.
What types of polo t-shirts are there anyway?
- Polo shirts for men vs. polo shirts for women
Men’s and women’s polo shirts have a key distinction: their fit. It’s logical given the distinct torso shapes between genders.
Women’s polo shirts follow an X-shape, wider at the chest, narrowing at the waist, and widening at the hips. Meanwhile, men’s polo shirts adopt a V-shape, broader at the top and tapering toward the bottom. This difference in design caters to the unique body shapes of each gender.
- Short sleeve polo shirts vs. long-sleeved polo shirts
René Lacoste’s original polo shirt featured short sleeves, making it suitable for the active nature of tennis, a sport inducing significant movement and sweat. These short sleeves added to the comfort factor during play.
However, polo shirts, once exclusive to tennis, now transcend all occasions, prompting the emergence of long-sleeved versions. Similarly to their short-sleeved counterparts, the rule remains consistent: striking a balance between casual and elegant in one’s attire.
- Polo shirts with chest pocket
The purpose of a chest pocket on a shirt is often unclear. These pockets are rarely used actively as they don’t appear stylish while holding items like pens or notepads.
They might just serve as a gimmick, even on polo shirts. Generally, the chest pocket doesn’t offer much extra benefit. Whether it’s present or not, it’s a matter of personal taste. The choice is yours!
- Collarless polo shirts
A collarless polo shirt? The fashion designer with the green reptile as his company logo would certainly disapprove since collared polo is his forte. But why do we need a collarless polo shirt? Some might think, “Just grab a t-shirt instead.”
However, without a button placket, collarless polo shirts serve a purpose. And it appears there are enough buyers; otherwise, they wouldn’t have been made for so long.
- Polos with high collars
Who doesn’t know the wearers of polo shirts that raise their collars. This is where opinions differ. Can we raise the collar or not? For all those who like to have their collar up, but don’t want to engage in discussions with those around them, there are polo shirts with a high collar.
There is no other solution. The advantage is that you don’t have to pick up your cervix every ten minutes to check that it’s still standing. As for whether a straight collar is essential, it’s a matter of taste.
- Polos without a button placket
Apparently, there is nothing that doesn’t exist. On these polo shirts, the button placket is missing. For what? Good question. Because it feels good? Well no.
We bypass this point and say – as always – that it is a matter of taste. Perhaps the lack of a button placket is intended to allow more air on the chest. This can be very pleasant when hiking for example. But it hasn’t really taken hold yet.
- Body Shapes
Individuals are gifted with diverse body shapes, evident to anyone spending time in outdoor pools. Manufacturers capitalised on this diversity by offering polo shirts in various cuts, catering to different body types. Below, we introduce these diverse cuts.
Oversized polo shirts typically come in “custom fit” or “classic fit.” The key distinction lies in the shirt’s length. This variation offers a significant advantage for muscular or bulkier individuals, addressing the issue of traditional polo shirts becoming midriff-exposing due to specific curves.
How to wear a polo t-shirt?
The polo shirt, more elegant than a T-shirt yet equally cool and casual, is a crucial item in men’s wardrobes. Initially designed for the sport from which it takes its name, it later became popular among tennis players. This shirt effortlessly infuses a sporty vibe when paired with shorts or jeans. Moreover, it can be a professional choice for work if matched with a blazer, tie, and chinos.
Whether you wear your polo smartly or casually, fit is crucial. Choosing the wrong size can affect your comfort and appearance. If the polo shirt is too small, you won’t feel comfortable, while if it’s too big, you’ll look sloppy. To maintain a chic look in any situation, pay attention to the details: collar, shoulders, sleeves, and bust.
Criteria to consider when choosing the right professional polo t-shirt
Salespeople, technicians, mechanics, waiters, and even drivers have embraced the polo shirt for its versatility. It offers high visibility, quick drying, and anti-bacterial treatment. Additionally, it comes in various colours, materials, properties, threads, and finishes. To assist in your decision-making, here are 5 key criteria for selecting the ideal professional polo shirt.
The right material for the right use
- The cotton
Begin with our classic and immensely popular item: the cotton polo shirt. There’s a reason it stands out! 100% cotton guarantees resilience, lasting quality, and comfort.
Here’s a tip: opt for long fibres for top-notch textile quality. With these, you’ll notice no pilling even after multiple washes. Also, cotton fibres excel in absorption, drawing away body moisture like perspiration, ensuring your comfort even with a damp shirt. Perfect for tasks shifting between indoor and outdoor settings, a cotton polo shirt proves ideal.
- Premium cotton: For more prestigious products, which are aimed at certain service companies or certain clothing boutiques, there is more premium cotton than classic cotton.
- Polyester: When it comes to synthetic fibres, polyester is the most common. This breathable material, with fibres that absorb less moisture than cotton, is very popular with athletes in particular.
- Poly Cotton: Finally, natural and synthetic fibres are sometimes mixed: we often speak of polycotton, because it is mainly polyester and cotton fibres that are combined. As a result, the resistance of cotton combines with the quick drying offered by polyester.
The different types of mesh, threads and their particularities
For a soft touch, opt for polo shirts crafted from Jersey knit. It’s easy to recognize: the fabric’s front is smooth while the back resembles crossed waves. This technique is commonly used in making T-shirts and offers an ideal surface for various customizations.
When picturing polo shirts, we often imagine pique knit: this gives the appearance of needle-stitched fabric, forming small diamond patterns. Its stretchiness, flexibility, and easy maintenance contribute to its iconic look.
Another type is Interlock knit: it comprises two rows of stitches creating a double-layered fabric. One side mirrors Jersey’s smoothness while the other displays ribbing. This results in a durable, thicker fabric that doesn’t curl and remains opaque even in lighter colours.
Processing cotton fibres
We spoke above about cotton fibres: know that there are several ways to work with them, to modulate the appearance of the fabric and make it more or less supple, soft, and smooth.
For example, combed cotton: after carding (when the fibres are untangled), the cotton fibres are as if “brushed”. This is what makes it possible to lengthen the fibres while removing the shortest ones, leaving only the longest ones, guaranteeing a soft and comfortable fabric. Good value for money, softer than plain carded cotton. The best for promotional textiles that we still want to be comfortable with!
Another way of working with fibres is ring-spun cotton. This is when the cotton used contains only long fibres, which are stretched, tightened and twisted on themselves. This process makes it possible to remove rough edges for a smooth and soft surface, in addition to obtaining a particularly flexible material.
It can be accompanied by a special treatment, called “sanforizing” so that the textile shrinks as little as possible as it goes through the machine. Preshrunk cotton is ideal for personalised polo shirts which will be worn often because they must offer great freedom of movement, in addition to good durability over time.
The finish, and cut of polo t-shirt
You can achieve a smart casual look that’s both appealing and suitable for many professionals by sporting a polo shirt. It strikes a perfect balance between an elegant shirt, which might not be ideal for physical tasks, and a t-shirt, sometimes giving off a sporty or overly relaxed vibe.
Polo shirts are available for children, women, men, or in unisex styles, ranging from premium to classic designs. They vary in:
- Cut and shape: The cut can be fitted, straight, or particularly tailored, offering different levels of fluidity in how they fall. The preferred option depends on the intended use: a closer fit for sports or slightly loose for outdoor work in moderate weather (like delivery workers, bar waiters with outdoor terraces, gardeners, landscapers, etc.).
- Sleeve Length: Note that while the iconic version typically features short sleeves, polo shirts also come in a long-sleeve variation.
The finish and the look
Understanding the company’s stance, current trends, and customer expectations is vital in selecting the ideal finish.
In ready-to-wear, the polo shirt holds multiple possibilities. It can serve as a fundamental basic, affordable and offered in diverse colours. Alternatively, for a less conventional touch, it may sport a vintage, intentionally aged look.
For businesses aiming to introduce corporate polo shirts for their teams, a tailored fit paired with a sleek and flexible fabric can deliver a polished and professional appearance.
The details
The polo shirt stands out for specific features. These include side slits, a ribbed collar, and the button placket.
The ribbed technique involves folding a strip of knitting to neatly finish garment edges like collars and sleeves. This technique ensures the polo shirt’s collar maintains a sharp appearance akin to a formal shirt, retaining its shape even post-washing.
Regarding the button placket, it can feature 2, 3, or 4 buttons. These buttons might be tone-on-tone, metallic, or occasionally with a snap closure. The options are abundant, offering a range of choices.
The positioning
If the environmental impact is important in the final choice of your end customer, one of these eco-responsible references will constitute an excellent solution.
Match the polo t-shirt to the conditions of use and maintenance
- For frequent and intensive use
If you plan to wear the polo shirt frequently, especially during physical work, it’ll face dirt, sweat, and bad weather. As a result, it’ll need frequent washing and must be highly durable. Anti-pilling treatment and synthetic fibres are advantageous. They aid in quick drying and ensure long-lasting quality, even when washed at 60°.
Similarly, athletes’ polo shirts endure extensive testing. They face exposure to the sun, friction, and perspiration. Consequently, they require washing after every use and sometimes even overnight reuse! Opting for 100% polyester polo shirts, explicitly crafted for sports, stands as the ideal choice in such circumstances.
- For high-visibility clothing
Consider Hi-Vis polo shirts if the end users will work in a warehouse or outside in the dark. These shirts prioritise both comfort and safety. They typically come in fluorescent yellow or orange and feature reflective strips around the body, arms, and shoulders to enhance visibility by reflecting light.
Hop on to Danami shop to check out our list of available and unique polo t-shirts available in Nigeria.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to follow the specified conditions for each item. For most, machine washing is preferred over hand washing. It allows control over temperature, duration, and detergent quantity. When unsure, opt for a 30° wash with mild detergent, no softener to preserve the fibres. For marked polo shirts, wash inside out to preserve patterns and colours.
Avoid tumble drying to prevent fabric shrinkage; air drying is preferable. To maintain the polo shirt’s shape, hang it on a plastic hanger or stretch it on a wire under the sleeves. Steer clear of clothespins as they can deform and leave marks on the fabric.
