Primer To Polo Shirts

Named after a gentleman’s sport involving horses and hitting a small ball, polo shirts have gone well past its roots. They become appealing shirts that fit all but the most casual or formal situations, and are very comfortable. But is there a wrong way to wear them?

Polo shirts do best with simple designs. Although the basic polo shirt is one color, with the lapel maybe being a different color, it can handle repeating designs (such as hound’s-tooth or other tessellations) rather well. However, tie-dye designs and paisley generally don’t work; as the shirt is seen as conservative, designs that are bright or too large tend to look strange on a polo shirt. Thus, stripes, small repeating designs, and single colors tend to work well.

Along those lines, it’s welcome to wear the logo that shows up. Over the chests works best, emphasizing them. Most T-shirt logo designs don’t work well on polo shirts. The polo shirt is considered somewhat “classy”, and so designs must be chosen that match that perception. The big, fun T-shirt designs that are common simply don’t work as well on polos; it goes back to the conservative nature of the shirt. Designs on the back of the shirt usually fall flat, as the polo shirt is a shirt that demands face-to-face interaction. Overall, a small, tasteful logo above the heart works best.

Polo shirts can be successfully worn either with slacks or jeans. Although jeans work for more casual settings, sometimes they may project a more casual image than you’d care to project. Definitely avoid Dockers, and other pants with obvious pockets; polo shirts just aren’t that playful. Wearing jeans at work is only acceptable for the job that requires pants that provide some protection, and the polo shirt still allows you the chance to project professionalism. However, slacks are the ideal style, as they complement the seriousness of the shirt rather well.

Also, go lightly on the accessories when wearing a polo. A small ring is about as far as you want to go on the metal jewelry, and ideally nothing too flashy or unusual; if you are wearing a polo, standing out by blinking is not on your mind. However, a wedding band ring is well within limits. The watch needs to be chosen with care; you don’t want a plastic band (although a good rubber band, such as on a sports watch is acceptable). If you are young enough and are wearing polo shirts for more casual occasions wearing subtle leather jewelry is also acceptable.

Polo shirts are mark of distinction, and can be very flattering. Just be advised that the simpler the shirt, the better; nothing says wannabe like a complex shirt. Everyone wears it, but what makes the difference is how it’s worn, not who wears it.