The polo shirt: why every man should own one
This much-loved classic has made a comeback in recent years, so how will you wear yours?
When something is as much of an enduring favourite as the polo shirt, it can be hard to know exactly how to style it. This particular piece of menswear has gone through various iterations (remember when it was all about collars pointed up and logos preppily blasted across the front?). But it has finally found a peaceful middle ground as something that can be woven in and out of outfits through the warmer seasons. Read on to discover exactly how to wear it…
Colour block it
If you’re still not sold on wearing bold and bright colours for summer, think about picking up a colour block polo. It’s the perfect way to weave a bit of playfulness into your everyday look, without going overboard. Reiss has some perfectly muted options that will look good with anything from shorts to linen trousers.
Try a different collar
The classic polo shirt collar might make you think a little too much about your PE days but fear not, because there are alternatives options. Zip or open collars (without buttons) are great ways to modernise the polo. Keep the bottom half classic with straight-leg trousers or chino shorts to avoid looking too trend-heavy.
Go for long-sleeve
For the perfect middle ground between the traditional polo and the everyday Oxford shirt, try a long-sleeved polo shirt. This fairly new iteration of the classic polo has found its way onto the backs of many stylish men over the last few years and for good reason: it’s chic, easy to wear and will last you well throughout the seasons – just layer up with a lightweight jacket and heavier coat come winter.
Keep it classic
If in doubt, stick to the polo shirt in its most traditionally classic form: one solid colour, well-fitted, a button (or two) done up. There’s a reason why the polo is still in menswear rotation decades after it first hit the mainstream, so if you don’t want to veer from this classic, don’t.
