What is it:
The polo shirt is typically a short-sleeved shirt with a collar and a cropped placket with two or three buttons, which are named after it as the ‘polo placket’ and ‘polo collar’. It is usually made of a stretchy piqué material. Known worldwide today, the design was originally created in the early 1900s by French tennis player Jean René Lacoste, nicknamed ‘le Crocodile’. It was Lacoste who introduced the short-sleeved three-button shirt to the sport. In 1933 he launched his own label, which is still known today under the Lacoste brand. Ralph Lauren also contributed to the rise of the polo shirt by launching his own version of the design in 1972, which spread to other areas of fashion and subcultures in the following years. Today the look has established itself as a timeless classic that is easy to wear, non-seasonal and gender neutral.
Why you should order it:
Despite its simplicity, the polo shirt has been a fashion staple for decades and can be worn all year round. The fact that it can be worn in any season makes it very popular with both commercial and luxury brands. Its on-trend character has been underscored in recent months with celebrity runway appearances, exhibitions and books highlighting the polo shirt’s place in fashion and its ability to assert itself season after season.
Where we saw it:
Polo shirts were a key staple of Prada’s FW22 men’s collection, where they were worn under broad-shouldered oversized coats and layered over contrasting turtlenecks. A similar effect was achieved at Dior’s menswear show, where polos, many of which were knitted, were worn over shirts, ultimately creating the look. JW Anderson presented polo shirts with pink sequins and metallic accents alongside other, more classic cotton piqué styles. In addition to its runway appearances, the polo shirt is also celebrated this year in the form of a book published by Ralph Lauren. The content explores the history and cultural influence of the polo shirt, from the appearances of famous people to the origins of the polo shirt. The Design Museum in London is also showing an exhibition on the subject: There it will be Fred Perry polo shirt and its influence on fashion and youth cultures.
How to style it:
A simple polo shirt can be worn well as a single piece because it can be easily combined with jeans, pants and sneakers for a casual everyday look. To elevate the polo shirt, pair it with tailored trousers, smart shoes and a long-sleeved coat for a smart, casual outfit. If you want to take the top a little further on trend, take inspiration from the current runway shows and combine it with other tops, such as a turtleneck sweater that can be worn underneath or a V-neck sweatshirt that can be pulled over the collar can be. On colder days, the polo shirt can be easily combined with different coat silhouettes, such as a bomber jacket, trench coat or leather jacket, which allow a transition from the summer season to autumn and winter.
In addition to its heritage and cultural influence, the polo shirt has established itself in fashion as a staple for both men and women. As well as its gender-neutral appeal, it also offers a non-seasonal silhouette for people looking for a versatile, year-round on-trend piece.
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This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ