Product of the week: the knitted polo

What is it:

The knitted polo may seem like a newer take on the standard polo shirt, but its roots actually go back to the 1950s, when the classic shirt took off. Sometimes referred to as the “sweater polo,” the shirt was first popularized by Italian designers and later found its way into the wardrobes of the American upper class, giving it its preppy status. Today it is once again a must-have for fashion-conscious people. The piece features a button fastening, unstructured collar and knit construction, creating a look that is typically dressier than a sports polo.

Why you should order it:

Offering a more comfortable, less restrictive take on the classic style, the knit polo is still at the pinnacle of fashion – and possibly further. The polo shirt’s resurgence was sparked by the ongoing trend of “Ivy League Prep” on the runways, a look that revolves around the “old money” aesthetic of simple sportswear and traditional wardrobe elements. The shirt also contributes to the increasing casualization of business attire, with its return likely to be seen as a counterbalance to the pandemic and the resulting work-from-home culture. For men, the model is a suitable alternative to its counterparts because it is a classic that can be worn all year round and on different occasions.

Where we saw it:

Knitted polos were a staple of the Spring/Summer 2024 collections, appearing in collections that already had a certain retro charm. Givenchy presented the design in the form of a lightweight knit with enlarged pointelle details and buttons. Loewe, on the other hand, took the shirt with a modernized version. The brand’s long-sleeved models have glittering elements incorporated into the material, representing a new interpretation of the design. In contrast, for its own piece, Bluemarble looked deep into the past and was inspired by retro graphic prints that referenced the origins of polo.

How to style it:

The knitted polo is an ideal unique piece for those looking for a basic piece for their wardrobe. It pairs well with tailored trousers to elevate the look, or with loose-fitting jeans to further emphasize the casualness of the design. Leather sandals bring the garment into spring and summer, but sneakers can also round off the outfit. Leather – or leather-like accessories – further enhance the overall look, in keeping with the vintage character of the knitted polo itself.

The knitted polo is a formal yet casual version of the popular polo shirt, whose popularity continues unabated, as proven by its presence in the SS24 collections.

This translated and edited post previously appeared on FashionUnited.com