How to Wear the Polo Shirt

How to Wear the Polo Shirt

The polo shirt moniker is something of a misnomer, as tennis players adopted the sporty top before polo players got their hands on it. And it's French tennis great Rene Lacoste we can thank for its creation. In 1926, Lacoste unveiled his new design at the US Open. Its cotton-knit pique fabric meant it breathed more easily than traditional tennis whites, its short sleeves were less cumbersome than the long-sleeve shirts and the collar helped ward off sunburn on the back of the neck. The following year, Lacoste added his crocodile logo (after his nickname) and, in 1933, following his retirement, he teamed up with a friend who was a clothing manufacturer and the shirts went mass market. From the 1960s to the 1980s, mods and skinheads adopted the polo shirt as their own - but only those by Fred Perry were considered the real deal.

Why you need it now
Anyone for tennis? Yes, we all love to watch the green ball being hit back and forth at this time of year, whether in the stands or from the airconditioned comfort of their living rooms, ice-cold drink in hand. And the polo shirt has become a classic that will never go out of fashion, on the street or on the tennis courts. For those less sportif, simply team it with casual separates for a breezy summer style. Just don't pair it with a sun visor or sweatbands.

What to look for
The great thing about the polo shirt is that given their infiltration of the mainstream fashion market, there are many stylish options to choose from. Look for great summer shades - pastels and gelato hues are particularly popular this season and will work with the rest of your summer wardrobe or simply your favourite jeans. You will also find stripes, if you don't like solid colours. And, of course, there are the classics - white, navy, black or grey - which will certainly have longevity.

Style to suit you

Athletic shapes
If you're too sporty looking, make sure you don't wear your polo with other sporty-looking separates, lest you look like you should be on centre court.

Petite shapes
Wear with short cuffed shorts; a plain pair with a striped polo and loafers equals perfect weekend chic.

Busty shapes
Make sure you keep the buttons undone and pair with cropped trousers and colourful ballet flats.

Pear shapes
Try a pastel polo shirt with a full skirt in patterned or printed cotton - just add man-style shoes and ankle socks.

Where to shop
Lacoste for a huge range of colours and stripes; Le Coq Sportif for classic neutrals; Ralph Lauren for the Classic Pony