No need for a lengthy introduction - if you're reading this, you're already familiar with the iconic polo shirt. This “sophisticated cousin” of the t-shirt strikes a balance between casual and polished, offering a youthful look that can be adapted for various styles, depending on how you mix and match.
In my book, the polo shirt is the perfect middle ground between a t-shirt and a dress shirt. It’s the ideal choice when you want a look that’s both comfortable and a bit more formal. But here’s the deal - the polo shirt has its own set of rules, and if you don’t follow them, you might end up looking out of place. So, how do you choose and wear a polo shirt the right way?
The Back Hem
Classic pique polo shirts - made from woven cotton with a textured surface - often have a longer back hem to make it easier to tuck in if necessary. The golden rule is simple: if the back hem hangs past the midpoint of your pants pocket, the shirt is too long.
Keep in mind that the back hem is generally longer than the front, but it shouldn’t go overboard.
The Button Placket
Once you've sorted out the length, shift your attention to the button placket. Polos often have a deep neckline, and if the button placket runs too low and you leave the buttons undone, it can look sloppy. But some polos come with a shorter placket that only goes down halfway to the chest, giving you more flexibility to leave a button or two undone while still looking neat.
Leaving the bottom button undone on a long-placket polo can make the wearer look sloppy.
Here’s a pro tip for shorter guys: avoid polos with an excessively long button placket as it can visually shorten your torso even more.
If the placket is short, you can skip buttoning the bottom one without a problem.
Sleeves
The ribbed cuffs on a polo shirt’s sleeves are a critical detail. The fit around the biceps is key - ideally, the cuffs should gently hug your arms, adding a nice touch for those who like to show off their gym gains.
That said, don’t go overboard. If the cuffs are too tight, it can look like the shirt is struggling to contain your muscles, which throws off the balance of the whole look.
A polo shirt with a waistband
If you’re into a more refined, vintage look, a wool-knit polo might be up your alley. These usually come with a subtle, elasticated hem at the bottom. This style works especially well for guys with a bit of extra weight, as the hem helps give a more streamlined, fitted look.
However, if you go this route, avoid pairing it with low-rise pants. The fitted hem can make the shirt appear shorter, and you don’t want to end up exposing your underwear whenever you sit down. Opt for mid-rise or higher pants to keep things looking sharp.
Wearing It Right
Now that you’ve got your polo picked out, let’s talk about how to wear it effectively. First off, never wear an undershirt beneath a polo. It ruins the streamlined look and makes you appear bulkier. Plus, the sleeves peeking out is a definite no-go.
Another thing to consider is sweat. Polos tend to have fitted sleeves, and that can be a bit concerning if you’re prone to sweating. Deodorant is a must, and it’s smart to pay special attention to cleaning the underarm area when you wash your polo. And if it’s white, hand wash it to avoid yellow stains.
Lastly, let’s settle this once and for all - don’t pop the collar. It’s not cool, it’s not stylish, and it won’t win you any fashion points. The only time it’s acceptable is if you’re trying to avoid a sunburn on your neck, but even then, it’s a stretch.
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