There aren’t many clothes able to each acting on the sports activities area and mingling on the pre-match champagne reception, however the polo shirt is one in all them.
Over the previous century, this smart-casual staple has transitioned from Wimbledon court docket to wardrobe, however not with out stopping off on the odd youth subculture en route. Consequently, it’s turn into ingrained within the very material of contemporary menswear; a fixture in each well-dressed man’s spring/summer time rotation.
A part of the polo shirt’s crossover enchantment is right down to its versatility. It’s a garment that may work throughout a variety of outfits and events, as long as it’s styled with consideration.
With that in thoughts, we’ve collected a few of our favorite methods to put on a polo shirt to function a helpful level of reference subsequent time you end up reaching for yours.
Athleisure
The re-appropriation of fitness center gear as casualwear (usually referenced as athleisure) has turn into the brand new regular in menswear during the last decade. If it doesn’t already occupy a substantial chunk of your wardrobe, it in all probability should.
The polo shirt is one in all this aesthetic’s defining clothes, so naturally it slots properly into quite a lot of athleisure-based outfits. Success lies in pairing it with different sporty clothes, mixing devoted athletic put on with upscale premium items.
Maintain the color palette subdued and principally monochrome, incorporating sportswear staples like fitted joggers, hoodies and observe jackets. Footwear-wise, go for a streamlined technical coach or a premium minimalist leather-based sneaker.
Separates
Experimenting with go well with separates is a intelligent technique to tone down tailoring whereas nonetheless trying sharp and swapping a sensible shirt for a extra relaxed polo builds on this impact. It’s a fast technique to give your suiting a summery edge and is right for warm-weather occasions and even as a business-casual work outfit.
Getting the color and distinction proper is essential on the subject of styling separates – and that extends to your polo shirt too. To play it secure, stick with neutrals and monochrome, but when the jacket and pants are fairly subdued, a pop of bolder color from the polo can work properly too.
Match is at all times essential, however notably on the subject of tailoring. The polo shirt ought to match like a glove to allow it to fit beneath your blazer with out bunching up or crumpling. It needs to be form-fitting however by no means tight and the seams ought to align completely with the shoulders.
With A Go well with
No one likes donning a go well with when it’s 100 levels outdoors. The issue is, it generally can’t be helped. When these conditions come up, a well-fitting polo shirt could make an unlikely but highly effective ally.
Supplied the costume code permits it, the breathable pique cotton material of a polo shirt can provide some respite from the warmth when worn rather than a shirt. This could be a nice choice for occasions like summer time weddings, the place the costume code is wise, however the climate will be sweltering.
When it comes to color, there are two methods to method this one. Firstly, you could possibly go for a tonal outfit. Meaning conserving your go well with and polo shirt to totally different shades of the identical, or related, colors. Alternatively, you could possibly go for distinction. To realize this, choose a polo shirt in a color that enhances your go well with however doesn’t match it. Steer away from something to punchy or vivid, favouring refined tones as a substitute.
Tucked In
Generally the only of fashion strikes have the most important impression. Working example: tucking your shirt in. It would sound primary – and it’s – however this fast transfer has the facility to fully alter the texture of an outfit. Use it to your benefit.
This Ivy League-approved twist on the T-shirt tuck can flip what’s seemingly a pedestrian outfit into one thing rather more particular person and thought of. Simply ensure your polo shirt matches like a dream to keep away from extra material billowing excessive of your pants.
The most effective method when it comes to styling is to stay with the theme of simplicity. When you can drop the belt, nice. If not, ensure it’s understated and plain. Maintain equipment to the naked minimal and the color palette refined. Chinos and costume pants are each good choices legwear-wise, or swap them for tailor-made shorts if the climate’s in your facet.
Riviera Prepared
Sadly, you in all probability aren’t spending your weekend sipping Aperol spritz and grazing on charcuteries in Portofino. Nonetheless, don’t let that cease you from dressing like you’re. These Italians know a factor or two about stylish nonchalant fashion and a crisp white polo shirt has lengthy been one in all their weapons of selection.
Embracing a little bit of Riviera cool is rarely a nasty transfer on the subject of your summer time wardrobe and including a polo shirt into the combo retains issues good and informal. Traditional pique cotton is the apparent selection however don’t ignore knitted choices for one thing a little bit extra refined. A zipper collar is nice for including a up to date twist too.
Transferring south, legwear needs to be sensible, however not too sensible. Suppose pleated trousers or chinos. Italian males are a fan of a pair of white pants however simply take it simple on the gesticulating when you occur to have a glass of Barolo in hand. As for footwear? Loafers or deck sneakers each time.
Maintain It Easy
The most effective factor a few polo shirt? In all probability the truth that it doesn’t require a lot thought to make one look good. It’s the kind of garment that makes it seem like you’ve put a little bit of thought into an outfit even when you haven’t. An improve on the T-shirt, however nonetheless good and relaxed.
Because of this among the best issues you are able to do when styling a polo shirt is to take issues again to fundamentals. Pairing one with shorts, chinos or denims and your favorite summer time footwear is a recipe for straightforward, timeless fashion.
All there actually is to consider is texture and color. Use these two components to maintain a easy outfit from straying into boring territory. That mentioned, a muted palette is at all times a secure guess, simply be considerate in your color matching to maintain issues fascinating.
