Style Guide: The Polo Shirt

Polo shirts are the cornerstone of any classic warm weather wardrobe and have been so for generations.

Though when they hear “polo” shirt most people think Polo ™ shirt, the first truly branded version was developed in 1929 for tennis legend Rene’ “The Crocodile” Lacoste.

Lacoste wanted a comfortable shirt to replace the traditional, but totally impractical dress shirt and tie worn by tennis players at the time. In doing so, he unwittingly produced one of the most versatile warm weather shirts ever. Whether tagged with a little reptile or tiny horseman, the polo shirt belongs in your summer rotation.

I would suggest that the polo shirt is in fact one of the great sartorial innovations of the last few generations. With its unique ability to straddle the elusive line between casual and formal, the classic polo can carry you from the office to the country club with little stress. In today’s corporate casual world, day to day office wear can be a challenge and while I do not suggest that a knit polo shirt is right for every occasion, when paired with a sharp outfit you should be good to go.



Khakis are a traditional choice and usually fine for most situations. Just ensure that you do not pull on the going-to-pick-up-a-can-of-paint pants. Opt for a nice pair in fine cotton – the ones constructed like dress pants. Keep it less stuffy with clean boat shoes or penny loafers and a woven leather or ribbon belt.

For a more business feel, try a dressy belt with a silver monogrammed buckle, blue blazer and high grade slip-ins from Ben Silver. I’ve even seen a black polo paired with a pinstriped suit; very sharp in a George Clooney sort of way. Be careful with that one, not many men can actually pull it off.

Whatever look you’re trying to achieve, make sure to follow these simple guidelines to always be your best when sporting a polo shirt this summer. First, as always, ensure that the fit is right.



Avoid going too baggy, an annoying sin of the younger set. A trim fit across the shoulders – so the shirt’s shoulder seams actually land on your shoulder – should be your first goal. You don’t want any pulling or bunching, just a natural and comfortable fit. The body of the shirt should lightly touch yours, but not pull or feel tight.

The sleeve should hit around mid-bicep and be fitted but not constricting. When un-tucked, your shirt should hang no lower than your hips. In no case should it cover your rear like some kind of mini skirt; that never looks good.

Regardless of how well it fits, when in the office, keep your shirt tucked in.

Even when you’re going for a younger look, say with modern jeans and some vintage shoes, a trim fit will keep everything looking fresh. Many designers have come out with slimmer fitting polo shirts, so make sure you try on several brands and see what feels best. And trim does not mean tight – unless you want it tight of course, which is another look altogether.

In my case Ralph Lauren shirts fit very well. The body, arms and length are just right. Still, I pine for a Lacsote polo but the cut is just too way slim for my build. I also have several Brooks Brothers shirts and they fit me well, but not as well as the Polo™ polos. These are only a few of the many designers who make their own version of the polo shirt, so be sure to look around and decide what's best for you when it comes to fit, style, and color.



One of the best things about these versatile shirts is that they come in almost any color under the sun. Basic white to jet black; solid color or preppy stripe, you can find it.

They also happen to age very well. That really beat up old polo at the bottom of the shirt drawer - the one with the seriously frayed collar? It will look great at the clam bake with some faded khaki shorts and gin & tonic.