Men have a special relationship with shirts, since this item of clothing cannot be replaced with anything. Nowadays, there are many different variations of this clothing, ranging from classics to trendy models. Among all this "motleyness", a polo shirt has long and firmly taken its place. In the article, we consider in more detail the history of the appearance and features of this apparel.
Appearance
The polo shirt is a knitted item of clothing that has a small clasp in the company with a stand-up collar. Traditionally, for its manufacture, elastic pique cotton fabric (knitted fabric) is taken. Basically, such a shirt is used for everyday wear, relaxing with friends, playing sports (for example, tennis, golf, etc.).
It is noteworthy that in countries where the climate is constantly hot, it is allowed even for carrying to work in the office. Many people confuse polo with a t-shirt, because the material is similar. However, it differs from a simple T-shirt with the same fastener with a collar.
History of occurrence
Fashion designers assure us that the history of the described shirt is connected with France, and the athlete of this country Rene Lacoste is the creator. But these are only speculations and attempts to promote Lacoste in sales. In reality, polo appeared on the territory of England and is inextricably linked with the game of polo. This game, by the way, originated in the distant sixth century BC in Persia, and then was revived in India in a modern interpretation.
There is another idea regarding where the polo shirt came from. It is believed that the legendary golfer Gerold Tweet is involved in this, and shirts entered the mass market after the opening of a production called “Polo Tweet”, which was financed from the fund of the famous golf tournament.
Lacoste began production of color polo in the early 50s of the last century, before that there were mainly basic neutral tones. Around the same time, only a year later, under the brand name "Fred Perry" began to produce polo with a shortened sleeve in blue and white colors. But for contrast, two bright strips on the collar and cuffs were added. Buttons on the collar appeared in the mid-1960s.
Interesting Facts
It is worth noting that a polo shirt (men's) with a short sleeve pretty quickly became popular not only among athletes, but also ordinary spectators. So, in 1987 of the last century, a professional equestrian polo team “Hacket Polo Tim” was founded. And purposefully for her players released a series of sports polo shirts. Branded clothing was distinguished by brightness, beauty and convenience. As soon as the polo with the numbers of the players appeared in stores, fans and ordinary people bought them up with a bang.
Variety of models
Designers, one might say, were divided into two camps: some decided to create polos exclusively in a sporty style, others for everyday wear or going for a walk. Now, even for celebrities, the polo shirt has become familiar and beloved. A short sleeve does not constrain movements, and in the summertime the collar protects the neck from sunlight.
The color palette includes both plain shirts and prints with stripes, plaid, zigzag, decor, etc. We are more used to seeing summer styles, but a polo shirt with a long sleeve is no less popular. It is more suitable for cool weather, boat trips (if it is windy), etc.
Classic
The classic polo model has a free and straight cut, while not fitting the figure. An obligatory element is a fastener with two or three buttons. Sometimes on such models you can see small cuts on the sides, with the front part being a centimeter shorter than the back. Most often, pique knitwear is used for production.
Fitted silhouette
The fitted style (or “slim fit”) is sometimes too tight-fitting, for the sewing of which stretch knitwear is used. There are no cuts on the silhouette, and both canvases are the same length. Such models are sometimes decorated with prints in the form of stripes, inscriptions, brand badges, patterns in the Hawaiian style. The collar of the "slim" is smaller than the classic. Such a shirt looks better on a taut and athletic figure, while it emphasizes the presence of a tummy even more.
What to combine with
Today, a polo shirt fits perfectly into almost any style: casual, sports, business or office, club, etc. It can be combined with shorts, trousers, jeans, breeches. Also can be worn with trousers, tapered down or chinos. From the top, a cardigan or a sweater with a V-neck, as well as a mac, trench, harrington, will work well. As for shoes, loafers, sneakers, ordinary sneakers, boat shoes, loafers are used here.
Girls sometimes combine polo shirts with a skirt and ballet flats. For office workers, stylists recommend wearing a plain polo with semi-classic trousers, and a sports jacket on top. For an informal atmosphere, a loose-cut polo is tucked into trousers and completes the look with a correctly selected belt.