What You Never Knew About a Polo Shirt but Were Afraid to Ask
No self-respecting man would have a summer wardrobe without one or more polo shirts hanging in the closet, but just what is it about a polo shirt that makes them so special? Yes, they are comfortable and cool (in more ways than one!), but that isn't the only thing that attracts you to this timeless fashion that has been worn for countless generations by men in all walks of life and from all 'levels' of society.
Aren't you just a little bit curious about how they came to be so popular and actually, how they even got their name? You might be a little surprised to learn some of the more interesting bits of trivia about polo shirts, so read on!
The Birth of Today's Polo Shirt
No one really knows for certain when the polo shirt was 'born' as we know it today, and like anything else in life, it has gone through several incarnations. However, there are two predominant schools of thought. The first is that the polo was first conceptualized in India during the early 1800s, which is probably closer to the truth than the second predominant school of thought, which feels the polo originated in the second decade of the 20th century.
Since we know that John Brooks, an early president of the Brooks Brothers company, noticed in the late 1800s that polo players' collars got in their way flapping in the wind, it stands to reason that they were already trendy in the 19th century. He went on to design the button-down collar, which is still popular in some circles today to keep those unruly collars out of players way.
To Each His Own
When you think of a polo shirt you automatically think Polo Ralph Lauren or any of the other contemporary designers. However, what many men don't really understand is that there is no one polo shirt that fits all men, figuratively as well as literally. There are different styles of polo shirt and the fit must be perfect for his lifestyle. If you check out the new arrivals from sivasdescalzo, a high-end European fashionable sportswear website, you will see that there are all different 'styles' of polo shirts floating around out there by more famous designers than you can count on all your fingers and toes.
In other words, just because you usually wear a specific size it doesn't mean that the polo you are interested in will have the fit you need for the purpose you are wearing it. For office casual, you'd want a fitted look but for getting out on the court with a group of mates, you'd want something a bit looser to facilitate ease in movement.
It's All About You
So, if you're thinking that you can just walk into the local men's shop, pick up a polo in the size you feel you wear, think again! There's more to the polo than meets the eye. Remember they are not all cut quite the same; nor are they crafted from the same fabric. Some are fitted and some are loose. Some have button-down collars; others don't. Some even have pockets, but the one thing any self-respecting polo has is a logo. Which designer best fits you?