How to recognise it
A soft turn-down collar, two or three buttons at the neck, short sleeves with ribbed edges. Usually in cotton piqué knit, which breathes.
Where it comes from
In 1926 tennis player René Lacoste created a light knit shirt with a collar, more comfortable than the tennis shirts of the day. Polo players later adopted it and the name stuck.
Who and when it suits
Semi-sporty and neater than a T-shirt: right for a relaxed office, golf, travel and weekends.
Variations and look-alikes
They come short- or long-sleeved, fitted or loose, in piqué or smooth jersey, or knitted in merino. A knitted polo with a turn-down collar looks more elegant and suits autumn. They differ from a shirt in the knit fabric and short placket, and from a rugby shirt in being lighter and having a soft collar instead of a stiff woven one.
How to style it
- With chinos and loafers.
- Tucked into a pleated skirt it looks feminine.
- The collar should lie flat.
- Leave the top button undone.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01Who invented the polo shirt?
Tennis player René Lacoste in 1926.
02Is a polo shirt office-appropriate?
Yes, for smart or business casual, with trousers or a skirt.
03What is piqué knit?
A dense cotton knit with a small textured pattern that breathes and hardly creases.