Men’s designer polo shirts
The contemporary man’s wardrobe is varied and multi-faceted, sometimes more so than a woman's: among men's jackets and shirts, there is a special place for designer polo shirts, for a chic look. It’s a bon ton garment, much esteemed by the noble class and by the English Royals during golf and cricket events. Worn by the upper crust and elite, the designer men's polo shirt has become something easy to throw on thanks to the new interpretations by the most creative and innovative designers.
Let's take a look at the origins of this great classic for him, and which are the cult styles worn by VIPs and celebrities: moreover, we will see how the polo shirt is worn today and how to wear it at its best according to what the most avant-garde designers have to offer.
The origins of men’s designer polo shirts
We’ve spoken about the British royals as this is where the polo shirt first emerged, where the British officers who were stationed in India learned how to play polo. Back in the early nineteenth century sports started being promoted as part of a healthy lifestyle and outdoor sports such as golf, horseback riding and polo - where the name of this shirt derives - started being played. It’s basically a t-shirt with a collar that is closed by three buttons; the polo can be short-sleeved or long-sleeved and is made of cotton pique. In jargon, it’s also called a tennis shirt or a golf shirt.
Eastern origins of the designer polo shirt
Polo was introduced by Muslims in ancient times and is native to many Asian countries such as India, Persia (that is, the current territory of Iran), China and Tibet. It is in these distant lands that the collared shirt was born and exported to the West by the British Navy that was stationed in Asian colonies. Today, the polo shirt is an easy to dress and casual chic garment which is much esteemed by men who love a refined and bon ton look, but at the same time want to feel comfortable during sports and leisure time. Perhaps it is, together with the crew neck sweater and the turtleneck, one of the most popular alternatives to the classic shirt, as it can also be worn for work and as formal attire. In fact, the men's polo shirt, with its starched collar and pocket that is reminiscent of a formal suit, is an elegant and sophisticated garment that hints at austerity but in an ironic and carefree way.
Styles and brands of men’s designer polo shirts
First of all, we must mention the Lacoste brand, which has always designed and produced one of the best men's polo shirts on the market. Elegant, sober and sophisticated, it is made of cotton pique, a slightly rough fabric that is nonetheless very comfortable to the touch and on the skin. What sets the Lacoste brand apart is their ability to create beautiful and aesthetically pleasing fabrics that are at the same time durable and resistant for everyday use. In addition to René Lacoste, the historic creator of a garment that is loved all over the world, another very influential designer who has made the history of polo shirts is Ralph Lauren. Between the emerald green crocodile with its upturned tail and the renowned horse, the two legendary logos have become real must-haves when it comes to men’s elegant and sophisticated fashion. High-end fashion designers such as Gucci and Stone Island have revived men's designer polos in a modern and glamorous way.
How to wear a polo shirt today
Easily: these days, polo shirts can be found in so many fabrics and yarns that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Cotton, jeans, denim or the original petit pique jersey, these are the most sought-after yarns to show off during sports and informal occasions.
