With origins dating back to the mid-1800s, the polo shirt is a classic garment that looks great on all men. Also known as a golf shirt or tennis shirt, it features a collared neck with either two or three buttons and an optional pocket. If you’re planning to sport a polo shirt, though, there are a few fashion rules you should follow.
#1) Leave the Collar Down
Don’t try to pop up the collar on your polo shirt. For whatever reason, some men assume that polo shirts look better when the color is popped up. However, this creates a messy, unflattering appearance that ultimately hurts your outfit. Always wear your polo shirt with the collar down — as it should be worn.
#2) Keep the Collar Crisp
While we’re on the topic of collars, it’s important to note that your polo shirt collar should have a crisp texture. Over time, it’s not uncommon for collars to develop wrinkles and creases. Thankfully, a simple solution is to go over your polo shirt’s collar with a hot steam iron. Assuming the wrinkles are minor, this should eliminate them, leaving you with a fresh, crisp collar.
#3) Choose the Right Fabric
Of course, you should also choose a polo shirt in the right fabric. One of the most popular fabrics for men’s polo shirts is pique cotton. Also known as marcella, it’s characterized by a unique weaving style in which cotton yard is used to create raised parallel cords. Technical jargon aside, pique cotton polo shirts are exceptionally soft and comfortable, making them an excellent choice.
#4) Leave the Top Button Undone
Whether your polo shirt features two buttons, three buttons or more, it’s best to leave the top button undone. Granted, there are a few exceptions in which it’s acceptable to fasten all the buttons on a polo shirt. Normally, however, you’ll achieve a more cohesive style by leaving the top button undone.
#5) Choose Bold Colors
If you really want to stand out from the crowd, consider wearing a polo shirt featuring a bold color. There’s nothing wrong with traditional colors like white or navy, but opting for a red or even yellow polo shirt is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.
These are just a few rules to follow when wearing a polo shirt. Most importantly, though, choose a polo shirt that flows cohesively with the rest of your outfit, including your pants and shoes.
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