[Corcovado]

The button-down collar was first created for playing polo. So a knit polo shirt with a button-down collar is truly the ultimate 'polo' shirt!

That is an excellent point! Clearly I was being too parochial in my perception of what makes a polo shirt.

 

[Matt S]

I've wonder about that. What is the real story - is the knit polo shirt the true polo shirt or is the OCBD the true polo shirt. And by "true" I guess I mean original to the game of polo? Or what? I don't know, but I've always wondered about that as they both kinda share the origin story. Do you now Matt?

It's one of those things we will never know the answer to. But both the button-down collar and the collared knit pullover shirt are both historically associated with polo, so why not combine the two shirts? I believe the button-down shirt was used for polo before the knit shirt was.

 

[eagle2250]

It's one of those things we will never know the answer to. But both the button-down collar and the collared knit pullover shirt are both historically associated with polo, so why not combine the two shirts? I believe the button-down shirt was used for polo before the knit shirt was.

....and didn't we call the end result of such efforts a "Pop-over? :icon_scratch:

 

[Oldsarge]

????

 

[Matt S]

....and didn't we call the end result of such efforts a "Pop-over? :icon_scratch:

A popover is usually woven, not knitted, and constructed like a proper shirt. It just has a half-placket instead of a full-length opening.

 

[peterc]

J Peterman has some very nice new Polo shirts in their catalog. 3-button placket and a pocket. A little pricey, but very nice.

 

[Oldsarge]

Really? Hmmm . . .

 

[Jeff84]

Unless you're golfing, don't get "performance polos". Just stick with cotton (of course, "cotton" is itself a vast spectrum.)

There are so many variables: Will it be tucked? untucked? Worn close-fitted? loose? Used for layering? stand-alone?

Personally, I still like the classic, cotton pique Lacrosse polos. I wear them fairly tight; to me, they're mostly a tee shirt alternative... otherwise I'm in a Tori Richard camp shirt.

I've worn some "luxury" polos, like Brioni and Kiton (when I was young, and it seemed like a good idea), and I think they're fine in a certain setting, but you're paying 10x the price for twice the shirt.

The Brooks Brothers polos as a good value when you hit one of their "buy N shirts for X dollars" sales. I would never pay full price for a Brooks Brothers shirt of any kind: they will ALWAYS have a sale soon (since they've decided to head down the Jos A Bank path.)

I am going be a bit controversial and say this: not everyone can really wear a polo shirt. It's an athletic "look", and really requires at least a somewhat athletic (or at least beefy) physique. Here's my suggested rule: if your correct size of polo shirt "hugs" your arms, it works; if there's a big gap, such that your arms emerge from loose sleeves, it doesn't. My opinion, offered as an aesthetic principle.

DH

I personally believe that I fit better in a polo shirt now than in my 20's. I have a little moobs going on, but untucked it doesn't show. I actually bought both the performance and the premium extra fine polos from Brooks Brothers. With all of the sales that BB has had during COVID-19, I've given my summer wardrobe a nice update, both polos and t-shirts. I've grown fond of wearing polo shirts on nice spring/ summer days when I leave the house. Sometimes tucked, other times untucked.

 

[brianbrick]

Polo shirts are the main part of my wardrobe. I do not have any preferences for brands. And I agree with some opinions I've read on this thread that there is no need to buy polos from expensive brands. And most people use polos for their casual looks. But sometimes you want to wear something expensive just to realize that you can afford it without problems. In this case, Brooks Brothers is the best choice. I also like Karl Lagerfeld and Ralph Lauren. But as I see here https://cools.com/shop/mens-polos there are a lot of good looking polos that are cheaper and will look the same. So, it's only your choice. Have a nice day

 

[eagle2250]

Polo shirts are the main part of my wardrobe. I do not have any preferences for brands. And I agree with some opinions I've read on this thread that there is no need to buy polos from expensive brands. And most people use polos for their casual looks. But sometimes you want to wear something expensive just to realize that you can afford it without problems. In this case, Brooks Brothers is the best choice. I also like Karl Lagerfeld and Ralph Lauren. But as I see here https://cools.com/shop/mens-polos there are a lot of good looking polos that are cheaper and will look the same. So, it's only your choice. Have a nice day

Thanks for posting and welcome to AAAC. I agree with your conclusion that quality garments, polo shirts, can be had without spending a small fortune. Looking forward to your future postings.

 

[medhat]

Thanks for this thread. In the lockdown I've added bits here and there to my wardrobe, and yesterday sent off for a new polo from The Tie Bar. Less than $30 after discounts, we'll see as to the quality. A very simple unadorned cotton pique polo, with knit sleeve cuffs and an "open" non-knit bottom. Some touched on pet peeves earlier on this thread, I realized one of my is for cuffed bottoms to the body of a shirt. I'm not crazy about them on sweaters either, but in some cases I understand how it completes a look.

 

[medhat]

Thanks for this thread. In the lockdown I've added bits here and there to my wardrobe, and yesterday sent off for a new polo from The Tie Bar. Less than $30 after discounts, we'll see as to the quality. A very simple unadorned cotton pique polo, with knit sleeve cuffs and an "open" non-knit bottom. Some touched on pet peeves earlier on this thread, I realized one of my is for cuffed bottoms to the body of a shirt. I'm not crazy about them on sweaters either, but in some cases I understand how it completes a look.

An update. Got my shipment from The Tie Bar today. The polo shirt is really nice, exactly (rare) what I was looking for, an unadorned polo (no logos) in a slightly fitted style. Not extra slim by any stretch, and I think the cotton knit will soften nicely. FYI, the "medium" fits to spec, maybe very slightly slim, more slim than the RL polos I used to own in my youth. It's a keeper.

 

[immanuelrx]

I’ll throw Charles Tyrwhitt in the mix. I have purchase a few I’m 2014-2015 and they still hold up today. They are starting to fade on the older ones but a 6 year lifespan is not bad on polos. Just like the BB Polos, only buy them on sale. For CT that is pretty much all the time.