Polo T-Shirts: How to Choose and Style One in India

Polo t-shirts are one of the most searched shirt styles in India. Google searches in India for "polo t shirt" are 2.5 times higher than in 2022, with peaks in March, April and August. A polo sits between a t-shirt and a formal shirt. It works in more places than a tee. This guide explains how to choose a good one and how to wear it.

#What makes a polo a polo

A polo has three parts that a normal t-shirt does not have:

• A collar. It is usually a knitted rib collar that lies flat.
• A placket. A placket is the short opening at the front of the neck with two or three buttons.
• Piqué fabric, in most cases. Piqué is a cotton knit with a small, raised, textured pattern.

A polo also often has a longer back hem than front hem, called a tennis tail. The longer back stays tucked in when you move.

#Where the polo came from

The game of polo has strong Indian roots. British officers learned the modern game in Manipur in the 1800s and spread it around the world. Polo players later wore button-down collar shirts.

The knit shirt that we now call a polo came from tennis. In the late 1920s, French tennis player René Lacoste wore a short-sleeve knit shirt with a soft collar on court. Polo players also adopted the style, and the name "polo shirt" stayed.

#Piqué vs jersey polo

For Indian summers, 100% cotton piqué is the safest choice. The texture keeps the fabric slightly away from your skin, so air moves through. Read Cotton vs Polyester T-Shirts.

#How a polo must fit

The fit decides whether a polo looks neat or sloppy.

1. Shoulders. On a classic polo, the shoulder seam sits on the edge of your shoulder.
2. Sleeves. The sleeve ends at the middle of your upper arm. It must not flare out.
3. Chest. You can pinch about 5 cm of spare fabric on each side.
4. Length. The hem covers your belt but ends above the middle of your seat.

Oversized and boxy polos are also popular now. These have dropped shoulders and a wider body. They follow the same rules as oversized tees. Read What Is an Oversized T-Shirt?.

#How to style a polo

Three rules make any polo outfit look better:

• Button the placket for a neat look. Leave one or two buttons open for a relaxed look.
• Do not pop the collar. Let it lie flat.
• Tuck a polo in with trousers. Leave it untucked with jeans and shorts.

For the streetwear look, read Baggy Jeans for Men.

#Polo vs t-shirt vs shirt

A polo is smarter than a t-shirt because of the collar and buttons. It is more relaxed than a formal shirt because of the knit fabric. Use a polo when a tee feels too casual but a shirt feels too formal. Examples are casual offices, family lunches and day trips.

#How to care for a polo

Wash the polo inside out in cold water. Button the placket before you wash it, so the collar keeps its shape. Dry it flat or on a wide hanger in the shade. Do not iron the collar rib flat with high heat. Read How to Wash T-Shirts So They Last.