Polo Shirts: The Stylish Man's T-Shirt

A few weeks ago, I posted a series of polo shirts that I really liked on Tumblr.  This sparked a small conversation on the place of polo shirts in a stylish man's wardrobe.  Some thought they had no place while others believe them to be a necessity.  I fall somewhere in the middle of this argument: while polo shirts are by no means a requirement, they are the stylish man's t-shirt: you really can't go wrong with a well fitting polo shirt.  These are examples of how one can wear a polo shirt a few different ways.

Polo-Hickey | Pants and NATO Strap-J. Crew | Watch-Timex | Shoes-Calvin Klein

Let's be clear, I am in no way shape or form advocating for the polo shirt as any type of formal or professional wear.  The polo shirt, from it's roots, has been a casual shirt meant for sport... I can't for the life of me seem to remember what sport, though.  Anyway, the most classic of pairings is a polo shirt with a pair of chinos.  Polos and chinos go together like Young Jeezy and Shawty Red beats... or Simon and Garfunkel for the non-hip-hop crowd.  When rocking a polo with chinos, I like for there to be something interesting about one of the pieces.  Whether it be a fun color or an interesting detail, having something that spices up the ensemble can help one stand out in one of the most common outfits (at least in the U.S.).  This striped raglan sleeved polo is from Hickey (R.I.P.) and it's an excellent Pima cotton body with a sturdy collar.  The way the tangerine, blue, and white come together make the entire outfit pop more than if either item was paired with a more subtle color.  

Polo-Benjamin Bixby | Trousers-Theory | Belt-Bobby Jones | Shoes-Calvin Klein | Sunglasses-Unknown 

My philosophy when it comes to polo shirts is you get exactly what you pay for.  Some polo shirts are very cheap for a reason, and often times you will discover this reason after about two or so washing.  Some great polo shirts can be had for as little as $30 MSRP and some fairly average polos can be had for well over $70 MSRP.  Generally speaking you can't go wrong with the logo kings, Polo and Lacoste.  There are some brands making some of the most sought after polo today such as Boast USA, Band of Outsiders, and Kitsuné.  Some of the best deals, however, are from defunct lines.  Another brand that was before it's time is Benjamin Bixby, the brainchild of the greatest Southern rapper alive. Mesh, or pique, polo shirts are kind of the gold standard of polo shirts. These mesh Bixby polo shirts retailed for around $100, but can be found on eBay for around $15 or $20 now.  They are excellent.  A great slim fit, very soft, and nice details.  Bigger guys might consider sizing up one as this is a medium that I'm wearing.

A nice trim fit is key with polos.  They don't need to hug your body like a base layer, but they should fit comfortably close.  The sleeves should totally cover your deltoid and stop somewhere before the mid point of your bicep.  Longer polos should must be tucked in.  There really is no wiggle room on this one.  If you need to ask someone if a polo looks a little long, just tuck it in.  If you tuck your polo into a pair of trousers or more refined bottoms you won't look quite at "dad-like" as tucking them into say a pair of jeans.  Looks like this are good for casual business meetings, casual Friday in the office, or the golf course.  Just toss some golf cleats in your car and you are good for a round of 9 after work.

Polo-Polo Ralph Lauren | Sweater-J. Crew | Jeans-Gap | Belt-Land's End Canvas | Shoes-Sperry

A polo shirt with a v-neck sweater is a nice option for those cooler yet still casual days.  I prefer a polo with a slightly longer, sturdier collar that will stay up with relative ease throughout the day.  For the guy looking to find something more grown-up to wear to grab drinks with friends but is still scared of a tie, this can be a good look if executed well.  This polo shirt is from none other than Mr. Polo himself, Ralph Lauren.  It's is a Blue Label custom-fit polo and it has served me well over the years.  It has kept it's color through numerous washing, and I have made it a point not to just stand out in the sun in a black polo...  

When I'm not blogging about clothes, I post up on mailboxes and when old people go to put letters in, I smack their hands and yell, "Grandchildren would rather get text messages!!!!"