Polos are a type of shirt with a collar, a placket with two to three buttons, and an optional pocket. Known for their braid-like knit pattern, polos are simple, classic, preppy, and can be paired with a variety of other clothing items – the most common of which are chinos and shorts.
Available in a variety of solid colours and materials, such as cotton, wool, silk, polyester, and rayon, the popular apparel is literally one you can’t miss. This is because they can be found almost anywhere, from golf courses to tennis courts, parks, beaches, and even workplaces!
Polo shirts have not only become a staple requirement in the wardrobes of most men over the years, but they have also earned their place as a “fashion favourite”.
FUN FACT: Polo shirts were first worn and introduced in the mid-18th century by the British Army, who were said to have been inspired by watching men in buttoned-up tees play polo (the sport) while stationed in India.
Types of Polo Shirts
Polo shirts are one of the most versatile garments in today’s fashion industry, making them the ultimate fashion ally. So, here’s a quick rundown of the 4 main types of polo shirts!
1. Short-Sleeved Polos
Among the various types of polo shirts available today, short-sleeved polos are undoubtedly the most popular. They are usually made of cotton, polyester, or dri-fit. Short-sleeved polos typically feature a soft, unstructured button-down collar and are often available in a variety of colours. Short-sleeved polos are mostly worn for casual occasions.
2. Long-Sleeved Polos
You can probably tell what this one is by its name. Basically, the only difference between a long-sleeved polo and a short-sleeved polo is that the former has long sleeves. Aside from that, long-sleeved polos are very similar to short-sleeved polos, with the exception that it is probably the better polo to wear in cold weather.
3. Pique Polos
Pique polo, also known as pique knit, is a more traditional type of polo shirt – one that has been around for a long time. While pique polos may not appear to be any different from other polos, they do, in fact, differ significantly in terms of knitting and feel. This distinct knit is what contributes to its heavyweight and highly breathable nature.
4. Jersey Polos
Jersey polos, like pique polos, differ from other polo shirts in terms of knitting; however, that is not their most distinguishing feature. Many people prefer jersey polos because they are lightweight, stretchy, and have a much softer texture than most polos. These are also the reasons why jersey polos are the best choice for physical and outdoor activities.
FUN FACT: There are plenty of well-known brands that are synonymous with polo shirts. These include Polo Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Brooks Brothers, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Difference between Polos and Tees
Despite their versatility, polos aren’t the only casual shirt frontrunners. So, before we get into how to get you a polo shirt that fits right, let’s first take a look at the difference between polos and their popular nemesis – the T-SHIRT.
| POLO | vs. | TEE |
| Knitted | Stitching | Woven |
| Yes | Collar | No |
| Yes | Buttons | No |
| Rigid | Neckline | Various |
| Limited to solid and stripes only | Patterns | Unlimited |
| Casual, Business Casual, and Smart Casual | Suitability | Casual |
FUN FACT: Smart casual is a popular dress attire that is typically composed of well-fitting and neat apparel and accessories that, when done correctly, can work in a variety of casual and business settings.
Getting the Right Fit
Now that we’ve got that all cleared up, we can move on to the all-important part – how to get a polo shirt that fits you just right! Here are the top 3 key criteria!
1. Slim but Not Tight
A polo shirt should be slim-fitting but not too tight. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to easily slide a finger between the sleeves of your polo and your skin. If you can’t, odds are your polo is too tight!
2. Neither Too Short nor Too Long
The length of your polo shirt is critical when it comes to getting the right fit. Ideally, the length of your polo shirt should end somewhere around the middle of your hips, while the length of its sleeves should be about 10 centimetres above your elbows.
3. Integrated Side Vents
Have you ever noticed the little cuts on both sides of your polo? If you have, those little cuts are actually known as side vents, and they too are important for getting the right fit. Side vents are what make a polo flexible, so make sure yours has them. However, be wary of side vents that are too deep, as they can affect your fit!
FUN FACT: Some polo shirts are designed to be longer in the back than the front so that they stay tucked in during and after active exertion.
Customising Your Own Polo
Now that you’ve learned about polo shirts and how to get them to fit you right, all that’s left for you to do is personalise them with your own style.
The most common type of customisation for polos is embroidery – one that can make your logo, brand, or even name stand out in an elegant and polished way.
If you have any questions about polo t shirt printing or polo t shirt printing Singapore services, you can contact us at +65 6362 2440 or send us an inquiry through our website as we offer high-quality polo t shirt Singapore customisation services for a wide variety of soft and colourful polos!
Feel free to peruse our polo t shirt Singapore collection here!
