The classic polo shirt is the perfect casual alternative a shirt, and a good quality one will still ensure that you look smart. On those occasions where a T-shirt is a bit too informal, polo shirts are a fantastic substitute that is comfortable but also still presentable.  Also, due to the popularity of “dressing down” with many employers these days (especially the famous dress down Fridays), the polo shirt remains a wardrobe staple for both the young and the young at heart.

Believe it or not, the polo shirt was the invention of Grand Slam tennis champion, Rene Lacoste. World famous for his clothing empire, as a professional sportsman back in the 1930’s, he grew tired of unwieldy long sleeved dress shirts and created a loosely knit cotton shirt with an unstarched, flat collar that could be upturned to block the sun from a player’s neck. Made under the Lacoste label, it was marketed as the ‘tennis shirt’, until it was adopted by polo players who decided it should be forever known as the ‘polo shirt’.

In 1967 when Ralph Lauren included the design into his collection and the shirt found a home with a much wider audience. Lauren even imitated the designer of the shirt by including his own iconic logo. Ralph Lauren aimed to exude a certain ‘waspishness’ or preppiness with his line, and success was almost guaranteed when his brand of polo shirt was adopted by players of another gentleman’s sport – golf. To this day, the golf players among us will recognize the popularity of the polo shirt, as it continues to offer something just a little more formal than a t-shirt, but a little less formal (and inhibiting) than an actual shirt.

Today most men’s labels will have a polo shirt in their range. If it’s quality you’re after then Ben Sherman, Dolce & Gabbana or Ralph Lauren all carry a good range while at the cheaper end of the market you will find such suppliers as Fruit of the Loom or Gildan.

The polo shirt really looks great when it’s matched with jeans, chinos, and even corduroy.  This combination looks great with trainers for the younger wearer or with loafers for the older gentlemen. Pink and pastel polo shirts recently made an appearance and are particularly popular with college students and other young men. In many circles, wearing a polo shirt with a tie and jeans is quickly becoming something of a statement, especially in indie circles or those who have a more eclectic or relaxed attitude toward modern fashion.

Long-sleeved polo shirts are a good option in the colder weather and an excellent gift Christmas gift for many men who might not think of buying the item for themselves.