How to Wear a Polo Shirt: 4 Tips for Styling a Polo Shirt

A polo shirt, also known as a golf or tennis shirt, is a top with short sleeves, a placket neckline, and two or three buttons. Polo shirts are typically made from cotton blends. These casual tops are a wardrobe staple and a standard part of a tennis, golf, or school uniform.

Polo shirts get their name from the polo players who wore them in India in the nineteenth century and Great Britain in the twentieth. Since then, the polo shirt has been a part of many fashion trends. In the early 2000s, the shirt was a key part of men’s fashion—operating in some offices as a form of business-casual menswear—and women also wore it with a popped collar for a preppy look.

There are several ways to wear this iconic shirt for more casual occasions. Consider the following casual outfits:

1. 1. Start with a classic ensemble. Go for a simple, reliable look—try a colorful cotton polo with a pair of jeans or chinos and some clean, white sneakers.
2. 2. Create a nautical look. Tuck a blue or white polo into khaki shorts and wear a brown belt with boat shoes to make a breezy summer outfit.
3. 3. Wear a polo with an undershirt. You can wear a thin t-shirt under your polo during cooler weather—if wearing a brighter polo shirt, make this undershirt a neutral color (a gray or white).
4. 4. Dress up your ensemble. You can create a chicer look by wearing a polo shirt buttoned all the way up, tucked into skinny jeans, and worn with loafers. Show off some ankle by cuffing your pants.
5. 5. Play with your tucks. Untucked polos make for a looser, more casual styling. You can play with belts as accents to dress up this casual shirt when tucked in.

Get the most out of your polo outfit by following these easy tips:

1. 1. Find the right fit. Polo shirts should fit well—not too tight, not too baggy. If you want to show off a little bicep, you can opt for a slim fit polo.
2. 2. Wear your polo on its own. Polos are more casual shirts, so avoid wearing one with a blazer. If the dress code calls for a blazer, it is appropriate to wear a blazer over a button-down or dress shirt.
3. 3. Keep it smart casual. Polos work best when paired with nicer jeans, chinos, or khakis, so avoid wearing them with more casual pants like joggers or sweatpants.
4. 4. Explore different knits and materials. Polos are often made out of cotton, which keep you warm, jersey for sports and greater breathability, or linen for a crisper, classier look. Find the fabric type you like best and that goes with the rest of your closet’s clothing.

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