The wardrobe item we are going to talk about allows you to stay elegant while jogging and feel comfortable at home in the office. What unites a manager and a housewife, an athlete and a programmer is polo clothing on the shelf of the closet. It combines the best qualities of business and sports style. What are its advantages and are there any disadvantages?
Distinctive features
The differences in polo clothing are explained by the history of its origin. It appeared in Europe at the end of the 19th century thanks to English colonists. They brought it from hot India along with the game of the same name. At the beginning of the 20th century, the advantages of the practical form were appreciated by secular people. The fashion for polo spread throughout Europe. The first polo shirt was released by the Lacoste clothing brand. On the catwalks and in street style, only what is comfortable and rational remains for a long time. The unique features of polo have made it an unchangeable classic.
- Polo shirts are made from a special pique fabric. It is made by interweaving many cotton fibers and combines the best qualities of cotton and synthetics: it facilitates heat exchange, regulates sweating, allows the body to "breathe", is comfortable to the touch, absorbs moisture well, is wear-resistant, and wrinkles less than cotton fabric;
- Comfortable cut - Polo clothing does not restrict movement. It is suitable for dynamic sports;
- Another feature is the collar shape. It is stand-up and turn-down. This is the feature that distinguishes polo from a simple T-shirt. The similarity to a classic shirt allows this item of clothing to be chosen by those who have a dress code at work. An impressive detail completes the image, emphasizes the style of the owner. It does not matter whether he is strolling along the deck of his own yacht or going to the nearest store for bread;
- Another characteristic feature is a buttoned neck. Traditionally, 3 buttons are used. There are models with more or fewer buttons. Some brands leave the placket completely empty. By adjusting the width of the neck, you can prevent it from deforming. Things stay neat longer.
Varieties and popular styles
There are 3 main areas in which Polo manufacturers operate:
- Slim - a fitted T-shirt fits tightly around the figure. Slim polos are good as an element of a classic suit. They are comfortable to wear under a jacket or jumper. A tight T-shirt allows you to avoid folds when layering;
- A loose fit is an option more suitable for those who value comfort and freedom. Such T-shirts are used as an independent wardrobe item in the hot season. It is not customary to complement them with outerwear. If such a need arises, you can throw on a spacious bomber jacket;
- Classic - a standard polo has a straight cut. It is difficult to imagine a situation when such a model would be inappropriate. In a classic polo you can come to a meeting, to the park with a child or to a party. Even if all this happens in one day, the pique fabric will look neat, will not stretch and will remain fresh.
An additional element present on some models is a breast pocket. It is suggested to use it depending on the situation. When going for a walk, you can put a plastic card there. When planning a social event, the image is completed with a small pocket square.
Modern Polo clothing allows deviation from the original standard. Thus, designers offer collars twice as narrow as classic ones. The corners can be straight, sharp or rounded. There are models with a laconic stand-up collar of 1.5 cm. Periodically, wide burdock collars come into fashion. They are typical for women's models.
It is customary to place the logo of the company that released the model on the polo chest. Among the brands that include polo clothing in their seasonal collections from season to season are:
- US Polo Assn;
- Tommy Hilfiger;
- Lacoste;
- Fred Perry;
- River Island and other brands.
Even fashion houses Versace, Gucci and Chanel offer polo shirts with their signature logo or print.
For men
The representatives of the stronger sex were the first to appreciate the advantages of universal clothing. For one hundred and fifty years, it has not lost its relevance. New modifications of the beloved polos appeared. Men quickly got used to the advantages of unpretentious but stylish knitwear and did not want to deny themselves comfort in the cold season. Designers rushed to satisfy the demand by releasing polo sweatshirts with long sleeves. All-season suitability was added to the advantages of polo clothing.
A polo shirt always looks appropriate on a man. Depending on the desired effect, the item of clothing can be tucked into trousers or worn loose. Sports, a walk, a date or a business meeting - a man will look dignified in polo everywhere. Men's polo clothing is indispensable for supporters of an active lifestyle. Travel lovers prefer to take it on the road. High-quality fabric practically does not wrinkle. There is no need to select an outfit for each individual occasion. It is enough to choose several models of different colors.
For women
Polo clothing has firmly entered the women's wardrobe. Not always practical shirts are chosen by lovers of an active lifestyle. A high-quality women's polo is an iconic element of style. A well-fitting knitted blouse of the right shade can become the basis for many sets. A T-shirt with a signature print of one of the fashion houses will emphasize a woman's awareness of the latest trends.
For women, they produce long-sleeved sweatshirts, T-shirts, and even polo dresses. By choosing clothes in playful pink or sky blue, the lady will retain her femininity. Wanting to emphasize the chest, choose models with a deep neckline. By unbuttoning a couple of buttons, the charmer will emphasize her sexuality.
Designers are sensitive to the desire of modern women for comfort and practicality. They offer polo for every taste. Polo combined with jeans gives the opportunity to be a successful businesswoman, a caring mother, a best friend and a flirtatious young lady at the same time. At the same time, it takes a minimum of effort to keep the clothes clean and tidy.
For children
The advantages of polo clothing that make it not only applicable but also indispensable for children:
- Eco-friendly and hypoallergenic material;
- High wear resistance;
- Natural fabric can be easily dyed in any shade;
- Withstands the use of powerful stain removers.
Pairs of "mother-daughter", "father-son" and sets for the whole family have become very popular. They include several shirts of different sizes, united by the same design. They are used for memorable photo sessions, participation in sports games and for everyday wear.
Manufacturers produce collections in such a way that it is possible to assemble 3-5 T-shirts with different prints with the same bottom. This is very convenient for children and their mothers. It is enough to change the T-shirt, and the child looks neat again. By organizing the children's wardrobe according to the capsule principle, the mother can be sure that the child looks stylish, even when he chooses the outfit himself.
What to wear with
An experienced stylist using polo will be able to create an organic look for any occasion. If a person does not have perfect taste, it is suggested to use one of the win-win options:
- Pairs with any jeans. This is a classic option that is impossible to spoil. There is only one small nuance: plump people are recommended to choose clothes in dark shades. This is not a law. Often, corpulent ladies look slimmer and more graceful in shades of delicate lavender. The main thing is that the color is refreshing and uplifting;
- Another 100% option is shorts. They will suit both sexes and all ages. These can be wide Bermudas or tapered models with arrows;
- Ladies can afford a combination with a skirt. Traditionally, models above the knee are chosen. Wide skirts to mid-calf also look interesting;
- For a business suit, the polo is complemented by trousers and a jacket. In this case, the item is worn as a regular undershirt. There is only one exception. It is forbidden to wear a tie.
Not a single season goes by without a nautical-style look. White, red or dark blue solid bottoms go perfectly with a striped polo. In case of bad weather, a matching cardigan should be tied on the shoulders (for men) or hips (for women).
In the last decade, the trend of combining different styles has firmly entered fashion: sport-chic or casual. Do not be afraid of experiments. Polo clothing is universal. It is not for nothing that it has not given up its positions for the second century. Love for it unites connoisseurs of aesthetics and those who prefer comfort. A pair of polo shirts in classic colors should definitely be in the basic wardrobe.
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