Polo Shirts--Do not Like. - Page 9

Lots of workplaces don't allow collarless shirts so when it's 100 degrees out I'd prefer to wear a polo. Everyone complaining about how they fit, find a tailor and/or get in shape.

I like that. That too.

And if everyone else is already wearing a tshirt or button down or polo.. go shirtless.

+1

I spend my time in places (Chicago, Beijing, Hong Kong) where its often in the 90s in summer, there are days (especially when not meeting with clients) that I will grab for a polo in the morning. It's not the most stylish choice, but its comfortable and still looks good.

More formal and framing [face/arm] than tees; best with shorts and in sporty colors. No funky designs or distracting logos.

- M

I don't wear polos but I like this Brooks Brothers Black Fleece variety.

I really like that.

I used to wear polo/golf shirts on hot days, but the linen short sleeve shirt is far superior both in form and function.

The original Brooks polo (a.k.a. OCBD, button down, etc) shirt was long sleeved, three button collar (one at each point and one on the back of the collar), done up with a partial, or popover, placket, and no breast pocket.

If you look at that Black Fleece number, you can easily map out how the original BB polo diverged into the "coat" shirt OCBD and the knit Lacoste tennis shirt with the elastic unbuttoned collar, even shorter placket, and the short sleeves...now called through the force of years of Ralph Lauren marketing, a "polo" shirt.

- B

I like those, but own none.

On the contrary I find polos to be quite forgiving of my slim shape and ones that fit me tend to make me look bigger than I actually am. My body is much more flattered with a polo than with a t-shirt, hence I have never worn a t-shirt outside of a gym but the polo is uniformly my summer weekend wear. As a lean-cut but skinny guy I pay a lot of attention to how sleeveless pieces make me look, and polos have had the best result for me. I've found for me J.lindeberg polos has the best fits for my body type (~160 lbs, 6'0") in size M and tend to make me look decently built, and they can be had for cheap (bought a few for $50 USD).

They have no place in the office or any particular dressier setting and should strictly be worn in the most casual of settings and only in the spring/summer; I do find them very appropriate for golf, tennis, the beach, or doing touristy activities.

John Wood ruled that the BB polo lose the back button and become exclusively coat style (i.e., a full dress shirt placket) in the late 40s or early 50s...which I would guess is before your time.

I think Gant continued with the third button in their copy of the BB polo.


- B

I will look into Gant. I also like how some of these collars with the back button are V shaped at the back. I'll notice a back collar button from time to time, but never bothered asking the wearer about the maker/brand. Thanks for the info!

I don't know anything about current Gants except that a higher end line of them have been prodcued recently.

In my comments above, I'm referring to Gant shirts from the 60s and 70s.


- B