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The Perfect Polo (Question Mark)

Manny Calavera

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Hey guys, I'm looking for a new polo shirt. I used to be a polo fiend and have pretty much gone full-circle with all the labels. I think I've grown out of the quality most of the mainstream labels present. RL Polo Custom Fits have a good fit but the collar doesn't last and the cotton is a little shoddy. Lacoste have a poor fit, the collar doesn't last, etc. Would never buy a Burberry based on the ostentatious presentation alone. Penguins are poorly-made but have a really good fit (although I think they run too small in accordance with their labels). Don't like Fred Perry (quality or fit). You get the idea. I have a lot of experience with most of them and I'm just looking for something more. I'd rather not have an emblem though I don't mind the understated emblems like the gator and polo man if I must. I'd like to have something that would last a while, and is in continuous production rather than a one-off from a seasonal collection as I fall in love with pieces (the range of colors this may provide would be a plus also). I've heard good things about Trovata polos, though I've never handled one and don't know if they'll remain in production (though if they last a good long while this won't be a problem). Looked through the old threads and couldn't really find anything to match my criteria, so sorry for flooding the forum with yet another polo thread. Hopefully someone can help.
 

Manny Calavera

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Originally Posted by weirdnjfan1
What about Le Tigre?

I once had to borrow a friend's who is the same size as me and I didn't like the feel, as I think it was mercanized. Also, it had a classic Lacoste fit, as though it was my size it was way, way too big throughout the body. Of course, that can be fixed by sizing down so it's a moot point. How do the collars last?
 

kronik

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<just made the switch from Lacoste / Polo Blue Label himself so I find this post slightly ironic>

Purple Label is what you're looking for. No logo, extremely well-made, extremely comfortable. The fit is nice (for me).. I'm not terribly slim but I'm not too rotund either and it's slimming.
 

LA Guy

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Well, Marc Jacobs makes some very nice (and expensive) polos. But you are pretty much stuck with Polo, Lacoste, or Brooks Brothers if you insist that the shirt stays in continuous production. Trovata, Penguin, etc... keep on switching up their lines.
 

ejquin

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Aren't purple label really long as they are meant to be tucked in?

I have no experience with Adam + Eve or APC but both make polo's that are an option.

Oh, and John Varvatos too.
 

Manny Calavera

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Hm. Well, I guess it doesn't have to be in continuous production as long as it's well-made and will last.
smile.gif


Thanks for the suggestions guys. Research, research, research!
 
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In my experience, the made in England Fred Perrys are a definite step up in quality compared to the Portugal and Asian made ones, and the fit differs too.

That said, I prefer the fit of the non-England FPs. The shoulders on an English Fred Perry are strangely narrow, giving me the effect of an angry Bruce Banner.

Does anyone (Chan, Hemrajani) do MTM polos?
 

The Grapist

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The answer is simple, although they're unforunately available only during the fall: Polo by Ralph Lauren Custom Fit Multiplayer Polo. Excellent fit, and Pima cotton.
 

JBZ

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I'm actually really impressed by J Crew's polos. Slim fitting, but not too slim. Excellent fit in the shoulders (at least for me). Wide range of colors. Construction quality seems pretty good. No logo.
 

cheapmutha

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the only polos i can find that fit are vintage. check a thrift store for vintage le tigre, better fit than anything ive found yet. the ones ive found were made in usa, 50/50 blend, and perfect. make sure they dont say "the original" on them, since those are not the original but repros. vintage grandslam are good too.

but you want new so i guess this doesnt relate to your question.
 

shoreman1782

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I've found some nice vintage Le Tigres as well. Used to be very common in the thrifts I frequented--dunno if that's changed with the new line. Run a little small by current standards. cheapmutha is right, the 50/50 fabric is perfect.

Jonglover, they have Trovata polos at the Co-ops in DC. Fabric seemed nice; haven't had a chance to try one on.
 

Manny Calavera

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Originally Posted by shoreman1782
I've found some nice vintage Le Tigres as well. Used to be very common in the thrifts I frequented--dunno if that's changed with the new line. Run a little small by current standards. cheapmutha is right, the 50/50 fabric is perfect.

Jonglover, they have Trovata polos at the Co-ops in DC. Fabric seemed nice; haven't had a chance to try one on.


Thanks for the vintage Le Tigre recommendations guys. I definitely have acces to some so I'll check that out. And luckily, I'll be in Georgetown tonight, actually, so I'll definitely have to stop by Barney's.

Thanks everyone. Slapping my head at the obviousness at most of these recommendations. That's a good thing.
smile.gif
 

RustyRyan

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John Smedley Sea Island cotton polos are my favorite for quality and fit...they last forever. Jcrew are good at a reasonable price.
 

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