How to choose a polo shirt: fabric, fit and how to wear it

The polo shirt is one of the most versatile pieces in a man's wardrobe. It is neater than a T-shirt and more relaxed than a shirt, so it works for a smart-casual office, a walk around town and the weekend alike. But for a polo to really fit well and last, it is worth paying attention to the fabric, the cut and a few details. Here is everything you need to know before you buy.

Fabric: piqué, jersey or knitted

Most polo shirts are made of cotton or a cotton blend, but the way the fabric is knitted varies — and that changes both the look and the feel.

• Piqué is the classic polo fabric, with a small raised texture you can see up close. It holds its shape, breathes well and doesn't crease much, so it suits hot and long days.
• Jersey is a smooth, soft knit, like a regular T-shirt. It is lighter, drapes softly on the body and looks more relaxed.
• A knitted polo looks like a fine sweater, often with a zip or an interesting texture. It is dressier and goes well with tailored trousers.

Check the composition too. Pure cotton feels pleasant on the skin and breathes well, while fabrics with viscose or synthetic fibres are smoother, crease less and drape more elegantly. The composition is listed in every product description: for example, this slim-fit polo is 100% cotton.

Fit: regular or slim

U.S. Polo Assn. polo shirts mostly come in two fits.

• Regular fit is a straight cut with room in the chest and waist. Choose it if you like freedom of movement, have a broad chest or will wear the polo in hot weather. For example, this regular-fit polo.
• Slim fit sits closer to the body, tapers at the waist and has narrower sleeves. It looks modern and fits slim and athletic builds especially well.

How a polo should fit

Whatever the cut, a well-fitting polo has a few tell-tale signs.

• Shoulders: the shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder. If it drops onto your arm, the polo is too big; if it rides up towards your neck, it is too small.
• Sleeves should end around the middle of your bicep and hug the arm lightly without squeezing. Wide, loose sleeves make the look sloppy.
• Chest: buttoned up, the polo shouldn't pull across the chest or crease around the buttons.
• Length: the hem should cover your waistband but not fall below mid-thigh. A polo that is too long looks oversized when worn untucked.
• Collar: it should lie flat and not curl at the tips.

Untucked or tucked in

You can wear a polo two ways, and both are right depending on the occasion.

• Untucked is the everyday, relaxed option with jeans, chinos or shorts. Length is what matters here: the hem should be even and not cover your hips completely.
• Tucked in looks sharper for a work meeting, a restaurant or an event. It works well with tailored trousers or chinos and a leather belt.

A few style tips

• The top button is usually left open; in very casual settings you can undo them all.
• Don't pop the collar: a polo looks best with the collar lying flat.
• White, navy, black and grey polos go with almost everything, while bright colours are great for summer and weekend looks.
• In cooler weather, wear your polo under a cardigan or a jacket, and in autumn a long-sleeve polo is a great choice.

In short

• I have chosen the fabric: piqué, jersey or knitted
• I know which fit suits me: regular or slim
• The shoulder seam sits at the edge of the shoulder
• The sleeve ends mid-bicep and doesn't squeeze
• There are no creases around the buttons across the chest
• The length works both untucked and tucked in

You can find U.S. Polo Assn. polo shirts in regular and slim fits in our online shop or try them on in the U.S. Polo Assn. stores in Yerevan Mall, Dalma Garden Mall, MegaMall Armenia and Rio Mall (open daily 10:00–22:00). We deliver anywhere in Armenia, and if the size isn't right you can exchange it within 14 days in one of our Yerevan stores, unworn and with the tags on.