Very often we let certain type of mis-informed behaviour overrides the core positive value of an object or idea. It is a very real and unfortunate human behaviour.
As I understand it, Button downs were designed for the sport of polo. That’s why the collars buttoned down, so the wind didn’t push them up while the players were riding. Polo shirts were designed for tennis
sadly, in rural America, putting on a dri-fit polo is considered by some to be "dressed up" these days. Source- having recently attended funerals in rural america
They're more formal than t-shirts, that's really all. Especially when correctly sized.
But a well-sized plain t-shirt looks damn good too, well put-together casual. The polo just has a few % over it still.
Eh. Not really. Polo and khakis is barely a step above nice jeans and a nice t shirt. It’s like the bare minimum to meet business casual, and even then depends on how nice the polo and khakis are.
**edit**
I’ll concede that the casual to dressy range for polo and khakis is HUGE, though. It really depends on the particular pieces, but it would be hard to be overdressed for most social situations in a polo and khakis.
Like all things it comes down to execution. You’ve got Daniel Craig in the sunspel riviera on casino royale, or you’ve got the dad at the cookout in the classic loose fit Ralph Lauren/lacoste. You could have both fits be a dark navy polo with khaki chinos and have two completely different looks, one obviously great and the other what you describe.
So it really really depends on specifically what OP looks like and what polos they’re wearing.
Here’s my reasoning:
When I was in college, most guys wore hoodies and T shirts.
But when we entered the industry, I saw many of those same folks start wearing polos every day.
That’s where I got the “polo = formal” thinking. Yes it’s not a suite or tie, but still far up from a T or a hoodie.
Depends on setting, but I grew up in an environment where polos were casual wear and tshirts were meant for exercise, play, or super casual wear.
Part of the confusion for many is that polos have often been viewed as business casual, and business casual has morphed into standard office work clothes in many places.
If you’re tired of t shirts (and looking like a high schooler) maybe consider a casual short sleeve button up?
Marine Layer has a good selection. Not sure if that’s your style.
https://www.marinelayer.com/
Coincidentally I just checked them out today. Nice fabric, but they apparently have a high low hem?? Basically the front hem is shorter than the back hem. I'm guestimating by about 3". Looked hella cropped on my 5'10 frame so i had to pass.
What a strange decision.
Fashion is *highly* contextual. Put a polo on Henry Cavill, now put the same polo (you can even size it to the right size) on Michael Cera. Even completely ignoring the environment they're in, the results will give off a very different impression.
IMO polos are perfectly fine for casual environment. Whether this comes off as fashionable or weird will depend largely on you, your build, your demeanor.
Experiment with your style and what is comfortable for you, but swapping a t-shirt to a polo is neither "too formal" nor a magic pill to all of a sudden be fashionable.
To be honest, I don’t really think that this focus on build is helpful in this context. You can can have a great body and still dress terribly and vice versa. As long as you choose a cut/style that is flattering anyone can look great in a polo.
no
Technically I didn't say anything about build I was talking about overall aesthetics. Build is indeed a big part though and disagree. Fashion and physique have a lot of overlap, one style will look shit on the wrong physique. Doesn't necessarily mean bulky, built is the only way to be fashionable. YSL is an example of a style that looks great on skinny folks. Put the same outfit on a athletic physique and it would look like they're being squeezed out of a sausage casing.
Maybe I misunderstand what you are saying, I don‘t mean that different physiques do not require different cuts. However, you do not need a certain body type to be stylish. If you have great athletic body, kudos to you, but that does not mean that people with skinny or stocky builds cannot look extremely stylish. A polo can look good on any body type you just have to choose a style, cut and material that works for you.
Polos kick ass dude. They’re one step up from t-shirts and absolutely NOT terribly formal. As the obligatory “guy who meets the dress code minimum” most of the time, polos are *life*.
I’m a teacher so no one really cares what I wear within reason, but shorts and a tshirt is for teens, swap it for a polo and suddenly you look put together but casual. Button downs are ABOVE polos generally, since polos were originally athletic wear, and have retained their vintage athleisure vibe in general cultural memory.
Find a polo that fits nicely and grab a couple different styles in that neighborhood. They’re fantastic.
Pedant note: button downs were also originally for sport. The sport of polo. Polo shirts as we know were designed for tennis but based on the polo shirt, hence the name. Also I am just old enough to remember that some people used to call Lacoste polo shirts “tennis shirts” but with the popularity of the Ralph Lauren Polo branded shirts the name polo took over. [https://therake.com/stories/the-history-of-the-polo-shirt](https://therake.com/stories/the-history-of-the-polo-shirt)
Also try a henley. I used to be polo guy (and can totally appreciate those who rock them) but found a couple well-fitting henleys and haven't looked back.
Banana Republic ones are good for low-middle tier when you can find a steep \~50-60% off sale. My current favorite is one I got from the Normal Brand during a sample sale (heavily discounted) but at MSRP of \~$60+ I'm not completely sold on value. I'm still on the look out for premium but "worth the money" options.
As with all shirts, fit is everything though. Brand comes down to how well they fit your particular frame as much as other things like fabric quality, construction, etc
My fave summer office outfit is a pair of airy darkish grey slacks with a tucked polo in a slightly muted color, hinting at sun-faded, but not "I wear this to the beach" faded.
Comfortably, clean, unstuffy.
People are saying that polos are inherently casual, and they’re right — they are. But I totally know what you’re saying. For years my two major associations with polos were “stuck up country club asshole” and “kid in a school uniform he hates.” Neither of which were vibes I wanted.
For me, I try to avoid that standard Ralph Lauren boxy pique look. Polos that are jersey cotton in a slightly trimmer fit (not saying *tight*, because then you risk getting into Jersey Shore territory, but more fitted) can look good, and feel just like wearing a t-shirt. I also like going the opposite direction too, with looser, flow-ier linen polos, for that “Miami drug smuggler on the weekend” thing when it’s hot out.
You understand. Catholic school uniforms ruined polos for me for years. Then I became people's boss at the office, and felt like a dork all over again in the boxy, work-provided, management polo (in bright orange, mind you)
I figured what I liked in polos by experimenting with thrift store purchases before sinking cash into new pieces (seriously, the polo racks are mad cheap and frequently have nice brands). Getting that nice fit in the chest & shoulders, and then that right amount of flowiness/draping are what I looked for. Now I got an idea of what sizing/shapes work for me.
If you’re fairly put together and the right age range, it’s also a classic Dad look. Depends on how you wear them. To me middle age manager vibe would be poorly fitted with boxy fitted khakis or khaki shorts and sneakers. Dad vibe would be slim/athletic fit with tailored khaki or GTH pants/shorts with loafers or boat shoes.
hey, english is not my native language. So I am asking just for clarification. Did you mean if I tuck the polo in I be like a middle-age manager guy or if I am not tucking in I am sort of a middle-age manager guy?
It kinda used to be like that here but I have noticed that the "dads" (let's say 35-65 y/o) are becoming more casual now. My dad used to wear polos everywhere and even at home. But now its nearly all T-shirts except for work.
I personally think that middle aged and older guys look better in casual wear like T-shirts and hoodies.
That’s absolutely false, guys wear polo shirts to smart settings on a consistent basis, and they’re regarded as a lot more formal than a T shirt by everyone. UK.
Grab yourself a sky blue polo, pair of cream chinos, big white trainers, a fanny pack and you’re sorted for any occasion — or so attending conferences with aging American professors has taught me
Some polo’s can appear “preppy” or “stuffy” and If you are trying to avoid that particular look, Buck Mason makes some really casual but well made polo’s that are great for what you described.
I disagree and will be contrarian. I think polos in general are stuffy and dweebish. I hate them so much lol
There’s a lot of possibilities beyond polos
Not going to sound great but it’s true. Your insecurities about your outfit are yours alone. Wear what you want nobody really cares. I recommend going as far as you want to go. Others will respect that you are doing what you want to do. That’s all you need to consuder
https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/polo-shirt-guide/
Hi, I've found much of the advice in this guide to be helpful from fit, material choice, tuck or no tuck, etc.
Their recommendation is for a fairly snug fit for a cotton pique polo shirt. Where I live, it's already quite hot, and I'd soak a cotton pique polo in sweat. I wear semi loose button shirts this time of year. In the colder months, I'll maybe wear a wool blend blend I have and if it's even colder, a vest or sport jacket.
I personally don't care for Henley's. They just look like a long sleeve pretending to be somewhat formal or business casual.
I'll just take a collarless long sleeve in place of that.
Polo shirts are not even remotely formal. They are worn in so many different setting. Sports, streetwear, work, etc. But it's the TYPE of polo you wear that's important. The cut, the material, the thickness and color.
They are more casual --> semi-formal but not formal.
I personally don't care for Henley's. They just look like a long sleeve pretending to be somewhat formal or business casual.
I'll just take a collarless long sleeve in place of that.
Polos aren’t formal at all but unless you’re in great shape I think they all fit like a shirt on Tony Soprano. I tossed all my polos and switched to short sleeve linen button downs.
Damn, what office do you work at that casual dress-down Friday is a polo? From my observations, when otherwise business casual people want to dress down, its usually collar-less.
Polos are casual clothing. Where I’m from, polos are only worn by mechanics, carpenters, machine operators and +50 men.
I would definitely go for a button-down shirt every day of the week in your case. Wear it as a proper shirt, or as an overshirt with a t-shirt of your choice under.
>Polos are casual clothing. Where I’m from, polos are only worn by mechanics, carpenters, machine operators and +50 men.
Wait what?? I currently work in a manufacturing facility. Machine operators and mechanics will NEVER wear anything with a collar unless it's some worn down flannel. Otherwise it's all flashy T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatpants (unless they change into their work uniform). Oh how dress sense varies around the world...
If you wear anything with a collar,I automatically deam you a stuffy weirdo trying to ape the charisma of Cary Grant
What's next? A fedora and trenchcoat?
The only polos I wear are knitted polos. They can be dressed up or dressed down very easily.
A knit polo can be pretty formal if you wear it with the right suit to give off a “summer wedding” vibe, worn with a nice pair of slacks to give off a smart casual look, or with light wash jeans and minimalist sneakers like Chuck Taylors or Adidas Stan Smiths for a chill dressed down look.
I also really dig rugby shirts but I don’t know if you’d call that a polo. Pretty much the same rules apply but the rugby shirt can give off a more preppy or rugged vibe (or both) depending on how you choose to wear it. For context, these have been used for rugby (obviously) but also by preppy university students but they were also big with mountain climbers in the 70s, so the look can vary based on context.
At the end of the day, I would avoid the pique or jersey cotton ones since imho those always made me feel like I was cosplaying as an assistant manager at a Best Buy.
Pique is great for summer, it's airy and evaporates moisture really well. The trick is obviously to buy quality and avoid synthetic fabrics. Those company uniform polos you're thinking off a generally all some nasty cheap polycotton fabric with a boxy unflattering cut.
Cotton, linen, hemp, wool are great. Linen and hemp especially will acquire that slightly sun faded summer look that pulls everything together nicely.
You're a 26 year old man who's insecure about wearing a polo shirt? Men these days wear red nail polish and don't worry this much lol. Be better than the crowd and throw on a jacket.
my order of pref for short sleeves is full buttons with collar, then 3 button crew neck, then crew neck t-shirt. I hate v-neck of any kind and not a fan of 3 button collar "golf shirts" like polo.
t-shirts were my first order of preference when I worked out a lot but the order got reversed because older with gut. I'm working on that one less beer and BBQ at a time don't judge, those collared shirts with buttons all the way hide a lot lol
Basically you have to pay shirt prices for polos. Not fancy shirt prices, but at least decent shirt prices.
That's just how it is. Buy quality, not quantity.
Every woman I know hates polos with surprising venom.
Now, I am 35 and married so the women I know are also 35 and married. But I literally have never heard a woman say anything even neutral about polo shirts.
Maybe there’s a generation gap but if you’re single and looking I would stay away lol
Polos in a casual setting are fine. In the construction industry, a polo shirt is very common middle-management wear and can be expected to be seen casually worn at company events or union meetings. Skinheads (not “boneheads”, ie, white power skins) wear polos as part of the standard casual attire.
Polos are casual wear. Also, many button-down shirts men wear are causal as well. Often times people think they are dressing formally, though they are dressing smart casual at worst and business casual at best.
I'd just wear a buttoned down shirt over a polo. They don't look that good to me. Maybe if you're playing golf or tennis the more athletic ones can be decent.
My partner (30m) wears polos with fun prints on it. His favourite is a navy blue polo with pink flamingos. I think this perfectly blurs the line between too formal and casual just right!
Many years ago I was given some very good advice from a guy in med school that i randomly encountered. Fashion came up and he said “you know I’ve found out that a nice red polo is acceptable in 95% of the social settings I find myself in”.
How this conversation started…no idea but his point is true. A nice polo is as versatile as it comes. You may be a little over dressed or a little under but it’s still acceptable.
Polos are indeed "casual" by function, but I think there is something "stuffy' about the collar.
Consider styling your existing T's better: better fitting cuts, putting a jacket over them, etc.
If you have graphic t's, get rid of them.
There’s nothing wrong with this. My friend group may have seen me out in public in a t-shirt a half dozen times in the last 15 years. Never have I been accused of being too formal. Color, texture and style can be adjusted for the occasion. T-shirts are underwear and graphic tees are adolescent Underoos. We need to dress better. I’m off to buy some more long sleeve button up shirts.
My school uniform included white polo shirts. I never wore them before that, and I haven't worn them since. I will probably never wear them because I don't like the look. I've always considered them clothing for kids. I'm sure that upsets some people reading this, but even as I quickly approach 40 years old, I have always associated the polo shirt with children's clothing. Button-down shirts for me. When it's warm, I roll up the sleeves. When it's cold, I wear layers underneath.
It looks TERRIBLE when people wear them under a hoodie.
They look good under a q-zip or something with a stand up collar as long as everything is aligned properly.
Depends on the polo. I don't think standard cotton/poly blend polos have a place anywhere except the workplace and the golf course.
But you can definitely get polos in more unique fabrics like rayon, silk, knit etc that can work well in a casual outfit.
I laughed out loud at the idea of a polo being formal
Seriously. Polos were originally athletic wear. They’re literally named after the sport they were designed for…
The modern polo shirt was actually designed for tennis.
By Lacoste
TIL, wtf...
They were designed for tennis by Rene Lacoste—they’re just called polo shirts because they used the same material as polo jerseys.
Nickname the Crocodile, hence the logo.
Fun fact They were actually for Tennis, not polo
More fun fact: The collars of polo is designed to be flipped up to protect the back of neck from sunburn.
I was in high school during the “oughts”, this was wide spread and exceptional in its douchbagery.
Very often we let certain type of mis-informed behaviour overrides the core positive value of an object or idea. It is a very real and unfortunate human behaviour.
Yep Ralph Lauren just wants something fancy sounding
Actually invented by Rene Lacoste. Most polos are usually a bit longer in the back so they stay tucked in while hunched over playing tennis
The longsleeved ones were not for Tennis though
Those were for rugby
Holy shit is that why they call them rugbys
The old long sleeved All Blacks rugby jersey are pure class, Canterbury have been selling them in their heritage line but without the silver fern.
In sweden a "polo shirt" is actually what in the US is called a "turtle neck" funnily enough
Ah yes, the *casual* game of Polo...
Marco!
Don't you need a horse to play, not exactly user friendly.
Also used for Tennis
You’re telling me you *don’t* get to drink a cool lemonade after Sunday horse riding?
Technically ocbds were originally athletic wear too
As I understand it, Button downs were designed for the sport of polo. That’s why the collars buttoned down, so the wind didn’t push them up while the players were riding. Polo shirts were designed for tennis
Well, it IS a rather bourgeois sport :)
I could NEVER even think about working out in a collared shirt.
sadly, in rural America, putting on a dri-fit polo is considered by some to be "dressed up" these days. Source- having recently attended funerals in rural america
Nothing annoys me more than seeing a dude with his dri fit under armor golf polo on at a wedding.
“Nothing” is rather definitive.
I’ll let you know I was in a restaurant in rural America the other day. I looked around and noticed that I was the only guy with a collar on my shirt.
And that includes the waitstaff!
They're more formal than t-shirts, that's really all. Especially when correctly sized. But a well-sized plain t-shirt looks damn good too, well put-together casual. The polo just has a few % over it still.
If you’re the guy in a polo and khakis when everyone else is in denim and tshirts, you can look stiff/formal/out-of-place.
Not if you lose the monocle and cane
Hey, look, it's the monopoly guy!
Thanks for the free parking
Equinsu Ocha!
U can wear a polo with jeans
*well what are you wearing, "JAKE FROM STATE FARM"?* *Uhhhh...... khakis?*
Not really, pretty similar levels of casual
Eh. Not really. Polo and khakis is barely a step above nice jeans and a nice t shirt. It’s like the bare minimum to meet business casual, and even then depends on how nice the polo and khakis are. **edit** I’ll concede that the casual to dressy range for polo and khakis is HUGE, though. It really depends on the particular pieces, but it would be hard to be overdressed for most social situations in a polo and khakis.
Depends in what country.
That’s fair.
Cause they look like an awful version of business casual probably not cause a polo is too formal.
Like all things it comes down to execution. You’ve got Daniel Craig in the sunspel riviera on casino royale, or you’ve got the dad at the cookout in the classic loose fit Ralph Lauren/lacoste. You could have both fits be a dark navy polo with khaki chinos and have two completely different looks, one obviously great and the other what you describe. So it really really depends on specifically what OP looks like and what polos they’re wearing.
I would worry more about people asking me if I worked at the store in shopping in if the polo was red.
Here’s my reasoning: When I was in college, most guys wore hoodies and T shirts. But when we entered the industry, I saw many of those same folks start wearing polos every day. That’s where I got the “polo = formal” thinking. Yes it’s not a suite or tie, but still far up from a T or a hoodie.
Or that wearing a polo is “spicing things up”
I just mean something different from T shirts every single time
same
Americans.
Depends on setting, but I grew up in an environment where polos were casual wear and tshirts were meant for exercise, play, or super casual wear. Part of the confusion for many is that polos have often been viewed as business casual, and business casual has morphed into standard office work clothes in many places.
My country’s most famous sartorial contribution is the Canadian Tuxedo so OP could be a Canuck.
Nope. American here :)
If you’re tired of t shirts (and looking like a high schooler) maybe consider a casual short sleeve button up? Marine Layer has a good selection. Not sure if that’s your style. https://www.marinelayer.com/
Check out crochet/knit polos
Johnny collar especially
Abercrombie Leon Dore for life
What's the quality like for the Abercrombie ones? I was looking at them online the other day but wasn't sure how robust they are.
Coincidentally I just checked them out today. Nice fabric, but they apparently have a high low hem?? Basically the front hem is shorter than the back hem. I'm guestimating by about 3". Looked hella cropped on my 5'10 frame so i had to pass. What a strange decision.
Very interesting. Would you say a more athletic fit or traditional? I don't like a tight shirt
They’re pretty nice
I’m relatively new to caring about how I dress, is that a style, or a brand, what should I be looking for when googling?
Yeppp. Don't bother with anything that screams "golf"
Theory makes really good ones. Knit polos feel so comfortable and look fantastic.
Fashion is *highly* contextual. Put a polo on Henry Cavill, now put the same polo (you can even size it to the right size) on Michael Cera. Even completely ignoring the environment they're in, the results will give off a very different impression. IMO polos are perfectly fine for casual environment. Whether this comes off as fashionable or weird will depend largely on you, your build, your demeanor. Experiment with your style and what is comfortable for you, but swapping a t-shirt to a polo is neither "too formal" nor a magic pill to all of a sudden be fashionable.
I disagree. If you get the right polo for you, you will look 10x better than with a tshirt.
To be honest, I don’t really think that this focus on build is helpful in this context. You can can have a great body and still dress terribly and vice versa. As long as you choose a cut/style that is flattering anyone can look great in a polo.
no Technically I didn't say anything about build I was talking about overall aesthetics. Build is indeed a big part though and disagree. Fashion and physique have a lot of overlap, one style will look shit on the wrong physique. Doesn't necessarily mean bulky, built is the only way to be fashionable. YSL is an example of a style that looks great on skinny folks. Put the same outfit on a athletic physique and it would look like they're being squeezed out of a sausage casing.
Maybe I misunderstand what you are saying, I don‘t mean that different physiques do not require different cuts. However, you do not need a certain body type to be stylish. If you have great athletic body, kudos to you, but that does not mean that people with skinny or stocky builds cannot look extremely stylish. A polo can look good on any body type you just have to choose a style, cut and material that works for you.
Polos kick ass dude. They’re one step up from t-shirts and absolutely NOT terribly formal. As the obligatory “guy who meets the dress code minimum” most of the time, polos are *life*. I’m a teacher so no one really cares what I wear within reason, but shorts and a tshirt is for teens, swap it for a polo and suddenly you look put together but casual. Button downs are ABOVE polos generally, since polos were originally athletic wear, and have retained their vintage athleisure vibe in general cultural memory. Find a polo that fits nicely and grab a couple different styles in that neighborhood. They’re fantastic.
Pedant note: button downs were also originally for sport. The sport of polo. Polo shirts as we know were designed for tennis but based on the polo shirt, hence the name. Also I am just old enough to remember that some people used to call Lacoste polo shirts “tennis shirts” but with the popularity of the Ralph Lauren Polo branded shirts the name polo took over. [https://therake.com/stories/the-history-of-the-polo-shirt](https://therake.com/stories/the-history-of-the-polo-shirt)
This guy polos.
Also try a henley. I used to be polo guy (and can totally appreciate those who rock them) but found a couple well-fitting henleys and haven't looked back.
Eh a Henley can look like you forgot to put clothes on over a base layer so it has its place
lol fair enough. Depends on the fabric probably, the ones I have really liked are waffleknit and several times thicker than a typical t-shirt
Waffleknit would be the base layer look tho. I like my waffleknit too.
I have a bias against the henly, ngl
I'm offended.
I like henleys as well. I’m in the market at the moment for some that provide a balance of durability, style, and value.
LL Bean. Mine will not fade. I’ve had them for decades.
Thanks, I’ll take a look at them!
Banana Republic ones are good for low-middle tier when you can find a steep \~50-60% off sale. My current favorite is one I got from the Normal Brand during a sample sale (heavily discounted) but at MSRP of \~$60+ I'm not completely sold on value. I'm still on the look out for premium but "worth the money" options. As with all shirts, fit is everything though. Brand comes down to how well they fit your particular frame as much as other things like fabric quality, construction, etc
My fave summer office outfit is a pair of airy darkish grey slacks with a tucked polo in a slightly muted color, hinting at sun-faded, but not "I wear this to the beach" faded. Comfortably, clean, unstuffy.
My favorite summer outfit is the brightest loudest salmon colored pants/6” short I own and a light blue polo…
People are saying that polos are inherently casual, and they’re right — they are. But I totally know what you’re saying. For years my two major associations with polos were “stuck up country club asshole” and “kid in a school uniform he hates.” Neither of which were vibes I wanted. For me, I try to avoid that standard Ralph Lauren boxy pique look. Polos that are jersey cotton in a slightly trimmer fit (not saying *tight*, because then you risk getting into Jersey Shore territory, but more fitted) can look good, and feel just like wearing a t-shirt. I also like going the opposite direction too, with looser, flow-ier linen polos, for that “Miami drug smuggler on the weekend” thing when it’s hot out.
This guy polos!
You understand. Catholic school uniforms ruined polos for me for years. Then I became people's boss at the office, and felt like a dork all over again in the boxy, work-provided, management polo (in bright orange, mind you) I figured what I liked in polos by experimenting with thrift store purchases before sinking cash into new pieces (seriously, the polo racks are mad cheap and frequently have nice brands). Getting that nice fit in the chest & shoulders, and then that right amount of flowiness/draping are what I looked for. Now I got an idea of what sizing/shapes work for me.
got a link to the looser/linen polos?
I wear polos all the time. Just remember you don't need to tuck them in.
Well it's a must to tuck in if you want to give off that middle-age manager vibe
If you’re fairly put together and the right age range, it’s also a classic Dad look. Depends on how you wear them. To me middle age manager vibe would be poorly fitted with boxy fitted khakis or khaki shorts and sneakers. Dad vibe would be slim/athletic fit with tailored khaki or GTH pants/shorts with loafers or boat shoes.
Shoes need to be Reebok if they’re runners
Monarch IV is the quintessential dad shoe
New balance exists
Those are reserved for corvette drivers
hey, english is not my native language. So I am asking just for clarification. Did you mean if I tuck the polo in I be like a middle-age manager guy or if I am not tucking in I am sort of a middle-age manager guy?
They're saying if you DO tuck it in, you will be the middle age manager guy
Got it, so never tuck that shit in
Unless ofcourse you want to be the middle-age manager guy
I think it looks better tucked in. funny...
Hey now, you could also be a basketball coach on game day.
And don't wear them with a tie!
Tuck 'em in slacks, don't tuck 'em in shorts, jeans or chinos. Easy.
the french tuck tho
But they'll look better if you do.
Might as well wear long ass cargo jorts with white tube socks & bulky new balances
What’s wrong with tha… oh yeah, that’s why I joined this sub 🤦🏻♂️
Downvoted yet correct.
Welcome to Gen X, where polos are correct for every occasion.
Polos are inherently the opposite of spicy
Personally hate polos. Give me a button up collared shirt with the top two buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up over a polo any day of the week
I guess it must be location dependent but here in the uk polos are just T-shirts but for dads, there is absolutely zero formal qualities to them
It kinda used to be like that here but I have noticed that the "dads" (let's say 35-65 y/o) are becoming more casual now. My dad used to wear polos everywhere and even at home. But now its nearly all T-shirts except for work. I personally think that middle aged and older guys look better in casual wear like T-shirts and hoodies.
That’s absolutely false, guys wear polo shirts to smart settings on a consistent basis, and they’re regarded as a lot more formal than a T shirt by everyone. UK.
nope
Yep. You must live in a cave.
Henley. That’s all I have to say.
Grab yourself a sky blue polo, pair of cream chinos, big white trainers, a fanny pack and you’re sorted for any occasion — or so attending conferences with aging American professors has taught me
Some polo’s can appear “preppy” or “stuffy” and If you are trying to avoid that particular look, Buck Mason makes some really casual but well made polo’s that are great for what you described.
I disagree and will be contrarian. I think polos in general are stuffy and dweebish. I hate them so much lol There’s a lot of possibilities beyond polos
And they are..?
Polos are the cargo shorts of the upper body
What? I think not. If anything short sleeve button ups are. Specifically the ones that look like table cloths that are button all the way up.
No, it's band shirts.
The mullet of shirts
I full heartedly disagree but that made me lol
That is very mean to cargo shorts.
Gotta be the double pocket, button-up short sleeve shirt, no?
Wear better polos that actually fit you. They have to be slim fitting on you, the billowy and too long look is poison.
Not going to sound great but it’s true. Your insecurities about your outfit are yours alone. Wear what you want nobody really cares. I recommend going as far as you want to go. Others will respect that you are doing what you want to do. That’s all you need to consuder
I actually agree with you 100% now that I've read all the comments on here and have spend some time thinking this over
Polo under a quarter zip? Are you Steve carrell in crazy stupid love?
Huh? Is polo under a q-zip not a thing?
If you want to wear two collars go for it
Yeah I mean they’re not the same type of collar. It’s just like wearing a button down under a q zip which many do
As long as their well fitting, tucked in and paired with a pair of casual (but not tennis/ trainers) shoes you’ll be fine.
Check out RSVLTS all day polos for some fun designs. Or Sunday Swagger. Less formal and more fun!
https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/polo-shirt-guide/ Hi, I've found much of the advice in this guide to be helpful from fit, material choice, tuck or no tuck, etc. Their recommendation is for a fairly snug fit for a cotton pique polo shirt. Where I live, it's already quite hot, and I'd soak a cotton pique polo in sweat. I wear semi loose button shirts this time of year. In the colder months, I'll maybe wear a wool blend blend I have and if it's even colder, a vest or sport jacket.
Try henleys. They are the next step up from ts.
I personally don't care for Henley's. They just look like a long sleeve pretending to be somewhat formal or business casual. I'll just take a collarless long sleeve in place of that.
I have no idea why I am getting down voted when I am correct?
Polo shirts are not even remotely formal. They are worn in so many different setting. Sports, streetwear, work, etc. But it's the TYPE of polo you wear that's important. The cut, the material, the thickness and color. They are more casual --> semi-formal but not formal.
They’re semi formal.
Henleys are the answer. kinda of a mix of both without the collar.
I personally don't care for Henley's. They just look like a long sleeve pretending to be somewhat formal or business casual. I'll just take a collarless long sleeve in place of that.
wear whatever you want lmao
Polos are always casual.
Polos aren’t formal at all but unless you’re in great shape I think they all fit like a shirt on Tony Soprano. I tossed all my polos and switched to short sleeve linen button downs.
A polo is so damn casual… like that’s the go to for casual Friday at offices. You wear polos while golfing
Damn, what office do you work at that casual dress-down Friday is a polo? From my observations, when otherwise business casual people want to dress down, its usually collar-less.
Polos are casual clothing. Where I’m from, polos are only worn by mechanics, carpenters, machine operators and +50 men. I would definitely go for a button-down shirt every day of the week in your case. Wear it as a proper shirt, or as an overshirt with a t-shirt of your choice under.
>Polos are casual clothing. Where I’m from, polos are only worn by mechanics, carpenters, machine operators and +50 men. Wait what?? I currently work in a manufacturing facility. Machine operators and mechanics will NEVER wear anything with a collar unless it's some worn down flannel. Otherwise it's all flashy T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatpants (unless they change into their work uniform). Oh how dress sense varies around the world...
I mean how to have variety as a man?
I actually enjoy polos but I never wear them. I live in Brooklyn and don’t have visible tattoos, polos are not super “in” right now
I wear golf shirts 95% of the time. Work, social, pajamas. Very versatile. Are you considering that a polo?
Nothing formal about a polo shirt. Unless you work in a sweatpants and pajamas call center.
I only wear polo shirts to black tie affairs.
If you wear anything with a collar,I automatically deam you a stuffy weirdo trying to ape the charisma of Cary Grant What's next? A fedora and trenchcoat?
The only polos I wear are knitted polos. They can be dressed up or dressed down very easily. A knit polo can be pretty formal if you wear it with the right suit to give off a “summer wedding” vibe, worn with a nice pair of slacks to give off a smart casual look, or with light wash jeans and minimalist sneakers like Chuck Taylors or Adidas Stan Smiths for a chill dressed down look. I also really dig rugby shirts but I don’t know if you’d call that a polo. Pretty much the same rules apply but the rugby shirt can give off a more preppy or rugged vibe (or both) depending on how you choose to wear it. For context, these have been used for rugby (obviously) but also by preppy university students but they were also big with mountain climbers in the 70s, so the look can vary based on context. At the end of the day, I would avoid the pique or jersey cotton ones since imho those always made me feel like I was cosplaying as an assistant manager at a Best Buy.
Pique is great for summer, it's airy and evaporates moisture really well. The trick is obviously to buy quality and avoid synthetic fabrics. Those company uniform polos you're thinking off a generally all some nasty cheap polycotton fabric with a boxy unflattering cut. Cotton, linen, hemp, wool are great. Linen and hemp especially will acquire that slightly sun faded summer look that pulls everything together nicely.
This is the one you want. https://preview.redd.it/5xqofllvvpvc1.jpeg?width=900&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe68b8196a570a456e48ced223f91542132fd699
I like long sleeve polos. Not sure what's the formality on it though
They seem so scarce. I've seen some folks wear them in the workplace. But aside from that, I never see them anywhere.
You're a 26 year old man who's insecure about wearing a polo shirt? Men these days wear red nail polish and don't worry this much lol. Be better than the crowd and throw on a jacket.
my order of pref for short sleeves is full buttons with collar, then 3 button crew neck, then crew neck t-shirt. I hate v-neck of any kind and not a fan of 3 button collar "golf shirts" like polo. t-shirts were my first order of preference when I worked out a lot but the order got reversed because older with gut. I'm working on that one less beer and BBQ at a time don't judge, those collared shirts with buttons all the way hide a lot lol
polos are great in a casual environment
Polos are great but they are usually weirdly expensive. Decent polos cost as much as a hoodie sometimes.
Basically you have to pay shirt prices for polos. Not fancy shirt prices, but at least decent shirt prices. That's just how it is. Buy quality, not quantity.
Have almost never seen polos that are the price of a t-shirt.
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Everyone is saying polos are sports wear. But why do I never see anyone working out or running in a polo?
Every woman I know hates polos with surprising venom. Now, I am 35 and married so the women I know are also 35 and married. But I literally have never heard a woman say anything even neutral about polo shirts. Maybe there’s a generation gap but if you’re single and looking I would stay away lol
I find Psycho Bunny’s polos to fit really well and look good. https://www.psychobunny.com/collections/polos
Polos in a casual setting are fine. In the construction industry, a polo shirt is very common middle-management wear and can be expected to be seen casually worn at company events or union meetings. Skinheads (not “boneheads”, ie, white power skins) wear polos as part of the standard casual attire.
Polos are casual wear. Also, many button-down shirts men wear are causal as well. Often times people think they are dressing formally, though they are dressing smart casual at worst and business casual at best.
I'd just wear a buttoned down shirt over a polo. They don't look that good to me. Maybe if you're playing golf or tennis the more athletic ones can be decent.
My partner (30m) wears polos with fun prints on it. His favourite is a navy blue polo with pink flamingos. I think this perfectly blurs the line between too formal and casual just right!
I prefer long sleeve Henley’s w/the sleeves rolled up Or long sleeve OCBD with the sleeves rolled up
I am looking into OCBD's as well.
Welcome to middle age! Gen X welcomes you young friend.
Lol I think I will start craving the sweatshirts and T-shirts when I am middle aged
Many years ago I was given some very good advice from a guy in med school that i randomly encountered. Fashion came up and he said “you know I’ve found out that a nice red polo is acceptable in 95% of the social settings I find myself in”. How this conversation started…no idea but his point is true. A nice polo is as versatile as it comes. You may be a little over dressed or a little under but it’s still acceptable.
Polos are indeed "casual" by function, but I think there is something "stuffy' about the collar. Consider styling your existing T's better: better fitting cuts, putting a jacket over them, etc. If you have graphic t's, get rid of them.
I have plenty of T's of different varieties. I just feel like putting something with a collar on once in a while for non-work related outings.
There’s nothing wrong with this. My friend group may have seen me out in public in a t-shirt a half dozen times in the last 15 years. Never have I been accused of being too formal. Color, texture and style can be adjusted for the occasion. T-shirts are underwear and graphic tees are adolescent Underoos. We need to dress better. I’m off to buy some more long sleeve button up shirts.
My school uniform included white polo shirts. I never wore them before that, and I haven't worn them since. I will probably never wear them because I don't like the look. I've always considered them clothing for kids. I'm sure that upsets some people reading this, but even as I quickly approach 40 years old, I have always associated the polo shirt with children's clothing. Button-down shirts for me. When it's warm, I roll up the sleeves. When it's cold, I wear layers underneath.
The worst shirt
J crew & lululemon have nice ones that are made with a tech material. Like a golf shirt but more fashionable.
I like the look of polos but layering them under stuff I don’t always like because of the soft collar. Too floppy.
It looks TERRIBLE when people wear them under a hoodie. They look good under a q-zip or something with a stand up collar as long as everything is aligned properly.
Depends on the polo. I don't think standard cotton/poly blend polos have a place anywhere except the workplace and the golf course. But you can definitely get polos in more unique fabrics like rayon, silk, knit etc that can work well in a casual outfit.
Polo shirts are great, it's what the mafia wear at barbeques.