A polo shirt is the quintessential piece of menswear, but making sure you’re choosing the right shirt and not just any will ensure that your look is spot on, whether you’re at work or hanging out with friends. There are many different types of shirts, so it can be difficult to know what you need and what you don’t. Use this helpful guide to make sure you find the perfect polo shirt, whether it’s made from cotton or bamboo rayon and whether it comes in long sleeves or short sleeves.
THICKNESS
Most shirts are made from cotton, but you’ll see that some are made from polyester as well. The fine line between being too heavy or too light is here. If you like to wear micro-polo shirts and tank tops under your suits, then the best advice is don’t go with anything that’s going to weigh you down or feel bulky. If you’re looking for something more mature and slimmer look, then a traditional woven shirt with a medium weight is ideal. While a cotton shirt is more absorbent than other materials like bamboo rayon, it is also less comfortable to wear because of that. They are usually a little stiffer than rayon and sometimes can feel heavy. A lightweight or thin shirt is best for casual things like hanging out and going to the beach. You’ll find them in hot weather and warm months, but don’t go too thin or they could be see-through and cheap looking.
STYLE
The style of the shirt largely depends on the neckline and the sleeve length. Polo shirts are also often referred to as collared shirts because they have a collar. Polos can come in different styles and colors, with some of the popular ones being baby blue polo, pink golf polo, and solid white shirt for men.
Collar or No Collar?
The majority of shirts tend to have a collar that is made from one piece of material around the neckline. Polos may also come in other shapes like rounded or V-neck designs but not everyone will go for it. If you are a suit wearer, then a styled collar is better than a typical polo shirt.
Long Sleeves or Short Sleeves?
There’s no right answer to this as it ultimately depends on your taste and style. If you’re going for the classic look then long sleeves are the way to go. If you want something that’s more contemporary, then short sleeves with three buttons might be more suited for you. Polos also come in half sleeves as well with around two buttons on each sleeve. Half sleeves are popular in beach gear and sunblock clothing since it keeps your arms from getting burnt from the sun while at the same time allowing air to flow through freely to keep you cool.
Material and Style
The material used in making a polo depends on your style. There are polos made from 100% cotton polos, micro polo shirts, and tank tops. If you are looking for something more formal and classic then a polo with long sleeves made from 100% cotton would be the best bet. A micro polo shirt is best worn during the hot summer months since it is light in weight and keeps you cool. Its only disadvantage is that since it is thin, you can’t wear anything else underneath it unless you don’t mind showing your chest or stomach to everyone.
Whether you’re looking for something that’s light, long-sleeved, and formal or something that’s short-sleeved, lightweight, and casual, there is a shirt for you. Get the one that matches your personal style and not one that’s just because it is trendy or there are a lot of them sold.
