Iconic fashion – The Polo Shirt

What do you consider to be the most iconic item of fashion in a man’s wardrobe? You may go for a classic pair of Levi’s, a tuxedo, maybe a Harrington jacket if you have an Mod in your life, but for me, the most iconic piece in a man’s wardrobe has to be the ageless, timeless polo shirt.

Most credit the modern polo design as being the brainchild of tennis legend (and, let’s be honest, clothing legend) Rene Lacoste. He designed the polo shirt with sport in mind, short sleeved, breathable pique cotton, and slightly longer at the back so that it could be tucked in, stopping the shirt from flapping whilst running all over the court. This longer back was originally called a tennis tail in fact, fashion history fans. Did you know that?

Until the 1950s, polo shirts were only available as tennis whites, but once again, it was the inspirational Rene Lacoste who changed this, with Lacoste shirts offered in a range of colours, from brights to pastels. These days, the polo shirt is worn by men and boys of all ages, most of them not playing tennis. Lacoste is still a huge, classic name, along with another original tennis brand, Fred Perry. But there are also designs that have 1960s mod influence from Ben Sherman, classic designer styles from Hugo Boss, English heritage looks from Paul Smith, American classics from Ralph Lauren, and retro given a brand new spin by Farah. Polo’s come in every colour, different fabrics that range from wool to cotton, and you would probably find it hard to find a man’s wardrobe that didn’t contain at least one.

Celebs in Polo Shirts

From mod clubs to the football terraces, from Harry Styles to David Beckham, whether it be dressed up or dressed down, the polo shirt is a modern classic that is a wardrobe essential.

Here are a few of my fave polo shirts for the new season.

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