How to choose a polo shirt? All our advice!

Born, as we know it today, on tennis courts in the 1920s, the polo shirt has become a staple of men's wardrobes.

Halfway between a t-shirt and a shirt, it is worn today in everyday life as well as on more formal occasions.

But how to choose it? Long-sleeved or short-sleeved polo shirt? Two or three-button collar? Piqué cotton, Jersey, or technical fibers: how to choose?

Here, we present our experts' advice for carefully choosing a men's polo shirt!

Long-sleeved or short-sleeved polo shirt?

For sunny days, the short-sleeved polo shirt remains a true essential. Easy to combine, it works well with simple pieces, but also with more elaborate ones.

You can wear it with raw denim jeans, chino pants, or even pleated trousers for casual professional events. In summer, the short-sleeved polo shirt can be paired with shorts and sneakers, or loose linen trousers.

The long-sleeved polo shirt is an interesting alternative when the weather cools down. More dressy than a sweatshirt, but less formal than a shirt, it suits many occasions.

With straight trousers or chinos, worn under a jacket or blazer, it immediately adds style to the look.

Often colorful and particularly trendy, the long-sleeved rugby polo shirt is ideal for highlighting a strong piece in your outfit, which will energize it.

On our rugby store's website, you will find a beautiful selection of long-sleeved and short-sleeved models inspired by the world of rugby.

Designed with quality materials and adorned with discreet graphic details, these pieces recall the heritage of rugby while remaining easy and pleasant to wear every day.

How to choose the fabric of a polo shirt?

Piqué cotton is a safe bet for polo shirts.

Its textured weave improves air circulation and guarantees better resistance to wear. It is with this type of fabric, in particular, that we make our rugby polo shirts.

Cotton jersey is also an interesting choice, especially due to its softness and flexibility.

Particularly lightweight, fiber blends are more suitable for sportswear (golf, tennis, etc.)

Finally, we could talk about the knitted polo shirt, which has made a strong comeback in recent years!

A little tip: the thickness of the fabric that makes up your polo shirt is important to attest to its quality. Furthermore, it should have a rather tight weave. Hold your polo shirt up to the light and see how much light passes through to get an idea.

How to choose the fit of a polo shirt?

In terms of fit, opt for a polo shirt that follows the silhouette without constricting it.

Make sure the garment rests naturally on the shoulders and doesn't appear to be "pulling." On a short-sleeved polo shirt, the sleeves should ideally reach the biceps.

From a well-cut polo shirt to one that's too tight, there's only one step!

The most important thing is that you are comfortable, and that the polo shirt is not too long.

How to tell if a polo shirt is of good quality?

Whether it's a long-sleeved or short-sleeved polo shirt, the style of this type of garment is built from subtle details that, together, define its identity.

A small selection of points to check:

·         The presence of side vents adds character, while improving ease of movement. These can be reinforced, which improves the polo shirt's durability over time.

·         The placket also influences the aesthetic appeal of the polo shirt: short or slightly elongated, with two or three buttons, visible or concealed buttons, tone-on-tone or contrasting colors… There's something for every style. Choose cross-stitched buttons (which will last longer).

·         The collar is also a strong marker of the polo shirt's style. Opt for a model that is rigid enough to hold its shape even when you pull on it slightly. This will ensure excellent longevity, even after several washes.

·         Check the strength of the topstitching: when you stretch the fabric of your polo shirt, the stitches should remain close together and not easily deform. Otherwise, machine washing risks damaging your new item…

In conclusion…

Like any piece in a men's or women's wardrobe, the polo shirt has its manufacturing secrets and specificities, which are essential to know for anyone who wants to buy a quality garment that will last over time.

With its chic yet casual look, the polo shirt must be chosen carefully, as a poor quality item is very quickly noticeable.

At Religion Rugby, we believe that producing quality clothing is an excellent way to combat overconsumption while allowing our customers to enjoy dressing up. And that's what matters most, in the end!

Feel free to browse our site to discover our polo shirts (which are also the perfect gift for a rugby fan), as well as all our rugby-inspired clothing, without further ado.