The knit polo shirt is a knitted pullover, most often made with short sleeves, that has been considered a fashionable, yet casual piece of clothing since the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It was during this period that the polo shirt was known as the “tennis shirt” because it was part of the “tennis whites” that tennis players wore while on the court. These players wore their white polo shirt, ties, and flannel trousers. However, it was also during this time that polo shirts were long sleeved rather than short, so the tennis players had to roll up the sleeves during play.
Since then, the knit polo shirt has changed significantly. Seven-time grand slam tennis champion, Rene Lacoste decided it was time for the polo shirt to change. The sleeves were shortened, buttons were added to the collar for easy loosening, the fabric was made to be breathable, and the tail was made rather long to keep the shirt from pulling out of the tennis player’s pants when tucked in. These shirts began selling in 1933 and have been an integral part of the wardrobes of both men and women ever since. Most people have worn a polo shirt at one time or another.
For instance, you walk into most businesses these days and you will see the employees each wearing a knit polo shirt that has the business’s logo embossed on it. Why do the employees wear polo shirts? They wear these shirts because they are versatile and they simply look professional. They have short sleeves like a t-shirt, but sometimes the sleeves will have a band around the bottom that may be striped with a striped collar to match. There are times in which there are no stripes at all. There are also 2 to 3 buttons that allow the wearer to let loose the collar as needed. This increases the amount of comfort the polo shirt offers.
And because of the comfort, neat appearance, and versatility the knit polo shirt offers, you have probably seen them worn in other sporting events aside from tennis. For example, you will see polo players and golfers wearing the polo. In non-sport situations, even some schools are requiring their students to wear the polo shirt as a part of their school uniforms. They are dressy, yet they are casual and they are comfortable. You can wear them tucked in or hanging loose over your pants. You can choose your style and be confident in how you look from day-to-day.
So when faced with a situation in which you need a neat, casual look, the knit polo shirt can help you to achieve that. With the crisp collar, the usability and versatility, and a look that looks fantastic on both genders, it is no wonder why the polo shirt has been consistently popular for almost 70 years in a variety of environments and situations. Some individuals simply choose to wear a polo shirt in their everyday life because they look nice no matter how you wear them.