The polo shirt can be dated back to 1929, when French 7-time Grand Slam tennis champion, René Lacoste, decided that traditional tennis attire was too uncomfortable. Instead, he designed a white, short-sleeved shirt with an unstarched, flat, protruding collar and buttoned placket.
Jean Renee Lacoste
In 1927, Lacoste added a crocodile emblem to the left breast of his shirts in reference to his nickname 'The Crocodile,' which was given to him by the American press.
Lacoste Polo Shirt
By the 1930s, the polo world had fully embraced the shirt and over the next two decades, the term 'polo shirt' came into force.
Despite becoming increasingly popular with golfers, the shirt manage to maintain its equestrian association following the founding of the hugely popular Polo Ralph Lauren brand in 1967.
Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt
Today, the polo shirt epitomises the term, 'smart casual.' The collar makes it smart, but its overall style is less restricting and more comfortable than a formal shirt. It smartens up jeans, looks classic with chinos and looks great when worn with a v-neck jumper.
For inspiration, take a look at our fashicon collection of polo shirts and interpret this classic style into a look that you can call your own.
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