Love it or hate it, the polo shirt has cemented its role in fashion and pop culture — evoking images of WASPy jocks, prep school suck-ups, Best Buy employees and old-moneyed yacht owners across America.
Ralph Lauren, who helped propel the silhouette from a practical sport shirt (worn by tennis, golf and polo players alike), to an everyday wardrobe staple, is retiring from his Polo-branded empire this year. And as sad as it is to see the fashion legend hang his equestrian-inspired hat, I say it’s time to retire the polo shirt with him.
I know I’m not the only one who finds this casual take on the collared shirt to be a bit offensive. Maybe not as bad as sneakers with dress pants or baggy pants worn low enough to show your boxers ... but about as offensive as a single item of men’s clothing can be.
RELATED: In defense of the polo shirt as a classic men's style
The polo wearer has been made fun of on TV (Blake’s triple polo in “Wet Hot American Summer,” we’re looking at you) and in the movies (Steve Carell’s character in “The 40-Year Old Version” sports a polo shirt in allof the movie posters. As does his pre-makeover character in "Crazy, Stupid, Love." See a pattern here?). And the '80s popped-collar polo will forever be seen as the ultimate in obnoxious yuppie styling.
Furthermore, a writer for Real Simple magazine recently cited the polo shirt as a dating dealbreaker — until she discovered that her own personal McDreamy had a closet full of them. But you can always change the way your man dresses, right?
Well, maybe not. My cousin and her fiancé approached me the other day, just as I was about to head to the airport for a flight home. “We need your opinion,” my cousin explained. As I prepared to dole out wedding advice, I was surprised to hear her ask, “What do you think of Robert’s shirt? Can you explain to him that he can’t wear these polo shirts anymore, please?”
While the middle of their relationship is quite literally the last place I want to be, I couldn’t help but (silently) agree with my cousin. Polo shirts belong back in the frat house or exclusively on the golf course, polo field or tennis court where their practical nature can be put to good use. So, unless you are literally picking up a mallet, tennis racket or golf club right now, delve deeper in your closet and find something else to wear. Polo shirts may be the uniform of choice for The Sport of Kings (aka, horse racing), but it’s unacceptable for a family dinner, the office or Sunday brunch.
For most guys, polo shirts look dorky when tucked in and sloppy if they’re untucked. They're a lose-lose. A status symbol of sorts, they hint at a well-to-do life — an aura that Ralph Lauren himself helped create through years of savvy brand building. But the truth is, they just don’t look very good on most men. Too casual to be dressy and too sporty to be stylish, polo shirts remain a symbol of Lauren’s legacy but I propose we omit them in fashion’s future.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of fashion and pop culture, I can confidently address the various concepts mentioned in the article about the polarizing nature of polo shirts and Ralph Lauren's retirement. My knowledge extends beyond a mere appreciation of the topic, and I can provide insight into the historical and cultural context surrounding polo shirts and their association with Ralph Lauren.
Ralph Lauren, a fashion legend, played a significant role in transforming the polo shirt from a practical sport shirt worn by athletes in tennis, golf, and polo to an everyday wardrobe staple. This evolution is rooted in the intersection of sports, lifestyle, and fashion, showcasing Lauren's ability to shape and influence trends.
The article touches upon the polarized opinions about polo shirts, describing them as either loved or hated. The reference to WASPy jocks, prep school individuals, Best Buy employees, and old-moneyed yacht owners highlights the diverse associations and stereotypes linked to this piece of clothing. The writer expresses a personal aversion to the casual take on collared shirts, equating it to offenses such as sneakers with dress pants or baggy pants worn low enough to reveal boxers.
The article also discusses the mockery of polo shirt wearers in popular media, citing examples from TV shows like "Wet Hot American Summer" and movies like "The 40-Year Old Version" and "Crazy, Stupid, Love." These instances underscore the cultural impact of the polo shirt and how it has become a symbol of specific character traits or fashion choices, especially the '80s popped-collar polo associated with obnoxious yuppie styling.
Furthermore, the article references a Real Simple magazine writer who considered the polo shirt a dating dealbreaker until discovering that her partner had a closet full of them. This anecdote highlights the subjective nature of fashion preferences and the challenges of influencing someone's personal style choices.
The writer argues for the retirement of the polo shirt from everyday fashion, suggesting that it belongs in specific settings like the frat house, golf course, polo field, or tennis court. The critique extends to the perception of polo shirts as looking dorky when tucked in and sloppy when untucked, creating a lose-lose situation for most men. The status symbol associated with polo shirts reflects the aura of a well-to-do life, crafted in part by Ralph Lauren's brand-building expertise.
In conclusion, the article raises valid points about the cultural significance, stereotypes, and subjective nature of fashion preferences associated with polo shirts. It also acknowledges Ralph Lauren's pivotal role in shaping the legacy of the polo shirt, while proposing a departure from them in fashion's future.
