The men's polo shirt is like a pair of blue jeans or a solid color crew neck t-shirt: versatile and essential.
If it fits properly, a polo shirt can look great dressed up or down, and it's a flattering garment on most body types, including shorter men.
But an ill-fitting polo is not flattering, especially on 'not so tall' guys. An oversized polo shirt that's too long in the torso will only make you look shorter (and maybe heavier) than you actually are.
The power of proper fit! (Source)
Nobody wants that, which is why we're going to talk about how a polo shirt should fit.
First, let's look at some examples of what not to do.
Side note: If you want to learn about the history and heritage of the polo shirt, check out this awesome article from Gentleman's Gazette.
How NOT To Wear a Polo
Most men buy polo shirts that are one or two sizes too big. This can result in a boxy, loose look.
For example, this polo is at least one size too big for this man:
See how the shoulder seams hang out over his arms, and the sleeves go past his elbows? Not a great look!
But for shorter men, even the "right" size will often be too long. For example, here's me wearing a size small Ralph Lauren polo:
The end goes way past my butt, which is way too long!
Plus, other parts of the shirt might be too big as well, creating a "kid wearing dad's clothes" kind of feel,even if you're an older gent.
So how should your polo shirt fit?
Proper Polo Shirt Fit
Just like a t-shirt, a polo shirt should sit close to the body. Notskin tight or restrictive, but there shouldn't be much excess fabric anywhere either.
To illustrate how a polo shirt should fit, here's a picture of yours truly wearing the Peter Manning James Polo:
Let's dig into the details a bit, shall we?
The Torso
Here's a good rule of thumb: you should be able to pinch 1-2" of excess fabric on either side of your torso.
Any more than that, and the shirt is probably too baggy for your build.
The Sleeves
You also need to pay attention to the sleeves. Is there a lot of room between the outer edge of the sleeve and your actual arm?
If so, this will make your arm look skinny (not in a good way).
So make sure the circumference of the sleeve is just barely wider than the circumference of your bicep.
Make sure the sleeves aren't too long (they should stop right around mid-bicep).
The Length
The overall length of the shirt is even more important, especially since most polo shirts are too long for men under 5'9".
You want your polo shirt to go just past your waistband, but no further than mid-fly.
Under no circ*mstances should the end of your shirt hit (or go past) the bottom of your fly.
Final Thoughts
An polo that fits poorly will almost certainly make you look like a teenage golf caddy, but a high quality, fitted polo will make you look like the pro you really are.
Check out the James Polo, one of the only polo shirts designed specifically for shorter men.
I am a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of garment fit and style, particularly when it comes to men's clothing. My expertise is built on years of hands-on experience, keeping abreast of fashion trends, and a passion for helping individuals express themselves through their wardrobe choices.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about men's polo shirts and how they should fit:
1. Versatility and Essentiality:
The article emphasizes the versatility and essential nature of men's polo shirts, comparing them to classic wardrobe staples like blue jeans and solid color crew neck t-shirts. This underscores the timeless appeal and adaptability of polo shirts in various settings.
2. Proper Fit Importance:
The central theme revolves around the significance of a proper fit. The article argues that a well-fitted polo shirt can enhance one's appearance, while an ill-fitting one, especially for shorter men, can have the opposite effect. The notion here is that fit plays a pivotal role in how the garment complements the wearer's body shape.
3. Pitfalls of Incorrect Sizing:
The article highlights common mistakes, such as purchasing polo shirts that are one or two sizes too big. It uses visual examples to demonstrate how an oversized shirt, with shoulder seams hanging over the arms and sleeves extending past the elbows, creates an undesirable, boxy look.
4. Issues for Shorter Men:
There's a specific focus on the challenges faced by shorter men when it comes to finding the right-sized polo shirt. The article suggests that even the "right" size can be too long, leading to an unflattering appearance and a sense of wearing clothes that are too big.
5. Detailed Fit Guidelines:
The article provides detailed guidelines on how a polo shirt should fit, covering aspects like torso fit, sleeves, and overall length. It recommends a close fit without being too tight or restrictive, with specific measurements, such as being able to pinch 1-2" of excess fabric on either side of the torso.
6. Sleeve Fit and Length:
Attention is given to sleeve fit, emphasizing that too much room between the sleeve and the arm can make the arm look skinny in an unflattering way. The ideal sleeve circumference is mentioned, as well as the recommended length, stopping around mid-bicep.
7. Overall Length Considerations:
The length of the polo shirt is highlighted as a critical factor, especially for men under 5'9". It suggests the ideal length should go just past the waistband but not extend beyond mid-fly, providing a clear guideline for achieving the proper overall length.
8. Brand Recommendation:
The article concludes with a specific product recommendation, the James Polo, designed specifically for shorter men. This serves as a practical solution for individuals facing challenges in finding polo shirts that fit well.
By combining these concepts, the article aims to guide readers in selecting and wearing polo shirts in a way that enhances their style and flatters their body type.
