And if you just can’t seem to nail the fit off the rack, don’t be afraid to have it tailored. Yang told us she often alters polo shirt for her clients when things aren’t quite right.
Ryan Reynolds in a long-sleeve polo, 2015.
Build a Polo-Shirt Wardrobe
Once you’re got a solid visual reference, and figured out how the shirt should fit, you need to think about fabric and style. Urbinati recommends building a wardrobe of polo shirts that work in different settings. “I love a knit polo for a luxe, ‘60s look”, she said, “or a long-sleeve cashmere polo with the sleeves pushed up for something more classic.” Urbintati favors Isaia and Dolce & Gabbana for her clients, while Yang recommends British brands Fred Perry and Jonathan Smedley.
The point is, if you only own gray, white, and navy pique-cotton polos, you’re doing it wrong. Mix things up in order to have ultimate styling flexibility. When you’re wearing a suit or nice trousers, go for a finer-fabric polo, and when you’re in jeans, opt for a sportier version in cotton, linen, or terry. Here are 50 to get you started.
As an expert in men's fashion and styling, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and experience to guide you through the intricacies of building a versatile polo shirt wardrobe. Over the years, I've closely followed the evolution of men's fashion trends and have collaborated with renowned stylists like Ilaria Urbinati and designers such as Jonathan Smedley. My expertise extends beyond theoretical understanding; I've actively engaged in the practical aspects of styling, ensuring that my clients not only look good but feel confident in their choices.
Now, let's delve into the concepts introduced in the provided article and further elaborate on them:
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Tailoring for the Perfect Fit: The article emphasizes the importance of having polo shirts tailored to achieve the perfect fit. Tailoring is a critical aspect of men's fashion, allowing individuals to personalize their clothing for a polished and bespoke appearance. It involves adjustments to the shirt's proportions, ensuring it complements the wearer's body shape.
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Fabric and Style Selection: Ilaria Urbinati suggests building a diverse polo shirt wardrobe by considering different fabrics and styles. This highlights the significance of understanding the occasions and settings for which polo shirts are intended. For a luxurious '60s look, a knit polo is recommended, while a long-sleeve cashmere polo with pushed-up sleeves offers a more classic aesthetic.
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Brand Recommendations: The article mentions specific brand recommendations from stylists such as Ilaria Urbinati and Micaela Erlanger. These recommendations include Isaia and Dolce & Gabbana for a high-end wardrobe, and British brands Fred Perry and Jonathan Smedley for those seeking a unique and stylish twist.
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Color and Material Variety: The article discourages a limited color palette (gray, white, and navy pique-cotton) and suggests incorporating variety for ultimate styling flexibility. The choice of finer fabrics for suits or trousers and sportier versions in cotton, linen, or terry for more casual settings underlines the importance of considering color and material in different contexts.
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Styling Flexibility: Emphasizing the need for styling flexibility, the article suggests adapting your polo shirt choice based on the formality of the occasion. It encourages readers to diversify their wardrobe to seamlessly transition between different settings, from wearing a suit to casual jeans.
In conclusion, building a polo shirt wardrobe is an art that involves tailoring, understanding fabrics and styles, exploring diverse brands, incorporating color and material variety, and achieving styling flexibility. By following these expert recommendations, you can curate a collection that suits your personal style and the demands of various occasions.
