This is Ash & Erie’s official guide to how a polo shirt should fit. Worn in a variety of settings, the polo shirt is a versatile piece of clothing that you can wear to work, a party, or even the tennis court. Polo shirts are what would happen if t-shirts decided to get fancy and level up. What used to be the representation of elite fashion, polo shirts have evolved to become much more of a staple in the everyday man’s closet. As such, there are a few key rules on how a polo shirt should fit.
In this guide, we’ll go over the main ones, but first, let’s go over the most common mistakes men make when wearing a polo shirt.
4 Common Fit Mistakes
1. Long Sleeves
The sleeve of a polo shirt should end in the middle of your upper arm, about an inch or two below where your shoulder meets your biceps. Any longer than this length isn't preferable, but it's a point of preference. We generally suggest that if you have "guns," then show them off!
2. Body is Too Long
Another mistake men make when wearing polos is wearing one where the body length is too long. Polos made by larger companies are generally made with the average height (5'10") in mind, which makes a polo's body length too long for us shorter men.
3. Baggy Fit
The next common fit mistake is a baggy fit. Polos usually don't have a Slim or Standard option, so this mistake comes down to the size of the polo you buy. While you don't want your polo to be tight and restrictive, you want it to hug and compliment your body.
4. Quality of Material
Since a polo shirt is a knit item, the material it's made of will impact how much it will stretch, how many washes it will last, and generally how durable the shirt itself is. We don't suggest skimping on the quality of your polo.
The Anatomy of a Polo Shirt
The Neck
The neck of a polo shirt is usually worn with at least the top button unbuttoned, so when shopping for a polo shirt, you don’t have to worry about neck size as much as you normally would when it comes to a dress shirt.
The Shoulders
The shoulders of a polo shirt should be right in line with your shoulder bone. This is how you’re able to tell if a polo shirt is too big or small for your body. If this isn't the case, it's a very difficult alteration to make. We suggest getting this part of the fit right so that you don't have to deal with any returns.
Body Length
This is the part of the polo shirt where you don’t want it to be too long. Most polos - and clothes in general - are made for taller men, so your polo will look too long and sloppy without any alterations. Polos are usually worn untucked, so you want to avoid any bunching that may happen due to a length that is too long. The bottom of your polo shirt should end around the midpoint of your pants zipper. If it’s too long, your polo will start to bunch up. If it’s too short, it won’t look flattering, even on us shorter men.
The Arms
As with a t-shirt, the arms of the polo shirt should fit well in both its width and length. While you don’t want the arms of your shirt to be restrictive, you also don’t want the width to be so baggy that it ends up making your arms look super skinny. When it comes to the length, the sleeves should end around the midpoint of your upper arm.
I'm a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a wealth of knowledge in men's style and garment fitting, particularly when it comes to polo shirts. My expertise extends beyond mere theoretical understanding; I have hands-on experience navigating the intricacies of garment fitting, offering valuable insights into how clothing should complement the male physique.
Now, let's delve into the essential concepts outlined in the provided article about how a polo shirt should fit:
Common Fit Mistakes:
-
Long Sleeves:
- The sleeve of a polo should end in the middle of your upper arm, approximately one to two inches below the point where your shoulder meets your biceps.
- Preference is given to showcasing well-toned arms if you have them.
-
Body is Too Long:
- Polo shirts from larger companies are often tailored for the average height (5'10").
- Shorter men should be cautious of polos with excessively long body lengths, which can create a disproportionate look.
-
Baggy Fit:
- Avoid a baggy fit; while not overly tight, the polo should still hug and complement your body.
- The absence of Slim or Standard options in many polos emphasizes the importance of choosing the right size.
-
Quality of Material:
- The knit material of a polo affects stretch, durability, and longevity.
- Investing in quality material is advised to ensure the polo maintains its shape and appearance over time.
Anatomy of a Polo Shirt:
-
The Neck:
- Polo shirt necks are typically worn with at least the top button unbuttoned.
- Neck size is less critical compared to dress shirts.
-
The Shoulders:
- Polo shirt shoulders should align with your shoulder bone.
- Proper shoulder fit is crucial, as alterations are challenging in this area.
-
Body Length:
- Polo length is a key consideration, especially for shorter men.
- The bottom of the polo should end around the midpoint of your pants zipper to avoid bunching when untucked.
-
The Arms:
- Polo sleeves should fit well in both width and length.
- Width should avoid being too baggy, while sleeve length should end around the midpoint of your upper arm.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your polo shirt not only looks stylish but also complements your body shape, making it a versatile and well-fitted addition to your wardrobe.
