Polo Shirt Fashion Guide For Shorter Men

Polo Shirt Fashion Guide For Shorter Men

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Summer is now in full swing, and for the last few weeks here in New York City, the weather has been downright brutal. It's not just our canine and feline friends who are panting either. We've had three straight days of 100-degree-plus weather and what feels like an endless string of 90-degree days where the "feels like" temperature creeps well into the triple digits. As is typical with summers in the Northeast, the humidity makes it feel like you're walking through a sauna (I know our Arizona friends are rolling their eyes).

In weather like this, wearing anything long-sleeved is a death sentence—even if it's linen. If you're trying to look presentable, your options are pretty straightforward: a short-sleeve button-down or a polo shirt. For this article, we're diving into the world of polos because, despite how simple they seem, not all polo shirts are created equal. Here at The Lower View, we want our shorter brethren to look and feel their best. So, without further ado, welcome to the Polo Shirt Guide for Shorter Men.

HISTORY OF THE POLO

Where exactly did the polo shirt come from? No, not from Best Buy's Geek Squad (and we'll make sure you don't end up looking like you belong there).

Believe it or not, the polo shirt's story begins in 19th-century India, where polo players wore lightweight, long-sleeved cotton shirts with button-down collars to keep the collars from flapping while riding. The modern polo shirt, however, was born in France. Tennis champion René Lacoste grew tired of the stiff, long-sleeved shirts players were expected to wear, so he designed a short-sleeved alternative made from breathable cotton piqué fabric that offered greater comfort and freedom of movement. After co-founding the Lacoste brand in 1933, the shirt was introduced to the public and quickly became popular both on and off the court.

The now-iconic crocodile logo also got its start here, becoming one of the first embroidered logos displayed on the outside of a garment. And despite its name, the modern polo shirt was actually designed for tennis—not polo.

TYPES OF POLO SHIRTS

The polo shirt has a fairly straightforward design: the familiar soft collar, a short button placket (usually with two or three buttons), and short sleeves. Because the basic design doesn't change much, the biggest differences between polos come down to the fabric, knit, and pattern. Yes, long-sleeve polos exist (ugh), but we're not covering those here. This guide is focused on the polos you'll actually be reaching for during the spring and summer months.

FABRICS

The first major category—and arguably the most important—is fabric. It's the biggest factor in determining how a polo feels once you put it on. Typical fabrics include 100% cotton, which is soft and breathable but wrinkles more easily than blends. Cotton-polyester blends wrinkle less, are more durable, and are usually a bit more affordable. Performance polyester is excellent at moisture wicking (pulling sweat away from your skin), making it a great choice for hot weather. Linen-cotton blends are among the lightest and most breathable options available, though they're also the most prone to wrinkling.

My personal favorite is the performance-stretch polo. These are usually cotton-polyester blends with a small amount of elastane (spandex) woven into the fabric, giving them extra flexibility. Many also feature ribbed sleeve cuffs that help keep the sleeves in place. The result is a polo that follows your body's natural shape a little better than a traditional cotton polo, highlighting your physique (hopefully you've been working out!). They can be a little harder to find at the big-box stores, but in my opinion they're well worth seeking out.

KNITS

Knits are the biggest factor in a polo's visual appearance and, in my opinion, the one that comes down most to personal taste. Simply put, a knit is how the yarns are looped together to create the fabric's texture, stretch, and overall look. The most common is the piqué knit. On just about every clothing website, you'll see companies advertising "piqué polos." This is the classic polo knit with its signature waffle-like texture. Personally, I've always thought they look a little cheap on the rack, and lower-quality ones tend to fade faster than other knits. The upside is that they're durable, breathable, and hold their shape well. Jersey knits are smooth to the touch, lighter than piqué, and drape closer to the body, almost like a premium T-shirt. They're a personal favorite for everyday wear. Interlock knits are thicker, double-knitted fabrics that are exceptionally soft and resist stretching and wrinkling better than most. These are usually my go-to for more formal occasions where presentation is everything. Mesh knits feature a more open construction that improves airflow, helping you stay cooler on the hottest summer days.

PATTERNS

As with any outfit, patterns—or the lack thereof—help define the overall aesthetic. Too much going on and your top half ends up screaming for attention. On the other hand, a solid polo works just about every time. There is a happy medium, though, so let's go through some of the more popular patterns.

Solid polos are the most versatile option because they pair well with just about anything. Just pay attention to your color palette when mixing and matching. A solid polo is a wardrobe staple and works equally well with chinos, shorts, or jeans. Horizontal stripes are timeless and classic. I'm not a fan of thick horizontal stripes (unless your goal is to look like a punk on an '80s sitcom). Stick with thinner stripes and no more than two colors to keep things clean and classic.

Vertical stripes are much less common. When limited to two complementary colors, they can create a dressier appearance than most striped polos. Microprints are another great choice. These feature small repeating designs like dots, geometric shapes, or the occasional floral pattern. They add some visual interest without overwhelming the outfit and pair especially well with chinos.

Finally, color-block polos use contrasting colors on areas like the collar, sleeves, or chest. They're a popular choice for casual and sporty looks.

BEST PLACES TO BUY POLOS

Polos aren't hard to find at all. Just about every big-box store and online retailer stocks them year-round. In addition to the styling advice in this guide, remember that polos are a staple of many school and workplace uniforms, so availability is rarely an issue. That said, because they're primarily a warm-weather shirt, most retailers stock the widest selection during the spring and summer months, especially in seasonal colors like pastels and muted tones. I spent some time checking out several of the major retailers, so let's start there.

UNIQLO

Let's start with Uniqlo. The selection is unbelievable. From classic piqués to moisture-wicking performance polos, I found just about every color imaginable. Their Dry-EX series was my favorite from a style standpoint. Uniqlo markets the fabric as lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying, and it definitely feels smooth to the touch with plenty of stretch that follows your body's natural shape. They also had a solid selection of horizontal stripe and color-block polos. Most of the lineup consisted of muted pastels along with the usual blues, whites, and grays. Uniqlo isn’t my personal favorite here, but their selection is incredible. At $19.99, they are a decent value.

AEROPOSTALE

Aeropostale has a nice selection of piqué polos with the waffle texture we talked about earlier. I bought quite a few. At $11.99 a pop, they're hard to beat. They pair well with jeans and are comfortable to wear. The knit is fairly thick, though it doesn't have much stretch, so you may sweat a bit more on the hottest days. Over time, I could also see them loosening up with frequent wear. I personally wouldn't throw them in the dryer—I'd wash them in cold water and let them air dry (that's more of a precaution than a proven fact). Last year they carried more performance polos, and unfortunately I only bought two. Hopefully they bring that line back. Right now, their selection is mostly solid colors with very few patterns, but I still recommend them because the value is hard to beat.

EXPRESS

Express always delivers when it comes to that polished metropolitan look, and its polo selection is no exception. I do miss the oversized embroidered lion logo that was a signature of their polos a decade ago, but you won't find those this year. Instead, expect a solid lineup of performance, mesh, and jersey polos with subtle, understated patterns (thank goodness). Most styles are available down to an XS, making them a great option for shorter guys, whether you're slim or stocky. Express isn’t known for cheap prices, so expect to spend, but if you look out for sales or in few weeks, clearance, you’ll find better deals than the normal prices at more budget friendly retailers.

Finally, department stores like Macy's, Kohl's, and JCPenney offer a wide selection of polos from a variety of brands featuring different fabrics, knits, and patterns. If you're not loyal to one brand and just want to try on a bunch of different styles in one trip, they're a great place to start.

ONLINE OPTIONS

Prepared to spend? Lol. Expensive prices don't automatically mean higher quality, but you're more likely to find better fabrics, construction, and durability as the price goes up. Get it?

CHARLES TYRWHITT

Charles Tyrwhitt, out of London, has plenty of fans. Their Piqué Polo comes in at about $119 and is made from premium cotton that's built to last—or at least that's the goal. It's one of their best sellers and comes in a wide variety of colors. It's a little on the shiny side, but pairs nicely with chinos if you're going for a more polished look. The biggest complaints are pilling and color fading over time. Air dry it. Vilebrequin has some of the best color tints I've seen in polos. Their prices start around $195, so keep that in mind. The ribbed cuffs do a nice job of accentuating your arms if that's what you're after. Sizes start at Small.

AMAZON

You can also find plenty of polos on Amazon, but do your homework. Quality is all over the place, and you usually get what you pay for. If you're looking to save some money, though, Amazon is hard to beat. You can also skip the trip to the store since department store brands like Nautica and U.S. Polo Assn. are easy to find there, often for less.

OUTFIT IDEAS

THE SPRING DRESS POLO CLASSIC
As the weather warms up, those who are a looking for a bit of formality, with comfort in the back of your mind, a solid polo with chinos and dress low tops will go a long way and command the professional respect of your required of your peers in a business-after hours environment. Not to mention that if you go out on the town for a dinner or night cap, this kind of outfit is always a safe bet. Outfit recap: Solid Navy Blue Polo (or any solid dark color like these), Beige Chinos (like these) with a slight cuff on the bottom and Low-Top leather dress casual sneakers (like these). Make sure those leathers are glossy. Thank me later.

THE ALL THE WAY FORMAL

Who says you can’t pull of a completely formal look with a polo shirt. Formal doesn’t have to mean a blazer (though that always does the trick). A striped jersey or performance polo, a lighter fabric dress pants and some oxfords (like these) will have you ready for those late spring low-stakes meetings or company outings and turn heads for the right reasons. Outfit recap: White/Green Striped Performance Polo (like these), Tan Khaki Chinos (like these) and Glossy Two-Toned (slight contrast) Oxford Shoes (like these) and a nice Brown Leather belt.

THE FEELING KIND OF WEALTHY

This won’t seem new, but for those clueless about putting together polo outfits, nothing is more familiar to any suburbanite than boat shoes with a polo shirt. This pairing never fails. It has always been in style, whether we’re talking about 1960 or 2020. For a day out with the lady, or a solo-trip to the local points of interest, a solid polo, chino shorts and boat shoes will without any doubt just work. Outfit recap: Solid Colored Polo Shirt (like these), preferably Navy, Powder Blue, Gray, Olive Green or Black, Matte Leather Brown or Black Boat Shoes (like these, and stay away from the glossy stuff), and Light-Colored Chino Shorts (like these).

THE CASUALLY SPEAKING

If you’re not dressing to impress per-se, but want to look clean and presentable going out, say to run some errands, or pick someone up from some disclosed location, a polo can still suffice. Pair it with some dark denim in the athletic skinny variety, light colored low-top sneakers, a nice dark belt and a large faced watch to add icing on the cake. Consider 100% cotton as the fabric or a pique polo for the shirt (like this), white leather low-tops (like these), a white or striped pique polo (like this) and a large faced watch with a chrome wrist band (like this).

BUT WAIT!

With all of this information, you might be asking, “are there any don’ts?”. Well yes, now remember, all fashion advice is based on some based opinions on what the advisor (ehem, “writer”) likes or has considered to be “standard” based on the market or market research. This “don’t do” is based on rote observation. Remember that Geek Squad joke I made in the beginning of this article? Well, wearing a solid-colored performance-styled polo with solid colored dress pants or chinos is one fast way to get there. I’d say avoid that if possible. Remember, many company uniforms follow this rule. There’s nothing wrong with this of course, but if you wish to avoid being asked “do you work here?”, then consider a pattern on the top, or at a minimum, polos which feature contrasting colors on the sleeves or collar, or ensuring that your pants aren’t too close to your shirt tonally.

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CONCLUSION

So what to do now? Hop on over to your favorite big box store, or online retailer and start peering through what’s available. Don’t be afraid to make a trip to the dressing room to make sure everything fits and be sure to feel the material. The material for me personally makes or breaks the feeling of comfort every time I put it on and the feeling I have when I look in the mirror! For that reason, if you are opting to order online, I highly recommend not going crazy and ordering one item first (one of the biggest points of dissatisfaction is the feeling or quality of material of the shirt).

Polos are an indispensable part of every man’s general wardrobe, not just for the season, but for events, work and some sports. Continue familiarizing yourself with polo jargon and you’ll have a respectable set of polos that will get a lot of wear. Good luck!

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