Which Polo Shirt for Summer ?
Men’s polo shirts are one of the essential summer items as they are both smart and casual. They go well with a pair of shorts, light trousers or jeans… boundless possibilities for a stylish look! There are several types of polo shirt. So, which one should you go for as part of your great look? Le Temps des Cerises tells you all you need to know!
The polo shirt: an essential item in your wardrobe
What is a polo shirt ?
The polo shirt is a unisex item of clothing invented by two Frenchmen, the tennis player René Lacoste and the manufacturer André Gillier in 1926. It later came onto the clothing market in 1933.
It is classified as a type of t-shirt. It has a characteristic collar and may feature two or three buttons. It is generally made of cotton and is essentially worn during spring and summer in its short-sleeved version. A long-sleeved polo shirt can be worn when the weather is cooler, although the long-sleeved version is less common than the short-sleeved one, which is widely worn by men every summer.
Types of polo shirt for everyone
Since 1933, the polo shirt has always been a trendy item – and still is! Everyone knows it: the polo shirt is a must-have item in any man’s wardrobe, it’s an essential! Many different models exist to ensure that everyone’s tastes and preferences are catered for.
Colourful models of men’s polo shirts are popular during the summer, as are ones featuring neutral colours, which are easy to wear and fit nicely with an everyday look: beige, white, navy blue, black, grey, etc.
Men who are looking for originality can opt for printed polo shirts. These are often very striking and really make you stand out. Make sure that you wear more basic items to go with your printed polo shirt to avoid making your outfit too overwhelming!
Men’s polo shirts also exist in a range of fabrics: pique cotton for the more basic models, with silk or cashmere for a more sophisticated look… They are usually adorned with standard buttons, but you can try a polo shirt with popper buttons to vary up your style.
Men’s polo shirt models can also help provide different textures to create unique outfits. They can be embroidered, knitted… they can be close fitting or baggy… there is plenty to satisfy all men who want to look trendy!
Which men’s polo shirt to choose for your body type ?
We can never say this enough but taking your body type into account is essential when you choose your entire wardrobe to help avoid a fashion faux pas. And polo shirts are no exception to this rule!
Wearing a men’s polo shirt if you are tall and very slim
Are you very slim? Opt for a close-fitting polo shirt that is neither too tight nor too baggy! You also need to know that darker colours have a slimming effect, as do vertical stripes. So, if you want to use these optical effects to fill your figure out a bit, you know what needs to be done: choose a light-coloured polo shirt!
Wearing a men’s polo shirt if you are slim
Is your body shape fairly average? The good news is that you can wear anything you like! Go for a men’s polo shirt with a straight cut for a comfortable and casual look. Choose a close-fitting cut if you want to showcase your body shape. This is also a good choice if you want to go for an elegant and refined look.
Wearing a polo shirt if you are stocky
Have you got an O shape body type? Avoid a straight cut polo shirt as it would hide your figure and don’t choose a tight fitting cut which may be unflattering. Opt instead for a fairly close fitting, intermediate cut that isn’t too baggy or too tight to showcase your body type this summer.
Rules for choosing the right men’s polo shirt for the summer
To choose a quality polo shirt, you need to pay attention to several details before making a purchase.
Choosing a men’s polo shirt made of quality fabric
It’s not rocket science! In order to look stylish and to make sure that your polo shirt lasts, you need to choose one made of fairly thick pique fabric. A regular and tight weave is the sign of quality, and it is a key part of choosing a polo shirt.
Pay attention to the collar of a men’s polo shirt
The heart and soul of a polo shirt is its ribbed collar! So, it’s absolutely essential to focus on certain details:
- It must be rigid and thick;
- It must form an elegant curve all the way to the shoulder;
- It must be hard-wearing (to avoid it collapsing later on);
- The stitching needs to be regular and strong;
- The buttons and trimmings must be of good quality.
To sum up, look closely at all of the details (any reinforced stitching, embroidering etc) to choose THE quality polo shirt that will make you look really stylish!
Ideas for outfits with polo shirts for different occasions
Men’s polo shirts can be worn as part of various styles thanks to their look, which is both smart and casual. Here are a few ideas to help you wear one well.
A smart outfit with a polo shirt for going to work
When springtime comes along, a polo shirt is ideal for wearing to work. It is a light as a t-shirt but has the added advantaged of looking much smarter.
You can wear it along with a pair of smart shoes, a blazer and a belt, ensuring that you look serious and stylish at the same time.
A chic outfit with a polo shirt for a night out
It’s no great surprise that a polo shirt is perfect for a chic outfit! Invited to a wedding or a christening but fed up of choosing the predictable option of a shirt? Then opt for a quality polo shirt to go with your suit! Choose a black one to go with a grey jacket to look elegant, with a nice belt, smart shoes and flannel trousers, for example. An outfit to look handsome and smart in; you will also be perfectly comfortable if the weather is warm!
A casual look with a polo shirt for when you’re out and about
A polo shirt with white Bermuda shorts for your holidays; this is the perfect combo every summer! Give yourself a treat by opting for colours that really spice up your look or choose more basic colours if you’re seeking a more sober look. You can also choose a printed polo shirt for its originality; have some fun! Round off your casual outfit with a pair of trainers or deck shoes, for example.
Discover our full collection of Le Temps des Cerises men’s polo shirts to stay stylish throughout the summer!