It is difficult to imagine a man’s wardrobe without a white polo shirt. This staple item can be dressed up or down, be it a casual outing or a semi-formal event. This guide will help you navigate the many options available on the market to help you choose the right white polo shirt to suit your needs.
Table of Contents:
– Understanding fabric and material
– Finding the perfect fit
– Styling your white polo shirt
– Caring for your polo shirt
– Avoiding common mistakes
Understanding fabric and material
When it comes to picking up a white polo shirt, fabric is one of the most important things to consider. It can have a huge impact on the comfort, durability and look of this garment. The most common materials used for polo shirts are cotton, polyester and a mixture of both cotton and polyester.
Cotton is known for being breathable and soft. Pima and Egyptian cotton are premium cotton types with long fibres which makes them smooth and durable. You should choose these cotton types if you are looking for comfort and luxury at the same time.
Polyester, for example, is more durable than cotton, and is great for active wear, as well as being better at wicking away moisture from the body. The same goes for polos. Polyester polo shirts tend to be more wrinkle-resistant, making them easier to care for.
Cotton and polyester blends combine the best of both fabrics. These shirts have the softness and breathability of cotton combined with the durability and moisture management of polyester – the perfect all-around shirts that you can wear to go out with friends, work out at the gym, or run errands after work.
Finding the perfect fit
How well your white polo shirt fits can make or break an outfit. An ill-fitting polo can look sloppy, while a well-fitting one can look confident and stylish. There are a few things to take into account when discussing fit: the position of the shoulder seams, the length of the sleeves, and how the torso fits.
Your shoulder seams should sit right on your shoulders. If they hang off, the shirt is too big. If they cut into your shoulders, the shirt is too small. Straight seams keep your silhouette clean and crisp.
Sleeve length is important too: your sleeves should come to just above the mid-bicep, giving enough room for movement but not so loose as to impede it. Sleeves that are too tight or too big are both a no-no.
The torso of the shirt should fit with enough room across the chest and shoulders, so as to follow the contours of your body, allowing for some arm movement, but not be so loose that the garment billows out. A slight tapering of the torso at the waist can also help to emphasise or accentuate the waistline, which will contribute to a more flattering silhouette, depending on the wearer’s physique. Try on the shirt, or check sizing charts.
Styling your white polo shirt
A low-key, white polo shirt is an incredibly versatile piece of clothing. It can be worn with anything, in a myriad of ways, to achieve a casual, smart-casual or semi-formal look.
For a casual outfit, partner your white polo shirt with your denim jeans or shorts. Complete the outfit with a pair of sneakers or loafers. This look is great for weekend outings or casual get-togethers.
A white polo shirt goes perfectly with chinos or tailored trousers for a smart-casual look. tuck it in and wear with a belt for a more dressed-up effect. This is perfect for smart-casual Fridays at the office or for dinner dates.
For semi-formal events, put on a white polo under a blazer. Get a fitted blazer and pants in a complementary colour and wear it with dress pants. This look is just the right amount of formal and relaxed, perfect for a business casual meeting or an evening party.
Caring for your polo shirt
Here are some helpful care tips, to keep that white polo shirt in good condition and to make it last longer.
Check the care label for washing instructions, but most cotton polos can be washed in a cold cycle in the washing machine with like-coloured clothing. Bleach will damage the fibres and discolour the shirt.
This will help to prevent it shrinking.The shirt will shrink if you put it in the dryer after washing.To avoid this, you should either air dry it or put it in the dryer on a low setting. This will help to keep the original size and fit of the shirt.
Iron your polo shirt on a low to medium heat, depending on the fabric. Iron polyester or blended fabrics on a low heat to avoid damaging the fabric. Always iron on the inside out to protect the surface of the fabric.
Avoiding common mistakes
Even the humblest wardrobe essentials can be the victims of dreadful styling mistakes. Avoid the following pitfalls when wearing your white polo shirt.
Don’t wear oversized or undersized shirts. The most ill-fitting shirt in your wardrobe can take the whole look down. Always make sure your shirt fits nicely over your shoulders, chest and stomach.
Pay attention to the event. A white polo shirt is a great all-purpose piece, but you should avoid wearing it to formal events such as weddings or black-tie events.
Pay attention to the care instructions. Throw it in the washing machine and tumble-dryer on high heat, and who knows what might happen. A bit of shrinkage, fading or rending is possible. So take care: follow the care label if you want to keep your shirt looking its best.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this breakdown of how to select the best white polo shirt by paying attention to fabric options, fit, wear and care, means that your quest for the perfect white polo shirt is complete and you will only need to update your shirt every few years. It will continue to serve you well for casual outings and semi-formal occasions, in the decades ahead.
