Your Comprehensive Guide to Polo Shirts

Tennis Champion, René Lacoste invented the iconic polo shirt by cutting the sleeves off a shirt to make his tennis attire more comfortable. Since this time in 1933, the polo shirt is not just a staple in the world of sport, but an essential in every wardrobe.

Since then, the polo shirt has become a legend, thanks in no small part to René Lacoste’s passion for timeless versatility, comfort, and elegance. While the polo shirt has changed over the years, it has endured and is constantly revolutionised by those who wear it in new, experimental ways.

Above all, elegance requires clothes that are adapted to the situation or circumstances - René Lacoste

This is your comprehensive guide to different types of Lacoste polo shirts and how to wear a polo to ensure you choose the best fit for you.

What is the difference between Lacoste classic and regular fit polo shirts?

The Lacoste Regular Polo Shirt finds the middle ground between the Slim Polo Shirt and the Classic L.12.12 Polo Shirt. You will find it a looser fit than the Slim Polo while retaining the structure.

The Regular Polo Shirt is also shorter than the Classic, but longer than the Slim, making it ideal for those who want a closer fit with a little more length. To see the main difference between regular and classic fit polo shirts read: Polo Shirt: Classic Fit vs Regular Fit

What does slim fit polo shirt mean?

There 3 main types of polo shirts include classic fit, regular fit, and slim fit. The Men's Slim Fit Polo offers up a fitted cut at the chest, waist, and sleeves, and a slightly shorter length. If you’re looking for a more tapered fit that defines your silhouette and provides fresh opportunities for styling, the most suitable polo to wear will be the Lacoste Slim Polo Shirt.

What is the difference between classic and slim polo shirts?

Designed by René Lacoste himself, the Men's L.12.12 Classic Polo has straight cut sleeves and waist that fit loosely on the body, making this a comfortable, versatile choice, no matter what your style inspirations are.

The Lacoste Slim Polo Shirt provides a very fitted cut at both the waist and sleeves, with a shorter length overall, showing your silhouette while staying lightweight and flexible to keep up with your movement.

Both styles use Petit Piqué Cotton, the emblematic fabric of the Lacoste polo, giving you comfort and elegance.

To understand more about the range of fits available for Lacoste men’s polo shirts and get some style inspiration, be sure to check out the Polo Shirt Boutique.

How should a slim polo shirt fit?

If you’re more familiar with the Lacoste Classic L.12.12 Polo Shirt, you’ll notice that the Slim Polo Shirt fits more snugly around your chest and waist and the sleeves will sit higher up on your arms.

Also, the length of each polo differs. Your Slim Polo Shirt will be slightly shorter than the Classic fit as it is often worn untucked. It is important to remember that a Slim Polo should not be tight or restricting. Comfort and ease are still paramount, as with any Lacoste Polo Shirt.

Should a polo shirt be tight around the arms?

Regardless of the fit you choose, a polo shirt should never be tight around your arms.

The polo shirt is a style icon for its unique style, comfort, and relaxed elegance, without compromise. If your polo shirt is tight around the arms, it could be because you need to try a different fit or size.

What is the difference between polo shirts and polo t-shirts?

There is no difference between Lacoste polo shirts and polo t-shirts.  20th-century polo players wore the long-sleeved polo shirt, giving the style its name, but René Lacoste pioneered the short-sleeved polo shirt, launching the iconic style in the world of sport and fashion.  Today, polo shirts are synonymous with the short-sleeved variety and there is no distinction needed.

Should you tuck in a polo shirt?

Perfect for both work and play, polo shirts are designed to be tucked in. Add a belt and button your polo shirt all the way up to mirror the aesthetic of a tie, making it the perfect choice for the office or if you are on the go.

Should I button all the buttons on my polo?

Your personal style will dictate how you button up your polo shirt. If you are going for a more laid-back look, unbuttoning one or more of the buttons will help you achieve it.

Buttoning your polo shirt all the way up will give you a sleek, polished look that will mimic the effect of wearing a tie, perfect for wearing a blazer or heading into the office. Tucking in your polo shirt will finish off the look.

A word to the wise – button up your polo shirt before machine washing to help it to retain its shape. When you are putting your polo shirt away after washing, hang it on a coat hanger, with the buttons done all the way up. This will help the polo shirt stay crease-free and keep its shape, making it easier to slip on for the next occasion.

Related: Your Polo Shirt Care Guide: How to Properly Wash and Dry Polo Shirts

How long should a polo shirt hang?

Lacoste polo shirts are designed to be tucked in. Regardless of how you choose to wear it, your polo shirt should hang just below the base of your belt, and just past the beginning of your fly. Of course, you will need to take your own height into consideration when you choose the fit of your polo shirt.

Each fit of polo shirt is slightly different in length, with the Slim Polo Shirt shorter than the Classic or Paris fit. If your polo shirt is hanging lower than your fly and is loose fitting, you may like to try a Slim Polo Shirt for a tapered fit.

This advice also pertains to women’s polo shirts, except for the polo shirt dress. The polo shirt dress celebrates the body in movement and offers up a fluid silhouette, perfect for the warmer months. The best-selling Lacoste polo shirt dress is best when the hem falls above the knee.

How should I style a polo shirt?

Never underestimate the versatility of a Lacoste polo shirt.

Be inspired by vintage sport by pairing your polo shirt with a tracksuit jacket or embrace the oversized tracksuit for a modern sporty look. Keep it classic with jeans or elevate the elegance with straight-cut trousers and a trench coat.

Headed into the office? Pair your polo shirt with a blazer, or keep it relaxed with chinos and a sweatshirt or a knitted jumper.

No matter your personal style, a Lacoste polo shirt can help you achieve your desired look, fitting in with the latest trends, while simultaneously transcending them to become timeless and allowing you to experiment with your style.

Are polo shirts formal or casual?

There’s a reason Lacoste polo shirts have been a wardrobe staple for nearly 90 years. Whatever the occasion, it is easy to style a polo shirt to suit the dress code as well as classic and contemporary styles.

Keep a Slim Polo Shirt buttoned up and tucked in with trousers and a blazer for a more formal, polished look, or choose to style the looser-fit Classic Polo Shirt for a more relaxed feel.

Is it okay to wear a polo with a blazer?

The classic solid colours of Lacoste polo shirts work in harmony with neutral and patterned blazers to create strong, striking combinations.

Pairing a polo shirt with a blazer can help you to achieve a more formal look while staying cool in the summer.

Whatever your plans, a polo shirt is the perfect staple piece to build your ensemble around with unmatched versatility at its core.