Polo shirts are brilliant, aren’t they? They are stuck somewhere between a t-shirt and a proper shirt, and they solve that awkward “what do I wear?” moment more often than anything else in the wardrobe. But while some cost £20, others cost £200. So, what’s the deal?
High Street Heroes
The budget polo game has come on in leaps and bounds. You can grab a decent one from most high street shops for under £30 these days. The cottons are usually pretty good, the stitching holds up, and they don’t shrink to toddler size after the first wash.
The key is knowing what to look for. Pique cotton feels nice and looks smart – it’s got that slightly textured finish that doesn’t cling. Jersey cotton is softer but can lose its shape quicker. Either way, give it a feel before buying. If it’s scratchy or feels like cardboard, walk away.
Most high street polos come in the usual suspects – navy, white, grey. They go with everything, and you’ll wear them to death.
When Money’s No Object
Then there’s the other end of the spectrum. Premium men’s designer polo shirts that cost more than some people’s weekly shopping budget. Are they worth it?
The difference usually comes down to the details. They are made from better cotton (often from specific regions), have nicer buttons, and more careful stitching. The fit tends to be more thoughtful, too; they’re designed to look good on actual human bodies rather than shop mannequins.
These shirts often last ages. The cotton gets softer with washing instead of falling apart. The colours stay true. The collar doesn’t go wonky after six months.
What Really Matters
Fit beats everything else. A £200 polo that makes you look like you’re wearing a tent is not the one. A £25 one that fits properly? Perfect.
Here’s what to check:
- Shoulders sitting where they should
- Sleeves not too tight or baggy
- Length that works tucked or untucked
- A collar that behaves itself
The fabric matters too, but not as much as people think. Decent cotton’s decent cotton, whether it costs twenty pounds or two hundred.
The Smart Approach
Say you fancy a bright yellow polo or maybe something in coral pink because it’s fashionable right now. Those bold colours might catch your eye today, but there’s a good chance you’ll get tired of them pretty quickly. Trends change, and what looks great this season might feel a bit dated next year.
Since you probably won’t wear these statement colours as much in the long run, it doesn’t make sense to spend loads on them. Better to grab a cheaper version and save your money for the classic colours like navy or white that you’ll reach for again and again. These are the ones that’ll do the heavy lifting in your wardrobe. They need to survive regular washing and still look decent.
Also, don’t get hung up on brands. Some of the best polos come from places you’ve never heard of. Some designer ones are overpriced rubbish. Trust your hands and eyes more than labels.
Polo shirts aren’t complicated, but getting them right makes such a difference. Whether you’re grabbing one from the supermarket or treating yourself to something special, focus on fit, feel, and don’t overthink it. A good polo shirt should just work: no fuss, no drama, just reliable style that gets the job done.
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