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    What Is a Polo Shirt and How to Choose the Best One

    When you think of a polo shirt, you might think of the prepsters of the 1980s and 1990s. And you wouldn't be wrong. Polo shirts have long been a staple of upper-middle-class, and upper-class wardrobes. They promote a casual, yet still dressy vibe, and are such a classic that they've yet to go out of style.

    The best polo shirts are ones that are breathable, long-lasting and stylish. Other than that, it's up to you, or your company, to choose the best polo shirt for yourself or your uniform.

    In this article, we'll go over some of the things to consider when it comes to choosing a polo shirt.

    Read on for more.

    Embroidered Polo Shirt

    Choosing the Right Polo: Will You Be Embroidering The Shirt?

    Polo shirts are a staple of business casual everywhere. While some offices allow employees to wear whatever polo shirt they wish to work, others make polo shirts part of a uniform. Often, the polo shirt is embroidered with the company's logo, or they may have a logo sewn onto it.

    Other companies may simply tell their employees to wear a polo shirt of a specific color to work. For example, Target is known for its employees wearing red polos and khaki bottoms.

    If you're embroidering the shirt, you need to consider the material in order to do so.

    Technically, you can embroider on any type of polo shirt, but there are some materials that perform better than others. For example, a cotton polo is often better with embroidery than one that is 100% polyester. But, a cotton and polyester blend can also work well if you're looking to cut costs.

    If you want your employees to look uniform, but do not want to embroider their polos, consider buying matching polos in bulk. Then, you may have them wear their name tags pinned to their shirts. This allows customers the ability to easily spot them in the store.

    Man in Blue Polo Shirt

    The Fit of a Polo Shirt: For Men

    How the polo shirt fits is also an important thing to consider before purchasing it. Firstly, the fit of a shirt for personal use is subjective, so it is up to an individual man if he likes a shirt to be a little big baggy or more fitted. But, if you're having employees wear a polo shirt as part of a uniform, the fit may be something you wish to consider before purchase.

    The buttons should end around their armpits, and the collar should have a little bit of structure to it. The buttons should be worn with one or two unbuttoned, to give it a relaxed, but still a little formal, feel.

    Wearing a polo with all of the buttons up can look a little too uptight, so it is important that you look a little bit relaxed.

    Also, if the buttons are too far down, it will look like a v-neck when unbuttoned, which isn't the look you should be going for.

    You should be able to pinch a couple of inches of fabric on either side of your body, but not more than 2 inches. This ensures the polo is relaxed but not too loose.

    The polo should also be a little bit fitting around the biceps, but not so fitted that it looks like they're bulging out. What you do want to avoid is the sleeves looking far too loose, which looks not only sloppy but gives off a more juvenile vibe.

    Lady in Striped Embroidered Polo Shirt

    The Fit of a Polo: For Women

    For a woman, the polo shirt's fit should be a bit similar to the man's. The shirt should be a little bit tight on the bicep, but again, not so tight that it looks like the bicep is struggling to fit.

    A polo shirt should be fitted, but not so tight-fitting that it shows off every single curve. The shirt should also be fitted across the chest, but not clinging to it.

    For a woman's body, the key is ensuring that the shirt fits without looking too big or too small. Additionally, you'll want to pay attention to the buttons and not have them too far down. If so, when unbuttoned, you can risk showing a bit too much cleavage, which can cause an unprofessional look.

    The Best Polo Shirts Fabric

    If you're not embroidering a polo shirt, the best fabric is a cotton blend. Polo shirts that are half cotton and half polyester are very common, as are shirts with jersey material in them.

    Shirts that have a cotton base are very durable and breathable and allow your shirts to last through many wash and wear cycles.

    Polyester polo shirts, and clothing of any type, are not always as long-lasting, but they can work if you're looking to save a few dollars in the short term.

    Man in Black Embroidered Polo Shirt

    Buying a Winning Polo

    The best polo shirts are those that make you or your employees look fashionable and business-minded while still being approachable. A polo shirt is diverse, in that you or your employees can pair it with almost anything and create a preppy but put-together look. For example, a polo shirt with jeans makes you look professional, but as though you're a little bit more casual. Wearing a polo shirt with a skirt or khakis gives you or your employees a bit of a monied, preppy vibe.

    With this versatile piece, it's up to you on how you wish to embroider or style it.

    Looking for quality polos to embroider your logo on? If so, browse our site!

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