A Style Guide for Men’s Polo Shirts

Is it time to introduce some new polo shirts to your wardrobe? For us, the answer is always an emphatic “Yes”. So, as purveyors of men’s polo shirts, please allow us to assist you in your search. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about choosing the right polo shirt to fit your shape, character, and taste along with some helpful tips on styling your polo shirt for a complete and sophisticated look.

The beauty of men’s polo shirts lies in their versatility. With so much choice out there, we’ve put your most frequently asked questions to our expert team to answer.

Where do men’s polo shirts originate?

Contrary to popular belief, the polo shirt that we recognise today was invented for tennis. In the 1920s, French tennis player Rene Lacoste wanted to design something more comfortable than the traditional long-sleeved button-up shirt. His marvellous invention? You guessed it: men’s polo shirts. The garment he created was a white pique cotton shirt with short sleeves and a slightly longer tail to prevent the shirt from untucking during a game.

By the 1930s, polo shirts were so popular that polo players adopted the innovative style en masse, and the term ‘polo shirt’ was born. Predictably, it wasn’t long before the polo shirt became popular in the celebrity world. Clint Eastwood, James Dean and Pharrell Williams have all earned style points with a little help from tailored fit polos.

How should polo shirts fit?

At Orlebar Brown we use only the highest quality materials and our eye for detail is second to none. It’s why we’re proud to be the polo shirt destination of choice whether you’re searching for tailored fit polo shirts or a more relaxed polo shirt style.

Men’s polo shirts are versatile by nature but choosing the right fit depends on the occasion and your personal taste. We have three hero styles that combine classic polo shirt tailoring with quintessential Orlebar Brown details you can’t find anywhere else.

Tailored Fit Polo Shirts

Fitted polo shirts come in many shapes and sizes, but the Sebastian is our favourite of the tailored fit polos due to the unique streamlined silhouette. We’ve crafted the Sebastian polo shirt on the principles of a finely tailored men's shirt: smart two-part collar, shaped hem and sewn-on buttoned cuffs.

The Sebastian has an open, non-restrictive neckline and a shaped hem that can be worn untucked to elongate the torso. When it comes to fitted polo shirts, the Sebastian is a practical, flattering choice which is easy to wear. Choose from lithe, lightweight linen or indulge in a long sleeved Merino wool style.

Terry Towelling Polo Shirts

Terry towelling is a texture which attracts attention for all the right reasons, not least because it has been a signature style for a certain 007 operative for generations.

While it may be soft and velvety smooth, Terry towelling gives off a boundless, brave energy. With just the right dose of unconventionality, our Terry towelling fitted polo shirts are the perfect poolside companion. The Terry has a retro-inspired resort placket, tailored fit, and side vents to retain shape when seated. This straight hemmed polo shirt is also excellent for wearing untucked.

Relaxed Fit Men’s Polo Shirts

Compared to our fitted men’s polo shirts, the Jarrett is a range of more relaxed styles with the option of a short, simple two-button placket or smart zip placket. The robust ribbed collar offers a sporty accent that wouldn’t look out of place on the tennis court.

Perfect for downtime, the Jarrett is a soft, luxurious polo shirt with just a hint of Grand Tour drama in the subtle striped detailing. A staple of your weekend wardrobe, whether you’re lounging on the Amalfi coast or practising your forehand.

How do you style a Polo Shirt?

Donning a quality polo shirt is straightforward, but naturally, there are many ways to style polo shirts. The first big question is: are polo shirts smart-casual? The short answer is Yes. Sure, you can rely on a Jarrett to get you through a heated game of beach volleyball, but style our tailored Sebastian with a blazer, and you have yourself a fully formed smart-casual outfit. It’s for this very reason that polo shirts play such a central role in our wardrobes. Never underestimate the power of versatility.

What do you wear with a Polo Shirt on the beach?

Partner one of our Jarrett Washed short sleeved polo shirts — ‘washed’ refers to the unique colour treatment — with navy Bulldog swim shorts. The ‘lived-in’ appearance of the soft cotton ties into your own laid-back beach aesthetic. Alternatively, if you’re off to the pool, pull on one of our classic Terry towelling fitted polo shirts and wear untucked to show off the straight hem.

O.B Secret:  If you neatly turn up the sleeve of your Jarrett polo shirt while cooling off after a dip in the waves, you’ll create sharp shoulder definition which rarely goes unnoticed.

How do you style smart-casual polo shirts?

The key to creating a smart-casual look is to add polished details and ensure that your key pieces are of high quality. If you’re wearing a plain white or cream short sleeved polo shirt tucked into a pair of cotton twill Bulldog shorts, then all your need to do is add a blazer and you’re ready for a beach club lunch. Shorts and polo shirts keep it casual while the blazer lends a sophisticated layer. Finish with plain sneakers or laid-back loafers for a smart-casual look.

O.B Secret: Need to smarten up your polo shirt and day shorts combo in a hurry? Just tuck in your polo shirt, button the placket once, add a belt and congratulate yourself on upgrading your outfit to smart-casual in a matter of seconds

Can polo shirts be worn as evening wear?

Opt for the Sebastian's traditional two-part collar over a casual ribbed collar and reach for chinos rather than shorts. Pair your fitted polo shirt with a blazer and ensure the colour complements your chinos. Alternatively, choose an open collar long sleeved polo shirt knitted in silk, cashmere, or Merino wool. Tailored fit polo shirts are more refined and sophisticated, and the option of an open collar is great for when the music in the bar turns your rhythmic foot-tap into something a little more intensive.

O. B Secret:  If you are ever unsure, opt for a classic colour palette. Match your white, cream, black or navy men’s polo shirt with muted chinos or shorts and you can’t go wrong.

What’s the Orlebar Brown number one rule for men’s polo shirts?

If you take just one note from us, then let it be this: choose the polo shirt that you’ll feel great in. When you feel comfortable, confidence will follow. Now if - as we hope we have done - we’ve answered all your queries about men’s polo shirts, then there’s only one thing left to do: browse the Orlebar Brown polo shirt collection and choose the polo shirts which you can’t wait to wear.