From tennis courts to podiums, we will teach you how to introduce this smart-casual item into your wardrobe.

You will be surprised, but the polo shirt is not as simple as it seems at first glance. Do not underestimate it and purchase a short breath. As summer approaches, it's worth considering buying a polo shirt now and approach this matter thoughtfully and clearly.

There is a fine line between fashion and style. If you are going to buy a polo shirt, it is worth remembering essential factors such as size, shape, buttons and logos. And, of course, you can buy a "fashionable" polo shirt, but if the buttons are sewn sloppy, and the logo is shifted, then such a shirt can hardly be called "stylish". When the polo shirt is sewn correctly - it can be a stylish and wonderful addition to your wardrobe. Polo T-shirts have the ability to decorate your figure, hiding flaws, add style and "level" and, in general, give completeness to your wardrobe. Moreover, polo t-shirts are very versatile: they can be worn with a classic suit, as well as with jeans and sneakers.

How to wear a polo shirt

Summer is coming, and you are going to wear your favourite polo shirt, but, alas, you do not know what to wear a polo shirt with. Let's look at options from classics to an informal wardrobe, and you yourself will see how much a polo shirt is a universal piece of clothing that, with the right selection, can be combined with almost any wardrobe.

As the temperature rises, you begin to think about getting rid of your usual form - sweatshirts, jumpers and tight shirts and putting on a lighter and cooler shirt, such as T-shirts and polo shirts.

But just because you consider yourself a confident, cool guy does not mean that you should look messy. Hint: polo shirts for men is the first smart casual thing, the simplest and most versatile, that you can add to your wardrobe this summer.

How a polo shirt should sit

Before we get into style decisions, here are some tips on how your polo shirt should sit:

• Sleeves should end at mid-biceps.

• The hem of the shirt should not be lower than the middle of the zipper of your trousers and better even a little higher.

• Check the openness of the neck. If it looks skinny like a turkey - it's too wide, if tightened - accordingly too tight. Focus on something in between.

Now let's deal with five ready-made images that you can add to your repertoire for the warm season.

01. All White

If you want to look smart, a completely white look will help strengthen your desire.

Start with a classic white pique cotton polo. Refrain from logos and numbering (that is, nothing pointing to the polo player) and make sure that it has a slim fit.

Then combine with white chinos also a tight-fitting cut and tapering a little at the end (if you choose wider ones, instantly kill the entire gloss and fitted silhouette).

Lastly, complete the look with minimalist shoes, such as white tennis sneakers or deep brown loafers (for a thoughtful contrast).

And the finishing touch. Leave your socks (put on the "invisible") and fold up the pants a couple of times so that your legs breathe.

And remember, if a completely white look is not suitable for your skin tone, try lighter, more neutral tones such as beige or stone or delicate pastel colours like mint green or sky blue that will not have such a blurring effect.

02. Sports Suite

Thanks to its sports heritage (the first appearance on tennis courts, and shortly afterwards in polo games), the polo shirt will easily fit into any look with a premium sports bias.

Combine it with a light bomber jacket and joggers for a light, slightly inspired street style, ensemble or wear it with a pair of simple black trousers and white leather or canvas sneakers to give a luxe look to sports.

If you go this route, stay away from technical fabrics such as polyline and polo styles with details such as colour panels/blocks, zippers (COS) and baseball collars.

03. How to replace a shirt

An easy way to stay fashionable while still keeping you cool is to switch from a long sleeve oxford shirt to a polo shirt. This option is especially suitable for summer events, as well as elegant evenings during the holidays.

Most likely, when choosing, you will have light colours as a priority, so on this basis, we will offer options for polo and in darker shades, such as dark blue and deep dark green (racing green, hunting dark green, forest dark green, moss green, Braunschweig green) to add contrast to the suit and move focus to your body.

If the combination of a T-shirt with a suit gives an informal look, then in the case of a suit and polo, you can go in two ways: dress and combine with classic strict watches and derby/brogues for an aesthetically sophisticated look, or create a casual option - leave the shirt unfilled, ending with minimalistic sneakers or suede loafers.

04. Ceremonial option

If the whole suit is too much for you, then a polo shirt can be used as a topcoat for less formal occasions when it is too hot to wear a blazer.

And although a plain coloured pique cotton polo is suitable here, you can expand your options by adding a little more appeal to the look, for example, pick up a polo with small prints, or choose from those made from premium fabrics such as Sea Island cotton (or close to him in quality) or merino wool.

Combine with neutral chinos in a tight fit such as beige, navy blue and grey to create a flawless smart casual look.

We advise you to leave the polo completely buttoned to avoid the too relaxed, everyday look.

Finish off with leather/suede derby or oxford shoes, or loafers that are particularly suitable here.

05. High Summer

One of the ways to look stylish on hot days without special efforts (and not to resort to t-shirts completely) is to combine your polo with a pair of strict shorts.

The finished combination that every man should have in his repertoire. To do this, pick up a polo shirt in a light shade of breathable fabric to ensure comfort in the heat.

Nevertheless, if you are looking for polo for shorts of neutral colours, do not hesitate to play with patterns and prints, adding a bit of "interest" to its usual, simple look.

We recommend picking up something with patterns from the 70s (from chevrons and floral prints to small peas) and combine with espadrilles, boat shoes, depending on your area. Learn more about the types of polo shirts.

Conclusion

Whether you are planning on some summer event or just want to create a street look, you will have five reasons to have a polo shirt in your arsenal. There are other ways to combine this smart-casual base, for example, under a denim jacket or with a pair of trousers made of wool during the transition to autumn.