Discover the history of the classic Polo Shirt
Artaper BVThe polo shirt. It's a wardrobe staple, a symbol of casual elegance, and a blank canvas for your unique style, perfectly embodied by the quality and artistry you'll find here at Artaper. But where did this iconic garment come from? Join us as we explore the fascinating history of the classic polo shirt and its evolution into the versatile piece we know and love today.
The Polo Grounds: Origins in Equestrian Sport
Our story begins not on the fashion runway, but on the vibrant green fields of polo matches in late 19th-century India. Players needed attire that was both comfortable and practical during the intense sport. The traditional long-sleeved shirts, often made of thick cotton, were cumbersome and tended to ride up, hindering movement.
Enter the Manipur Polo Club, where a solution began to take shape. Players started modifying their shirts, most notably by adding buttons to the collar to prevent it from flapping during play. This simple yet ingenious design proved incredibly effective.
The innovation caught the eye of British polo players, who adopted the style and brought it back to Europe in the early 20th century. It quickly gained popularity within the sporting community, becoming synonymous with the prestigious game of polo. This is where the shirt truly earned its name – the original polo shirt.
René Lacoste: Revolutionizing Tennis Fashion
However, the polo shirt's journey from the sports field to everyday fashion wouldn't be complete without the vision of a true sporting legend: René Lacoste. A renowned French tennis player in the 1920s, Lacoste was nicknamed "The Crocodile" for his tenacity on the court. He found the traditional long-sleeved tennis whites equally restrictive.
In 1926, Lacoste designed his own version of the sporting shirt. Crafted from a lightweight, breathable pique cotton knit, his shirt featured short sleeves and an unstarched, flat collar. Crucially, it also sported a small embroidered crocodile logo on the chest – a nod to his famous nickname. This revolutionary tennis shirt, comfortable and stylish, quickly gained popularity among tennis players and beyond.
The Birth of a Brand: Lacoste's Enduring Legacy
In 1933, Lacoste partnered with André Gillier to commercially produce his shirts, officially launching the Lacoste brand. Their design became the benchmark for the modern polo shirt, influencing countless variations and interpretations.
From Sporting Fields to Street Style: The Polo Shirt's Fashion Ascent
Over the decades, the short-sleeved knit shirt with a collar transcended its sporting origins to become a fashion icon. It was embraced by various subcultures, from preppy students to casual weekenders. The versatility of the polo shirt allowed it to be dressed up or down, making it a timeless piece in any wardrobe.
The Polo Shirt Today: A Canvas for Your Style at Artaper
Today, the polo shirt continues to evolve in terms of fabrics, colors, and fits. At Artaper, we celebrate this enduring classic by offering unique printed designs, high-quality materials, and artistic interpretations. Our collection of stylish polo shirts pays homage to its rich history while embracing contemporary aesthetics.
Whether you're drawn to its sporty heritage or its effortless style, the classic polo tee remains a symbol of understated cool. Explore our curated selection at Artaper and discover your perfect interpretation of this iconic piece.
What's your favorite memory or style of a Polo shirt? Please share it in the comments below!
And don't forget to check out our latest collection of Premium and comfortable Polo shirts at Unisex Polos collections!
