Who Popularized Polo Shirts?
Introduction
Polo shirts are a type of casual shirt that has become a fashion staple over the years. They are characterized by their soft collar, short sleeves, and usually a few buttons that run down the front of the shirt. Polo shirts are comfortable, versatile, and can easily be dressed up or down. But who popularized these shirts, and how did they become such a fashion must-have?
History of Polo Shirts
Contrary to what you might think, polo shirts did not originally start out as a fashion item. They were actually designed for a very specific sport: polo. Polo is a sport that originated in Persia and was popularized by the British in the 19th century. It involves players riding horses and hitting a small ball with a long mallet. It was a sport that was traditionally played by the wealthy elite, and as such, polo shirts were designed to be comfortable and functional for this group.
The first polo shirt was designed in the late 19th century by Lewis Lacey, a British polo player. The shirt was specifically designed to be worn while playing polo, with a long tail at the back to keep it from riding up during play. Polo shirts were made from cotton pique, a breathable, lightweight fabric that was perfect for the hot and humid climate in which polo was typically played.
It wasn''t until the 1920s that polo shirts began to be worn as a fashion item. Tennis players picked up on the comfortable and breathable nature of the shirts and began wearing them on court. This led to the shirts becoming associated with sportswear and casual wear, and they quickly became popular with the general public.
The Rise of the Polo Shirt
The polo shirt remained a staple of sportswear and casual fashion throughout the 20th century. However, it wasn''t until the 1970s that the polo shirt really exploded in popularity. This was thanks in large part to a brand called Lacoste.
René Lacoste was a French tennis player who had won several Grand Slam titles. In the 1920s, he began wearing the comfortable cotton pique shirts while playing tennis. However, he found that the long-sleeved shirts were too restrictive, even when rolled up. So, he decided to create his own short-sleeved version of the shirt.
Lacoste''s shirts were instantly popular with other tennis players, and he decided to start selling them commercially. He founded the brand Lacoste in 1933 and began selling his polo shirts in stores. The shirts featured a small crocodile emblem on the left chest, which was a nod to Lacoste''s nickname, "the Crocodile."
The Lacoste polo shirt quickly became a fashion sensation. It was a perfect combination of comfort and style, and it was worn by everyone from casual tennis players to the most stylish celebrities of the day. Lacoste''s shirts were also popular with golfers, who loved the breathable fabric and comfortable fit.
The Polo Shirt Today
Today, the polo shirt is still a fashion staple. It has evolved over the years, with different brands putting their own spin on the classic design. Some polo shirts feature bold patterns, while others are more understated. Many brands have also added technical fabrics to polo shirts, making them even more comfortable and functional for sports.
The polo shirt remains a popular choice for casual wear, but it can also be dressed up. A classic white polo shirt can look great with a pair of dress pants and loafers, while a brightly colored polo shirt can add a pop of color to a casual outfit.
In conclusion, the polo shirt has come a long way since its origins as a functional piece of sportswear. It has become a fashion icon, thanks in large part to brands like Lacoste that popularized the shirt in the 1970s. Today, the polo shirt remains a staple of both sportswear and casual fashion, and it shows no signs of going out of style anytime soon.
