Essentials – Spring 2011: The Polo
Gabe Alonso 
Image from GQ.com
Once it starts getting really hot outside, the last thing you want to do is wear long sleeves. The less fabric you have on the better, right? I know out here in NYC, the humidity can get absolutely stifling. We can’t wear t-shirts all day, every day. Well, maybe you can, but you shouldn’t. Think of polos as the t-shirt for the well-dressed man. Just because you’re slightly dressed down doesn’t mean you can’t look good. Remember dressing casual does not equal douchiness.
There are tons of brands that make polos – Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Nautica, L.L. Bean, Land’s End, Gap, Abercrombie, etc. just to name a few. They almost all have branding on them. You can thank Lacoste for putting their alligator on it back in 1952 as a marketing ploy (go figure). It’s your choice to go for branding or not. I personally love the fit of my old Abercrombie polos. I’ve had them for over 5 years now and they still fit me perfect. Because of that, I suck it up and deal with the moose. Your call, there are plenty of choices.
Don’t be afraid to stray from solid colors and go for some stripes or patterns. If you’re a polo newbie, start with the basics – white, blue, grey, and maybe a red or green. Simple and they go with everything. When it comes to fit, don’t go all 90′s rapper and wear an XXL when in reality you’re a medium or small. Your polos should fit similar to your favorite t-shirt or oxford shirt (see picture above). Slightly tapered in the body to accentuate that v-shape you’ve been working on all winter in the gym and not too tight in the sleeve so you don’t cut off your circulation. As far as tuck vs. no tuck? That’s strictly up to you. I tend not to tuck in my polos as I usually wear them in a more casual setting. But take heed of the length – if it goes down to your crotch, tuck it in. Polos should fall just below the belt, no more than between the belt and the bottom of your crotch.
Here are some options to look for this Spring.
Polo Ralph Lauren, Slim-fit Mesh Polo – $75
Golden Fleece® Slim-Fit novelty Performance Polo – $64.50 or 2 for $109
L.L. Bean Signature Casco Bay Striped Polo – $39
(I actually liked this one so much I bought it before posting this)
Gap New Classic Polo – $29.50, 2 or more for $25/each
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