In Focus: The Polo Shirt’s Rise to Menswear Icon
Whether it’s for a weekend lunch or a dressed down day at the office, the polo shirt has cemented its place as a menswear essential.
With Father’s Day just around the corner, the search is on for a gift that strikes the perfect balance between classic and cool.
Enter: the polo shirt. A mainstay in every dad’s weekend rotation, and let’s be honest, probably his weekday wardrobe too—the polo shirt is the ultimate go-to. But this wardrobe staple is more than just a buttoned-up tee with a collar. Behind its relaxed fit and sporty roots lies a fascinating history that spans continents, cultures, and closets.
From the Fields of Sport to the Streets of Style
(PHOTOS/lofficielusa)
The story of the polo shirt begins, unsurprisingly, on the polo field. In the late 19th century, British Army officers stationed in India adopted the sport of polo. Worn by local players, it was designed with the often high-collared and long-sleeved shirts. These early designs were practical but stiff, often made of thick cotton or wool.
Who Made It a Thing
(PHOTOS/Lacoste)
It wasn’t until the 1920s that the modern polo shirt took shape, thanks to French tennis legend and seven time Grand Slam Champion Jean René Lacoste. Tired of the starched, long-sleeve ‘tennis whites’ of the time, Lacoste designed a short-sleeved, breathable pique cotton shirt that allowed for greater movement and comfort. It featured a soft collar that could be flipped up to block the sun, a buttoned placket. and yes the now iconic crocodile logo. Though originally made for tennis, the design quickly found its way to golf courses, country clubs, and eventually, everyday wardrobes.
(PHOTO/ralphlauren.com) (PHOTO/Ralph Lauren's Polo Shirt Book)
René Lacoste may have pioneered the polo as performance wear, but other names helped cement it as a fashion icon. In the 1970s, Ralph Lauren took the design mainstream with his Polo line, naming the brand after the sport to evoke an air of East Coast sophistication. His version of the polo shirt became a symbol of prep school polish and aspirational lifestyle—one that blended sport, elegance, and status.
Soon after, other brands and icons would reinterpret the polo shirt in their own image. Tennis champions like Fred Perry and Björn Borg offered their own spins. Meanwhile, hip-hop artists in the ‘90s adopted oversized Ralph Lauren polos as a symbol of aspirational wealth, redefining what preppy meant in urban culture.
Polos in Pop Culture
By the 1980s, the polo shirt became the uniform of Ivy League students and country club regulars. Think The Breakfast Club’s Andrew Clark or any teen movie dad from the decade. It symbolized clean-cut, respectable style.
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By the ‘90s, it was reinterpreted by hip-hop royalty like Kanye West and Grand Puba, who rocked it with gold chains and street swagger. In film and TV, the polo has graced everyone from James Bond to Tony Soprano—proof of its versatility across genres and generations.
Today’s Polo Shirt: Still Cool
Even today, the polo shirt continues to be reimagined across fashion categories. Minimalist brands now offer monochrome versions with tonal logos. Athleisure labels use technical fabrics, while luxury houses experiment with materials like silk and cashmere for an elevated twist.
And Gen Z style stars are raiding thrift stores for vintage Lacoste and Polo Ralph Lauren, giving the look a new wave of cool. It’s no longer just a “dad” shirt—but this Father’s Day, it might just be the most stylish one he unwraps.
Where to Shop in the Philippines
Ready to pick one up? Whether you’re going for timeless and tailored or sporty and relaxed, these brands have stores across the country to help you find the one.
Lacoste: The OG. Known for its breathable cotton and unmistakable crocodile, Lacoste polos walk the line between sporty and luxe.
Ralph Lauren: Arguably the most iconic. The pony logo has become synonymous with American prep style, and its wide color range and fits make it a favorite across generations.
Tommy Hilfiger: The all-American favorite. With its bold color blocking and clean lines, Tommy Hilfiger polos give off a casual-cool energy perfect for weekend wear.
So this Father’s Day, skip the socks, mugs, and the fleeting trends. Give Dad a style icon he can wear for years to come. The polo shirt isn’t just a piece of clothing—it’s a piece of history.
Written by: Kate Oabel
Shop now:
Lacoste is located at Alabang Town Center, Central Square, City of Dreams, Eastwood Mall, Estancia Mall, Fairview Terraces, Gateway Mall, Glorietta 4, Glorietta 2, Greenbelt 5, Newport Mall, Rockwell, Robinson's Galleria, Robinson's Magnolia, Robinson's Place Manila, Rustan's Makati, Rustan's Shangrila, Shangrila Plaza East Wing, SM Megamall, SM Mall Of Asia, The Podium, Solaire, Trinoma, U.P. Town Center, Harbor Point, Limketkai Mall, Marquee Mall Pampanga, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, SM Baguio, SM Pampanga, Ayala Legazpi, Ayala Cebu, Waterfront Cebu, Abreeza Davao, SM Davao, KCC Veranza GenSan, and KCC Zamboanga. Polo Ralph Lauren is located at Rustan's Makati and Shangri-la Plaza Main Wing. Tommy Hilfiger is located at Central Square, Greenbelt 5, Kiss & Fly Terminal 3 Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Newport Mall, Okada Manila, Robinsons Place Manila, Rustan's Makati, Rustan's Shangri-la, SM Mall of Asia and Trinoma.
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