We see them everywhere—on golf courses, at offices, and in casual wear. But why are these collared shirts called "polo" shirts?
Polo shirts are named after the sport of polo, where players first wore collared short-sleeve shirts for function and flexibility. The term stuck after fashion brands adopted the style for mainstream use.
I’ve worked with apparel buyers who often confuse polo shirts with dress shirts or tees. But their origin is sporty—and their legacy, iconic. Let’s trace the name’s roots.
Table of Contents
- Where did the polo shirt originate?
- What makes a shirt a polo shirt?
- Why did the name “polo” stick even in other sports?
- Are polo shirts still popular today?
- Conclusion
Where did the polo shirt originate?
The sport gave the shirt its name.
Polo shirts originated in India in the late 1800s, where British polo players needed lightweight, breathable shirts with collars that stayed down during play.
To solve the flapping-collar problem, they added buttons to hold the collar in place—a feature still found on many modern designs.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1859 | Polo introduced to British in India |
| 1890s | Players began wearing cotton knit shirts |
| 1920s | Brooks Brothers brings it to the U.S.[^1] |
| 1933 | Lacoste popularizes polo shirt in tennis[^2] |
Even though tennis eventually adopted the style, the "polo" name stuck.
What makes a shirt a polo shirt?
Structure and fabric set it apart.
A polo shirt typically has a soft collar, a two- or three-button placket, short sleeves, and is made of cotton piqué or jersey knit.
Polo vs Other Shirts
| Feature | Polo Shirt | T-shirt | Dress Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collar | Yes (soft) | No | Yes (structured, stiff) |
| Placket & Buttons | 2–3 buttons | None | Full-length button-up |
| Fabric | Knit (piqué or jersey) | Knit (usually jersey) | Woven (cotton, poplin, etc.) |
| Fit | Semi-fitted or relaxed | Loose or fitted | Fitted or tailored |
Polo shirts combine the formality of a collar with the comfort of a knit fabric.
Why did the name “polo” stick even in other sports?
Branding played a big role.
Although tennis players and golfers wear similar shirts, the term “polo shirt” became popular after brands like Lacoste and Ralph Lauren used it to market casual elegance.
In fact, Ralph Lauren’s Polo Ralph Lauren brand heavily reinforced the term in Western fashion—even if the shirt wasn’t used in polo[^3].
It became a symbol of preppy, smart-casual wear by association.
Are polo shirts still popular today?
Yes—and more versatile than ever.
Polo shirts are a staple in menswear and women's casual fashion. Their balance between formal and relaxed style keeps them relevant in offices, schools, and sportswear.
You’ll find modern versions in:
- Tech performance fabrics
- Oversized fits for streetwear
- Sleek designs for business casual
- Sustainable organic cotton
Their shape may evolve, but their identity remains rooted in sport and smart style.
Conclusion
Shirts are called "polo" because they were originally worn in the sport of polo. Over time, their design became mainstream through fashion brands—and the name stuck. Today, they’re a global wardrobe essential with a sporty, polished vibe.
[^1]: Brooks Brothers was among the first to introduce button-down collar shirts inspired by polo attire in the U.S. See: History of the Button-Down
[^2]: René Lacoste, a tennis legend, created a short-sleeve shirt for tennis that adopted the polo style and later became iconic worldwide.
[^3]: Ralph Lauren’s "Polo" line redefined American sportswear in the 1970s, even though it had no direct link to the sport itself.