The polo shirt is a classic piece that almost everyone has worn. But few people know why it is called a “polo shirt” or how it got its name.

The polo shirt got its name from the sport of polo, where players originally wore long-sleeve cotton shirts. Later, these shirts were adapted and redesigned by brands like Brooks Brothers and René Lacoste, becoming the modern short-sleeve polo shirt.

I remember when I first heard that polo shirts were linked to an actual sport. It made me appreciate the history behind such a simple piece of clothing.

Table of Contents

• How did polo shirts originate?
• How did the modern short-sleeve polo shirt appear?
• Why did the name “polo shirt” stay?
• How is a polo shirt different from other collared shirts?
• Conclusion

How did polo shirts originate?

The history of the polo shirt begins in the sport of polo in India and England.

Polo shirts started as long-sleeved shirts worn by polo players in the 19th century. They had button-down collars to keep them from flapping during the game.

From sport to fashion

19th century

• British soldiers in India adopted these shirts for polo matches.
• They added buttoned collars for practicality.

Brooks Brothers

• In 1896, Brooks Brothers brought the button-down collared shirt design to the US, calling it a “polo shirt,” even though it was still long-sleeved.
• More on Brooks Brothers history can be found on their official website.

How did the modern short-sleeve polo shirt appear?

The modern polo shirt design came later, inspired by tennis.

In the 1920s, French tennis player René Lacoste created a short-sleeve cotton shirt with a soft collar, which became the modern polo shirt style.

Lacoste’s influence

1926

• Lacoste introduced a lightweight, breathable shirt with a soft collar.
• This design replaced stiff tennis attire.

Lacoste brand

• After retirement, Lacoste started producing these shirts with the crocodile logo. Learn more about this history on Lacoste’s official history page.

Adoption

• The style spread from tennis to golf, polo, and casual wear.

Why did the name “polo shirt” stay?

Even though tennis made the design popular, the name “polo shirt” stuck.

The name stayed because the original collared sport shirts were used for polo, and over time, the style became a standard for many sports and casual fashion.

Why the name survived

• Polo was considered a stylish, elite sport.
• Brands kept the term “polo shirt” as it carried prestige.
• Over decades, it became the common term for collared knit shirts.

For a detailed explanation of the evolution of sportswear terminology, check this fashion history resource.

How is a polo shirt different from other collared shirts?

Polo shirts have a unique combination of fabric and structure.

Unlike dress shirts, polo shirts are made from knitted fabrics like piqué cotton, have a soft collar, and usually a two- or three-button placket.

Key differences

Conclusion

The polo shirt gets its name from the sport of polo, but its modern design was shaped by tennis. Today, it is a staple of casual and smart-casual fashion.

1. Brooks Brothers brand history: https://www.brooksbrothers.com
2. Lacoste brand history: https://www.lacoste.com
3. Fashion history reference: https://www.fashionhistory.edu