Polo shirts are considered more casual than shirts. A shirt has a structured collar and a row of buttons and can be made of various fabrics, while a polo has a knit collar, partial button placket, and short sleeves and is usually made of knit material. Read on for more details.
What is Shirt?
Shirts have collars, buttons, and sleeves. Shirts can be made from cotton, silk, linen, or synthetic fibres and come in many styles and designs for different occasions. Depending on the type and material, shirts can be worn casually or formally with pants or skirts. Shirts can be customized with different colours, patterns, and prints, making them versatile fashion items. Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome had shirts. Shirts for men and women have changed with the times. Most people wear shirts, including button-downs, t-shirts, polo shirts, and dress shirts. Shirts with logos or designs are popular for advertising and branding. Modern fashion still favours practical and versatile shirts.
What is Polo?
As a clothing item, polo refers to a style of shirt popularized by the sport of polo. This type of shirt is typically made of knitted fabric with a collar, a button placket, and short sleeves. It often features a small embroidered logo on the left chest, such as a polo player on a horse. Polo players first wore polo shirts in the early 20th century as a more comfortable and practical alternative to the traditional dress shirts worn for the sport. The style quickly gained popularity outside the sport and became a staple casual wear for men, women, and children. The Polo brand, founded by Ralph Lauren, is synonymous with this shirt style and is known for its high-quality and stylish designs. Today, Polo shirts are available in a wide range of colours, patterns, and designs and are worn by people of all ages and backgrounds. They are considered versatile clothing, suitable for casual and dressy occasions, and often paired with jeans or chinos for a classic, preppy look.
Difference Between Shirt and Polo
Ten differences between shirts and polos:
Polo shirts have knit collars, while shirts have structured collars. Polo shirts have a partial button placket, while shirts have a row of buttons down the front.
Fabric
Polo shirts are usually knitted from cotton or polyester, while shirts can be made of cotton, linen, or silk.
Sleeve length
Polo shirts have short sleeves, but shirts can have long, short, or sleeveless sleeves.
Fit
Polo shirts are slimmer and fit tighter than other shirts.
Formality
Polo shirts are casual, while shirts are formal.
Occasion
Polo shirts are better for casual and outdoor activities, while shirts are better for formal events and work. Polo shirts have a small embroidered logo on the chest, while shirts don’t.
Layering
Polo shirts are worn alone, but shirts are often layered.
Neckline
Polo shirts have collars, while shirts have straight or pointed necklines.
