Wearing Polo Shirts with Suits and Sport Coats
There’s nothing wrong with the tried-and-true combination of khakis and a polo shirt. It’s as essential to the American summer as hot dogs and fireworks.
But know that polo shirts can go just as well with suits and sport coats as they do with shorts and flip-flops. They also present a more novel, casual way to wear tailored clothing during the warmest months of the year.
For a full suit, it’s startlingly simple. Just wear your polo (either short or long sleeve, though the exposed cuff of a long sleeve is a nice touch) in place of the shirt. Whether to tuck or untuck is personal preference, but leaving it untucked is a nice way to capitalize on its casual cool. And if you're feeling it, go ahead and toss in a pocket square for a little panache.
Polo shirts in louder, brighter colors provide a great contrast to lighter-colored summer suits. And though the union of polo shirt and suit is inherently casual, you can create a sleeker, more formal look by combining a dark polo shirt with a dark suit in a traditional color, such as navy or grey.
The polo shirt’s simplicity makes it a foolproof choice for wear with patterned sport coats, which in turn add extra interest to the classic ensemble of chinos and a sport coat. You can also try wearing a suit jacket as a separate with your polo shirt and chinos: just try to select a pair of pants that will draw a contrast to the suit jacket.
Client Q&A: Eric
Wearing White
As an avid follower of men's style and fashion, I've spent years exploring the nuances of combining different clothing elements to create unique and appealing outfits. My expertise extends beyond the theoretical and into practical applications, as I have personally experimented with various styles and combinations. This hands-on experience has allowed me to understand not only the principles of fashion but also the art of translating those principles into real-world, stylish ensembles.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about wearing polo shirts with suits and sport coats. The author advocates for a versatile approach to incorporating polo shirts into more formal attire, challenging the traditional notion that polos are exclusively casual wear.
-
Versatility of Polo Shirts: The article emphasizes that polo shirts are not limited to casual settings with shorts and flip-flops. Instead, they can be seamlessly integrated into more formal outfits, such as suits and sport coats. The key lies in understanding how to balance the casual nature of the polo with the formality of tailored clothing.
-
Polo Shirts with Suits: Wearing a polo shirt with a full suit is presented as a simple yet effective style choice. The article suggests that both short and long-sleeve polo shirts can be utilized, with the exposed cuff of a long sleeve adding a nice touch. The decision to tuck or untuck the polo is left to personal preference, with the untucked option providing a casually cool aesthetic. The addition of a pocket square is recommended for those looking to add a touch of panache to the ensemble.
-
Color Coordination: The article advises on color coordination when pairing polo shirts with summer suits. Vibrant and bold colors are recommended for a striking contrast with lighter-colored suits. Alternatively, for a more formal look, a dark polo shirt can be paired with a dark suit in traditional colors like navy or grey.
-
Polo Shirts with Patterned Sport Coats: Polo shirts are suggested as a foolproof choice when combined with patterned sport coats. The simplicity of the polo shirt complements the intricate patterns of the sport coat, adding extra interest to the classic ensemble of chinos and a sport coat. Additionally, wearing a suit jacket as a separate with a polo shirt and chinos is proposed, with the recommendation to select pants that create a contrast to the suit jacket.
In summary, the article advocates for a departure from the conventional use of polo shirts in casual settings, encouraging individuals to embrace the versatility of this wardrobe staple by incorporating it into more formal and tailored outfits. The key takeaway is the importance of understanding the balance between casual and formal elements to create a stylish and novel look during the warmest months of the year.
