Early Days

The name for the polo shirt originates from an ancient Tibetan sportsman. Back in the 7th century, the word pulu was given to a wooden ball that men on horses had to hit using various sticks. This game soon became better known as polo and by the 18th century, shirts worn during these games were known as polo shirts. Polo shirts are made from a high quality material and are often used in sports due to their durability and comfort levels. By the early 1900s, matching polo shirts were being worn by sports teams all over the world and the t-shaped shirt complete with smart collar; often featuring a two or three button placket has remained with the same design for at least a century.

Polo Shirts in Sport

Polo shirts are synonymous with the sporting world with women’s polo shirts sharing the same high popularity as men’s. Many golf players choose to wear polo shirts when out on the courses, as do tennis players; some of the more famous female faces known to regularly adorn polo shirts include Michelle Wie and Venus Williams. Polo shirts in sport are available in a range of colours. Bright pinks, greens and blues are commonly found on sportsmen and women - if you want to be taken seriously on the courts or greens, then polo shirts are a must.

Polo Shirts in Fashion

While polo shirts are regularly worn by sporting figures, they are also popular in fashion. Catwalks all over the world are often awash with men’s and women’s polo shirts. Ralph Lauren is one of the most famous designers who regularly designs new shirts complete with his trademark logo, and Lacoste with its snapping crocodile logo is another name associated with the t-shirt design. These highly fashionable polo shirts are often worn by sports people when they are enjoying their normal lives. David Beckham, Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova are all fans of the relaxed t-shirt style.

As well as sports stars, Hollywood actors and actresses are also prone to wearing casual polo shirts, and no one wears women’s polo shirts better than actress Megan Fox who was recently spotted wearing a green polo shirt while out shopping with her stepson in fashion-conscious Los Angeles. Harrison Ford has also been snapped wearing the popular polo design while out on a bike ride, and Sean Penn is another celebrity recently photographed wearing a polo shirt while working out.

Polo shirts have been considered fashionable attire for many years and their popularity stems from their comfortable yet shapely fit. Women’s polo shirts are proving to be just as popular as men’s in more recent years and with top brand designer names continuing to produce new designs, polo shirts look set to last the test of time in the ever-changing world of fashion.