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Wearing an $80 Polo Shirt for a Week Continuously: Explaining My Obsession That Has Become an Everyday Essential

Spending an entire week in an $80 J.Crew pique polo shirt, a GQ contributor expresses no regrets. Here's how he styled it and why you should consider owning one.

Wearing an $80 Polo Shirt Continuously for a Week: My Newfound Obsession Explained
Wearing an $80 Polo Shirt Continuously for a Week: My Newfound Obsession Explained

Wearing an $80 Polo Shirt for a Week Continuously: Explaining My Obsession That Has Become an Everyday Essential

In the realm of men's fashion, the pique polo shirt stands as a timeless classic that continues to captivate and inspire. Its origins can be traced back to the 1920s, when French tennis legend René Lacoste sought to revolutionise the restrictive and formal attire of his time.

Lacoste's ingenious solution was a short-sleeved shirt made from pique cotton—a textured, breathable fabric—featuring a soft collar and buttoned placket. This design provided both comfort and sophistication, making it ideal for athletic performance while maintaining an air of elegance. The shirt also introduced the iconic crocodile emblem, signalling one of the first luxury sportswear brands and elevating the polo shirt from mere functional garment to a status symbol[1].

The choice of pique cotton was particularly strategic due to its superior breathability and moisture management, qualities that made the shirt highly practical for sports and leisure. Lacoste’s design set the standard for modern luxury polo shirts, balancing performance with style[1][3].

As the years passed, the polo shirt transitioned from exclusive sportswear into mainstream fashion. Hollywood icons like James Dean and Paul Newman popularised the look, embedding it in popular culture as a symbol of relaxed yet refined masculinity[1]. Subsequently, American designer Ralph Lauren further evolved and popularised the polo shirt since its debut in 1972. His versions expanded the range of fits, colours, and patterns, making the polo shirt a versatile wardrobe staple beyond sport, appealing to men with varying styles and needs[3].

The polo shirt’s historical roots also intertwine with broader fashion movements such as Ivy League and preppy styles, which emerged from American university culture in the mid-20th century. These styles emphasised timeless, smart-casual clothing that blended British tailoring with American ease—an aesthetic that perfectly complemented the polo shirt’s blend of elegance and comfort. This look, characterised by “smart but nonchalant” style, has seen revivals reflecting ongoing appreciation for heritage menswear[5].

For a week straight, this author put the J.Crew classic pique polo shirt to the test, wearing it in various situations. From handling a heat wave, museum visits, coffee runs, grill mode, and various fits with ease, the shirt proved to be pitch-perfect and versatile. The author also donned Madewell jeans—a cotton-linen blend, billowy, and medium-wash—for a summery, relaxed look. To complete the ensemble, classic canvas sneakers and khaki chinos were worn during the described occasion, while a sunwashed canvas shirt from L.L.Bean added a touch of coolness to the overall outfit.

The pique polo shirt, with its low maintenance nature, built for work or weekends, and its ability to get better with age, remains a staple in men's fashion. Its timeless appeal, rooted in both its design and cultural significance, continues to resonate with contemporary fashion enthusiasts, making it a wardrobe essential for any man seeking to exude an effortless, refined style.

References:

[1] The New York Times. (2020). The Story of the Polo Shirt. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/04/fashion/the-story-of-the-polo-shirt.html

[3] Esquire UK. (2021). The History of the Polo Shirt. Retrieved from https://www.esquire.co.uk/style/menswear/a35974850/polo-shirt-history/

[5] The Rake. (2020). The Ivy League Look: A Comprehensive Guide. Retrieved from https://www.therake.com/guides/the-ivy-league-look-a-comprehensive-guide/

  1. GQ recommends adding a pique polo shirt to your fashion-and-beauty collection as it is a timeless classic that balances performance with style.
  2. For a casual yet refined lifestyle, pair a pique polo shirt with fashion-and-beauty choices such as Madewell jeans and classic canvas sneakers.
  3. The food-and-drink experience can also be elevated by opting for a pique polo shirt, adding a touch of sophistication to your home-and-garden setting while engaging in shopping activities.
  4. The pique polo shirt, from its origins to its cultural significance, is the perfect wardrobe essential if you're seeking to exude an effortless, refined style, aligning with the modern trends of a lifestyle that embraces fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden shopping.

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