Not all polos are created equally, especially if you’re looking for the best polo shirt for hot weather locations like the Philippines, which is notorious for its year-round humid climate.
With their distinct collared necklines and half-buttoned plackets, polo shirts have become a go-to wardrobe staple for looking presentable while staying comfortable. But when you’re browsing through racks, it’s easy to find yourself scratching your head trying to choose one that balances style with breathability.
That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best polo shirts that you can own to beat the sticky, humid weather in style.
Why is it called a polo shirt?
The term polo shirt initially did not refer to the wardrobe staple that we know today. Originally, it was an Oxford button-down shirt designed to prevent its collars from flapping in the wind while polo players played on the field.
Similarly, tennis players back then used to wear a restrictive button-up-and-necktie uniform on the court, which is the same sport that gave birth to the polo shirt iteration that we’re familiar with today.
It was French tennis player and seven-time Grand Slam champion, René Lacoste, who first wore the half-button placket version as a comfortable alternative to those stiff button-downs. Aside from improving its design, Le Crocodile also updated its construction by using breathable cotton piqué instead, which encouraged flexible, unrestricted movement for players.
Later on, in the ’70s, American fashion house Ralph Lauren—inspired by Lacoste’s invention—released their own iteration of rainbow-hued polo shirts under their “Polo” line, complete with the brand’s signature pony logo embroidery.
Ever since then, and with its integration into preppy and classic menswear styling, the term polo shirt stuck. Today, it refers to the quintessential capsule wardrobe piece that no closet should be without.
What is the best fabric for summer polo shirts?
Summer days are meant to be spent soaking up the sun or relaxing by the beach. But for those looking to keep their style on point without swimming in a pool of sweat, a polo shirt might seem like the last thing you’d want to wear during a heatwave.
Fortunately, it all comes down to the material. Here are four fabrics to get acquainted with so you can select the best polo shirt to beat the summer heat:
Cotton
As one of the most common types of natural fabrics, cotton polo shirts are a top summer pick for beating the heat in style.
Known for its lightweight and breathable properties, cotton helps pull moisture away from the skin and boasts a soft texture, resulting in an airy, comfortable feel when worn. It’s also incredibly easy to wash and maintain, allowing you to keep it on regular rotation in your wardrobe.
However, pure cotton fabrics are also prone to wrinkling and shrinking easily, so be sure to always handle them with extra care.
Moisture-wicking Polyester
Another great summer wardrobe addition, moisture-wicking polo shirts are definitely one of the best options to choose from when keeping style and comfort in check.
Typically made out of synthetic polyester fibers, moisture-wicking fabric is lightweight, durable, and engineered to quickly pull sweat away from your body, which is highly effective at preventing those dreaded sweat stains.
Because of this, sports performance polo shirts—such as those designed for golf and tennis—often use this fabric. They sometimes even come with additional features like odor resistance and UV protection to keep you smelling fresh and protected during extended sun exposure.
The best things about a moisture-wicking polo shirt? They are highly durable, wrinkle-resistant, and do not shrink or fade easily, ensuring they will stay in your wardrobe rotation for a long time.
Mesh Knit
A type of fabric made out of looped yarns instead of traditional weaving techniques, mesh knit polo shirts are also a good choice for expanding your summer wardrobe rotation.
Distinguished by its small perforations and stretchy, lightweight construction, mesh knit is the same type of open-weave fabric utilized in sports jerseys worn by basketball and football players. Due to these tiny visible holes, mesh polo shirts instantly provide maximum ventilation, encouraging improved airflow as you move and helping to prevent those annoying sweat stains.
Mesh knit polo shirts designed for everyday lifestyle are typically made out of cotton, giving them a stylish, textured drape, while sports performance ones often come in a polyester fabrication for added durability.
Jersey
The same type of fabric used in constructing the staple t-shirt, polo shirts made out of jersey mimic the exact comfort and feel that your go-to tee offers during hot weather.
Known for their soft, smooth, and breathable properties, jersey polo shirts deliver a lightweight, airy feel that is best for daily activities and casual wear. Not to mention, they are also typically the most affordable option on this list, allowing you to easily invest in a handful of pieces to complete your summer rotation.
What are good polo shirt brands?
When looking for the best polo shirts in the market, two brands instantly pop up in our minds and on the search results page—Polo Ralph Lauren and Lacoste.
With their long history of producing this wardrobe staple, these two fashion houses have become a household name for those looking for long-lasting and quality polo shirts. Both labels have even expanded their offerings, which now include polos made out of high-performance hybrid fabrications on top of their classic cotton piqué.
Big sportswear retailers like Nike and Adidas also offer a diverse range of polo shirt collections, mainly subdivided into the two brands’ lifestyle and athletic wear categories. These are best suited for those who intend to make this wardrobe piece a versatile sports top, offering a highly technical and affordable price range without sacrificing quality and durability.
Living in a tropical country like the Philippines gifts you with pristine white beaches and crystal clear hidden lagoons. But along with this beautiful scenery is its famous hot weather climate that can be a challenge when you want to look stylish without swimming in a pool of sweat. With a solid knowledge about the best fabrics to choose from, you’re halfway there in nailing that presentable look— whether you’re lounging by the beach or commuting through the metro traffic.
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