You know it, you love it. It is clearly a staple in your summer repertoire. Blue, brown, striped, solid – there is nothing like a classic polo style shirt.
However, no shirt would be called a “polo shirt” weren’t for the ‘pulu’ an ancient name for a wooden ball. The Persians invented a new game in the 7th century, a game that incorporated the ‘pulu’. Men on horses hit the ‘pulu’ using sticks. Sounds a lot like the game of polo, right? And so, the polo game was born, initially gaining popularity in India, then onto England.
By the mid-1800s, British polo teams began wearing knitted shirts (jerseys) simply because they were more comfortable and less restrictive. By the late 1800’s an entrepreneur took notice of the jerseys, redesigned them and sold them as ‘polo shirts.’
The shirt evolves and spans a number of sports and organized team play including polo, tennis and soccer. The comfortable design featuring a ribbed collar and short sleeves captured the attention of the public. Those active in sports also appreciated the extra long tail of the polo shirt. Even executives felt ready to ditch their starchy shirts on weekends, and relax while wearing a polo shirt.
So now you know where it all began, without having to commit to an hour in front of the History Channel. And, as much as things change the more they say the same - a polo is still the classic do what you want to do item. Ever so versatile, be it sports, a super dressed down day at the office or a casual weekend, you can’t go wrong in the tried and true polo.
