The Polo Shirt: A T-Shirt And Collar Combo

A T-shirt with a collar is commonly known as a polo shirt. This style is versatile, bridging the gap between casual and semi-formal attire. The collar adds a touch of formality to the comfort of a T-shirt, and it is easily recognised by its distinct collar, placket with two or three buttons, and sometimes an optional pocket. While the polo shirt is the most iconic collared T-shirt, there are other styles such as the Henley shirt, which lacks a collar but features a buttoning placket.

Polo shirt

A T-shirt with a collar is commonly referred to as a polo shirt. This versatile garment bridges the gap between casual and semi-formal attire, offering both the comfort of a T-shirt and the added formality of a collar. The polo shirt is easily recognisable by its distinct collar, placket with two or three buttons beneath it, and an optional pocket.

The collar can provide a more structured look compared to the typical round neckline of a regular T-shirt. It can also be paired with different collar styles, such as the polo collar, band collar, button-down collar, spread collar, club collar, and tab collar, each offering a unique aesthetic appeal.

The evolution of T-shirt styles has led to various iterations that incorporate collars, catering to different settings and preferences. While the polo shirt remains iconic, other styles like the Henley shirt offer a buttoning placket without a collar. Collared T-shirts can range from designs with button-down collars for a sharper look to more relaxed options with open collars that enhance breathability and ease of movement.

Understanding the array of collared T-shirt styles available is essential for building a versatile wardrobe. Whether you prioritise comfort, style, or appropriateness for the occasion, a collar can elevate the humble T-shirt, making it suitable for a wider range of contexts.

The polo shirt, in particular, has an interesting history. In the early 19th century, England's upper class favoured detachable collars for their status and ease of cleaning. As fashion evolved, these collars became attached, leading to the permanent fixtures found on dress shirts today. The polo shirt, a derivative of this trend, emerged as a functional garment in the sports world, offering both structure and comfort to athletes.

Today, the polo shirt is a staple in casual and semi-formal wardrobes, known for its versatility and ability to transcend its casual origins.

Henley shirt

A t-shirt with a collar is commonly referred to as a polo shirt. However, if you're looking for a t-shirt with a collar, you may also be interested in the Henley shirt.

The Henley shirt is a style of shirt that lacks a collar but features a buttoning placket similar to that of a polo shirt. It is a casual shirt that can be worn by both men and women. Typically, Henley shirts are made from soft and comfortable fabrics, such as cotton, and come in a variety of colours. They can be short or long-sleeved and often feature a waffle or slub texture.

When it comes to finding the right Henley shirt, there are many options available. You can choose from a variety of colours, including classic shades like white, black, navy, and grey, as well as more unique options like apricot and brick red. Henley shirts also come in different weights and fabrics, such as cotton-polyester or cotton-spandex blends, ensuring a balance between comfort and functionality.

Whether you're looking for a casual shirt to wear on the weekends or a more polished look for a smart-casual event, the Henley shirt is a great option. With its soft fabric, versatile style, and affordable price point, it's no wonder that the Henley shirt has become a wardrobe staple for many.

Collared vs. crew/v-neck t-shirts

A t-shirt with a collar is commonly referred to as a polo shirt. This style bridges the gap between casual and semi-formal attire, offering the comfort of a t-shirt with the added formality of a collar. The collar can also provide a more structured look compared to the typical round neckline of a regular t-shirt.

Collared T-Shirts

Collared t-shirts typically feature collars similar to those found on more formal shirts but are designed with casual wear in mind. The collar on a polo shirt is known as a polo collar, a traditional fold-over collar often accompanied by a few buttons at the neck.

Crew/V-Neck T-Shirts

In contrast, crew neck t-shirts have a simple round neckline without a collar, while v-neck t-shirts feature a v-shaped neckline, also without a collar. These styles are typically more casual and can be worn as part of a layered outfit.

When to Wear Each Style

The choice between a collared, crew neck, or v-neck t-shirt ultimately depends on the desired level of formality and personal preference. Collared t-shirts, or polo shirts, are versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for a wide range of occasions. They are a good choice when you want to look presentable while still maintaining comfort and ease of movement.

On the other hand, crew neck t-shirts are often worn for casual street style or during the weekend. They can be layered with various tops such as cardigans, jackets, or jumpers. Crew necks are particularly flattering for people with sloping shoulders, longer necks, or narrow faces, as they create a balancing effect.

V-neck t-shirts, on the other hand, are often chosen when one wants to look put-together, classy, yet still casual. V-necks help elongate the neck, making the face appear slimmer. They are also ideal for showcaseing the chest area, especially if you want to subtly display your hard work at the gym. V-necks pair well with layered outfits, such as cardigans, jackets, or v-neck jumpers.

Collar styles: polo, band, button-down, spread, club, tab

Collars are an important aspect of a shirt, framing and flattering the face. There are three main collar shapes: the spread, the point, and the button-down. Each of these collar types has three main variables: height, length, and spread. The height of the collar should be similar to the proportions of the wearer's face and neck, while the spread should be the opposite. For instance, a wider collar is recommended for those with a narrow face, and a point collar is ideal for those with a wide face.

Additionally, there are other collar styles to consider, such as the polo collar, commonly found on polo shirts, which bridges the gap between casual and semi-formal attire. The band collar, also known as the grandad collar, is a stand-up style without collar points. The button-down collar, often seen on dress shirts, has collar points fastened down with buttons. The spread collar, also known as the English spread collar, features wide-set collar points. The club collar, with its rounded collar points, offers a vintage look. Lastly, the tab collar includes a small tab that fastens under the tie, keeping the collar points in place.

Understanding the various collar styles and how they complement different face shapes and occasions is essential for building a versatile wardrobe.

Collared t-shirt history

Collared t-shirts, or polo shirts, emerged as a functional garment in the sports world. The design allowed polo players to look presentable while engaging in athletic activity, offering both the comfort of a t-shirt and the structure and formality of a collar.

The 19th Century

In the 19th century, the collar, or more specifically, the ruff collar, was a sign of aristocracy. The bigger the frill, the higher the status. This was the era of the "millstone collar", so-called due to its resemblance to the millstone used for grinding grain. During this time, another style, the falling band collar, was also in fashion. This collar had rectangular points that fell over the chest.

The Emergence of the Detachable Collar

In the 19th century, men's white collared shirts were a sign of status. Only the wealthy could afford to have many shirts, likely one for each day of the week, and the service people to wash them. This is what led Hannah Montague to invent the detachable collar in 1827. The collar could be fastened and laundered separately from the shirt, allowing for a shiny white collar at all times while doing less laundry.

The 20th Century

By the mid-20th century, collars had become soft and shirts began to appear in stripes and colours, moving away from the traditional all-white dress shirt. Sharp-pointed collars and rounded collars were in fashion, and shirts were now mostly one-piece, without detachable collars and cuffs. Polo shirts, or soft-collared polo tops, were developed by tennis player Jean Rene Lacoste and became popular sportswear. "Smart casual" became the trend in universities, with collared shirts still associated with class.

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