The History of the Polo Shirt

Welcome to a blast from the past as we dive into the remarkable legacy of an everyday wardrobe staple – the Polo Shirt! A classic piece, a testament to timeless style, the humble polo often goes unnoticed.

You might not realise that the history of the polo shirt is full of surprises, rooted deeply in the search for practicality within elite sports such as tennis, golf, and the game from which it borrowed its name, polo.

Who Invented the Polo Shirt?

The invention of the iconic polo shirt poses a conundrum. Did they emerge from the polo fields, cultivated by Brooks Brothers? Or, were they founded on the tennis court, courtesy of René Lacoste?

This fascinating question is an ongoing debate, shadowed by two competing narratives. In the end, it’s up to you to choose which version of the tale you subscribe to!

Tennis – René Lacoste

Rewind to the 1920s. A time when jazz was all the rage, and a Frenchman named René Lacoste was ruling the roost in the world of tennis. His claim to fame? He has no less than seven Grand Slam titles across his impressive career.

Despite his roaring success, Lacoste wasn’t happy with the cumbersome tennis clothing of the time – long-sleeved woven shirts, heavy flannel trousers, and a stiff necktie. An athletic sport like tennis demanded attire that was much less stifling.

So, Lacoste decided to revolutionise the traditional tennis uniform, crafting a well-ventilated, short-sleeved shirt from breathable material. He also incorporated the now-signature collar and buttons of a polo shirt. Little did he know that he may have birthed one of the first examples of modern smart casual clothing. 

Lacoste unveiled his innovative design at the 1926 US Open, and later, the shirt was embellished with a crocodile emblem – an affectionate nod to his nickname, ‘The Crocodile’. His venture into the apparel industry post-retirement speaks volumes about the success of his creation – truly a piece of fashion history!

Polo – Brooks Brothers

The alternate legend predates Lacoste’s, tracing back to the misty 1800s in India, the birthplace of polo. As polo clubs’ popularity grew, the players’ uniforms—heavy, long-sleeved shirts woven from thick cotton—drew criticism.

India’s hot and humid climate, combined with polo’s demanding nature encouraged players to innovate. To this end, the sleeves of the shirts were shortened, and buttoned collars were introduced, similar to Lacoste’s later design.

As the century wound down, John E. Brooks of Brooks Brothers – a descendant of the original founder – set off on a buying trip to Europe. Upon seeing a polo match, he was impressed by the practicality of a buttoned collar.

He returned to the US, armed with this revolutionary design concept and began introducing it into dress shirts. The result? The world saw its first official button-down polo shirt in 1896 – two decades before Lacoste’s tennis version.

So there you have it, two intriguing stories behind the birth of a fashion classic. While the truth of the polo shirt’s origin is unclear, the impact of this versatile garment is undeniable. The polo shirt continues evolving while keeping its place in our wardrobes, a testament to enduring fashion.

At Mainline, we’re proud to stock polo shirts designed by the biggest brands. Whether you’re a traditionalist and like the idea of an original Lacoste polo or you want to try a variation from Fred Perry or BOSS, we have hundreds to choose from.

Browse the full polo shirt collection