Polski
Trends are many times a total surprise. It is difficult to really predict what will become known as a hit. The polo shirt has been on the dream list of many a fashion fan this year. That’s because the comfortable collar model dominated the runways in the summer 2025 season. No one would have heard of this classic if it weren’t for coincidence and a huge love of sports. It’s a story worthy of a movie script. Women’s polo shirt and the history of the popular shirt popularly known as polo shirt.
Table of Contents:
- History of the “fleece” – How did the sports jersey find its way into the fashion world?
- Women’s polo shirt – a hot trend this spring!
- How to fashionably style a polo shirt?
- Polo shirt styling tips for different silhouettes
“At Lacoste, we believe that the polo shirt is a symbol not only of sporting heritage, but also of timeless elegance that stands out in everyday fashion.” – emphasizes Louise Trotter, creative director of the Lacoste brand.
“At Gucci, we have always focused on strong contrasts. Combining the sporty touch provided by the fleece with Italian luxury offers endless possibilities for creating unique looks,” – notes Sabato De Sarno, creative director of Gucci.
History of the “fleece” – How did the sports jersey find its way into the fashion world?
“Polo” is a short-sleeved shirt with a neckline decorated with buttons (2 or 3 pieces), but the most important thing is the soft collar that gives elegance. Before this garment found its way into women’s closets, a long time passed. The history of this classic model was born in the sports world. John E. Brooks is considered the creator of this fashion hit. The inspiration for the unique garment turned out to be a polo match held in England (the people of this country “imported” polo from exotic India, which belonged to the British Empire). Adding a clasp to the collar turned out to be an innovation. The debut of the unusual design came in 1889, at which time the “original button-down polo shirt” conquered the market. Most people, however, recognize that it was the famous designer and former tennis player Rene Lacoste who first created the “polo shirt” in which he made his debut at the 1962 US Open match. He is the one responsible for the current cut as we know it, in addition, the founder of the Lacoste brand definitely contributed to making this piece of clothing famous. He quickly noticed that sportswear adorned with a crocodile (a symbol from Lacoste’s nickname “Le Crocodile”) was extremely popular, so he began mass-producing the shirts with manufacturer Andre Gilier. Importantly, it wasn’t until 1972 that Ralph Lauren released a line of cotton “polos” adorned with a distinctive embroidered logo featuring a polo player. Since then, they have been the brand’s trademark and a sales hit.
The history of the “fleece” is complicated, but the fact that it originated as men’s sportswear is undeniable. Just like how the world quickly appreciated the innovative design. The sporty top did quite a stir in the fashion industry. The 1960s proved to be a breakthrough, as the collar shirt became an important element in the image of many subcultures, including the mods (the milieu was born in the 1960s in London, the hallmark of the style is elegant, expensive styling to help the working class lead a “rich” life). Quickly “polos” made their way overseas, meaning to the United States and to everyday styling, including for women. Currently, regardless of geographic location, as well as gender, the polo shirt is a popular choice.
Women’s polo shirt – a hot trend this spring!
The summer 2024 season introduced a slew of trends into women’s closets. Quite a few hits returned in spectacular style, while others only last year gained the status of must-have, and therefore object of desire. The polo shirt, a short-sleeved model with a collar, is a chic replacement for the classic T-shirt or elegant shirt. This sporty top has left the tennis courts and grass polo fields, because it has literally taken over the fashion runways. Miu Miu offers several renditions of “polo shirts,” from single-color pieces to those patterned and with contrasting trim. Lacoste, Casablanca and Dries van Noten – they too have succumbed to the fashion of the comfortable polo shirt. Gucci, on the other hand, relies on long-sleeved versions (longsleeve type). This shows that brands creating a truly different aesthetic were tempted by a somewhat forgotten sports classic, which they made a huge spring hit out of. Smooth, patterned, short, long? Currently, any version of “fleece” is fashionable!
How to fashionably style a polo shirt?
In the summer 2025 season, the plain T-shirt will give way to the “fleece”. Jeans, fabric pants with wide legs, bermudas, skirts of all kinds, micro shorts – these are just a few examples of clothing that perfectly harmonize with this variant of the top. This shows that the polo shirt is suitable not only for sporty combinations in the climate of the tennis court. Very elegant items will bring a touch of chic to the styling, while classics will be a calm environment for the hot trend. Meanwhile, a girly accent will help enliven the juxtaposition and add a touch of sensuality.
The polo shirt is a sporty model that guarantees incredible comfort. It can be worn solo, as well as in layered combinations. A perfect addition to this top will turn out to be other hot hits of the spring-summer 2025 season, for example, suit vests, leather jackets, as well as loose collar jackets. Ideas for using the polo shirt are many, but compositions for the so-called “onion” dominate. Underneath the “polo” many fashionistas (fashion fans) place a chic shirt, a contrasting long-sleeved top or a fitted turtleneck. Equally unobvious combination will be a set with a dress, which in this case will become a skirt, because it will be covered by the “fleece”. On top, on the other hand, there will be a hoodie, a sweater or a strapless underwear blouse. Unusual use of a sports jersey avoids styling straight from the court, although they are very fashionable – just look at the Miu Miu show, where the “fleece” with a pleated mini creates a harmonious duo.
Never before has the “fleece” been so versatile as in the summer 2025 season. Worn in different ways, it changes its face completely. Importantly, its fashion potential is easy to use. You do not need to combine too much, because on the basis of just basics (simple clothes in muted colors) you will be able to create a lot of different styling for everyday, as well as for less formal occasions.
Observing social media, it’s easy to see the growing interest in the polo shirt – both among global celebrities and top influencers. Style icons, such as Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa, are increasingly turning to “polos” in their everyday styling. On TikTok, many female creators present “Get Ready With Me” videos, in which the polo shirt plays a key role in ensembles that combine sporty casualness with elegance. This huge online publicity drives sales and makes the polo shirt one of the most sought-after closet items of the spring-summer season.
Tips for different silhouettes
Apple silhouette: choose polo shirts with a slightly longer cut, which slightly flow around the figure. Avoid tight-fitting cuts – a looser form will subtly conceal a fuller belly.
Pear silhouette: opt for models with a slightly marked waist and a pronounced collar, which will draw attention to the upper part of the body. You can also choose bright “polos” contrasting with a darker bottom.
Hourglass silhouette: a slim-fit cut that emphasizes the waistline will work great. Add high-waisted pants or skirt to accentuate the proportions.
Boyish silhouette: you can boldly experiment with oversize cuts, and go for a skirt with ruffles or pants with a flared leg to add curves to the silhouette.
