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NAUMD members have access to educational articles, videos, and courses on topics exclusive to the uniform, image apparel, and workwear industry.

This post is an example from the library available to members at the NAUMD Network Member portal. If your company is a member, access your individual account at TheUniformNetwork.com.

If you and/or your team would like access to this library, consider joining the association.

From Sportswear to Workwear: The Evolution of the Polo Shirt in the Uniform Industry

The polo shirt, a ubiquitous garment in the uniform, image apparel, and workwear industry, has a rich history that mirrors its evolution from a sports shirt to a staple of professional and casual wear. Understanding this history is crucial for those in the industry, as it highlights the shirt’s versatility, adaptability, and enduring popularity.

The Genesis: Polo Fields to Tennis Courts

The polo shirt’s journey began in the late 19th century with John E. Brooks, an American haberdasher who, inspired by British polo players’ shirts, introduced the buttoned-collar shirt in the US. This early version, known as the Oxford Cotton Button Down (OCBD), is considered the first attached collar shirt in the US and marked the beginning of the polo shirt’s evolution​​​​.

However, the modern polo shirt owes its design to French tennis star René Lacoste. In the 1920s, he revolutionized tennis attire with his self-designed, short-sleeved jersey petite pique, which allowed greater freedom of movement compared to the restrictive long-sleeved shirts and ties then worn by tennis players​​​​.

Branding and Mass Appeal: Lacoste to Ralph Lauren

Lacoste’s innovative design quickly gained popularity. After retiring, Lacoste partnered with André Gillier, and in 1933, they founded La Chemise Lacoste to sell reproductions of his tennis shirt, complete with the famous crocodile emblem. This partnership marked the beginning of visible branding on clothing​​​​.

The polo shirt’s mainstream adoption in America was further propelled by a licensing agreement between Lacoste and American manufacturer Izod in 1951. This collaboration brought the knitted polo shirts into the American market, where they quickly became essentials​​​​.

Ralph Lauren’s introduction of his Polo Ralph Lauren shirts in 1967 cemented the polo shirt’s status in fashion. His design, featuring the iconic polo player logo, made the shirt a symbol of preppy style and a versatile garment bridging business and casual wear​​​​.

Material Evolution and Versatility

Originally made from cotton pique, the polo shirt has seen material innovations over the years, including the use of polyester and blended fabrics for better durability and moisture-wicking properties. This adaptability in materials has made polo shirts suitable for a variety of settings, from sports to business casual environments​​​​.

Polo Shirts in Modern Uniforms

In contemporary workwear and uniforms, polo shirts offer a balance of professionalism and comfort. Their popularity in business casual outfits and their adaptability for customization with logos and branding have made them a go-to choice for organizations. Polo shirts are now commonly used in various industries, reflecting a brand’s identity while ensuring comfort and style for the wearer​​.

Conclusion

The history of the polo shirt, from its sports origins to a fashion and workwear staple, demonstrates its enduring appeal and versatility. For those in the uniform, image apparel, and workwear industry, the polo shirt remains an essential garment, capable of adapting to various styles and functional needs. Its evolution from a sports shirt to a symbol of professional and casual elegance is a testament to its timeless design and practicality.

 

Here is the bibliography for the research on the history of the polo shirt, particularly focused on its relevance to the uniform, image apparel, and workwear industry:

  1. Brooks, J. E. (1896). “The First Button-Down Polo Shirt”. Brooks Brothers. Retrieved from https://www.sanvt.com/journal/history-polo-shirt.
  2. Lacoste, R., & Gillier, A. (1933). “La Chemise Lacoste: The Beginnings of the Modern Polo Shirt”. Lacoste. Retrieved from https://www.heddels.com/2023/01/history-polo-shirt-rene-lacoste-ralph-lauren/.
  3. Lehman, A. (2016). “Style Defined: Polo Shirt”. He Spoke Style. Retrieved from https://www.hespokestyle.com/polo-shirt-history/.
  4. Lobad, N. (2022). “A Brief History of The Polo Shirt”. L’Officiel USA. Retrieved from https://www.lofficielusa.com/menswear/polo-shirt-history-ralph-lauren-lacoste-fashion-history.
  5. “Polo Shirts: From Tennis Courts to Fashion Staple”. (2024). Fashion Coached. Retrieved from https://www.fashioncoached.com/history-polo-shirt-rene-lacoste-ralph-lauren/.
  6. “The Evolution of Polo Shirts in Uniforms and Workwear”. (2024). Ninghow Apparel. Retrieved from https://www.ninghowapparel.com/polo-shirts-evolution.
  7. “The History of the Polo Shirt”. (2023). Harry Rosen. Retrieved from https://www.harryrosen.com/en/the-history-of-the-polo-shirt.
  8. “The History of the Polo Shirt: A Legendary Fashion Item”. (2024). Fashionnovation. Retrieved from https://www.fashionnovation.com/history-polo-shirt-legendary-fashion-item/.
  9. “The Iconic Polo Shirt: From René Lacoste to Ralph Lauren”. (2024). Man of Many. Retrieved from https://www.manofmany.com/fashion/mens-fashion-trends/the-history-of-ralph-laurens-iconic-polo-shirt.
  10. “The Polo Shirt: A Century of Style and Innovation”. (2023). Proper Cloth. Retrieved from https://www.propercloth.com/reference/history-polo-shirt/.
  11. “The Reinvention and Rise of the Polo Shirt”. (2023). CR Fashion Book. Retrieved from https://www.crfashionbook.com/mens/a36047756/history-polo-shirt/.
  12. “The Timeless Appeal of the Polo Shirt”. (2023). The Rake. Retrieved from https://therake.com/stories/style/history-of-the-polo-shirt/.
  13. “Uniforms and Workwear: The Role of the Polo Shirt”. (2024). POLOTSHIRTS.ORG. Retrieved from https://www.polotshirts.org/the-history-of-the-polo-shirts/