Few garments have influenced the uniform industry as much as the polo shirt. Whether you are in retail, hospitality, education, or logistics, polos are everywhere. They are clean, versatile, and functional, making them a go-to for both workwear and casual fashion.
In my time at Aramark Uniform, nearly all clients included polo shirts in their programs. There is a reason for that. The polo offers a polished appearance without the formality of a dress shirt. It works across departments and industries and can be easily branded, sized, and sourced.
Despite its simplicity, a knit fabric, collar, and button placket, it continues to check every box for companies seeking reliable, professional apparel.
A Brief History
The origin of the polo shirt dates to the 19th century when British soldiers in India began wearing lightweight cotton shirts with soft collars while playing polo. The design was practical and with comfortable qualities that caught on. By the late 1800s, brands like Brooks Brothers introduced the “polo collar” to the American market, blending athletic functionality with tailored style.
In the 1920s, French tennis legend René Lacoste took the concept further, designing a short-sleeved cotton piqué shirt with a soft collar, button placket, and longer back hem to stay tucked in during play. He debuted the shirt at the 1926 U.S. Open, and a few years later, launched Lacoste. His crocodile-branded “tennis shirt” quickly became known as the “polo shirt,” thanks to its widespread appeal beyond the tennis court.
Then in the 1970s, Ralph Lauren introduced his now-iconic Polo brand, cementing the shirt’s place in everyday fashion. His version, crafted in cotton mesh with a small, embroidered polo player, offered a preppy, elevated look that made the shirt a staple in American wardrobes.
A Staple in Uniform Programs
Over time, the polo shirt transitioned from sport and fashion into the uniform space. It hit a sweet spot, structured enough for professional settings, but still comfortable and casual for active roles. Today, polos are a standard issue in a wide range of industries, including:
- Hospitality – Front desk, restaurant staff, and event personnel.
- Retail – Store associates, customer service, and stockroom staff.
- Logistics & Delivery – Drivers, field service, and dispatch teams.
- Education – Student uniforms, administrative staff, and faculty.
- Healthcare (non-clinical) – Reception, tech support, custodial roles.
- Corporate & Sales – Field reps, trade shows, and office casual wear.
Polos are especially effective in environments where teams need to present a unified appearance without sacrificing comfort or mobility.
Modern Performance and Innovation
Today’s polo shirts have evolved well beyond their cotton roots. Performance features have redefined what the polo can offer for uniforms:
- Moisture-wicking fabrics help regulate body temperature and keep wearers dry.
- Stretch blends offer improved fit and range of motion for physically active roles.
- Snag-resistant materials add durability for jobs in high-contact environments.
- Odor control and antimicrobial finishes support hygiene in foodservice and healthcare
- UV protection makes them ideal for outdoor teams and event staff.
There’s also been a shift toward sustainability, with many brands incorporating recycled polyester, organic cotton, or low-impact dyes to align with corporate environmental goals.
Consistency, Versatility, Longevity
The polo shirt remains a staple in uniform programs because it adapts. It works across industries, seasons, and job types. It provides a balance of comfort and professionalism that’s hard to match. And as fabric technology continues to improve, polos are becoming even more resilient, breathable, and performance driven.
From its roots on the polo field to its role in modern-day workwear, the polo shirt has proven to be more than just a trend. It’s a mainstay and it is not going anywhere.
