Click to hear Chief Creative Officer Simon Kneen on the evolution of the classic polo>>
Knits—and polos in particular—have become the go-to summer shirt for many guys, whether they’re planning to spend time at the golf course or looking for a cool and easy shirt replacement that can work on its own or under a sportcoat.
The polo was a happy evolution in sportswear by the French tennis star and entrepreneur René Lacoste. British tennis player Fred Perry also adopted the cotton piqué knit style, and this tennis court go-to was soon being imitated by sporty types all over the world. Today, the polo shirt is a part of every guy’s summer wardrobe, combining the comfort of a knit with an added collar similar to a shirt, making it a universal uniform for golf clubs and summer sports.
Being able to offer custom-made polos and other knits like tees is no easy set-up, because between each Client’s measurements and the styling options J.Hilburn offers, there are a multitude of possibilities that only the most creative can imagine.
For polos, we offer shirt collars that are designed to be worn open, with cutaway and button-down styles also making the lineup. This range of options allows the Client to create necklines that can work under blazers, or add unique collar styling to what would usually be an open neck. The placket options that we offer give the choice of button detail, which can also be further personalized with options like thread colors, button colors, etc. This year, we are also able to offer the collar and placket in a contrast fabric if he so chooses. Of course, for a truly modern and sporty look, we also offer the zip neck option, which offers something very unique in the styling universe of polo shirts.
Long or short sleeves seem like pretty obvious choices, but I’d like to note that on long sleeve polos, we offer cuff options that really can enable your polo to work as a dress shirt, or an option to a dress shirt. Contrast trim such as tipping is available in the short sleeve option. A Client can also add sport stripes to the collar edge and the short sleeve hem—this is a combination I particularly like in navy interlock with white trim, for that classic marine look.
Monogramming is now expanded to include a diamond layout, and in addition to chest and hem monogramming, we can now offer the sleeve hem on either side as a position to put up to five letters and/or numbers for your monogram.
Within this season’s fabric lineup, we’ve focused on print options that offer everything from small geometric and conversational prints, to more overt and dynamic prints. These designs sit alongside some stripe options that, with the added option of a solid collar and front placket, can transform a plain polo into something truly personal and unique, while still staying well within the boundaries of good, gentlemanly taste and style. I’m sure Mr. Perry and Mr. Lacoste would approve.
