Back to the Basics.
Given the certified “death” of the micro-trend in recent months, it’s no surprise that the humble polo shirt has braved the fast fashion waves, making sure to keep its place in the mainstream until at least next summer.
Most notably, a significant contributing factor to the “death” of the micro-trend and the re-emergence of truly heritage styles is to do with audience, more specifically their affection for long-lasting, adaptable, and ultimately re-wearable pieces… *cough cough* the polo shirt. High fashion quickly caught on, with preppy stylings coinciding with “old money” waves of popularity, the Miu Miu resurgence, as well as a newly introduced love for more laidback ensembles. And by laidback, we mean straight out of bed and up and at ’em.
Introducing their Spring/Summer 2025 collections, a range of high fashion mainstays leant into this increasingly popular look, with everyone from Fendi, Prada, and Stamm to Bottega Veneta and Martine Rose getting in on the laidback act. Balenciaga’s “Superbusy” bag helped paved the way of this slightly chaotic approach to a look, with the Spanish luxury fashion house often being a guiding compass for what’s to come. Prada creased shirting, pulled at necklines, and brought up the waist for SS25, Fendi took the polo shirt, dropped its neckline, and pushed it to the side, whilst Wales Bonner put themselves on full display, roughly tucking their polo shirts into their skimpy underwear. The people want something classic and something effortless, and they want it now.
In saying this, the question still stands: where exactly did this return come from? Well, we think it has to do with some of pop culture’s favourite street-dressers and sporting chic.
Without being a bore, it’s worth taking in some history to get the full run down as to why the ever-present polo shirt is having this particular moment in the mainstream discourse. Believed to have been originated in Manipur, India, by the British armed forces, the much discussed polo shirt garnered its original popularity during 1920s Britain, and then subsequently made its big splash through the world of tennis, and more specifically Lacoste founder – René Lacoste – the French seven-time Grand Slam tennis champion. Replacing the cumbersome long-sleeve tennis whites of old, René Lacoste designed a white, short-sleeved, loosely-knit piqué cotton shirt, which is what we now know as the classic polo shirt.
Fast forward to 2024, the world of tennis has been propelled into the spotlight as of late, with Zendaya having a significant helping hand in producing this wave of popularity for the polo shirt through her starring role in hit Hollywood movie, Challengers (2024). The sensual storyline and all-round approach to the tennis world added an extra layer of attraction, with co-stars Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor also striking a cord with adoring fashionistas. Similar to the rise of the football-centric “Blokecore” trend of the last two years, it looks as though tennis is moving into the bountiful space created by its sporting counterpart.
Completing the perfect storm, major star power has worked in tandem with the aforementioned tennis aesthetics, SS25 menswear stylings, and a public desire for something more classic to propel the polo shirt to the top of the agenda. Front-page grabbers such as the previously mentioned Zendaya have been seen championing the heritage piece, with other A-listers including Jeremy Allen White, Childish Gambino, and Jacob Elordi. Despite the polo shirt’s prominence throughout 2024 so far, you can be sure that high fashion is giving the plain Jane garment another spin around the block for the next year (at the very least.)
PAUSE have put together something for your polo shirt mood board below, giving you the run down on all the ways the polo shirt can fit into your everyday rotation, whatever your desired aesthetic.
Check out the latest street style and high fashion inspiration below.
Block it Out.
A predominantly one shade polo is often all you need for the most part, acting as the ideal divider and base for any self-respecting fit. Street stylers across the fashion circuit have put their own exclamation marks on the block colour essentials, while SS25 collections indulge in their own senses of simplicity as well. LOEWE and sacai proved to be standouts.
Flow State
A main draw to the polo shirt silhouette is its tight masculine shaping, but a baggier look can also prove to be just as effective – especially when the summer heat gets a big close for comfort. Longline fits, ballooned sleeves, and wider silhouettes arguably allow for a more eclectic range of styling options, being more applicable to an autumn and winter wardrobe.
Show it Off.
Look, a crop top or slightly more revealing top half isn’t made for everyone, but a desired look can be as simple as bringing the trousers up a touch, tucking in your top half, and getting on your way. Of course, the fashion overlords like their full-on body reveal too, with seasonal SS25 standouts including Prada’s tight-fitting knitted polo shirts and Fendi’s rugged staples.
All in Cash
The “old money” aesthetic is far from done, especially if Miu Miu’s recent numbers are anything to go by. The best part about this classic approach to the polo shirt – which arrives at a more suited-and-booted and “preppy” end point – is that it truly will never die. A timeless and faff-free style of polo shirt.
