The best bamboo polo shirt for men and what the collar decides

Short answer: A polo shirt stands or falls on its collar. A collar without enough firmness lies down and makes the whole shirt look limp, however good the fabric otherwise is.

The collar first

Fold the collar up and let go. If it rises, it will hold after washing too. If it is soft all the way through, it falls flat after a few washes. The collar needs some stiffness without being hard against the neck. It is the first thing people notice. See the range of bamboo polo shirts for men.

The button placket

A placket with proper reinforcement behind the buttons does not twist. If the placket is thin, it pulls askew after a few washes and makes the collar sit wrong. Look at the back of the placket when choosing. It should be flat and straight, and the buttons should be firmly attached with no loose threads.

Fabric weight

A light bamboo viscose polo drapes softly and is comfortable in warm weather, but shows more of the body. A denser quality keeps its shape better and looks neat all day, even after hours in a car or office chair. Choose the weight by whether you will wear it for leisure or smarter occasions.

Fit across shoulders and chest

The shoulder seam should sit on the shoulder joint, and the polo should lie easily over the chest without pulling between the buttons. If it is too tight, the placket opens and shows skin. If it is too loose, it looks shapeless. The sleeves should end mid upper arm and lie flat.

Length

A polo should work both tucked in and worn loose. If it is too short, it rides up when you sit. If it is too long, it looks untidy worn loose. The right length ends around the middle of the fly. Many polos have a slightly longer back hem so your back stays covered when you bend.

For smarter occasions

A plain polo with a collar that stands works for most things, from lunch with family to a Friday at the office. With chinos and leather shoes it looks neat without feeling stiff. Dark colours like navy and black are the most formal, while light colours feel more relaxed.

For leisure

For leisure and warm days, a light polo in a pale colour is comfortable and easy to wear. It goes with shorts and trainers and handles a day in the garden or on the golf course. See the rest of the range in bamboo clothing for men. A denser quality keeps its shape better.

Washing and drying

Hang the polo on a hanger with the collar raised. If you fold it while wet, the crease sets in the collar. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees with the buttons done up so the placket does not twist, and avoid the dryer. See washing and care.

Storage

Hang polos on hangers in the wardrobe so the collar is not pressed flat by other clothes. If they must be folded, lay them with the collar on top and nothing above. A polo that has sat at the bottom of a pile gets a collar that is hard to lift again.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my polo collar go flat?

Because it lacks reinforcement and because it is folded while wet. Hang the polo on a hanger with the collar raised while it dries, and it will keep its shape much longer.

Can a polo be worn for smarter occasions?

Yes, if it is plain and the collar stands. It then works for most things without a jacket, and with chinos and good shoes it suits a relaxed party well.