What to expect from a bamboo polo shirt
Short answer: A bamboo polo is soft and drapes well, and it is a good alternative to a T-shirt when you want to look a little more dressed. Over time the collar and placket are what reveal its age, and they keep their shape best with gentle washing and drying on a broad shouldered hanger.
The fabric in a polo
A polo with bamboo viscose is often knitted in jersey or piqué, frequently with cotton or elastane in the blend. Piqué has a textured surface, while jersey is smooth and soft. The viscose gives a soft drape, so the polo falls neatly over the upper body rather than standing out stiffly. That gives a relaxed yet tidy look that works for both work and weekends. See bamboo polos for men.
The collar
The collar is the first part of a polo to show its age. A soft viscose collar can start to curl or roll at the points over time, especially if it dries crumpled. Smooth the collar with your hands while the polo is wet, and let it dry on a hanger with broad shoulders. Steam or light ironing on low heat can straighten a collar that has started to ripple. Some polos have a rib knit collar, which holds its shape better.
Placket and buttons
The placket at the neck should lie flat. If it is sewn with a thin interlining, it may soften or pull slightly out of line over time. Undo the buttons before washing so the buttonholes are not strained in the machine. Check regularly that the buttons are secure, and sew them back on if they loosen. These are small things that noticeably extend how long the polo stays wearable.
Fit and washing
Viscose can shrink in a hot wash, and a heavy polo can stretch lengthways if it hangs wet on a thin hanger. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees inside out, and let it dry on a broad hanger or flat. Avoid the tumble dryer. Many people choose brands such as Moodies, where the care instructions are given inside the shirt.
Colour and surface
Dark colours can lose a little depth over time, especially in the sun. Light colours can develop yellowish marks under the arms if sweat and deodorant settle. Wash the polo after each wear in warm weather, and let deodorant dry before putting it on. The surface may pill slightly where there is friction, such as from bag straps and under the arms. Washing with similar clothes helps reduce that.
When it is worn out
A polo is worn out when the collar can no longer be straightened, when the fabric turns thin, or when the colour has become uneven. That depends on how often you wear it and how it is washed. A polo worn in rotation with other tops naturally lasts longer. See more in the full bamboo range for men.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the collar on my polo curl
A soft collar can roll if it dries crumpled. Smooth it while wet and dry the polo on a hanger.
Can a bamboo polo shrink
Yes, slightly with hot washes and tumble drying. Wash at a low temperature.
Should the buttons be fastened before washing
Undo them. That protects the buttonholes and the placket.
