What is Fashion to you? Is it a trend to follow blindly? Or is it about the best fit and comfort for you? Whether you accept it or not, fashion has always been a revolutionary aspect in terms of culture and personal opinion. It is one form that many people use to express themselves. For

Talking about expressing yourself, did you know that the polo shirt black dates back to the 6th Century BC? Well, in this article, I will not only take you on a historical ride but we will also be exploring some important aspects like the styles and materials of polo shirts. And not to forget, the styling tips for all your needs.

The History & Origin of Black Polo Shirt

These shirts started when Polo was played in Persia and some parts of Central Asia. Later on, Indian men re-created these polo shirts. They were thick and had a durable fabric for a more fuss-free look in the game. However, in the 19th Century, some British military men visited Manipur, India, and loved the idea of men’s black polo shirts worn by the athletes of Manipur.

Fast forward to 1896, when John E. Brooks who attended a polo match in England, he observed and liked these polo shirts, and so, he used them for a game-changing idea to implement in the United States. He started manufacturing polo shirts and button-down collars. His polo shirts were regarded as “the original button-down polo shirt.” The Brook’s polo shirts gained tremendous popularity and became a wardrobe staple in the 20th century. Today, everyone adorns polo shirts.

The 20th Century & Men’s Black Polo Shirts

Through all these periods, we have three other main characters who are equally a part of developing polo shirts as a fashion empire and to date. In 1920, Lewis Lacey, a Canadian-born British polo player opened his sports shop in Argentina and began selling polo shirts. He introduced the logo endorsed on the shirt. During the same time, Jean Rene Lacoste, a French tennis player introduced the polo shirt in tennis as well.

He transformed the long-sleeved tennis uniform into a short-sleeved flat protruding collar. To enhance his idea in 1926, he embossed his signature ‘crocodile’ on the left side of the chest. Later on, when Lacoste retired from his championship, he shook hands with a merchandiser and founded his brand La Chemise Lacoste to cater black polo shirts to the mass market as tennis uniforms.

The idea ignited and soon the tennis uniform became a fast fashion for young and athletic people. However, it was none other than the famous American designer, Ralph Lauren, who transformed the plain black polo t-shirt in the forthcoming years. He launched his “Polo” line in 1967 and began selling polo shirts in different colors including black. His style was chic and classy, yet he catered a seamless fit to be remembered as a classic, smart casual piece for everyone.  Since then, the black polo shirt became popular to dress up or down according to the occasion.

Materials of Black Polo Shirts

The black polo shirt comes in a huge variety to pick from according to user needs. The most common and popular materials for these polo shirts include cotton, polyester, and even a blend of both.

1. Black Cotton Polo Shirts:

The black cotton polo shirts are lightweight and breathable, which makes them best for use in warm weather conditions. They are highly comfortable to wear, especially for fuss-free athletic purposes. However, the only con is that they are not wrinkle-free.

2. Polyester Polo Shirts:

Polyester polo shirts are highly durable. They are wrinkle-resistant which makes them a good fit for your travel and activewear needs. They don’t lose their shape after multiple washes and are ideal for a longer period of use. The disadvantage is that they are not breathable like cotton which may make them uncomfortable in harsh weather conditions.

3. The Blend of Both:

These kinds of port authority polo shirts are the best to put to use. They are made with cotton and polyester, hence, you get the durability of polyester and the breathability of the cotton. Also, unlike cotton, they won’t lose their shape and you can carry them for as many years as you like until you get bored of wearing them.

Styles of Polo Shirts

Throughout all these centuries and years of experimenting with the look of polo shirts, we have now a variety of different styles to adorn and style as per our liking.

4. Classic Fit:

It is a loose-fit polo shirt that is a traditional shirt. This fit is easy and comfortable to wear. This fit never goes out of fashion.

5. Slim Fit:

Slim fits are more tapered and tailored to fit perfectly for occasions when you want to dress up smart and well. This version is also evergreen and looks classy.

6. Performance Fit:

As the name says, this polo shirt is best for athletes. It is made up of fabric to wick away moisture while working out or playing sports and so on.

7. Button-Down Collar:

It’s a simple and easy-peasy button-down polo shirt with a collar. Nothing more, nothing less in terms of design and comfort.

How to Style Black Polo Shirts for Women & Men

There are many ways to style a plain black polo t-shirt from a classic to a glamorous manner. You can easily style black cotton shirts in various ways. One black shirt and you are good to go for any different styles. That’s what we call easy and sustainable fashion!

Black Polo Shirt Style for Men

For Casual Occasions:

A cotton polo shirt is perfect for a casual occasion like lunches with your date or maybe attending a fun event. You can pair them with jeans and white sneakers. Put on a strappy watch and some cool accessories according to your preferences.

Make sure to have an easy breezy hair look. And you are good to go with port authority polo shirts! You can style the Port Authority Polo K100 in the color wheat and pair it up with white shorts. Or you may also use Sport-Tek Posi-UVTM Pro Polo ST520 in classic white and wear classic blue denim jeans. You are ready for that daytime occasion you want to attend.

For Formal Occasions:

For occasions at night time, for example, a dinner to attend; a more tailored, slim-fit polo will look cool. You can pair them with dress pants or chino pants. A nice pair of shoes, a belt, and a chain wristwatch will give you a more sophisticated look. Please make sure your hair is gelled and done well. That’s a key point to make or break the entire look. You can wear a black cotton polo shirt from Sport-Tek ST520LS Long Sleeves Polo with fawn dress pants or chino pants. Add brown to your style for a classy look.

For Athletic Occasions:

You want to go and attend an athletic activity at any time of the day, or maybe you are a sportsman, yourself; you need to grab polo shirts that are made up of moisture-wicking technology. This will help you stay cool and dry throughout. You can pair them with jogger pants or shorts as well. You can use colors like red, forest green, and graphite according to the time of the day you want to wear polo shirts.

Why not try Sport-Tek ST650 Polo in true red is brilliant, and you can wear black shorts with your runners. You may also use Sport-Tek ST550 PosiCharge Competitor™ Polo in graphite color and pair it up with jogger pants for a cleaner and more comfortable look. However, for sundowner activity, you can wear forest green Sport-Tek ST550 PosiCharge Competitor™ Polo.

Black Polo Shirt Style for Women

For Casual Occasions:

If you have planned a brunch with your girls then you must use a light pink polo shirt and pair it up with white jeans and white Converse. A nicely done bun and some accessories will complete the look. You can use Port Authority Ladies Silk Touch™ Performance Polo L540.

For Formal Occasions:

For nighttime events, like a date with your guy, right after a meeting, could be a little tricky for you to manage (work and dating, both). Take no stress; you can use a dark-colored polo shirt; maybe, a nice hot pink one, and pair it up with a leather mid-length skirt. Use your best pair of heels, some bling here and there, and top off your look with a bold lip color. Ready to sway? For this, you can wear Port Authority Ladies Silk Touch™ Polo L500LS. I am sure your date will not be able to take his eyes off you!

For Athletic Occasions:

It is simple and basic to wear athletic polos because comfort should come first rather than style. But we have got you covered from both aspects. Use your shorts and gym pants with a polo shirt of any color you want. You can wear graphite with black pants and a black polo shirt, and a black gym pants as well. All up to you. Now you can get your hands on Sport-Tek LST650 Ladies Micropique Sport-Wick Polo and Sport-Tek LST520 Ladies Posi-UVTM Pro Polo.

Pro Tip for Men & Women

This is when you are choosing a custom polo shirts for yourself or anyone around you. The main focus has to be on a good fit. It is very important for a polo shirt to fit your body well. A shirt that is too loose or even too tight will make the entire look unflattering and unattractive.

The shirt should be fit snuggly around the chest and shoulders, but not very tight at the midsection. The length should be perfect for you either untucked for a more laid-back look or even tucked in for a sleeker look. In any scenario, you choose to wear your polo shirts, the perfect fit makes and breaks your styling. No matter if you carry it with anything.

Wholesale T-Shirts

After all the glitz and glam, we have spoken about so far. Let me give you a jibe on blank t-shirts. No matter what you do, from where you get them; they have their pros and cons, which are nonnegligible. You have to pay a certain price for all the decisions you make while buying. You can get a good quantity, but when it comes to quality, you have risks involved. The fabric material, the embroidery quality, and the screen-printing quality can be worse and won’t last you longer unless you are getting bulk recurring orders from a brand providing you at wholesale rates and in better quality.

All these black polo shirts that you buy at wholesale rates are not durable. The fabric is unbreathable and will not give you that fuss-free comfort, especially in harsh conditions. As an athlete, where comfort and sweat are top points to take care of, you may regret your negligence later. For you to get bulk quantity in good quality, your choice has to be perfect. And for that, you can easily get your best polo shirts in tremendous quality from TheApparelFactory. The customizations and timely delivery are top-notch and hassle-free.

Takeaway

Whether you are looking for affordable men’s polo shirts in black, or you want to buy cheap black polo shirts, this post has got you completely covered. However, for men or women, polos are a wardrobe staple. You can use neutral colors and style them in various ways.

Polos are sufficiently versatile to be worn and used in multiple ways, no matter if they are simple, embroidered polo shirts, or screen-printed. The men’s black polo shirt started centuries ago but now has made a mark in the fashion industry.

From kids to adults, every age group enjoys wearing polo shirts. The variety is unmatchable and the craze is for real. For your ease, I have already mentioned some recommendations for you so that you don’t have to worry about it. Will see you in the next informative post soon. Till then, Ciao!