# The polo shirt is the worse piece of clothing ever **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 3, 2009, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700 "2009-09-03T00:04:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![amarone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e0b2c6/32.png) [@amarone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarone)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/41 "2009-09-03T11:45:37Z")
I think they are perfect for work (as long as you are not unlucky enough to work somewhere that demands a tie). A t-shirt is too casual. Anyway, I don’t think t-shirts look good, with a few exceptions e.g. James Dean. I also prefer the feel of an open neck - so both a polo shirt and dress shirt with top button open are preferable to t-shirts. At least around here, polo shirts have been fashionable for teenage boys for the last couple of years. Two years ago, none of them would have been seen dead in a collar, but now it is very much in fashion. And you can definitely wear one to a job interview at my company. What’s the point in having an interviewee turn up in a suit when they will probably never have to wear one for work? I agree with some of the OPs points: extra-large logos are naff, wearing polo shirts untucked is sloppy. But why criticize polo shirts on the grounds that if you want to get dressed up you should wear a dress shirt? Of course you should - polo shirts are not meant to be for being “dressed up”. They provide a middle ground between “dressed up” and “slovenly” (t-shirts). ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/42 "2009-09-03T12:01:24Z")
> [@Slithy\_Tove](#): > > If I could iron a natural-fiber woven shirt in the same time as I can fold a knit shirt, I’d be right with the OP. (that is, looking like a stiff in the conference room while everyone else is in a polo) Actually I’ll be rolling casual in my T-shirt while you and your bros are rockin the lab technician look.😃 ---
**Author:** ![Argent\_Towers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e8c25b/32.png) [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/43 "2009-09-03T12:12:08Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Right now, the faux hipster crowd is down on polos, and a lot of other comfortable not bad looking things. OTOH, they think wearing fucking shower-shoes/flip flops to a wedding or a job interview is too cool for words.:rolleyes: Like hell they do. Flip-flops everywhere are the domain of frat guys, sorority girls, good ol’ boys and average “college Joe” students. But no self-respecting faux-hipster would wear them; the faux-hipsters wear low vintage-style Asics, Tiger or Puma sneakers like [these](http://sleekman.net/sleekimages/onitsuka/onitsuka-tiger-45.jpg) or [these](http://www.highsnobiety.com/uploads/RTEmagicC_puma_clyde_used_1.jpg.jpg) (or in some cases, for the faux-hipsters slightly behind the times, Chuck Taylors.) ---
**Author:** ![DadWagonDriver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/edb3f5/32.png) [@DadWagonDriver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DadWagonDriver)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/44 "2009-09-03T12:18:26Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > “So many” don’t have strong opinions about a very, very common piece of clothing. If a list of the very worst online communities on which to receive fashion advice existed, this place would come in second or third behind a couple of hard-core gaming boards. > > Don’t bat an eyelash the next time you pull one out of your closet. QFT. Seriously, this is a board where people have defended the wolf t-shirt. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/45 "2009-09-03T12:41:17Z")
> [@GuanoLad](#): > > They’re comfortable to wear, tidy to look at, and easy to slip on. Sold! Guess what, someone else who agrees. I dress appropriately for the situation I may be in, but I make sure I’m comfortable at it, because looking stylish AND miserable is the province of young hipsters. So at the airport or the Mall or the grocery store, where there’s no expectation of a “uniform”, I’ll sure wear a polo with no qualms. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/46 "2009-09-03T12:42:24Z")
> [@wmulax93](#): > > QFT. Seriously, this is a board where people have defended the wolf t-shirt. Oh god, please show me that thread. Also, I like the polo shirts. ---
**Author:** ![Beware\_of\_Doug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/278dde/32.png) [@Beware\_of\_Doug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beware_of_Doug)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/47 "2009-09-03T13:00:54Z")
I like polos, but I do agree the knit collar is friggn useless except to pop. It crawls around while you wear it, and won’t sit right under a coat or other layer. They used to, and now again, have sewn collars sometimes, but this is a fashion and will disappear. ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/48 "2009-09-03T13:30:30Z")
A real man’s wardrobe includes everything from tees and polo shirts to suits and ties. If you knew how to wear a given shirt, and had confidence and a clue, this thread wouldn’t exist. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/49 "2009-09-03T13:32:30Z")
I own 12 or 13 polo shirts. I used to have 30, but my idiot ex-MIL-elect put them all in the dryer while I was in the hospital. Twit! The polo meets all my fashion criteria: It’s comfortable, it covers the bikini areas, and I won’t be refused service in a nice restaurant if I’m wearing it. Polo and Chinos for work, polo and jeans for pweekends, polo and sweats for house- and yard-work. Polo by itself in the Summer, polo under cardigan in the Winter. Unfortunately, in my new job I have to wear suits. I can’t wait to get home into my comfy polo and sweatpants in the evening! What’s a wolf T-shirt? ---
**Author:** ![Caffeine.addict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f475e1/32.png) [@Caffeine.addict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caffeine.addict)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/50 "2009-09-03T13:36:01Z")
> [@wmulax93](#): > > QFT. Seriously, this is a board where people have defended the wolf t-shirt. Seriously? I have to see this, because wolf t-shirts make polo shirts look like a well tailored suit. I agree on the polo shirt. I don’t hate them to the degree that others in this thread seem to, but the collar never looks right, and the shirt itself looks sloppy if you don’t iron it. I have two of them, both gifts from my mother the last time she visited, that I almost never wear. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/51 "2009-09-03T13:36:54Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > What’s a wolf T-shirt? A T-shirt with a wolf on it. Background lightning bolts optional. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/52 "2009-09-03T13:43:07Z")
> [@](#): > > [@Philster](#): > > If you knew how to wear a given shirt, and had confidence and a clue, this thread wouldn’t exist. Clearly you are wearing yours up your butt. Maybe if you had a clue you would realize this isn’t that serious a topic. > [@TruCelt](#): > > What’s a wolf T-shirt? [They are, quite literally, breathtaking T-shirts with wolves on them.](http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Mens-Three-Short-Sleeve/dp/B002HJ377A) (Read the customer reviews. They are seriously funny). Here’s a sample: > [@](#): > > Why can’t Amazon have more stars? 5 ain’t enough!, May 6, 2009 > By T. Guymon “SonOfSpam” (Anaheim, CA) - See all my reviews > (REAL NAME) > > So I’m looking for threads that say, “Hey baby…I’m real boss!” when I stumble upon this epic creation. The wolves spoke to me in a language all their own; it was like German, Mongol, and Bitchin all mixed together. I mean, one wolf howlin at the moon is major…but three??? > > I ordered next-day air (if only there was same day!), and, of course, a size smaller than usual to ensure the closeness of the wolves to my chest hair. When the package arrived, I tore it open, and I SWEAR angels sang. I think it was Freebird. I immediately removed my “No Fat Chicks” shirt, and replaced it with this finery. Lemme tell you: AW YEAH. > > I’ll spare the details of my conquests since I started wearing this shirt; suffice to say, I’m swimming in a sea of babes the likes of which are usually found on those K-Tel infomercials. I’m also more confident at work, and expect to be promoted to cashier soon. I owe everything to this shirt (I should say “shirts”, since I now own 23 of them). It goes on like this for like a thousand posts. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/53 "2009-09-03T13:45:02Z")
Every male person in this town between the ages of 12 and 25 looks as if he’s wearing a uniform. Cargo shorts, T-shirt, flip-flops or crocs. Perhaps athletic shoes for church or a job interview. If I was a guy that age, and wanted to get laid more often, I’d put in a little more effort and find some nice clothes. Even a polo shirt would be a start. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/54 "2009-09-03T13:47:31Z")
> [@Caffeine.addict](#): > > Seriously? I have to see this, because wolf t-shirts make polo shirts look like a well tailored suit. I believe that is what the tuxedo T-shirt is for.:rolleyes: > [@Caffeine.addict](#): > > I agree on the polo shirt. I don’t hate them to the degree that others in this thread seem to… I am only capable of two emotions - inappropriately obsessive love or blind unreasining hatred. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/55 "2009-09-03T13:56:12Z")
Can’t imagine what the fuck you are talking about. I play a lot of golf - it is my main hobby. So I own a lot of golf shirts - which I assume are the same as what you call “polo” shirts. (Tho none of mine have the little polo player - I prefer non-logo ones.) They are, simply, the best attire for my preferred activity. Comfortable, decent looking, and can be laundered at home with minimal - if any - ironing. So I’ve got a drawerful of golf shirts - am I supposed to buy another set of shirts to wear to work? To social occasions? And I prefer them to the crew-neck of t-shirts. And I guess my bottomline is, I really don’t give a fuck what anyone other than my wife thinks about the way I look and dress - and she’s fine with them. Someone who is hung up over polo shirts is IMO too hung up on their image. PLEASE tell me you aren’t one of those hipster doofuses who wears a t-shirt under a sportcoat . . . ---
**Author:** ![Regallag\_The\_Axe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/regallag_the_axe/32/445_2.png) [@Regallag\_The\_Axe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Regallag_The_Axe)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/56 "2009-09-03T14:28:05Z")
Eh, you can wear polo shirts if you want, I won’t. I can’t stand wearing those things. They make me feel like I’m wearing a uniform. Where others would wear polos, I wear an unbuttoned button-down shirt over a white, gray, or black tee shirt. Unless you wear polo shirts at work, then I button the buttons… maybe throw on a tie if I know I’m going to have to interact with a customer. ---
**Author:** ![Caffeine.addict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f475e1/32.png) [@Caffeine.addict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caffeine.addict)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/57 "2009-09-03T14:44:25Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > I believe that is what the tuxedo T-shirt is for.:rolleyes: 😕 No. Those are for when I go to the Opera, or some other formal event. The item of clothing that I most loathe is the royal blue shirt. It’s dated and makes you look like a best buy employee if you wear it with khakis. **msmith537** , how do you feel about Ed Hardy t-shirts? **Dinsdale** , don’t forget that this thread is somewhat tongue in cheek. ---
**Author:** ![Katriona](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/katriona/32/113_2.png) [@Katriona](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Katriona)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/58 "2009-09-03T15:36:52Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > Clearly you are wearing yours up your butt. Maybe if you had a clue you would realize this isn’t that serious a topic. > > [They are, quite literally, breathtaking T-shirts with wolves on them.](http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Mens-Three-Short-Sleeve/dp/B002HJ377A) (Read the customer reviews. They are seriously funny). And there’s a video: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPB45AUmchM](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPB45AUmchM) ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/59 "2009-09-03T15:44:31Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > Clearly you are wearing yours up your butt. Maybe if you had a clue you would realize this isn’t that serious a topic. > > . Then lighten’ up, 'cause I was pretty less-than-serious, even after someone mentioned polo shirts are for douche bags. \*The left leaning, heavily under-achieving mass of misfits that is a majority of the SDMB aren’t the ones that should offer fashion advice, unless you are trying to figure out how to look the part of a pale gamer or pathetic cat lady. \* That’s more along the line of what I would have said if it were a ‘serious topic’. ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2009, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700/60 "2009-09-03T16:02:44Z")
> [@wmulax93](#): > > QFT. Seriously, this is a board where people have defended the wolf t-shirt. And I think you’d find that wolf t-shirt defenders are generally not the ones who would be in this thread agreeing with the OP. There are some people on this board who are knowledgable in fashion; it’s just a rather small number, proportionally. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700.md?page=4)