The polo shirt is a timeless classic for men of all shapes and sizes. Shorter men shouldn’t have to stay away from this fashion staple, but knowing what to look for when buying them, and then how to wear them successfully, is the key to effortless style.
How Polo Shirts Should Fit Men
When it comes to wearing polo shirts for short men, there are a few key elements to watch for when it comes to getting exactly the right fit. One of the defining features of a polo shirt, the collar, should fit comfortably around your neck without being so tight that it feels like it’s strangling you, but also not so loose that it looks like you’re wearing the wrong size. You don’t want it sitting so high on your neck that it looks awkward, or so low that it comes across as a V-neck shirt. Aim for the hollow of your throat where your neck meets your chest. The button should sit at the base of your throat, and a good rule of thumb is the finger test – can you fit one finger between the collar and your neck? That’s the right amount of space for the ideal fit. When it comes to the polo shirt arms, for a short-sleeve polo shirt, they should hit right around half-way down your bicep and fit comfortably around your arm without being too tight. That said, you also want to make sure there isn’t a lot of extra fabric in the arms, since too loose a fit won’t give off the impression you’re looking for. Finally, when it comes to the polo shirt length, you’ll want your polo shirt to fall at about the mid-way point on your pant zipper. Too short and it will look like you’re dressing up in kids’ clothes, too long and you’ll give off the appearance of shopping in your dad’s closest — neither of which is the look you’re going for.
Men’s Fashion: How to Dress Up a Polo Shirt
Now that we know what to look for when buying a polo shirt for short men, how should you wear it when the time comes to get dressed? Here are a few different ways to think about wearing your polos for different occasions. 1. Pair a polo shirt with jeans.
The quintessential casual look, pairing a polo shirt with jeans is an effortless style that can’t be messed up. A great dark-wash jean with a casual polo in a bold color, paired with sneakers, is a great go-to outfit for men on the go. Because jeans are considered neutrals, you can pair them with literally any polo shirt color or pattern and look great without any effort at all.
2. Pair a polo shirt with khakis.
For the classic look that everyone thinks about when they hear the term “polo shirt,” pair your polo shirt with a great fitting pair of khaki pants or chinos. To dress it up a bit while still keeping it easy, choose a pair of boots, dress shoes, or loafers.
3. Pair a polo shirt with a blazer.
Looking to dress up your polo for something a bit more upscale? Choose a great contrasting color that doesn’t clash, but that will stand out — pairing a dark and a light color, for example, or pairing a patterned polo shirt with a solid blazer. You’ll want to keep your polo shirt buttoned up while you have the blazer.
4. Pairing a polo shirt with shorts.
Looking to go even more casual than jeans? You can easily pair polo shirts with a great pair of shorts for the ultimate casual look on a hot day out. Your best pet is to pair a solid color shirt with your shorts, which can either be a complimentary solid color, or even a pattern with a matching color. Keep in mind, patterns will look more casual than solids — even in shorts, there is a difference.
Men’s Fashion Tips for Wearing Polo Shirts
Here are a few more general Do’s and Don’ts when wearing your polo shirts — no matter how you choose to style them. DO button at least one of the buttons, even if you leave the top button undone. Having them all undone can look sloppy and unkempt, even in a casual situation. DON’T pop the collar. Seriously. That fashion trend has passed, so resist the urge. DO have more than one polo shirt in your arsenal. Start with a few basics in neutral colors, but then don’t be afraid to branch into brighter colors, or even patterns. Keep in mind that polo shirts with patterns will read more casual, no matter how you style them, but it’s always a good idea to have a few in the wardrobe to choose from. DON’T layer your polos. These are not shirts that are meant to be stacked — the fit will be thrown completely off, and you’ll look bulkier than you really are. And with that in mind, don’t wear your polo with an undershirt, either. Polo shirts are designed to be worn alone. If you can’t stomach the thought of going sans-undershirt, make sure you choose one that fits close to your body so it won’t create weird lines, and make sure the collar won’t show.
