A long-sleeved polo shirt is cooler than most shirts, with its open weave, but is smart enough to wear under casual, unlined jackets. Without a jacket, the sleeves can be rolled up just like a shirt to be more casual and cooler. Models like those from Smedley and Al Bazar are more fitted than a normal polo shirt, making them more suited to tailored trousers or shorts. The same goes for their finer fibres and even finish around the bottom.
T-shirts suit few men. A collar is more flattering on the neck and lengthens the torso. Long sleeves are smarter, cleaner and more stylish – as anyone who has seen colleagues in short-sleeved shirts will attest. Wear them with slim-fitting chinos and an unstructured cashmere blazer. Or tailored shorts. For chinos, I particularly recommend Incotex’s lightweight line, as stocked by Trunk Clothiers.
I love the versatility of long sleeved shirts, even in the summer. For one thing it’s nice to have full length in cool of the evening.
For another, there is nothing sexier than long sleeved dress shirt, sleeves rolled-up. (Not sure Simon will agree.) Or pushed-up in case of long sleeved cotton knits.
Short sleeved dress shirts are ridiculous.
–John
Good advice. I have fallen victim to the dread t-shirt, old shorts, and minimal footwear, but having grown up in 100F+ summers does make feeling stylish quite difficult. I do believe we should try to move past the slobwear of our youth, even though it is brutally hot. Good day!
Is it right to say “t-shirts suit few men”? Quite a lot of young men who choose a decent quality single-colour t-shirt (white or navy blue for instance) can look very good and even wear a well-fitting unlined jacket over the top if necessary. A bit ’90s I grant you, but youth can get away with more.
As far as I can see the lack of a collar is only really a problem for those with a thinnish neck (like me!).
Personally I agree that a full shirt looks better because I prefer the details of buttons and a collar, but I think the t-shirt represents for many men the right thing to wear if one is keeping it simple and practical for the weather/activities. For some people a £125 polo shirt is just an extravagance, especially when you need a few of them to rotate over the summer.
BTW, John Smedley’s line (online at least) is all short-sleeved polo shirts.
Roger, I agree that T-shirts look good on many young men. Usually because they are slimmer and more athletic. But I would maintain they would look ever better in a collar. Not that that’s all they should wear, but it will be more flattering. It is amazing how many men think they have thin necks. And I certainly wouldn’t condone one under a jacket.
Polo shirts don’t have to cost £125, I am merely highlighting what I think are the best. And John Smedley does have the long sleeve online – at least on the UK site. The model is the Leander.
Thanks
Simon
Yes, you’re right about the Leander. Somehow I didn’t recognise it because it was orange. Out of interest, what would you wear under a Polo like that? I thought maybe a cotton vest (vest in the English sense).
I wouldn’t wear anything under a polo shirt.
Lovely to see this just two days after my made-to-measure white long-sleeve polo arrived. My plan is to either wear it on it’s own on warm days or under a sport coat on days when I’m unsure about the temperatures.
Oh, and Simon, what do you think of different types of polo material / weave? I have a near-silky bunch which I see as a bit more dressy and piqué ones which I wear to more casual occasions.
That’s a pretty good guide Marin – the finer the weave the dressier the shirt. Goes for most things.
Thanks for the post! LLBean’s pima cotton l/s polo is a good cheaper alternative.
Do you know of a long sleeved polo with buttoned cuffs? I’d like to find one, but don’t know where to look.
By the way, you have been a great inspiration to me and i have finally started my own blog which hopefully will grow more interesting with time.
Find it here: http://makesaman.blogspot.com/
Such a good guide! thanks for taking time to post this!
To tuck or not?
brgds
Hey – see recent comments on ‘Clothes for travel’ post
The long-sleeved polo-shirt deserves the attention you give it. Something of the kind, though made of wool and not callled a polo shirt, is featured in Hardy Amies’ “ABC of men’s fashion”, so was around 50 years ago. Pity it was ever dropped or forgotten.
Hi,
I would like to know am I able to wear the navy PS long sleeve polo shirt tucked in, Khaki chino and chocolate brown suede loafer in summer? (without a sport jacket because I don’t have one.) I feel like it is a little bit too old-fashioned as I am only in my early 20s. Is there a way to wear the long sleeved polo shirts in a smart but looks more suitable to my age? How would you normally wear your long sleeved polos in summer time, if without a jacket? Sorry it may be a little bit confusing, but please provide me with some professional insights. Thanks Simon.
Regards,
Frankie
Hi Frankie,
You can certainly wear them as you describe, though not in the hottest of summers as the material is quite thick (thicker than most standard polo shirts). It is designed to be worn tucked in, with a long tail, but could certainly look younger with the right chinos.
Simon
Simon! I was thinking of buying a long sleeve cotton polo from Marks@Spencer which has been made using cotton.
Do you think it would be a good purchase?
I’ve no idea I’m afraid Monty. I’ve never tried M&S polos
Simon! Need your suggestion on this.
Would long sleeves polo look out of place in summer in tropical countries?
I am thinking that because of the knitted construction even though I would be feeling cool but it could come across to others as out of place?
I don’t think it would Monty, but I think that’s something you’re in a better position to judge than I am, I’m afraid
Simon! Would a popover shirt like this in linen or cotton look good untucked as shown in the image?
I am thinking this can be a good replacement to a long sleeve polo in summer
Sure, yes. Just watch the length – you don’t want it to be be too long or to swamp you
I wonder if a Henley rolled up, would look good with dress pants. I mean, it’s virtually a polo without a collar…
They can look great underneath other things sometimes, but on their own I think they’ll always look quite casual? The collar does make quite a difference