This past weekend I wrote a piece for the FT on polo shirts, which you can see here. Mentioning John Smedley, Orlebar Brown, Lacoste and others, it is hopefully an interesting update for anyone interested in the menswear staple.
Yes, they usually do. Though I actually ask them not to sometimes, as I have too many and hate the waste! Same with cloth bags. Really pleased the video has been so useful.
Video chat: Going to a maker for the first time
Read the commentsThe Anthology one will be quite different, being a tailored jacket. It will be sharper and not as casual. The Decorum looks like a more straightforward chore jacket, but the colour of that (and the anthology) are really nice.
Drake’s corduroy Mk.I Games Blazer: Review
Read the commentsThanks Peter
Tokyo: A sartorial shopping guide – 2023 Update
Read the commentsMany thanks Dominic ,Eugène & Benoit!!!
Look after things you love: Repairing my Reverso
Read the comments
Nice article, but I think your FT editor has fumbled a couple of times.
7th graf: Some brands have gone further, exploring a knitted alternative to the polo’s traditional woven cotton fabric. ” Traditional polo fabric is knit pique, of course, as you note in the 2nd graf.
Also 7th graf: “The advantage of a knitted, fine-gauge polo, as opposed to cotton, is that it can hold its shape and incorporate formal tailoring elements, such as backward-sloping shoulder seams.” Should this be about fine gauge cotton knit vs cotton knit pique, or is the new fabric a silk, linen or wool?
You’re right Mack, that is an error. The difference with the Smedley and other knits is that they are not cut-and-sewn, but knitted as fully fashioned pieces. This avoids the bulky seams, boxy shape and boardy feel of cheaper polos.
Yes, I have all the kinds. And Smedley itself has made all kinds. Most of my Smedley cotton polos are of fully-fashioned jersey, but a few old ones made for the Richetti store in Parma are of pique, cut-and-sewn.