The traditional polo shirt – the one we can thank Monsieur René Lacoste for pioneering – has two defining features: it's typically made from cotton piqué, and it features a turn-down collar with a two- or three-button placket. And while the vast majority of the world's polos still conform to that classic standard, many brands have evolved the form in numerous ways.
For this summer season, Oli was inspired by the shirts has saw on a trip to Miami, which in turn were inspired by Cuban styles such as the guayabera. And wanting to give the classic polo a tropical twist, Oli decided to drop the placket and the buttons altogether, creating what is typically referred to as a 'resort collar'.
The resort collar is, as the name suggests, an ideal holiday collar construction designed for climates in which you would be mad to button anything up. Unlike the classic polo shirt which has a stand collar, the resort collar is much more like the traditional Cuban collar in that it sits quite flat against the chest. Hence it looks that little bit more casual than your average polo.
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Hawthorn Polo Shirt |
Hawthorn Polo Shirt |
We've used the buttonless resort collar in a number of different styles this season, mixing it up wit a host of unique textural fabrics. Take the Hawthorn polo for example, which has done away with the placket in favour of a single tab fastening. The Duport style is knit from an organic cotton blend waffle fabric with a soft-rolled collar, making it super versatile. Wear it in a sporty way with shorts or chinos, or use it as a dressed down layer with relaxed tailoring.
Hawthorn Polo Shirt |
Hawthorn Polo Shirt |
The Ladock navy style in organic cotton comes in flecked navy and can be worn in a sporty way with shorts or chinos, or you can use it as a dressed down layer with relaxed tailoring. The Rusper navy option is constructed from a midweight cotton fabric and is embellished with cream horizontal embroidery for a more tactile finish.
Our regular fit House polo shirt has been designed in the same vein as the Hawthorn, with a single tab closure. The epitome of resort cool thanks to the unique cotton terry towelling cloth it has been constructed in, it features a slight stretch for comfort and is a great way to complement a chilled holiday look.
House Polo Shirt |
House Polo Shirt |
House Polo Shirt |
Both the Hawthorn and House styles are very easy to style with a resort wardrobe or everyday casual looks, from jeans to chinos via tailored shorts. The resort collar polo is an integral part of a flexible summer wardrobe and you'll be surprised at just how many different looks you'll get from it.
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