One of the most versatile shirts any man can own, a polo shirt is like a good pair of jeans: versatile and a must have in any man's wardrobe. But how do you find the right polo size for you? In this article, we'll walk you through some sizing basics.
Most people think that polo shirts should be super-tight, but the reality is that there are times when a looser shirt makes sense. Think of it this way: Is your polo shirt comfortable? Does it move or breathe or cause you to feel too warm or cold? Is it flattering or unflattering? Is it too short or too long? The polo shirt you're wearing may be fine, but you may need to look into the brand and style it. If your polo shirt is uncomfortable, it may be time to switch brands or styles.
The Sleeves
You also need to pay attention to the condition of the sleeves. If there is a lot of space between the outer edge of the sleeve and your actual arm, it will make your arm look skinny. The sleeve should be around the middle of the bicep, gently hugging your arm. Also, you should avoid sleeves that are so tight that it looks like your biceps are being strangled. What it comes down to is making sure you have enough room around the sleeves so they don't leave marks, but not so loose that they look baggy.
The Neck & Collar
Collar size is not something you should pay too much attention to as they are fairly standard across all brands. Instead, focus on the buttons. Specifically, you want to make sure the buttons don't go past the top of your armpits. Any buttons longer than this will look like a deep V-neck when undone, which should be avoided.
Wearing a polo shirt with 1-2 buttons unbuttoned will flatter your face better, so when trying on a polo shirt for the first time, whether it's a 2, 3 or 4 button polo Jersey, be sure to unbutton the top 2 buttons to see where the neck opening is on you. You don't want the neckline/opening to lie completely flat on your chest like this. Finally, make sure the button itself is of good quality.
Length
When shopping for men's polo shirts, you should also pay special attention to the overall length of the shirt, especially since most polo shirts are too long for men under 5'9". The length of the shirt should be from the top to the middle of the crotch. As a best practice when buying a polo shirt, you want the length to be just past your waistband, but not past your mid-rise. If you do a lot of physical activity in your polo shirt, like golf or other sports, then a little longer is acceptable as it keeps your belly from showing when you reach for something and it can be tucked into your pants.
At BXTribe, the polo shirts are true to size, have a comfortable collar that doesn't curl, have a loose front and back, and are made of high-quality fabrics that are breathable whether you're active or casual.
The perfect polo shirt is when you can pinch (not pull) 1 to 2 inches of fabric on either side of the belly, and this rule applies to men of every size. Make sure the sleeves fit snugly around the mid-biceps, there is no dangling at the shoulder seams, and the top few buttons are always left unbuttoned.