What is a knit polo? From its origins to examples of how to wear it in different styles & recommended products.

The knit polo is more elegant than the sporty and casual deer polo shirt, and can raise the beautiful impression to a higher level. In this issue, we will introduce its origins, differences from the common deer polo, how to wear it in different styles, and recommended products.

What is a knit polo?An elegant top made of a sports-derived polo shirt with a thin knit material

A knit polo is a top based on a polo shirt design with a sweater-like knit texture. While maintaining the neat appearance of a polo shirt, it has the softness unique to knit materials.

johnsmedley.jp

The origin of the knit polo can be traced back to India in the 1850s. At that time, a lightweight and breathable uniform was needed for playing polo in a hot and humid environment. Cotton short-sleeved knitwear was used for this purpose. In the 1930s, LACOSTE introduced the polo shirt as tennis wear, which led to the modern polo shirt, and John Smedley, a long-established British knitwear manufacturer, introduced a short-sleeved knit polo called “John Smedley Polo. The ISIS is based on a sporty polo shirt pattern and is made of a smooth, thin knit material. This model, which continues to this day, is known as the original knit polo.

johnsmedley.jp

In the postwar period, the development of synthetic fibers also encouraged the spread of the knit polo as casual wear. The knit polo, once associated with the impression of sports and resorts, has become an everyday garment.

Trivia about knit poloDifference between knit polo and ordinary Shikako polo

Generally, most people think of Shikako polo shirts with a finely textured surface when they think of polo shirts. While Kashiko polo and knit polo have the same shape, they differ not only in appearance but also in the way they are basically made.

The first thing to keep in mind is that both shikako polo and knit polo are classified as ” knit ” in a broad sense. Shikako fabric is a type of knitted fabric made by knitting threads into loops. Therefore, the Kashiko polo also belongs to the knit category in the sense that it is “clothing made of knitted fabric. However, the way it is made as a garment is different. Most shikako polos are made by first making a shikako knitted fabric, cutting the fabric into the shape of the front, back, sleeves, etc., and sewing it into the finished product. On the other hand, knit polos are often made by knitting the front, back, sleeves, collar, etc. as parts of a garment by forming or linking them together.

1 1

• 

Here are some overseas snaps of knit polos by style!

1. Quiet Luxury StyleThe key is to wear it with less color contrast!

If you are looking for a mature and elegant polo shirt coordinate, the Quiet Luxury style, which incorporates a knit polo, is the first candidate. Compared to the common deer polo, this style is less sporty and creates a more relaxed mood. In such an outfit, dressy slacks should be worn with pants, and leather shoes, especially loafers, should be chosen for the feet. It is also important to choose knit polos, pants, and shoes in similar colors to minimize contrast.

1 3

2 3

3 3

• 
• 
• 

For this coordinate, we recommend the Loro Piana ” Saban Polo Shirt ” and the JOHN SMEDLEY ” ISIS”. Both of them are definitely long-established brands that are particular about their materials and manufacturing methods.

2. dress styleIf you are going to use a jacket as innerwear, change the look with the collar in and out!

The dress style with a knit polo as an inner layer can create a relaxed atmosphere while maintaining the dignity of a jacket. This style is best suited for occasions such as a dinner party, where dignity is required, but the impression of over-the-shoulder posture is to be avoided. In such a style, you can create a sophisticated impression by choosing a skimpy knit polo like the man in the third gallery and showing the collar on the outside of the jacket.

1 4

2 4

3 4

4 4

• 
• 
• 
• 

As a knit polo to wear as an inner layer in such a dress style, a buttoned version is Brooks Brothers ” CottonHigh Gauge Short Sleeve Polo Sweater ” for the buttoned type, and COS ” Knit Linen Polo Shirt ” for the skipper type.

3. resort styleChoose a piece in an aggressive color or bold knit!

If you want to add a summery playfulness to an elegant outfit that incorporates a knit polo, why not consider a resort style? Knit polos have a relaxed atmosphere as well as a neat impression, so there is no need to worry about your outfit leaning toward an overly rough look. The key to such a resort style is to choose the right items. Like the men in the gallery, choose a piece of clothing in an aggressive color such as pale green or yellow, or a fabric with an openwork or uneven knit. For pants, we recommend light tones such as white, raw silk, and beige.

1 3

2 3

3 3

• 
• 
• 

To match this outfit, we recommend GENTLEMAN PROJECTS ” CARTER “. The cable-knit design will not make a simple outfit boring.

4. street styleAdopt a knit polo like a T-shirt for a more mature look!

Knit polos are also recommended for those who like street style but do not want to look too casual and childish. The classy impression that knit polos bring will elevate your coordinate to a more mature look. Just like the men in the gallery, you can complete an adult street coordinate by adding a knit polo like a T-shirt to an authentic street style, such as a cap, shorts and socks.

1 4

2 4

3 4

4 4

• 
• 
• 
• 

For a knit polo to match such a street style, try BATONER ” KNIT POLO SHIRTHORIZONTAL MICRO STRIPE ” is recommended. Based on the basic polo shirt shape, a micro border is incorporated.

5. Contemporary Casual StyleAdd a touch of color with sneakers based on a simple outfit!

If you want to incorporate a knit polo and implement a look that is sure to be popular with all, consider the contemporary casual style. Just like the men in the gallery, you can complete the look by wearing a plain, basic-colored knit polo with slacks or chinos, and sneakers. If you feel that you are lacking something, try adding a touch of color with sneakers like the men in the second and third photos.

1 5

2 5

3 5

4 5

5 5

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

ROBERTO COLLINA ” Cotton knit polo shirt ” is recommended for this outfit. It has a sophisticated and simple design and is made of high quality materials.