How to choose your men's polo shirt: piqué, jersey and terry
A polo shirt is chosen above all for the sensation it gives when you slip it on. The fabric, the cut and the collar give it a different look and determine the moments when it will suit you best.
Every fabric has its own character. Cotton piqué is the benchmark of the polo shirt. Its slightly textured knit encourages air circulation and gives it a natural hold, ideal for everyday wear as well as for summer days. Softer and more supple, jersey follows the movements more closely and offers immediate comfort, with a more fluid silhouette. As for terry, its looped knit brings a holiday spirit, ideal for summer.
How to wear a men's polo shirt depending on the occasion
The polo shirt naturally accompanies the different moments of the day. Dressier than a t-shirt, it finds its place at the office just as easily as over a weekend or on holiday. Everything rests on the way you wear it and the pieces that go with it.
With jeans or shorts, the polo shirt composes a simple, naturally elegant silhouette. A few open buttons are enough to give it a more relaxed look, ideal for days in town as well as weekends by the sea.
A well-cut polo shirt naturally finds its place in a professional wardrobe. Worn tucked into chinos or wool trousers, under an unstructured jacket, it replaces the t-shirt while offering a more relaxed alternative to the shirt. A way to adopt a polished silhouette without giving up comfort.
When temperatures rise, light fabrics such as cotton piqué or jersey offer all the breathability you are looking for. Combined with light shades such as white, beige, sky blue or sage green, they naturally accompany summer days, from lunch on the terrace to long summer evenings.
Collar, cut and sleeves: finding the right polo shirt
A polo shirt also stands out through its construction details. The collar, first of all, sets the tone. A soft, slightly open collar brings a relaxed look, while a more structured collar, held by a clean button placket, brings the polo shirt closer to the spirit of the shirt. Some models assert the character of the piece more strongly with a button-down collar, while others remain faithful to the classic collar, timeless and easy to wear.
The cut plays an equally decisive role. A fitted polo shirt underlines the silhouette and suits dressier outfits, worn tucked into the trousers. A straight cut, more supple, favours comfort and can be worn untucked as well as tucked in. The essential thing is to choose a size that follows the body without constraining it, neither too close nor too loose, so that the polo shirt falls naturally over the shoulders and along the torso.
The sleeves, finally, adapt the polo shirt to the seasons. The short-sleeved version remains the most versatile, perfect for summer and mild days. The long-sleeved polo shirt extends the piece into mid-season: it is worn on its own when temperatures drop, or slipped under a light jacket for a polished look. Between the collar, the cut and the sleeve length, every detail contributes to the overall balance and allows you to find the polo shirt that suits you.
How to care for a cotton polo shirt
A beautiful polo shirt keeps its elegance over the years when it is cared for attentively. A few simple gestures help preserve the softness of the knit, the hold of the collar and the quality of the cotton, wash after wash.
Opt for a low-temperature wash, turning your polo shirt inside out before placing it in the machine. Wash light and dark colours separately in order to preserve the brightness of the shades. A delicate programme and a suitable detergent are enough to maintain the suppleness of the knit and the quality of the fabric.
Prefer air drying to the tumble dryer, in order to preserve the shape of the collar and avoid any distortion of the knit. Once dry, store your polo shirt carefully folded or on a suitable hanger to preserve its drape and its elegance over time.
Café Coton craftsmanship
A polo shirt looks simple. That is precisely what makes it demanding. The quality of the knit, the hold of the collar or the care given to the finishes are all details that reveal the craftsmanship of those who make it.
At Café Coton, our polo shirts are made in Portugal from cotton jerseys and piqués carefully selected for their comfort, their softness and their hold. Inspired by the world of the shirt, some models stand out with a worked collar, while others reveal contrasting details or a pigment dye that gradually brings out the full richness of the colour.
From cross-stitched buttons to interior finishes, every detail is designed to accompany the garment over time. Because a beautiful polo shirt is not only about its fabric. It also comes down to the exacting standards with which it is made.