Corporate branded polo shirts

The personalised polo shirt has become the most popular garment in the promotional workwear catalogue.

Types of printed polo shirt

Polo shirts are very versatile and come in many versions and colours.  There are printed polo shirts, embroidered polo shirts, long-sleeved polo shirts, ladies polo shirts, childrens polo shirts, and multi coloured polo shirts.  The major brands all feature a wide range of styles, materials and colours.  Brand names include, Fruit of the Loom polo shirts, Gildan polo shirts, Kustom Kit polo shirts and Slazenger polo shirts.

Uses for customised polo shirts

Personalised polo shirts are used as a form of casual corporate uniform, school uniform, promotional giveaways, event and work uniform and conference and fundraising identification.  Unlike branded t shirts, branded polo shirts are a smart shirt and less formal than an Oxford shirt or Oxford blouse and ideal for use in an increasingly casual workplace environment.

Choosing the right polo shirt

In terms of durability, cotton/polyester mixed fabric will retain its shape better than 100% cotton and a heavier weight fabric will last longer.  There are many colours available and also a choice of mens fit, ladies fit or childrens fit.  There are two options for branding a polo shirt with a company logo or message. Embroidered  polo shirts look very smart and the embroidery will probably outlast the garment.  Screen printed polo shirts are lower cost but the print will be less durable especailly if laundered at 60 degrees Centigrade.  However, if a large logo or message is needed – for example on the back ‘Here to help’ – embroidery will not be ideal as it will tend to stiffen the garment and be quite expensive.  Individual names can be added and embroidered logos can be positioned on right breast, left breast, back, sleeves and nape of neck – in fact anywhere!

History of the polo shirt

The polo shirt we know today is different from the original one which was essentially a long-sleeved cotton shirt with a button down collar.  This was designed to prevent the collar flapping during a polo match.  Today’s polo shirt evolved from the tennis shirt created by Jean Rene Lacoste in 1933 in a pique cotton short-sleeve style [rather than rolled-up sleeves] and typically without the button-down collar.  In 1972 Ralph Lauren introduced the Polo rider emblem which started the rapid growth of a truly versatile piece of clothing.