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The very popular short-sleeved, collared polo shirt has led an illustrious and active life. Originally developed in 1926 by tennis pro Rene Lacoste of the famous Lacoste brand of fashions, the design came about from his desire to have a less restricting garment in which to play tennis. From tennis, the polo shirt which was then appropriately called the tennis shirt, become a favorite of polo players and assumed the name of that sport a bit further down the road. Almost as a natural sequence, the design went onto golf and from then began to spread all over, becoming a favorite for use in playing any kind of sport while still looking very fashionable. From Then to Now Until Lacoste's breakthrough, tennis was played in a long-sleeved cotton shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He fashioned the new shirt style for himself, then later put the design into production since it was so comfortable. The sport of polo adopted the design and later, John Brooks of Brooks Brothers clothing added the buttoned-down collar, its purpose being to keep it from flapping in the players faces during a contest or game, giving birth to the garment as it is known today. Versatile, comfortable and trendy, this garment began showing up in every way, shape and form in the 1950's, with its use for sports activities at the top of the list. Tennis players even began calling it a polo shirt despite the fact that the garment was initially created for the game of tennis and the name seemed to be more popular. Originally made for comfort and functionality, it has progressed from sports to fashion while becoming an acceptable staple in many wardrobes of both men and women. Branding Currently, every major clothing brand makes a polo shirt of some kind; they are very popular garments to be embroidered, typically in the upper left-hand chest area which is pretty much synonymous with this particular garment. Lacoste's infamous embroidered alligator appeared on that very first shirt and is still there. Other clothing manufacturers that were making these garments immediately followed suit by applying their own designs, such as the polo player on a Ralph Lauren garment and the sailboat on Nautica branded shirts. Comfort Usually made from polyester or a blended mix of cotton and polyester, these garments are economical, durable and stylish in many environments and for many uses. They are easy to keep clean, do not require pressing, and are great for throwing on for a casual or "preppy" look that is too dressy nor too relaxed. Most of all, polo shirts are just about the most comfortable type of clothing in which to be active – and that was its original purpose. Besides still retaining a prominent presence in the sports world, in the current fashion world these garments are used for everything from work uniforms to school and collegiate attire. Personalization is easily done with either embroidery or silk screening which provides a great means for creating brand recognition. Of course, many people wear them simply for style as they are available in a rainbow of colors and patterns that can satisfy almost any taste. This garment has certainly evolved from its 'tennis shirt' days and is quite possibly the most popular shirt of all times other than the T-shirt! C. M. Hunter is an expert in the collegiate apparel industry. To find out more about A&M Shirts, go to the main website at http://aggielandoutfitters.com.
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