Industry Guides

Polo Shirt Buyers Guide

6th April 2024

One of the most versatile garments in workwear is the polo shirt which is a staple for any business. Polo shirts look smarter than a T-shirt, are generally more comfortable than a formal shirt, and work across everything from offices and retail to hospitality and trades. But choosing a polo for workwear isn’t simply about finding one in your company colour.

Soft Collar

Most polo shirts come with soft, ribbed collars that provide the traditional polo shirt look. However, lower-quality collars can lose their shape, curl at the edges or look worn after repeated washing. Therefore, it is important to opt for a more well-constructed collar with an interlining because they will stay in shape and keep your workforce looking professional for longer, giving you value for money on your workwear purchases.

The collar is one of the first things people notice along with your logo, so it’s worth considering how it will look after regular wear and washing and not how it looks when the garment is brand new.

Shirt Collars

For businesses looking for a slightly smarter appearance, a tailored or shirt-style collar can be a good option. The tailored collar is made using the same fabric as the rest of the shirt but with an interlining to improve stability and looks crisper for longer.

You can find them with a classic collar, cutaway collar, and button-down collar as varied style options. These shirts are not meant to be worn with neckwear so you should choose a collar shape that appeals to you when you wear the collar unbuttoned.

If your team is customer-facing, a more structured collar can help create a polished appearance. For more active or casual roles, a traditional soft polo collar may be perfectly suited.

Pocket or No Pocket?

Just like traditional shirts, some polo shirts feature a chest pocket. Whether you need one really depends on how your team will use the garment. For most branded workwear, a pocket isn’t essential. A clean chest area can provide a better surface for an embroidered logo and gives the polo a simple, professional appearance.

However pockets can be useful for certain roles where employees need a place to put a pen or small item.

Plastic vs. Mother of Pearl Buttons

Buttons are a small detail, but they can contribute to the overall quality and appearance of a polo shirt. Most traditional polo shirts have two or three buttons, although the number can vary depending on style.

The more expensive Polo Shirts should have real Mother-of-Pearl buttons whereas less expensive ones will come with plastic buttons. Of course, to most the buttons may well look the same but quality matters.

Having cheaper plastic buttons can result in the button cracking easier and breaking which makes that buttonhole obsolete. This is easily done when tumble drying or sometimes even upon impact from hot irons.

There’s no need to get caught up in the number of buttons. For most businesses, the quality of the overall garment, including its fabric, stitching, fit and durability, will have a much greater impact on value.

What Colour Works Best?

Choosing a colour for your polo shirts isn’t just about personal preference. Your garment colour needs to work alongside your company branding and provide enough contrast for your logo to remain clear and recognisable.

Some people will claim that white and navy are the only acceptable colours for a business, but that’s not the case. The fact that more and more businesses are embracing their corporate colour palettes.

It’s also worth thinking beyond the polo itself. If your team wears polos alongside sweatshirts, jackets or other workwear, choosing colours that complement your wider uniform can create a more consistent brand identity.

Price ≠ Value

When it comes to budget, polo shirts can vary considerably in price. However the cheapest garment isn’t necessarily the best value for your business. The quality of the manufacturer, fabric, stitching and construction can all affect how a polo performs over time. If you buy the cheapest polo you can find and your team wears and washes them frequently, these might not last very long, so you should consider investing in a better quality polo.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a one off use polo or only wear it for events, you might get away with a cheaper polo.

It’s also important to consider the cost of personalisation. Once you’ve invested in embroidery or printing, you want a garment that provides a stable, suitable surface for branding and maintains its appearance after repeated washing.

Of course, at the end of the day, you have to decide what provides more value for your business, but it pays to look around and to compare options.

A good workwear polo is one your team will be comfortable wearing, looks professional and continues to represent your business.

Browse our full range of polos here.

Here at MyWorkwear, we have been proud suppliers of personalised workwear since 1976.

To see how we can provide the perfect workwear for your team to keep them looking professional and performing at their best, please click the button below.