1 ITEM, 3 WAYS: THE POLO SHIRT

Words by Lesego Ntsime | Images: Supplied

The sweet spot of intersection between sportswear and fashion coined ‘athleisure’ has explored many terrains over the past couple of years. Think endless parades of take-me-from-gym-to-coffee sets to runway-friendly tracksuits elevated by sneaker grails. The latest athleisure renaissance is a skillful borrowing of some of the most iconic emblems within sports - football shorts, tennis shoes and golfer shirts. 

Bearing a more polished and refined approach to athleisure, Golfcore is driven by the rising popularity of the polo shirt - a timeless wardrobe staple that has lent itself to Amapantsula, Resort collections and the recent resurgence of the Old Money aesthetic. As fashion continues its voyage onto preppy pastures, the polo shirt offers the menswear wardrobe a chance to elevate everyday items like a pair of tailored trousers or casual track pants. Lightweight with a relaxed fit; polo shirts are ideal for warmer weather. Hero the Ralph Lauren/Lacoste signature style in three fashionable ways. 

There’s no better time than spring to coordinate looks intended for leisure. A polo shirt communicates a certain comfortable elegance when paired with tailored pants or chinos of your desired silhouette for a day out. Comfort is always key. Consider loafers or boat shoes as your shoe of choice, cuff the ends of your bottoms to accentuate the shoes and accessorise with a statement belt and hat.

Pairing a polo shirt with track pants is the ultimate luxury-meets-sportswear outfit. Effortlessly cool and athleisure-chic; the look pays homage to retro renditions of streetwear. Complete your sporty throwback with a pair of retro-inspired sneakers like tennis shoes and top it off with a complementary baseball cap. The perfect ace in fashion-form.

If you like it, put a print on it. Put a contemporary spin on the classic polo shirt by incorporating prints into your outfit . If you’re looking to modernise your polo shirt, opt for printed shorts as a fashionable and unpredictable choice. Keep things utilitarian by pairing the look with chunky shoes like Timberlands and a bucket hat for a different way to style your polo shirt.