Can a Polo Shirt Have Long Sleeves?
If you’re wondering whether a polo shirt can have long sleeves, the answer is a resounding "yes!". Although the short-sleeved polo shirt is what most people think of when imagining this collared shirt style, there are benefits to the long-sleeved polo.
Advantages of a Long-Sleeved Polo
There are many reasons to consider adding the long-sleeved polo shirt to your wardrobe. These shirts come in sizes to fit every body, and they’re available for men, women, and kids. You can find them in a rainbow of colors, and they layer well with other tops. Another reason to love the long-sleeved polo is that it’s easy to care for. When your polo shirt needs laundering, simply toss it in your washing machine and tumble dry or air dry.
Long-sleeved polo shirts make great apparel gifts for birthdays and holidays. They’re also a good gift for the back-to-school season. This versatile shirt style looks great on everyone and is a viable option for a business-casual workplace. Kids can wear boys’ and girls' polo shirts with long sleeves to school or for a playdate. Although polo shirts are collared, they fall somewhere between dressy and casual.
You’ll never have to wonder if you can fit a long-sleeved polo shirt into your wardrobe or your family’s wardrobes. Polo shirts go with all kinds of bottoms and look great on everyone, and some polo shirts can even be personalized with a monogram. This shirt is so versatile that you really can’t have too many polos in your closet. Now that you know why long-sleeved polos are a great clothing choice for everyone, let’s look at fabrics you’ll come across when shopping.
Polo Shirt Fabrics
Supima cotton is often used for polo shirts. You’ll also find women's cotton tank tops, tunics, and even dresses made from Supima cotton. This type of cotton is grown in the U.S.A. and represents only a small fraction of national cotton production. What separates Supima from other cotton types is its long-staple fiber, which is estimated to be around 35% longer than regular cotton fiber. When woven into fabric, this fiber is sturdy yet soft—and gets softer with every wash. It’s also colorfast for lasting vibrancy.
Mesh cotton polos are another type of shirt to consider. They’re made from ringspun combed cotton, which is made for softness and strength. Some mesh cotton polos are garment-washed, which makes them supremely comfortable from the very first wear. You’ll find mesh cotton polo shirts enhanced with a small percentage of spandex for the slightest hint of stretch. Details such as cotton jersey taping around the neck and shoulders add to the durable structure of the mesh polo shirt.
Polyester is another fabric that’s good for polo shirts and other types of activewear. This synthetic fabric is durable, it's machine-washable, and it can be found with wrinkle-resistant and antimicrobial finishes to keep you looking polished and feeling fresh all day. Polyester polos are an excellent option for high-activity days, whether you’re working in the garden, around the house, or on the job site. The fabric is breathable and has moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool. Many polyester polo shirts offer UPF 50 for covered areas.
How to Wear a Polo Shirt
There are lots of ways to wear a polo shirt. Women can wear polo shirts with capri pants for a spring and summer outfit that can go anywhere. Or polos can be worn with any kind of skirt for a preppy, on-trend style. This shirt style is also perfect for pairing with your favorite jeans, whether you prefer high-rise jeans or skinny jeans. If you’re wearing a long-sleeved polo in cold weather, layer it under a cotton sweater for extra warmth and a stylish look.
Girls can wear polo shirts with jeans, leggings, or skirts. If you want to put together a girls’ outfit that’s dressy but not too dressy, pair a polo shirt with a pleated skirt. For a casual look that’s still school-appropriate, girls can wear a long-sleeved polo shirt with a pair of flat-front chinos.
Men can pair long-sleeved polo shirts with men’s jeans. Cargo pants also look stylish with men's polo shirts, as do classic khaki chinos. Boys can also wear polo shirts with jeans, chinos, or shorts. For a durable boys’ outfit that can go to school or an after-school activity, pair a long-sleeved polo with a pair of boys' jeans or chinos that have reinforced knees. Kids can jump, run, and bend in pants with Iron Knee technology without wearing holes in the knees.
Explore the wide selection of men’s, women’s, and kids’ polo shirts to find an array of stylish options. Try different polo-and-pant pairings to find which outfits you like best, or opt for a polo shirt midi dress for summery style.