August isn’t the time for complications. It’s hot from eight in the morning, plans are made on the spur of the moment, and nobody wants to spend twenty minutes standing in front of their wardrobe. It’s in this context that the garment that solves everything without raising a word appears: the micro-piqué polo shirt.
Neither a T-shirt nor a dress shirt. The polo shirt occupies that middle ground where comfort meets smartness, which is why it has survived all the changing fashions for almost a century. What’s more, in its micro-piqué version, it reaches the height of refinement.
August calls for clothes that don’t make you think
Late summer has a different rhythm to it. The days blend into one another; working days overlap with the last few days of the holidays, and your wardrobe needs to cover both scenarios with the same clothes.
That’s why it’s a good idea to opt for items that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. A polo shirt does exactly that: paired with Bermuda shorts, it’s beachwear; with trousers and loafers, it’s suitable for a meeting.
What is a micro-piqué polo shirt and why does it matter?
Piqué is a textured knitted fabric, consisting of small cells that trap air and create a gap between the fabric and the skin. It was made popular by the tennis player René Lacoste in the 1930s, when she was looking for an item of clothing that wouldn’t get in her way on the court.
Micro-piqué reduces the size of the fabric’s weave. As a result, the surface is smoother, the cotton drapes better and the garment loses the sporty look of traditional piqué. A micro-piqué polo shirt thus verges on the territory of a shirt without sacrificing the comfort of knitted fabric.
Piqué versus plain knit: you can really tell the difference
A plain-knit jumper, in a fine jersey style, clings to the body and highlights every contour. Piqué, on the other hand, retains its own structure, which conceals the figure whilst allowing the skin to breathe.
That difference becomes crucial in August. Whilst plain fabric becomes damp and takes on a translucent appearance, micro-piqué retains its shape throughout the day.
The neck: the litmus test
A polo shirt is judged by its collar. If it stretches out after three washes, the garment is ruined, no matter how good the cotton used for the body is.
Look for a separately knitted collar, with good density and a neatly finished placket with two or three buttons. Our plain micro-piqué short-sleeved polo shirts are based precisely on that criterion.
How to style your micro-piqué polo shirt for day and night
Its versatility calls for a specific plan. These four options cover practically the whole of August:
- A morning in the harbour: white polo shirt, clean-cut Bermuda shorts and leather sailing boots.
- August's work: a navy polo shirt tucked into the trousers, a slim belt and loafers.
- A long meal: an earth-toned polo shirt, light-coloured trousers and classic sunglasses.
- An evening on the terrace: a dark polo shirt, matching trousers and a light cape draped over his shoulders.
For that last formula, the key points we gave in our article on summer evening looks remain valid.
Plain colours: the shortcut to elegance
Patterned polo shirts have their fans, although plain ones always win out in the long run. A solid colour allows the garment to be seen as a base piece, rather than the centrepiece of the outfit.
White, navy, olive green and tan make up the unbeatable quartet. With those four shades and a pair of trousers, you’re sorted for any late-summer plans.
Tucked in or left out
There’s a simple answer to this age-old question: it depends on the length. If the bottom of the T-shirt reaches halfway down the fly, wear it over the trousers; if it goes beyond that, tuck it in.
What’s more, it all depends on the context. With shorts, always tucked out. With smart trousers and a belt, tucked in. Even as fashion changes, that rule remains constant, just like the ones we’ve included in our Five secrets to wearing a polo shirt.
Tips to keep your neck in good shape
Wash the polo shirt inside out, at 30 degrees, using a gentle spin cycle. Then lay it flat to dry, as hanging it up whilst wet will stretch the shoulders and distort the placket.
Avoid using fabric softener, as it makes the piqué fabric feel heavy and reduces its breathability. If you iron it, do so inside out and take care not to press too hard on the collar.
Frequently asked questions about the micro-piqué polo shirt
Is it acceptable to wear a polo shirt to a formal meal?
Yes, in summer and in a plain colour. Wear it tucked into your trousers, with a belt and leather shoes, and it’ll look great.
Which size should I choose?
The usual. The polo shirt should lie close to the body without clinging to it, and the sleeve should end halfway up the bicep.
Should the buttons be left open or fastened?
One open is the norm. Two, only if it’s really hot. Having them all closed is too stuffy in summer.
Is a micro-piqué polo shirt suitable for travelling?
It’s one of the best options. It takes up very little space, hardly creases at all and can be worn straight from the plane to the street without needing to be ironed.
How many do I need?
Three well-chosen ones are better than ten bought on impulse. One light, one dark and one coloured.
Find your polo shirt at Gerry St Tropez
There are items of clothing you buy for a particular season and others you buy to last for years. The polo shirt clearly falls into the second category, provided you choose the right fabric and collar.
Discover our entire collection of Gerry St Tropez T-shirts and go for the one that will see you through this August and the months to come. Because that’s what Mediterranean elegance has always been about: getting it right without trying too hard.