Polo sweater men: this is how you wear a vintage or knitted polo

A polo sweater for men It's right between a shirt and a regular sweater. You get the collar and neat look of a polo, but with the softer, knitted structure of knitwear. This means that a polo sweater works both casually and under a jacket.

What do we mean by a polo sweater?

A polo sweater is usually a knitted top with polo collar and button closure or open neck. It is different from a classic pique polo: the fabric is knitted like knitwear and can be finer, heavier or more textured.

Vintage models can have clearly different proportions than modern variants, for example a longer collar, wider body or shorter hem.

Polo sweater with jeans

With jeans, a polo sweater can easily become casual. Dark blue, medium blue, black and gray work with almost any quiet polo sweater.

A plain model with loafers or neat sneakers gives a neat weekend look. A vintage model with a stripe or pattern can be the striking part of the outfit.

Polo sweater with trousers

Trousers make the combination neater without the need for a shirt. Fine knitted models work especially well with gray, dark blue, brown or cream.

Tuck a thin polo sweater into the pants if the length and thickness allow it. A heavier model is usually better worn loose.

Polo sweater under a jacket

A nice polo sweater works great under a jacket. The collar provides enough structure to replace the shirt while making the outfit less formal.

Pay attention to volume. A thick knitted polo can make a fitted jacket too tight around the chest and arms.

Which collar works well?

A sturdy polo collar should fall neatly below or above the lapel without folding in half. With an open neck, the collar may be slightly looser; With a button closure you can leave the top button open for a relaxed look.

Short or long sleeve?

Short sleeves work especially in spring and summer or as a loose top layer. Long sleeves are easier in autumn and winter and combine better under a jacket or jacket.

On vintage models, the sleeve length may deviate from modern sizing, so measuring remains important.

Which colors are easy?

• Dark blue: Widely applicable with denim, grey, beige and brown.
• Cream: strong with olive, brown, denim and dark blue.
• Gray: quietly under a checked or colored jacket.
• Bordeaux and green: good for autumn and winter.
• Stripes or patterns: leave the rest of the outfit calmer.

Vintage polo sweater: what do you pay attention to?

Check especially the neck, cuffs, armpits and hem. In knitwear, these are places where stretch, fluff or wear are more likely to become visible.

Also look at any holes and the shape of the garment. A knitted item that has been hung incorrectly on a hanger for a long time can deform at the shoulders.

Only mention material if it is proven

A soft polo sweater is not automatically cashmere and a woolly surface is not automatically wool. For vintage knitwear we therefore use the material or washing label as a basis.

How do you store a polo sweater?

It is usually better to store knitted clothing folded rather than on a narrow hanger for a long time, because its own weight can stretch the shoulders. Always follow the care label for washing and drying.

For wool and other delicate fibers, a milder treatment than the maximum label instruction is usually safer.

Polo sweater or regular polo?

A classic polo made of piqué cotton looks sportier. A knitted polo sweater has more texture and can more easily take the place of a nice sweater or shirt under a jacket.

For regular polos you can look at our polos.

Vintage polo sweaters at EcoGents

In our collection polo sweaters plain, striped and distinctive second-hand and vintage models pass by. Because material, cut and size differ per piece, we mainly look at actual dimensions and wearability.

Do you want to combine more layers? Also check out our guide on spencers for men.