Second-hand polo men: this is how you choose a good one

Choosing a second-hand polo for men seems simple, but collar, shape and wear are important, especially with used polos. A good copy should not only have the right color; the collar must still lie neatly, the button closure must be intact and the body must not be twisted or stretched.

Start at the collar

The collar is the first thing you see and often the first to show wear. Check that it is still flat and symmetrical and is not severely stretched or deformed.

With some vintage polos, a longer or sturdier collar is part of the style. So look at the model and the condition.

Check the button closure

Open and close all buttons. Check that buttonholes are not stretched and that the fabric around the closure is not pulling.

If one unique brand button is missing, replacement may be more difficult than with a simple generic model.

How should a polo fit?

A polo may fit without pulling on the chest or stomach. The shoulder seam should fall logically around the shoulder and the sleeve should not cut tightly into the upper arm.

A vintage polo can be straighter and roomier than a modern slim-fit model. That is not automatically the wrong size.

Length: tucked in or loose?

Many polo shirts are made to be worn both loose and tucked in. A long model can look neater under a jacket or trousers when you tuck it in.

A shorter casual model works well over jeans or chinos.

Pay attention to armpits and hem

Check second-hand polos for discoloration, wear and small holes at armpits, hem and cuffs. Use may also be visible on the inside of the collar.

Material from label only

Many polo shirts are made of cotton or cotton blends, but other fibers are also available. Only mention material when the label confirms it.

For example, a piqué structure does not automatically mean that something is 100% cotton.

Polo with jeans

A polo with jeans is an easy casual combination. Dark blue, gray, black or medium blue works with almost any plain polo.

With loafers or neat sneakers it is taken care of without being formal.

Polo with trousers

With a trousers a polo immediately becomes neater. Finer fabrics and calm colors usually work better than large sports logos or very coarse details.

Polo under a jacket

A polo goes well under one jacket, especially if the collar remains neatly positioned. A nicer, quiet polo usually works better than a very sporty model.

The combination is somewhere between a shirt and a T-shirt: neat, but not too formal.

Polo vs polo sweater

A classic polo is usually lighter and sportier. A knitted polo sweater has more structure and can more easily take the place of knitwear.

Also read how to wear a polo sweater.

Vintage polo: what do you pay attention to?

On older polos, labels, cuts and sleeve lengths may be different. Don't use one label or logo to automatically determine an exact decade.

Look at several features at the same time and buy mainly based on condition and fit.

Brands are a plus, not a guarantee

Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Fred Perry and other well-known polo brands may be interesting, but the name does not automatically make a worn polo a good purchase.

Always check collar, body, buttons and material information.

Second-hand polos at EcoGents

View our collection second-hand polos. The range varies in brands, colours, sizes and periods.

Are you specifically looking for Ralph Lauren? Then read too second hand Ralph Lauren men.