The history of the Polo shirt: from sports field to style icon

Welcome, gentlemen, with a fascinating journey through time, where we reveal the transformation of the Polo shirt from a practical sportswear piece into an indispensable fashion icon. At Ecogents, your leading second -hand and vintage clothing store in Tilburg, we appreciate the deep roots and the permanent heritage of this classic.

The beginning: a sporty origin

The story of the Polo shirt starts on the Polo fields of India during the late 19th century. British soldiers took it back to England, and the accompanying clothing. The original Polo shirts were long cotton shirts with long sleeves, designed to be comfortable during the game. The most characteristic element, the collar that could be folded up to protect the neck against the sun, is a feature that has been preserved to this day.

René Lacoste's Revolution

The real transformation of the Polo shirt came in the 1920s, thanks to the French tennis champion René Lacoste. Faced with the limiting tennis clothing of that time, Lacoste created a shorter, sleeveless shirt from Piqué cotton with a ribbed collar, better known as the lacoste shirt. This design offered more freedom of movement and comfort, making it soon popular in other sports and ultimately in the everyday wardrobe.

From Sport to Street

After the introduction by Lacoste, the Polo shirt started to find its way to daily life. In the 50s and 60s it became a symbol of relaxed elegance, worn by film stars and presidents, making it a fixed part of the American Preppy style.

The polo shirt in fashion

In the decades that followed, the Polo shirt was embraced by different subcultures, from mods to punkers, giving it a versatility that few other items of clothing can claim. Brands such as Ralph Lauren and Fred Perry lifted the Polo shirt to higher fashionable atmospheres, giving it a permanent place in the world of men's fashion.

The permanent attraction

What makes the Polo shirt so timeless? It is the unique combination of comfort, simplicity and elegance. It can be worn both casual and formally, making it the perfect choice for almost every occasion.

A surprising fact

Did you know that the original Lacoste Polo shirt had a crocodile logo as a nickname to René Lacoste's nickname "De Krokodil"? This made the Lacoste Polo shirt one of the first examples of a brand logo that was visibly worn on clothing.

Why choose vintage and second -hand Polo shirts?

At Ecogents we appreciate the beauty and story behind every vintage and second -hand Polo shirt. Every piece in our collection is carefully selected to offer our customers unique items that are not only stylish, but also contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.

Discover your perfect polo at Ecogents

Whether you are looking for a classic Lacoste shirt, a preppy Ralph Lauren Polo, or a unique vintage piece, at Ecogents in Tilburg and in our webshop you will find an extensive selection of second -hand and vintage polo shirts, each of which their own story and style bring over.

Conclusion: Make a stylish and sustainable choice

The Polo shirt has taken a long way from the sports field to the wardrobes of stylish men around the world. At Ecogents we invite you to be part of this rich history by choosing our second -hand and vintage polo shirts. Visit us in the store or discover our collection online and find your new favorite piece that combines style, comfort and sustainability.