The History of Polo and Its Influence on Menswear
Polo has had a significant influence on fashion, helping define the casual luxury look that is now a staple of modern menswear. The elite reputation of the sport elevated knitwear, from the classic knit polo shirt to the elegant wool sweaters, giving it a sense of status and sophistication, a powerful combination which still has an impact on fashion today. But where did it all begin and how did such a simple sport come to shape menswear today?
Chovgan, or modernly known as ‘polo’, originated in ancient Persia over 2500 years ago as a cavalry training exercise. The sport gradually gained traction throughout the region and among neighbouring countries such as Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran and Central Asia. Traditionally, Chovgan was played by Azerbaijani nobility and members of the Shah family. It was particularly popular in Karabakh where specially trained horses were bred for the game, establishing both the cultural and equestrian prestige of polo’s earliest traditions.
Chovgan has been preserved by and continues to be practiced in Azerbaijan with an annual national competition where the teams from across the country compete against each other. The sport was officially declared by UNESCO as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of Azerbaijan in 2013. The Presidential Cup and the 2013 Arena Polo World Cup in Baku, named 'Bringing Polo Home', are two examples of modern events that have brought this old game back into the spotlight and showcased its enduring cultural significance.
Polo's Arrival in Britain
Polo began to spread across Asia, reaching India, China and Japan, but it was the northeastern region of Manipur where the game gained popularity. It was there that the British soldiers first discovered the sport and brought it back to England in the 1860s. Captain Joseph Sherer, who later became known as the ‘father of English polo’, was one of the key figures in early polo development.
The sport quickly caught the attention of the British aristocracy and Royal Family, leaving a lasting legacy that remains to this day with King Charles III and Prince William among its most avid players. By the end of the 19th century, polo had solidified its reputation as a ‘gentleman’s sport’, frequently played at country estates and private clubs. In 1875, the Hurlingham Polo Club became the first official polo club in London and quickly emerged as the epicentre of British polo.
Today, polo in the UK is as much a social occasion as it is a sport. It constantly attracts fashionable crowds, media coverage and features exquisite picnics, creating a space where fashion and tradition beautifully collide.
Polo Players at Hurlingham Club, 1910
Staple Pieces Inspired by Polo
The Polo Shirt
One of polo’s greatest fashion legacies is, of course, the polo shirt. Long before it was linked with tennis or golf, early polo players in India and Britain wore stiff, long-sleeved button-downs that were far from ideal on the field. In the 1920s, French tennis star René Lacoste came up with a better solution: a short-sleeved, soft-collared shirt made from breathable piqué cotton. Designed for easy movement and comfort, it soon crossed back into polo and became a lasting icon in both sport and fashion.
The Polo Rollneck
The polo rollneck was introduced in the late 19th century and was worn by players who needed warmth without restricting mobility. Eventually, it moved off the pitch and into everyday life, becoming a favourite among academics, artists and philosophers.
The V Neck Sweater
The V-neck sweater started out as a practical layer that was worn over polo shirts to keep players warm while still allowing full movement, but it quickly became a symbol of sophisticated, upper-class style. It is often worn over a collared shirt, offering a perfect blend of casual comfort with refined elegance. Timeless and versatile, it pairs effortlessly with a t-shirt, a shirt or even under a suit. Over time, it became a preppy wardrobe essential, a favourite in the Ivy League campuses in America and a go-to for effortlessly polished style in the UK.
Polo is more than just a sport. It is something that continues to shape the language of casual luxury today, proving that a game once played by kings and warriors still influences how we dress and define sophistication.
Searching for the perfect polo to elevate your wardrobe? You can explore our full range of polo shirts here, and if you're looking for inspiration, our Style Journal is full of ideas on how to style them (along with many of our other pieces). As always, if you would like personal advice, feel free to get in touch.
