Wimbledon and the Polo Shirt
It is coming up to that exciting time of year when the UK remembers how much they adore tennis and vow to stand behind a melancholic Scott as he tries to make his way to the final. For 2 fun packedweeks evenings are filled up with the image of men and women wearing stark white clothes running around and exerting themselves loudly, tennis racquet in hand. The fashion of tennis has been an influential part of the game since it first started for some it is the trademark that makes them stand out from the rest for others it is just a great excuse to show of their toned bodies.
A history of Tennis Outfits
Tennis clothing has changed hugely over the years, when you see the images of men and women wearing long sleeved shirts and full trousers and skirts it seems impossible that they played in the summer in such uncomfortable restrictive clothing. This changed dramatically over the next 100 years with outfits getting more and more revealing and there were of course the infamous frilly knickers worn by the women of Chris Evert. The men have not done a whole lot better with super short shorts which progressed to them being worn with cycling shorts underneath. The men’s fashions have suffered from some bad accessories too, baseball caps, visors and of course the stylish bandana.
The one enduring item that you see still being worn today by a large number of the players is the polo shirt first brought to the game by charming Frenchman Rene Lacoste. Lacoste was looking for a short sleeved shirt he could wear that would not come un-tucked at the back pulling out of his trousers so he developed the Lacoste polo shirt to have a longer back than front but still to be smart with collar and short shirt sleeves.
The Modern Polo Shirt
Lacoste Polo shirts are an iconic item of clothing both on and off the court, Andy Roddick is sponsored by Lacoste and proudly wears the design whether he is playing in a tournament or practising on court. Lacoste has made the decision to sponsor a handful of up and coming tennis players demonstrating their continued involvement with tennis.
The polo shirt is now a high selling item of men’s designer clothing with lots of brands having their take on this classic design. The shirt is made from soft cotton material and can be worn loose or tight against the body depending on personal preferences. Although it has a collar and can be worn as a formal item it is relaxed and comfortable enough to be a casual item too.
Thanks to Rene Lacoste and his dedication to the game of tennis the comfortable and enduring polo shirt were designed and can still be loved and worn today. You will see men the world over wearing the Lacoste polo shirt for both comfort and design, just look out for the crocodile!
Follow in Rene Lacoste’s footsteps and look stylish in a Lacoste polo shirt, whether relaxing or out partying!