Polo shirts are some of the most common, but misunderstood pieces of branded apparel out there. Most companies and organizations have them but they're too often treated like a commodity with little attention paid to selecting the right polo for the person wearing it.
There’s a lot to consider when buying a polo. Answering the following questions will help you narrow down your options and lead you to the perfect polo.
1. Functionality
Who’s going to wear the polo shirt and what function do they play in your company?
This is the place to start. Your company is most likely made up of employees with a wide variety of job functions – all working in different conditions and environments. The apparel needs of warehouse supervisors are very different from those of sales reps who spend most of the year on the road. You can buy one polo shirt and “make it work” or you can select a one that meets the unique style and performance needs of your employees.
Once you identify who’s going to wear the polo, you can start to identify specific options as you answer the following questions.
2. Fabric
What are the most comfortable materials for the person wearing it?
When it comes to fabric options, polos have evolved by leaps and bounds in recent years. Today, you can find shirts made with materials specifically designed to increase your comfort and protect you from the elements. From Dri-Fit to Silk Touch to Micropique, finding the right fabric will insure your brand gets the attention it deserves and your team will be excited about wearing their company uniforms.
For a sales team spending most of their time in client meetings and living out of a suitcase, a wrinkle-resistant, professional looking polo is an essential part of their wardrobe.
When spending all day on the tradeshow floor or playing a mid-August round of golf, you need a polo with fabric that’s designed to keep you cool and dry.
For positions with more physical movement such as a construction superintendents or restaurant wait staff, look for a shirt that’s a little more casual and features snag-resistant fabric.
3. Fashion/Fit
What look are you going for?
Polos come in all shapes, sizes, styles and patterns. As with all promotional products, knowing your brand will help you arrive at the right polo shirt for your team. An investment bank in New York City is going to want a look that’s more conservative and professional than a microbrewery in Denver.
Don’t forget about fit! Most brands of polos are available in both men’s and women’s styles so that every member on your team will look great. It’s important to pay attention to fit, making sure the garment looks and feels good when worn.
4. Brands
Do you want to add value with a retail brand?
Putting your logo on a polo shirt from a well-known retail brand such as Nike, Under Armour, Puma, or Adidas adds perceived value for the recipient and your company. There is an expected higher level of quality with a retail brand garment and aligning your organization with the brand can create a positive impression.
You’ve made the decision to invest in branded polo shirts for your organization, why not take a few simple steps to ensure that your team members will love to wear the shirts? You won’t get much brand exposure with the shirts hanging in closets.
You have a lot of options. Think about who will be wearing the shirts and what you want the shirt to say about your brand. From there you’ll be able to find a shirt that’s right for your company and right for the person that will be wearing it.
Sarah Snailum