René Lacoste’s personal triumph and his iconic polo has been influential and exemplary for almost every polo out there. Our long sleeve pique polo is also one of them, undeniably, made long-sleeved with the sartorial flair in mind. While our superfine knitted polos were crafted for tennis or golfing, offering a lightness and finesse perfect for layering under tailoring, this new number sets out with a fresh objective.
If you'd asked us about a good polo shirt a couple of years back, we'd have told you they were meant to be tucked in most of the time, particularly in the context of tailoring. Back then, a good polo shirt was one that was a bit long, extending beyond the groin, preferably tucked in to stay neatly under a jacket and never ride up. The fit around the waist and hip tended to be snug, clinging to the body and revealing both 'strengths' and 'flaws'.
This new polo, however, is a different kettle of fish. Starting with the silhouette, our design features longer sleeves and a straighter cut through the body, but loose at the ends. Unlike our iconic knitted t-shirts’ ribbings that hug the arms, this one is louche and airy, creating an illusion with the squared end of the sleeve. The second notable feature is the abbreviated cut on the body. Drawing on our bespoke tailoring prowess, we studied various physiques across ages and ethnicities to discover the 'golden standard' — a perfect length that allows the polo to be worn tucked or untucked with equal elegance.
The longer sleeves and shorter body create a juxtaposed proportion, crafting a smart leisure silhouette perfect for a modernised Slim Aarons setting, where everything feels more relaxed and uncontrived. There's no need to fuss over the fit, roll up the sleeves, or shove the hem through the trouser rise to stay tidy. The straight cut assures a clean look. By the beach, where shorts, ankles, and peeped-out toes are on show, there's no need for the unnecessary tuck. This polo embodies effortless style, ensuring you remain cool and composed wherever your summer adventures take you.
The unique fibre mix is a masterstroke of design, a standout feature among its predecessors in our collection. The cotton and linen blend ensures the garment remains cool and airy, perfect for warm weather. The luxurious texture is soft to the touch, thanks to the dominant use of resilient Supima cotton. This superior type of cotton, with its extra-long staple fibers measuring at least 1.5 inches, represents less than 1% of cotton grown globally, making it a true rarity. Linen, the icing on the cake, is sustainably sourced from 100-day old plants in Upper Normandy. Sown between March and April, in full bloom by mid-June, and harvested in July, this linen benefits from the most favorable growing period of the year.
Combining the best of both worlds, this blend optimises the textured look within a plain weave. Textiles sourced entirely from nature, adorned with cat's-eye mother-of-pearl buttons, bring a nice final touch to the narrative. Simple and sophisticated, as a basic layer should be, yet with an elevated feel, this is a piece we proudly introduce to you for the season, with many more summers to come. Available now in three colours, a fresh seafoam green which is very soothing to the eye, the classic, olive and oatmeal.
