Anatomy of the Polo Shirt: A Guide to Design & Construction

What makes a polo shirt timeless? At The Lanam Shop, we believe the answer lies in thoughtful design and superior materials. In this guide, we explore the anatomy of our men’s Pima Cotton polo shirts — from knit structure to finishing details.

Jersey vs. Pique: The Fabric Foundation

Jersey and pique are the two most common knit structures for polo shirts. Jersey (also called plain or flat stitch) results in a smooth, lightweight fabric with subtle sheen. It’s breathable and ideal for relaxed, casual looks.

Pique offers a more structured and textured finish, traditionally associated with dressier polos. Its origin dates back to European court fashion, and the fabric’s distinctive waffle-like surface lends elegance and durability.

Shop Men’s Jersey & Pique Polo Shirts

Placket & Buttons

The placket reinforces the front of the shirt and typically includes 2-3 buttons. Our polos feature classic mother-of-pearl buttons and double-stitched panels for strength and sophistication.

Collar Styles

Choose between knit collars or self-collars (exclusive to jersey styles). Each collar is carefully crafted for shape retention and comfort. Ribbed collars are looped to the shirt body for flexibility and minimal distortion during wear or wash.

Sleeve Finishing

Short sleeve polo shirts come with either a plain hem (common on jersey polos) or a ribbed cuff (standard for pique polos). Ribbed cuffs may be knit separately for enhanced durability and finished look.

Explore Short Sleeve Pima Polos

Hem, Side Vents & Tail

Our polos feature a split hem with side vents, designed for easy tucking and all-day comfort. Some styles include a rear tail — a slightly extended back panel that helps keep the shirt tucked during movement.

Optional Chest Pocket

Functional yet stylish, the chest pocket adds a spot for sunglasses or small essentials without damaging the fabric — ideal for pique knits.

Browse Polo Shirts with Pockets

Why Choose Our Pima Cotton?

All of our polos are made with Peruvian Pima Cotton, grown in the high-altitude coastal regions of Peru. This extra-long staple cotton delivers unmatched softness, strength, and breathability.