The polo shirt is a must-have garment for many organisations. Combining elegance and comfort, it strengthens brand image and team cohesion. But how do you choose a polo shirt suitable for professional use? Between fabric quality, fit and textile customisation, several criteria must be taken into account.

In this post we present the advantages of using polo shirts as professional uniforms for an image that meets the requirements of your trades as well as your establishment’s identity.

Selection criteria for a professional polo shirt

1.       Choosing the fabric: a key element

•          Piqué knit or jersey?

ü  Piqué knit is more hard-wearing and offers a textured look, ideal for professional use,

ü  Jersey is softer and more comfortable to wear, but less durable.

•          Cotton, polyester or blend?

ü  100% cotton is comfortable and breathable, but can wrinkle easily. It is harder to care for (increased risk of fading or shrinkage) ; it is notably not recommended for industrial laundering,

ü  Polyester offers better resistance to frequent washing, it is easier to dry and to de-wrinkle ; but it is less comfortable (less pleasant feel), less breathable (promotes a feeling of heat & sweating) and more prone to lingering odours,

ü  A polycotton blend combines the advantages of both materials.

2.     Fit and finishes

•          Classic or fitted cut?

ü  The straight cut suits all body types and guarantees freedom of movement,

ü  A fitted cut adds a more modern and dynamic touch.

•          Raglan or classic sleeves?

ü  Raglan sleeves offer greater ease and a sporty look.

ü  Classic sleeves give a more structured appearance.

•          Classic collar or stand collar ?

ü  Classic collar (or "polo collar") : timeless, versatile, professional or casual ; it can curl after washing if poor quality

ü  Stand collar (or "mandarin collar") : modern, clean, original look

ü  And why not a zip collar, shirt collar, V-neck or buttoned collar ?

•          Shoulder reinforcement and quality buttons to ensure it holds up well over time,
•          Neck placket & tagging to make identification easier.

3.     Textile customisation

•          Embroidery or screen printing.

ü  Embroidery is durable and adds a premium touch ; it can be done directly on the item or on a strip or patch (to sew on or heat-seal),

ü  Screen printing is ideal for large-area prints and precise details.

•          Choice of colours and logo

ü  Choose shades that match your profession & your brand guidelines,

ü  A well-placed logo increases the visibility of your organisation or your profession,

     Ribbed trims, retroreflective tape, decorative facing, pocket, badge holder loop… don’t hesitate to contact ALM’s customer service to define the model the model that matches all your outfits (PPE, men’s work trousers, kitchen apron…),

The advantages of polo shirts for businesses

1.       A professional garment suited to all sectors

•           Easy to care for and comfortable for daily use.
•           Ideal for catering, reception, retail and crafts, for healthcare or wellness establishments, for logistics, maintenance or production, for civil security, firefighters, paramedics or security staff,

2.     A powerful tool for visual communication

•           Helps to promote brand image discreetly,
•           Standardises teams and strengthens the sense of belonging.

3.     Excellent value for money

•           A long-lasting investment thanks to quality fabrics and finishes. Don’t overlook the fabric weight and origin, which will be decisive for its lifespan. Although a T-shirt is often cheaper, its life cycle is often shorter (the financial impact of a polo shirt is often more advantageous over time),
•           An affordable cost compared with other professional garments (shirt or tunic in particular).

The polo shirt is a must-have garment to project a professional style while ensuring comfort and durability. By choosing a quality model with careful finishes and relevant customisation, you strengthen your company’s image.

Place your order now on our ALM Textile e-commerce site  and offer your teams high-quality professional polo shirts, customisable to suit your needs!