Point Mode: Polo shirts

The Origin of Polo: From Sport to Fashion

Polo, the garment we wear today with such simplicity, originated in equestrian sport. It was in 19th century India that the first polo players adopted a garment adapted to the demands of their sport. The polo shirt of the time was simple but functional: a short-sleeved shirt, often made of lightweight cotton, with a soft collar, a button placket and a cut that allowed players to move around freely while remaining as elegant as the sport demanded. At the beginning of the 20th century, polo became a worldwide phenomenon thanks to a man who left his mark on fashion history: René Lacoste. In 1927, already one of the world's top tennis players, Lacoste invented the modern polo shirt. By adapting a garment from the equestrian world to racquet sports, he invented the modern polo shirt, using a soft, lightweight cotton piqué fabric that combines comfort and elegance.


René Lacoste

Polo Shirts: A Pop Culture Adulation

A huge success in the world of sport, the polo shirt became a veritable emblem of pop culture and casual elegance, particularly during the sixties and the following decades. In the 80s and 90s. Icons such as Madonna, Michael Jackson and the Beatles adopted it, propelling polo onto the world stage as a timeless symbol of urban style. The polo shirt is both a sign of belonging to a certain elite and a casual garment, allowing the wearer to stand out while retaining great freedom of movement. It was also seen in the cinema, in films such as The Graduate (1967), in which Dustin Hoffman wears a Lacoste polo shirt, and Button War, in which the young, dynamic characters proudly sport the garment. The polo shirt thus became an essential part of contemporary fashion, fitting in with all styles and all generations.


From left to right: Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft and Michael Jackson.

Ines de la Fressange and Polo: An Elegant Reinterpretation

At Ines de la Fressange Paris, we've always been passionate about fashion classics. For us, the polo shirt is a piece that perfectly embodies the spirit of our house: simple, understated elegance. We wanted to reinterpret this timeless piece by adding our own touch of femininity and refinement. Our version of the polo shirt is inspired by classic cuts while adding a dimension of comfort and modernity, making it a versatile garment that's easy to wear every day. The cut of the Ines de la Fressange Paris polo shirt is designed to fit every figure. We use high-quality fabrics, mainly piqué cotton, for softness and lightness, to ensure a comfortable feel all day long. Made in Europe, our polo shirts are available in sober, elegant colours, from classic white to more daring shades, and sometimes with subtle details, such as a contrasting collar or a small, discreet embroidery. The little detail that makes all the difference and gives each piece its own unique charm. One of our aims is to make this garment accessible to everyone, while maintaining its chic, casual feel. We want every woman to be able to adopt this polo shirt, whether it's for a casual city outing, a weekend getaway or even a business meeting. The Ines de la Fressange polo shirt is suitable for all occasions. It can be worn with jeans or a skirt, or even under a tweed jacket for an always elegant look.

Polo shirts: a wardrobe essential

For Ines de la Fressange, the polo shirt is a wardrobe essential. It's a versatile piece that can be worn in all seasons, and stands out for its ability to adapt to every style. Our polo embodies both the lightness of summer and the elegant simplicity of autumn. It can be worn under a woollen jacket in winter or on its own on warmer days. Not only is our polo a timeless garment, but it also endures through the seasons and trends without ever going out of fashion. It even has the incredible ability to be worn at all ages and in all circumstances, at school, at university, at work, at home... The polo shirt has stood the test of time and style. It's a garment that, while remaining simple, tells a story - a story of sport, culture and elegance. At Ines de la Fressange, we've reinterpreted it so that it's more than just a piece of clothing: it's the embodiment of a French art de vivre, a blend of simplicity and sophistication. Whether you wear it casually or in a more formal setting, the polo shirt is one of those essential pieces that we keep and love to wear year after year


Conclusion: Polo Shirts, Elegance and Modernity

Polo shirts are not just a piece of clothing, they are a veritable institution in the world of fashion. From its sporting origins to its adoption by popular culture, it has reinvented itself over time to become an essential piece in every wardrobe. At Ines de la Fressange, we're proud to continue reinterpreting this classic and offer you a modern, elegant and timeless version of the polo shirt. Our polo shirt embodies the casual elegance we cherish and want to share with you. Whether you're looking for comfort, simplicity or elegance, the Ines de la Fressange polo shirt will always be the perfect choice.