The polo shirt has been around for decades. Created for riding horses and swinging mallets, the top has gone on to become a staple for numerous sporting activities — specifically tennis and golf — as well as a go-to casual option for day-to-day wear.

Over the years, the construction of the polo has changed to adhere to the demands of the athlete, transitioning from pique cotton to more moisture-wicking fabrics, leaving the wearer with two options: a polo for sports and a polo for relaxing.

Nike now looks to restore harmony by launching a new polo to be worn no matter the occasion. The shirt boasts a traditional fit, while being made from more progressive materials.

"It was important to nail the traditional aesthetic of sport while simultaneously aiding the movement of sport," says Kelly Tweeden, Nike Creative Director for Apparel, Specialty Categories. "The fabric mix, with a cotton exterior and polyester interior, solves for this as it allows the polo to glide along the skin while in swing."

Familiar elements found in Nike's new polo include two-button placket with a pearlized finish, drop-tail hem, and standard and slim fit options. Conversely, the shirt is then been updated with a new proprietary plated knit combining cotton craft on the outside and cooling comfort next to the skin, a collar that will not curl, back neck collar vents and tape on the inner neck that rest smoothly on the skin, and eyelets at each underarm to enhance airflow. Furthermore, the Nike polo features a top button sewn on with orange thread forming an “N,” a small orange label on the outside of each placket, and a label on the inside referencing Nike's original shoe box.

Nike is scheduled to release its new polo April 9 on Nike.com.

Nike

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