The Original Polo Shirt... A Brooks Brothers Classic

We have probably all seen them and quite a few of us own them, the original polo shirt, or a copy of this classic men's shirt. And no, I'm not taking about a brand name but a style, more commonly known today as the Oxford Cloth Button Down shirt or OCBD.

Around the turn of the last century, Brooks Brothers imported some shirts from England made of white cotton cheviot, or what is more commonly known today as "Oxford" cloth. These shirts were actually worn while playing polo at that time. Brooks Brothers found the material and appearance of these shirts so favorable, that they copied them and introduced them into their line of ready-made shirts.

Photo Brooks Brothers

These shirts had two outstanding and unique features at that time. First was the ability of the cotton cheviot to absorb perspiration to a greater degree than any material except wool, while not being subject to the shrinkage of the slightly more absorbent wool of wool flannel. Second was that the points of the collar were fastened down by buttons so, that when riding rapidly, they were not blown into the eyes of the player when the shirt was left open at the neck.

Photo Brooks Brothers

When it was introduced it was called the "Polo Shirt," and even today, over 100 years later, "The Original Polo Shirt" is found on the tag of every Brooks Brothers button Down collar shirt.

Photo Brooks Brothers

The original white cheviot has become an American classic, with other solid color shirts and stripes, and has been more or less closely imitated by a host of other shirt-makers over the years. White, blue, pink and yellow seem to be the most common and classic colors, along with blue and burgundy stripes.

Photo Brooks Brothers

I still have several of these in my closet and they wear like iron, lasting nearly 15 years before they need to be retired to wear around the house only.

Photo Brooks Brothers

Today even Brooks Brothers provides a variety of shirts which while close to the original, are not the original. But if you know to look for, you can find this classic long lasting shirt.

First, this shirt is made of cotton, pure American grown Supima cotton. This is not a "non-iron" creation treated with chemicals to save you time or a trip to the cleaners. Second, this shirt is the traditional fit, easily identified by the red tag inside the shirt. The traditional fit is the only Brooks Brothers shirt to have the red tag. The traditional fit is voluminous, cut larger than any of their other shirts, a true American classic. And third, unlike the non-iron shirts, and many of the other shirts sold by Brooks Brothers, these classic shirts which require ironing are made in America.

Note: This shirt cannot be found at the Brooks Brothers Outlet Stores. The shirts there are made under the 346 label specifically for the outlet stores and should not be confused with the original.

Everyone can justify the clothes they buy in one way or another, but if I can invest in a shirt, made in America, which will last 15 years, that is an investment which I will make again and again. If you haven't tried one, treat yourself to this American classic.

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