The humble polo shirt often gets a bad rap. For many, it reminds them of high school uniforms or corporate giveaways.
But in the world of Elevated Basics, the classic polo is an unsung hero. It is the perfect middle ground between a casual t-shirt and a formal button-down. It’s structured enough for a client meeting but comfortable enough for a humid commute.
However, not all polos are created equal. We’ve all bought one that looked great in the shop, only to have the collar curl up like a potato chip after one wash.
If you want to invest in a polo that stays crisp, retains its shape, and looks expensive (even if it wasn’t), you need to look at the construction.
Here is your Quality Marker Breakdown for spotting a polo that will truly last.
Marker 1: The Fabric Weave (Piqué vs. Jersey)
The first thing to check is the texture.
The Breakdown: Most cheap polos are made of thin “Jersey” knit—the same smooth, flat fabric used for t-shirts. While soft, they often lack structure and cling to the body in the heat.
The Quality Choice: Look for Cotton Piqué (pronounced pee-kay). This is the fabric with the waffle-like, honeycomb texture.
Why It Matters: That texture isn’t just for looks. The tiny holes in the weave allow air to circulate, making it much more breathable (presko) in the Manila heat. Piqué also holds its shape better, meaning it won’t drape sadly over your shoulders.
Marker 2: The Placket Structure
The “placket” is the vertical strip of fabric where the buttons and holes are located. This is the spine of the shirt.
The Breakdown: On lower-quality shirts, this is just two flimsy layers of fabric. After a wash, it wrinkles and collapses, making the whole neckline look messy.
The Quality Choice: Feel the placket. It should feel thicker and stiffer than the rest of the shirt. This means it has interfacing (a hidden stiffening layer) inside.
Why It Matters: A reinforced placket frames your face. It keeps the neckline standing up proudly, even if you unbutton the top button. It screams “polished.”
Marker 3: The “Tennis Tail” (Side Vents)
Check the bottom hem of the shirt.
The Breakdown: Mass-produced polos usually have a straight hem all the way around because it is cheaper to sew.
The Quality Choice: Look for a split hem where the back of the shirt is slightly longer than the front. This is traditionally called a “tennis tail.”
Why It Matters: This is a huge functional win. If you tuck your shirt in, the longer back keeps it from popping out when you sit down or bend over. If you wear it untucked, the split side vent allows the shirt to sit smoothly over your hips without bunching up.
Marker 4: The Collar Recovery
The collar is the first place to show age.
The Breakdown: Cheap collars are often made of a simple ribbing that stretches out and curls at the tips (the dreaded “bacon collar”).
The Quality Choice: Test the “recovery.” Stretch the collar slightly with your hands. It should snap back immediately. Even better, look for a collar that has a slightly different, tighter weave than the cuffs.
Why It Matters: A crisp collar is the difference between looking like you just rolled out of bed and looking like you own the room.
The Takeaway
A classic polo is a powerhouse for the busy Filipina. It’s durable, breathable, and sharp.
Next time you are shopping, don’t just look at the color or the price tag. Touch the fabric. Check the placket. Stretch the collar. When you find one that passes these quality checks, you know you’re buying a piece that will serve you for years, not just weeks.
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About the author
Meredith M. is a Senior Business Analyst in Metro Manila who spent over a decade as an accountant before switching careers. She loves singing with her band, exploring coffee shops with her business partner, and stress-testing her phone screen with endless fashion scrolling. Through this blog, she shares her love for fashion to empower women to express themselves with style, confidence, and authenticity.
