13 The exact origin of the polo shirt varies a lot. However, some key time periods seem very well-documented 1800’s The Polo shirt was originally named in honour of the oldest team sport ever, Polo. The first matches are believed to have been played in Persia over 2.500 years ago. The two teams’ objective was to score most goals, and played on horsebacks, it was an effective way to train the cavalry. In the West, polo was unknown until two British officers saw a polo match in Manipur, India in the 19th century; not long after, the sport was introduced in England. The Polo players soon began to love playing in the polo shirt we know today. 1920s Lacoste In the 1920’s the polo shirt was face lifted by the French tennis legend Jean Rene Lacoste. He altered the tennis uniform which at that time was long sleeved button-up shirts worn with flannel trousers and ties. As Lacoste wasn’t satisfied with the stiff and uncomfortable tennis gear, he found the light structured pique and created a fitting that ensured a better movement on the court. The new design was short-sleeved with the classic crocodile embroidered on the chest – referring to his nickname “le crocodile”. 1950s Global Popularity In the 1950s the polo shirt reached worldwide popularity where it was an essential piece of the casual wardrobe. Especially in the US where it was adopted by the businessmen as their favourite casual piece, when visiting the golf course, going to a restaurant or the diners having milkshakes and burgers. 1990s till today. With the growth in the technology, industries arose, and a new and more informal business attire occurred. In offices around the world, the poloshirt became the favorite choice of garment. As polos are easily branded with company name and logo, the popularity spread to other industries such as hospitality and the service sector that could see the advantage of this. In a marketplace that is becoming more styles conscious than ever before, our range of Nimbus Polo shirts has proven to be a highly supportive asset in fulfilling the demands from our customers.
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