Monthly Archives: March 2017

What are the options for Polo shirt collars?

Polo shirt collars are key to the overall look. It is the one feature that sets it apart from a regular t-shirt and is what gives it that all important smartness and structure.

There are three main Polo shirt collar choices;
Knitted polo shirt collar
Knitted

knitted collars are the most popular choice. They are woven in the same yarns as the main body and are dyed to match. The great advantage of knitted collars is the ability to knit patterns and contrast colours into the collar. This can add interesting details that can enhance and help project your brand image.

Self Fabric polo shirt collar
Self Fabric

Self fabric collars are made from the fabric that is used in the main body and sleeves. It gives a more tailored appearance and is a good way of keeping the colour consistent.

Contrast polo shirt collar
Contrast

Contrast collars have a more tradition feel. They reflect the style of the original polo shirts that were used by the british military to play Polo. Cotton is used in different colours to create a classic ‘sports club’ feel. A simpler denim contrast can create a more contemporary feel.

Plastic tipping – A great new invention for keeping knitted Polo shirt collars neat by preventing curling.

We think this is a great idea! Especially when you consider that office wear is becoming increasingly more relaxed. This is a great way of ensuring that a polo shirt collar sits neatly under a jacket.

Plastic tipping inserts
Plastic tipping insert.

The Plastic tip is inserted into a channel down the front of the collar, to keep it straight. It can easily be removed when washing the garment.

Ottoman detail on knitted collars – what are the benefits?

On heavier weight styles, particularly our work wear polo shirts, the collars have an Ottoman detail knitted along the outer edge of the collars. This gives an attractive edge to the collar and more importantly adds rigidity to prevent rolling.

Narrower collars for a more fashionable look

We have recently introduced a more fashionable range of polo shirts where a slimmer fit and a narrower collar are key features. They are an ideal choice for retail and hospitality, particularly for a younger and more modern environment.

Lets talk about fabric weight for Polo Shirts

How do you measure the weight of a fabric?

Fabric weight is determined by how a fabric has been woven, its fibre type and how it has been finished. Looking at weight can help you decide if it will be the most suitable fabric for its end use.

GSM and OZ’s

GSM is the metric measurement meaning grams per square metre – it is how much one square metre of fabric weighs. The higher the GSM, the denser the fabric.

OZ is ounce per square yard (oz/sq2), it is the imperial measurement and is also commonly used.

 Fabric usually falls into three weight categories;
  • Lightweight – 30 – 150 gsm
  • Medium weight – 150 – 350 gsm
  • Heavy weight – 350+ gsm

Most polo shirts fall within the medium fabric weight catagory – usually between 150 gsm – 250 gsm

Fabric Thickness

Generally the heavier the fabric weight, the thicker it is, however this is not always the case. Fabrics of the same weight but with different fibres and weaves may have different thicknesses.

Heavy weight = Quality? Not always

The weight of a fabric does not always determine its quality. Some fabrics will have been woven using finer fibres and yarns that will give them a superior and more lightweight feel, but they will have high quality characteristics. For example cottons woven with longer staple fibres.

Weights of Polo Shirts

As with the weight categories, there are three main polo weights;

Lightweight – 130 – 170 gsm

The  polyester performance polos usually fall into this category. The lightness of the fabric is an integral part of their moisture wicking and quick dry properties. This makes the           customised polo shirt ideal for wearing in the gym and warm climates.

Lightweight
Medium weight – 170-200 gsm

This is our most popular category and covers the majority of the styles we offer. Our  personalised polyester or cotton polo shirts are a good all-rounder. They can be relied upon for both comfort and durability.  All fabric types can be found in this category.

Medium weight
Heavyweight – 200+ gsm
Heavyweight

Our heavyweight range of polos are a good choice for workwear. They offer hard wearing fabric that will cope with harsher conditions. The extra weight will also provide warmth. This makes them ideal for working long hours on the factory floor or outside in the elements.