The best of both worlds Understanding the POLO

Very rarely does a piece of garment stand to signify the best of two different worlds. Usually, whatever you wear is a signal of what you believe in; either you don a status symbol or a sign of rebellion but never do the two sides of the coin entwine to represent both the fronts. Unless of course, you are wearing a Polo shirt.

An instant stroke of genius from Rene Lacoste, the polo shirt was once associated with country clubs and those belonging a step above the bourgeois. Given Rene's high society upbringing, it was easy to link what he was wearing with what he really was; a product of the 1%, in modern terms. The smart, short-sleeved, collared shirts were comfortable, stylish and a blend of formal and casual, and thus proved to be immensely popular. However, their high-end characteristic had them restricted to a certain segment of the society who had their wallets full. But then Fred Perry happened and it all began to change.

Fred Perry, another tennis player, launched his own line of Polos, this time appealing to the working class, who considered him to be everything Rene Lacoste was not. This was a case similar to that of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones; both functioning in the same world but appealing to completely different factions. Where the Beatles were the darlings of the pop world, the Rolling Stones were the symbols of youth rebellion. The same thing happened with Fred Perry and Rene Lacoste. As the Polo left the exclusivity of the country clubs and hit the streets on the bodies of the middle-class protesters, its popularity reached its peak. But this was just the start for the polo story.

The National Front, with their skin heads and racist movements, also chose the Polo as their choice of garment. This added yet another, albeit negative, dimension to what has been labelled 'the most imitated item in fashion history'. However, the National Front only helped to prove the endurance and timelessness of the Polo. In a decade mired in sex, drugs, rock and roll, amidst a generation begging for a revolution, the polo only grew in stature. Parents and children alike wore them, but for different agendas. It was to show that you had it made in the world whilst at the same time it was worn for the spirit of youthful rebellions. It was everything and it was everywhere. As the years passed, Polos became evermore engaged in the cultural scene -- from Amy Winehouse, Oasis, Tiger Woods to Andy Roddick -- everyone was wearing polos.

Dhaka too has seen a rise in Polos, with wearers seen from every social class, represented by both genders. This has led to an influx in various brands offering polo t-shirts, from local to global fashion houses all having the item in their collection. Crocodile remains the most popular choice for polos, and Crocodile outlets are now seen almost everywhere with their t-shirts costing from 1250tk and  going up to 2250 tk. Le Reve has also launched their own line of polo t-shirts along with the very urbane designs that Trendz also offers. For those on a budget, New Market and Bongo Bazaar all house various stores selling these t-shirts, staring from 150 tk and going upwards. If you want to select from among the best of the bargains, Spark Gear and Big Boss both offer such an opportunity, retailing the best polo t-shirts for the budget conscious. Bashundhara City too has many shops selling polos and the choice and variety available here is much more diverse. However, its prudent to remember that your polo isn't just defined by the design but also by the brand that it sports. In this respect, Polwel Shopping Complex in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, can be a potential destination for those with a taste for brands. Polwel is one of the few places where you can get affordable Lacoste polos, among other brands. Sports shops offer yet another avenue, with original merchandised polo t-shirts from various football clubs being sold, keeping the proceedings sporty and fashionable. Finally, there's Aziz Supermarket, for those who want their polo to be a bit more patriotic than the roots, although these are hard to find. If all else fails, pick up a plain black, white or blue polo from Bongo Bazaar and customise it to express your own self, as shops in the vicinity also offer to print your designs on such plain t-shirts. Till today a Polo can be found in every person's wardrobe. Be it Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Fred Perry, Abercombie and Fitch or any off the rack brand, Polos have carved a niche for them which is as broad as can be. They are like the second coming of blue jeans. Most importantly, they are here to stay and not just in tennis courts.

Model: Zamshad and Jony
Wardrobe Zamshad: Trendz, Wardrobe Jony: Le Reve