Why the Polo Has Become a Must-Have Campus Style

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Why the Polo Has Become a Must-Have Campus Style
For apparel retailers catering to the college
market, polos have become one of the hottest
product categories in recent years. Long a
menswear staple, the modest polo shirt has burst
onto campuses nationwide as the latest must-have
style for students of all genders. Its
combination of casual athletic vibe and slightly
dressier aesthetic has evidently struck a chord
with today's college crowd, encouraging more
retailers to invest in wholesale blank polo
shirts to cater to this segment.
How did polos get here? Major label endorsements
from fashion-forward brands like Ralph Lauren,
Lacoste and Fred Perry have undoubtedly helped
drive polo popularity. But the style's enduring
versatility, comfort, and functionality, in some
cases, are what have solidified it as a campus
essential from California to Maine. So what's
behind the college polo craze? Let's break it
down. Versatile for Class or Kickbacks A polo's
clean, classic pique knit gives it a smart look
that works equally well for class presentations
or casual meetups. Paired with chinos or dark
jeans, it reads upscale and pulled together. But
untucked over shorts or joggers, it's an instant
athleisure vibe for more relaxed campus
kickbacks. This versatile style range makes the
polo an easy all-day piece students can wear
from morning lectures straight through night
study sessions. Rotating just a few polos in
different colors provides a simple wardrobe
stretcher for lazy laundry habits. Long sleeve
polos from Sport-Tek, CornerStone and Port
Authority are what our customers mostly prefer
when buying in bulk. Sporty Yet Refined Compared
to basic cotton tees, polos have a more refined,
polished aesthetic - but still project that
sporty, relaxed attitude college students love,
even when the garments come with pockets.
Hallmarks like the flat knit collar, sleeve
ribbing,
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and iconic placket pique detailing give polos a
distinctly sporty heritage rooted in their
origins as a breathable warm-weather athletic
uniform. They look perfect dressed up with a
sweater vest for a prep vibe. Or when you leave
it unbuttoned over a vintage tee, you get a
skater, streetwear-inspired look. There's a
definite cool factor to polos that college-goers
identify with, that regular tees just can't
match. Performance Functionality More apparel
brands are taking cues from technical athletic
wear and updating polos with moisture-wicking
performance features. These polos absorb the
moisture from the sweat and are conditioned to
evaporate it quickly. Some of them also offer
excellent odor resistance. It's a game-changer
for avoiding sweat stains, bad odors and
overheating on campus sprints between
classes. Style-savvy students also love how
these technical polos resist wrinkles - ideal for
looking presentable after stuffing them into
backpacks or wearing for days on end. Top brands
like Sport-Tek and New Era offer great options in
this pique polo shirts category. On-Trend
Colors Fabrics Aside from advanced technical
knits, polos made from classic cotton pique in
vibrant hues are whats getting wows on campuses.
Appealing to college kids are colors like coral,
sky blue, purple, colorblocks and other pastels
that look fresh and Instagram-ready. Brighter
shades like green and hot pink are also huge for
capturing that retro '90s aesthetic. When it
comes to fabrications, cotton/poly blends create
cool texture while vintage-inspired piques and
heathered knits provide a nice rustic vibe. With
so many stylish fabric options, print/graphic
treatments and colors - not to mention added
performance benefits - it's clear why the polo
has become a must-have campus style and an all
around lucrative bet for retailers looking to
invest in wholesale apparel. For retailers,
ensuring a well-rounded assortment of polos from
trusted brands like Port Authority, Sport-Tek and
New Era is key to cashing in on this booming
trend.