Guide to Polo Shirt Weights and Fabric Types
Now, we know that polo shirts are a super versatile piece of clothing. And, as such, they’re an obvious choice for customisation. It’s certainly something we do a lot of here at Fifth Column. Alongside high quality t-shirt printing of course. And, as with t-shirts and all custom clothes, the base garment is very important. So, having a knowledge of polo shirt weights and polo shirt fabric types can be really helpful. Because choosing the right garment to print or embroider makes a big difference to your project. For one thing, it may effect how we can decorate it. Beyond that, the base shirt needs to be suitable for your market and purpose.
As mentioned, polos pop up in all walks of life. There’s no doubt that we see plenty of them here in our London workwear printing department. They’re brilliant for businesses and working environments. That’s hardly any surprise when you think about it. Because the humble polo is first and foremost a practical garment. It’s sporting heritage ensures that. And, of course, they’re still worn for their original purpose. That’s to say, sport, where they’re worn for game play, training and team events. And we shouldn’t forget that polo shirts have become a highly desirable fashion item as well. It just goes to show that function and fashion can often go hand in hand.
Choosing the fabric of polo shirts.
Okay, let’s take a look at polo shirt fabric types. Like most other clothes, polos can be made from different materials.
- Cotton.
- Polyester.
- Cotton and poly blends.
Cotton is probably the most obvious but polyester and polo cotton blends are also very common. Although, you’ll also find other fabrics such as linen, silk or wool. Admittedly, these are far less common and especially so with regard to blank clothing designed to be rebranded. However, how the fabric is made is equally relevant when it comes to rebranding.
Picking perfect polo shirts
Custom polo shirt fabric
Weight with blank polos
What is pique fabric?
Odds are you’ll have seen this word if you’ve ever searched for these garments. The term ‘pique polo’ is everywhere on product descriptions. And a classic when it comes to polo shirt fabric types. So, what does it mean? Well, pique knit is fairly easy to spot by the texture. You know the one, it has that subtle geometric look to it. As a rule it’s created using something called a dobby loom. And it tends to be durable and bring a sense of high quality to a shirt. Which is only amplified when you embroider your logo because embroidery too has a premium feel. Incidentally, this type of fabric can be found with cotton, poly cotton and synthetic shirts.
Jersey knit.
Polos made from this material usually feel somewhat more casual than the pique versions. That could be because the jersey polo is reminiscent of a t-shirt. And that similarity is the reason why you’re more likely to print a jersey polo shirt fabric than embroider it. Depending to a large extent on the weight of the jersey. That is, heavier weights working better with stitched decoration.
Polyester fabric.
There are plenty of polo shirts made entirely from polyester. And they’re manufactured for lots of different sectors. With workwear polo shirts and sports polos being especially popular. It’s fair to say that performance properties like sweat wicking find favour in these areas. Plus, poly has a reputation for being hard wearing and practical. And easy wash and wear is definitely an attractive feature for some custom clothing markets.
Styles.
A quick word on polo shirt styles. You’d be right in thinking short sleeved are the standard. But there are long sleeved options out there. And either make great logo polo shirts. That said, on the whole, uniform polo shirts tend to be short sleeve. In terms of age, polo shirts span the spectrum from kids to adult. There are many gender specific styles and both men’s and women’s shirts come in slim and regular fits. That said, a unisex regular styling is often a safer bet unless you’ve identified some specific requirements.
In general, key stylistic features of this garment include:
- Collar – usually knit and flat. Although button down and spread collars are alternatives.
- Placket – an opening at the neck which more often than not has a 2 or 3 button closure.
- Ribbed or cuffed sleeves.
- Yoke – a stitched oval on the back of the shirt.
You’ll have some if not all of the above on a polo shirt.
We ought to mention one more thing before moving on to polo shirt weights. And that’s the ever growing range of eco-friendly polos. More and more plain clothing suppliers are aware of eco ethical issues. With their manufacture and supply chains reflecting these concerns. So, you’ll see more organic cotton, recycled poly and sustainable materials being used to make them. It’s an area in which we specialise and we think more can only be a good thing.
Women’s
Unisex
Men’s
Choosing the weight of polo shirts.
This is relevant with the majority of custom clothes and polos are no different. Making the right decision about the polo shirt weights that you customise will improve the chances of success with your project. Clearly, it depends on what you want to do with the finished product. Whether that be adding a company logo for staff uniform. Or branding with a design for resale.
The measurement of polo shirt weights.
As with t-shirts, these garments are measured in GSM. Which stands for grams per square metre of the fabric in question. Although far from exact, it’s handy to have an approximate value for light, mid and heavy weights. Whilst many customers will want a precise measurement, it still helps to know the general area in which you’re dealing.
- Lightweight polos – 165 gsm.
- Midweight polos – 250 gsm.
- Heavyweight polos – 300 gsm and over.
As said, this isn’t set in stone. But you can judge for yourself where you are on the scale with values that fall in between those stated above.
In a wider context, it can sometimes be tempting to think that heftier shirts are better. But at the end of the day, what’s most important is that what you choose is fit for purpose. For instance, a lightweight polyester polo may be preferable if you’re wearing for sport and activity. On the other hand, heavier weight cotton the best option for a line of branded fashion polos. And remember, if you’re unsure, just ask your printer for guidance.
Well, there we go. That’s more or less a wrap on our look at polo shirt weights and polo shirt fabrics. Get the basics right when you’re choosing you base shirt and you’re half way to a winner. We can take you the rest of the way with outstanding print and embroidery. Our decades of experience mean your custom polo is sure to look good. Whether that be an eye-catching embroidered chest logo, a spot of artwork on the sleeve, or a splash of stunning print across the back.