2024 Platinum
Table of Contents
- What is Pique?
- Pique's Rise To Popularity
- Different Types Of Pique Polo Shirts
- Why Pique Polo Shirts Are So Popular
- Do Pique Polo Shirts Have Any Drawbacks?
- How do Other Polo Shirts Compare?
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Have pique polo shirts piqued your interest? From golf courses to the pages of fashion magazines, these breathable, practical and comfortable clothing items can be found everywhere!
But, is it worth investing in a pique polo shirt? Or is it just another passing fad? Let's find out!
In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about pique polo shirts, including their best features, and the different types of pique fabric. We'll also look at other kinds of polo shirts, like cotton and jersey, to see how they compare.
What is Pique?Pique (pronounced 'pih-kay') is a type of knit fabric characterised by its ribbed cords and waffle-like pattern. The subtle texture allows for comfortability and breathability, making it perfect for warm weather and playing sports. While pique is most often made from cotton, it can also be made from polyester and other fabrics. Pique's signature textured weave is often seen in women's and men's polo shirts, but pique is also used in sweaters, light jackets, and hand towels among other items. |
Pique's Rise To Popularity
The first pique polo shirt was designed by René Lacoste, who wore the tennis shirt on the court for the first time in the 1930s. This initiated pique's rise to popularity and garnered public interest in this new and exciting material.
René also founded the iconic luxury brand, Lacoste, which manufactured pique polo shirts known for their slim fit and durability. Several brands followed suit and began creating pique polo shirts of their own. Today, Lacoste's polo shirts are still incredibly popular and come in a wider range of styles.
Different Types Of Pique Polo Shirts
Some of the most common types of pique polos include:
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Cotton polyester blend pique polos
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Polyester pique polos
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Cotton pique polos
You also get performance pique polo shirts, like our g.DEACON men’s polo shirt, which offer additional comfort and improved features, such as moisture wicking and breathability.
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Why Pique Polo Shirts Are So Popular
From their textured knit to their classic style, there are plenty of reasons why pique polos have maintained their popularity throughout the decades. Some of their most-loved features include:
Breathability
The textured weave of pique cotton polo shirts means they are light and airy, perfect for playing golf, tennis, or other sports. When wearing pique cotton, you're less likely to sweat than you would if you were wearing a fabric with a tighter knit, such as jersey cotton.
This natural fibre is perfect for summer and you're sure to feel cool and comfortable whether you're on the golf course, tennis court, or simply going for a stroll.
UV Protection
The technical fibres in performance pique polo shirts help prevent sun damage by offering radiation-absorbing +40 UV protection. This feature makes these shirts ideal for spending time outdoors, whether playing a sport or just relaxing with friends and family.
Thermoregulating
Do you ever notice that some fabrics make you feel uncomfortably warm, causing you to sweat? Well, you won't have this problem with performance pique polo shirts. Their thermoregulation properties ensure excess heat is moved away from your body so that you can stay nice and cool, even when exercising.
Moisture wicking
The moisture transportation feature of the performance pique material is ideal for keeping sweat and any undesirable sweat stains away. This cool, dry feel is just one of the reasons why wearers love this material so much!
Durable
The net-like weave of pique cotton adds to its durability. The strands support each other, making the fabric very difficult to break. Depending on the brand and manufacturing process, pique polo shirts are made up of a few hundred thousand strands.
Just make sure you follow the recommended washing and drying instructions to enjoy your pique polo shirt for many years to come!
Classic aesthetic
Another benefit of investing in a pique polo shirt, like our ladies' g.PALOMA polo shirt, is that you'll enjoy a classic piece of clothing that won't go out of style anytime soon. The timeless design and the ability of the fabric to maintain its shape make these shirts perfect for both casual and formal events.
No matter your lifestyle, you are sure to get a significant amount of wear out of your pique polo shirt.
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Do Pique Polo Shirts Have Any Drawbacks?
If you're looking for a very soft fabric, then pique may not be the right choice for you. While pique cotton shirts are incredibly comfortable, their waffle-like knit means they're not exactly smooth or soft.
It can also be difficult to find pique polo shirts with different patterns and designs. While you can find these clothing items in a variety of exciting colours, patterns are not as common as it's difficult to print on the texture. However, details are typically added through embroidery.
How do Other Polo Shirts Compare?
When shopping for a polo shirt, you have plenty of different options to choose from. So what other fabric types are available? And how do they compare to pique cotton?
Jersey polo shirts
Jersey cotton is known for its smoother texture thanks to its tight knit. While it can feel nice and smooth on the skin, it can cause you to sweat more due to a lack of breathability. Jersey polo can be a great choice for winter, but may not be the best choice for warmer months.
One advantage jersey cotton has over pique is that it's a lot easier to print on. Details and designs on pique cotton polos are usually achieved through embroidery.
100% cotton polo shirts
Cotton polos are comfortable, affordable, and offer great value. This natural fibre has been used in textile manufacturing for decades and isn't going anywhere soon. Cotton polos are usually smoother and softer than pique polos.
However, pique polos have more structure, which makes them seem more formal and 'put together' than cotton polos.
Polyester polo shirts
Polyester polo shirts have become more popular in recent years thanks to their affordability. This material doesn't wrinkle as easily as natural materials and it's also easier to care for. However, polyester is not very breathable and can often feel uncomfortable.
Another factor you should consider is sustainability. Thousands of tonnes of polyester clothing end up in landfills every year and it can take up to 200 years to decompose.
Mercerised cotton polo shirts
Mercerised cotton undergoes a special treatment with caustic soda to give it strength and shine. This treatment also allows the material to absorb dyes better, which results in vibrant hues and exciting designs.
These shirts are slightly stretchier than pique polo shirts but are just as durable and resilient. Both materials are known for their toughness and their ability to maintain their shape.
FAQsHow do I choose the right polo shirt for me?It's hard to say which is the best polo shirt as each person has their own unique preferences. There are a few factors to consider when choosing the perfect polo shirt, including:
Go for the pique polo shirt that feels right for you and that fits within your budget. You have plenty of fantastic options to choose from. Are pique polo shirts worth it?Yes. While pique polo shirts tend to be more expensive than cotton polo shirts, pique shirts are known for their comfort, breathability and UV protection. You won't regret investing in this classic wardrobe staple that can be worn for many years to come. When should pique polos be worn?Pique polo shirts are often worn for playing sports like golf and tennis due to their breathability and comfort. However, they can also be worn in more casual settings, such as going for a walk or lunch with friends. It's completely up to you when you want to wear your pique polo shirt. How should I style my pique polo shirt?Pique polo shirts look great paired with chinos or jeans. You could drape a sweater over your shoulders for a classic look. In summer, you could wear your polo with shorts and sandals. Thanks to the flattering fit of these shirts, they look great paired with almost anything. |
Final Thoughts
After decades of popularity, it's clear that the pique polo shirt trend is here to stay. Pique fabric has had the time to prove its many advantages for sports and leisure wear. Of course, the overall quality of the shirt will depend on where you buy it from and how it was manufactured.
Not only will you enjoy breathable, active fibres, but you'll be adding a durable and classic piece of clothing to your wardrobe.
Here at Glenmuir, we have a wide range of pique polo shirts for both men and women. Feel free to browse our site to learn more about the high-quality pique polo shirts we have to offer. From white to deep garnet and everything in between, there is an array of vibrant colours to choose from.
