It's the day before the men's final match of the French Open, Roland Garros, which of course is one of the Grand Slams of tennis. First off, I would love to congratulate the Chinese tennis player, Li Na, for dethroning the Italian, Schiavone in the women's finals earlier today. It's really wonderful to watch Asian athletes making a mark in world sports.
I do consider myself a man of sport. I simply love sports since I was a kid, not only watching them but playing them as well. What does this have to do with anything relating to fashion? Well, a lot! When you think of tennis attire the first then that pops into your mind are the polo shirts. The French Open is possibly the most stylish of the Grand Slams in tennis. Yes, nowadays, it's more about the function and sporty sleek designs in the new Nike, Adidas, etc., attire. There is though, in any brand, a timeless classic piece of fashion in the sport. The polo shirt is a symbol of elegance and is of a regal nature. A shirt that is not only used in tennis but also in golf and the sport of polo. The shirt was actually created by Rene Lacoste (the 7-time Grand Slam winner from France) and not because of the actual sport polo. I'm quite sure all of you have heard of Lacoste, you know, that little crocodile logo that makes it so Hamptons-esque status. He actually placed the crocodile emblem because the American press would refer to him as "the crocodile".
The name "polo shirt" was only popularized by the sport polo when Ralph Lauren started his own line Polo. The style of shirt was adopted by polo players much later after it's initial creation. Ralph Lauren would spread it like wildfire in the early 70s.
Well, with that little history lesson, here are my top pics of polo shirts to rock this Summer, gentlemen. All of these are from the website Mr Porter (< click the link), a website much more than just mens wear (one of my favorite sites on the net period) so enjoy my selections and if you get the chance, check out the site! I love it! *images from Mr Porter

The iconic classic, Polo by Ralph Lauren (Slim fit pique polo)

Custom fit pique polo

Custom fit pique polo

Custom fit pique polo

James Perse Jersey Polo Shirt (Mr Porter wardrobe staple)

James Perse Jersey Polo Shirt (Mr Porter wardrobe staple)

Ralph Lauren Purple Label Lisle cotton polo shirt

Jill Sander Contrast Bib front stripe polo

This is Not a Polo Shirt (a collection by Band of Outsiders) striped polo shirt

Gucci cotton-blend polo shirt

Marc by Marc Jacobs polo shirt

Balenciaga Contrast Insert Pique polo shirt

Lanvin Merino Wool polo shirt