For shirtmakers by trade like us, working with the polo shirt is second nature. After all, this piece is none other than the descendant of the famous “polo shirt”, the short-sleeved shirt worn by polo players in 19th-century India.
A playful addition to the Spring-Summer 2024 collection, we have just released a delightfully retro duo, balancing tradition and modernity.
Two beautifully knitted polo shirts, which we present below in full detail and in all their herringbone glory.
At the crossroads of inspiration
Following the transitional short-sleeved button-down shirt stage, the polo shirt silhouette gradually settled into the design we know today: a regular fit, sleeves finished with ribbed trims, and an open neckline. Yet, not all polo shirts are created equal. Between the earliest French polo shirts and the dramatic 70s dagger collars, the contrast is stark.
To design ours, we sought the ultimate balance: the unexpected fusion of classicism and audacity.
From the 1930s, we have retained the 100% cotton, ribbed trims, and generous collar, handed down by a certain René Lacoste.
From the 1970s, we have preserved the crochet-style texture, the interplay of contrasts, and a certain touch of irreverence.
Finding the sweet spot, it is from 50s and 60s design that we drew the inspiration behind our two polo shirts.
Anatomy of Hast polo shirts
A new addition for the summer season, our duo of polo shirts in knitted cotton certainly makes an impression. Echoing the allure of 1950s and 60s polo shirts, they evoke a retro aesthetic reminiscent of Courrèges tailoring, the French New Wave, the Yéyé era, and Alain Delon in “Purple Noon”.
Knitted in a herringbone stitch reminiscent of crochet, it offers a rich and distinctive texture, ideal for warm weather. A simple and effective way to bring texture and breathability to your summer outfits. Above all, its contrasting collar detail introduces a lively, finely balanced motif. Perfectly striking and remarkably stylish.
Unlike the swinging sixties polo shirts made entirely of acrylic, ours are crafted from 100% cotton—a natural fibre whose softness, resilience, and lightness you know well. Worn next to the skin or over a vest, you can rely on its breathable, hypoallergenic qualities from May through October.
When it comes to finishes, we have set the bar high: ribbed cuffs and hem, genuine mother-of-pearl buttons, and knitting crafted in the European Union, in Lithuania—we have refined every single detail.
How to wear Hast polo shirts?
While preferable to winter in many respects, summer remains the least exciting season when it comes to tailoring. Much like ice melting in an iced coffee, summer heat tends to dissolve sartorial variety, leading to the uniform dressing we see for three months every year.
Pieces, cuts, colours, fabrics: everything suddenly turns towards shorts and t-shirts, towards looser silhouettes and white hues, towards fresco wools and linen.
Fortunately, alternatives exist, and our two polo shirts proudly lead the way. Offering great comfort and effortless elegance, worn alone or layered, each will bring that touch of casual refinement often missing from summer wardrobes.
To our mind, several options are available: The most obvious remains the essential shorts and polo shirt duo. Simple and breezy, this quintessential summer combination lets you tackle high temperatures with a pairing made for the task. Day or night, it is the natural solution for dodging heatwaves, and a top-tier choice for comfort.
For a smarter look, wearing the polo shirt tucked into trousers always makes an impression. In this case, your choice of trousers will set the tone: a casual five-pocket style (like chinos or jeans) keeps things relaxed, while formal trousers lend a more sophisticated touch.
A step up in sartorial elegance, the polo shirt and two-piece suit pairing is one of the finest there is. The classic beauty of tailoring meets the bold refinement of the polo shirt, creating a truly compelling blend. Unlikely and surprising, the marriage of traditional tailoring with the natural heir to sportswear is nonetheless effortlessly stylish. To our mind, this is all the more true with this delightfully retro polo shirt, whose contrasting collar lines will handsomely complement the lapels of any of your jackets.
A word on caring for your polo shirts
Knitted from 100% cotton, your polo shirts can be machine-washed without issue, provided you select a cold cycle and a gentle spin (600 rpm).
We recommend choosing a natural liquid detergent free from bleaching agents, and opting for flat drying in a well-ventilated space. To avoid any risk of discolouration, keep out of direct sunlight during drying.
To finish
Straight out of the 50s and 60s with their delightfully retro aesthetic, our polo shirts invite you on a journey through time and a wonderful sartorial voyage.
Updated and tailored to our standards (natural fibres, exceptional fabrics, European craft), the duo we present for this Spring-Summer 2024 collection pays tribute to the good taste and vitality of an era.
Nostalgia? Let's call it gratitude.