Legacy London
The Evolution of the Polo Shirt
From Sporting Fields to Fashion Icon: A Journey Through Time
The polo shirt began as sportswear and became an everyday garment. At Legacy London we make it as a knit: designed in London, knitted in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Our signature polo collection brings British design together with Sri Lankan craftsmanship. The full history is in our history of the piqué polo shirt.
The Historical Journey
1896: The Button-Down Collar
In 1896 John E. Brooks of Brooks Brothers saw polo players in England pinning their collars down and launched the button-down shirt, the first garment sold as a polo shirt.
1920s: From Sport to Society
René Lacoste wore his short-sleeved knitted piqué tennis shirt at the 1926 US Open, and from 1933 Chemise Lacoste sold it with the crocodile on the chest. The soft collar and buttoned placket are still the shape of our Riviera Collection.
1950s: The Preppy Evolution
Embraced by the prep culture, polo shirts became synonymous with refined casual wear. This period inspired our Heritage Lines, which reinterpret classic designs for the modern wardrobe.
The Art of Modern Polo Craftsmanship
At Legacy London we knit our polos rather than cut them from woven cloth. Our signature pieces, like the Legacy Wide Rib Knitted Polo, are knitted in cotton.
Each garment is designed in London and knitted, linked and finished in Colombo. The composition is on every product page.
Drawing from our rich heritage, we work in cotton for most of the range because it breathes and washes at home. Our fabrics are tested to OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
Signature Elements
Knitted Collar
On a knitted polo the collar is knitted as part of the garment rather than sewn on, so it rolls instead of curling.
Cotton
Most of our polos are made in cotton. Our Pure Cotton Legacy page explains why.
Sustainability
Modern Styling Perspectives
Today's polo shirt sits in casual and smart-casual settings alike. Our seasonal lookbook shows how we wear it.
The Adventure Meets Heritage collection holds pieces that go from the office to the weekend.
Preserving Excellence
Proper care keeps a polo in shape through years of wear. Visit our comprehensive Care Guide for detailed maintenance instructions.
Wash cool, dry a knit flat and fold it; the knitwear care guide has the full routine.
The Future of Polo Design
Our latest arrivals show where the knitted polo is going next.
Key Takeaways: The Polo Shirt Journey
- Heritage & Innovation: Legacy London polos blend British tradition with Sri Lankan craftsmanship and modern design.
- Signature Details: Knitted collars and cotton knits, designed in London and made in Colombo.
- Style: At home in casual and smart-casual settings.
- Care Commitment: Proper maintenance ensures your polo remains a wardrobe cornerstone for years.
Continue Your Polo Journey
Guides & Inspiration
Care & Quality
Collections
Experience the Evolution
Shop the knitted polos, or read the full history in the journal.