No sport embodies club culture quite like polo. Equal parts athleticism and aristocracy, it’s a game where rituals, uniforms, and etiquette matter just as much as the match itself. From its military origins to its royal affiliations, polo has long served as the blueprint for what we now call “old money style”.
Polo isn't just a sport—it’s a universe. One that offers rich visual cues for anyone building a brand, designing clubwear, or simply curating a more refined personal aesthetic. Here’s what makes polo such a powerful influence on fashion, branding, and identity.
The Polo Uniform: Function Meets Prestige
Every element of the polo uniform is designed for performance—but with unmistakable elegance.
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Tailored white jeans or jodhpurs
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A fitted, collared jersey (usually with team crests or numbers)
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Leather boots with knee protection
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Gloves, helmet, and occasionally a team sash
This blend of sport and tradition creates a silhouette that’s instantly recognisable—and endlessly referenced in modern clubwear.
Colour Codes & Symbolism
Polo teams often wear deep, saturated colours—burgundy, forest green, navy, black—with gold or white accents. Each team’s uniform is like a flag: visual, meaningful, and consistent. This consistency is key to building long-lasting visual identity, something any brand can borrow.
Team numbers are also prominently displayed, giving uniforms an archival feel. Names are rare. It’s not about individualism—it’s about legacy and unity.
The Clubhouse Aesthetic
Beyond the field, polo’s style extends into social spaces. Clubhouses are often colonial in architecture, with wood-panelled interiors, silver trophies, and formal lounges. Members often switch into cream slacks, knit polos, or embroidered outerwear after matches—an informal uniform in itself.
This transition from on-field to off-field attire is what gives polo its cultural depth. It’s not just about playing; it’s about belonging.
Polo’s Fashion Legacy
The influence of polo stretches far beyond the sport:
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Ralph Lauren’s Polo line turned the sport’s aesthetic into a global fashion empire
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High fashion houses regularly pull references from riding culture and equestrian gear
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Brands like Secret Society Studio reinterpret these elements into modern clubwear—hoodies, bombers, and 1/4 zip jumpers with subtle club-style embroidery
Polo fashion isn’t flashy—it’s composed, coded, and steeped in history. It uses symbols, not slogans, to convey meaning.
What Polo Can Teach Us About Club Identity
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Uniforms should feel ceremonial, not just functional
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Colours and logos should reference something larger than trend
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Clothing is storytelling—done best when rooted in legacy
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A club’s visual identity extends beyond the game into every space its members occupy
If you’re building a club brand, designing merch, or launching a community, look to polo as a masterclass in timeless brand consistency.
Build a Polo-Inspired Collection
Take inspiration from polo’s refined aesthetic and create your own capsule rooted in tradition. We’ll help you choose the right garments, colour stories, and symbols.
