There was a time not too long ago when comfort and style were the only expectations from clothing. Today, however, function also matters. Performance polo shirts offer all three, making them arguably the best choice in casualwear, employee uniforms and corporate wear. These shirts are designed to keep wearers cool, dry, and looking sharp both indoors and outdoors.
But with their rising popularity comes a flood of information – and misinformation. Many doubt whether these high-tech tops are really all they’re cracked up to be.
Let’s take a deeper look into performance polo shirts, unbutton the facts, and iron out the wrinkles of myths surrounding them.
Myth #1: All Performance Polos Are Basically The Same
In the sense that all performance polos are made of the same fabric, then no. But in a sense that all performance polo shirts are built for performance, then yes. These garments can be made with a variety of fabrics, giving it a variety of traits.
Polyester: The most common fabric for performance polos, the fabric gives them durability and wrinkle-resistance. Polyester also imparts sweat-wicking properties which makes the fabric the most preferred in performance-wear.
Nylon: Nylon is part of some fabric blends to keep the clothing lightweight. It also adds quick-drying properties.
Spandex/Elastane: Spandex is also part of some fabric blends for stretchability and flexibility.
Merino Wool: A fabric that’s getting popular these days. Polos made of merino wool have natural temperature regulation and odor resistance traits. However, this fabric can be pricey.
According to a 2023 report by Textile World, polyester remains the top choice for performance fabrics, accounting for 55% of the market share.
Myth #2: Performance Polos Are Only for Athletes
Current trends already debunk this myth. While they were conceived originally for athletes or golfers, regular people benefit from performance fabrics too. Office workers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts are preferring moisture-wicking and breathability inherent in performance polo shirts.
A survey by the National Sporting Goods Association found that 68% of performance polo buyers weren’t professional athletes but everyday consumers looking for comfort and style.
Myth #3: Performance Polos Are Relatively Expensive
This myth is still around as people believe “good” performance-wear is costly and the ones available at cheap prices are not that good. Many high-end brands are a bit pricey. And then there are others that rival premium garments in quality yet still remain affordable. Retailers buy performance polo shirts wholesale to maximize savings, while retail consumers get quality performance polo shirts at various price points.
Myth #4: Performance Fabrics Don’t Look Professional
On the contrary, modern performance fabrics can look just as sharp as traditional materials. You’ll know if you’ve seen a high-quality performance golf polo. People wear that at the office these days. Many brands now offer performance polos with a more polished appearance, suitable for business casual environments.
The NPD Group reports that sales of performance polos in professional settings increased by 15% in 2023, indicating growing acceptance in the workplace.
Myth #5: All Performance Polos Offer UV Protection
Not necessarily. Many performance polos do offer UV protection. But it’s not a universal feature. Those that do come with a label that says UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings.
Myth #6: Performance Polos Don’t Need Special Care
Performance polos are generally low-maintenance. But that doesn’t mean they do not require special care. They may lose some of their properties otherwise. General care includes washing them in cold water, avoiding the usage of fabric softeners, and air/tumble drying them on low heat.
Myth #7: Performance Polos Are Only for Warm Weather
That is not true at all! Modern performance polos work well in various climates. Some are designed to trap heat in cooler conditions, while others can keep the wearer cool. The key is understanding the specific properties of their fabric. For example, a top-quality golf polo can keep a player cool in the summer sun, while a winter golf polo could have thermal properties instead.
Myth #8: All Moisture-Wicking Fabrics Smell Bad Over Time
This used to be true, but fabric technology has come a long way. Many performance polos now incorporate antimicrobial treatments to fight odor-causing bacteria.
As mentioned before, fabrics like merino wool have inherent odor-resistant properties.
Myth #9: Performance Polos Are Not Customization-Friendly
False! Performance polos are excellent for customization. They can be embroidered, printed on, or have designs heat transferred onto them with no issues.
A study by ASI found that performance polos were the third most popular item for corporate branding in 2023.
Myth #10: Performance Fabrics Are Bad for the Environment
It is actually, to some extent. Because they are generally made from synthetic fabrics, there are environmental drawbacks. But manufacturers are taking big leaps towards sustainability these days. We now have the finest polos made from recycled materials through eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Indicating this shift towards more sustainable options, is a recent study by The Sustainable Apparel Coalition.
The study reports that the use of recycled polyester in performance wear increased by 20% in 2023.
So there you have it.
Performance polos aren’t just shirts – they’re underrated wonders that can keep people warm or cool, comfortable, and looking sharp, even going as far as being considered a popular business casual. With performance fabrics taking up a big chunk of the global market share, a business exclusive to performance wear can definitely thrive with enough creativity and innovation.
