Last Saturday, I found myself in a sunlit menswear boutique with my 65-year-old dad, who was stubbornly eyeing a faded navy polo from the “Classic” rack—the same one he’d worn to my high school graduation 20 years ago. “It’s comfortable,” he mumbled, avoiding my gaze. I sighed. Time to rebrand “dad style.”

As a clothing exporter who’s spent 12 years sourcing premium menswear (from buttery-soft pique cotton to trend-driven knits), I know this: A “dad polo” isn’t inherently uncool. It’s just been stuck in a style rut. Here’s how we transformed his look—and what you can learn from our day.

​Step 1: Swap “Stiff” for “Supple” (Fabric Matters More Than You Think)​​

We started in the “Basic Polos” section, where rows of thick, matte-finish shirts loomed. Dad reached for a boxy white one. “Nope,” I said, gently guiding him to the “Premium Knits” rack. “Let’s talk texture first.”

• ​The Old Problem: Most generic dad polos use low-thread-count pique cotton—thick, rigid, and prone to pilling. They feel like wearing a cardboard shirt, and after a few washes, they look worse for wear.
• ​The Fix: Opt for ring-spun cotton (smoother, drapes better) or linen-blend pique (lightweight, breathable, and yes, it wrinkles—but in a chic, “effortlessly cool” way). Dad tried a heather-gray linen-pique polo, running his hand over the fabric. “This feels like my favorite old sweater,” he said, smiling.

Pro Tip: Rub the fabric between your fingers. If it feels scratchy or stiff, walk away. Premium polos should feel buttery—even before washing.

​Step 2: Ditch the “Baggy” Fit (Tailoring Isn’t Just for Suits)​​

Next, we hit the fitting room. Dad insisted on his “usual size,” but the shirt hung loose around his shoulders and bunched at the waist. “It’s supposed to be relaxed,” he argued. I disagreed.

• ​The Old Problem: Oversized polos (think: 2XL when he’s a M) scream “retired gym teacher.” They hide his lean frame (yes, Dad still hits the gym!) and make him look shorter.
• ​The Fix: Aim for slightly tapered sleeves (avoids “grandpa arms”), a curved hem (hits at the hip, not the thigh), and a shorter placket (1-2 buttons max—no “tennis player” length). Dad tried a medium (his “real” size) in the heather-blue knit. The difference? Instant. “I look… trimmer?” he joked. (Spoiler: He did.)

​Step 3: Play with Color (Grandpa’s “Safe Neutrals” Are Out)​​

Finally, we tackled color. Dad’s go-to? “Navy, white, maybe gray.” I opened the “Seasonal Hues” bin and pulled out a rust-orange polo with a subtle micro-stripe. “Too bold,” he said. I handed him a sage-green one with a tonal palm print. “Too trendy.” Then I showed him the middle ground: a charcoal-gray base with a faint diagonal windowpane check.

• ​The Old Problem: Neutrals are safe, but they’re forgettable. Dad’s style deserves personality—without screaming “I’m trying too hard.”
• ​The Fix: Stick to 2-3 neutrals (navy, gray, white) for 80% of his wardrobe, then add 1-2 “quiet statement” pieces yearly. Think: micro-checks, diagonal stripes, or earthy tones (sage, terracotta). Dad paused at the charcoal-check polo. “It’s… not loud?” I nodded. He tried it on. “Actually, this looks good. Like… me, but better.”

​FAQ: Your Dad Polo Questions, Answered​

​Q: “My dad hates ‘trendy’ clothes. How do I get him to try something new?”​​
A: Frame it as an “upgrade,” not a “change.” Focus on comfort (softer fabric) and fit (no more baggy sleeves). Our clients say dads often ask, “Is this softer than my old one?” before noticing the style.

​Q: “He’s plus-size—any tips for flattering fits?”​​
A: Prioritize structured knits (no saggy fabric) and side vents (slimming the waist). Avoid boxy cuts—look for “slim-fit” or “athletic fit” labels. We stock extended sizes with reinforced stitching for durability.

​Q: “How do I care for a premium polo to keep it looking new?”​​
A: Wash cold, hang dry (no dryer—heat damages pique). Use a fabric shaver for pills. For stains, spot-clean with mild detergent immediately—don’t let coffee sit overnight (learn from my dad’s graduation shirt trauma).

​Wrapping Up: It’s Not About the Polo—It’s About Confidence​

By the end of our trip, Dad left with three polos: charcoal-check, rust-orange micro-stripe, and a classic navy knit. “I’ll wear the gray one to golf,” he said. “The orange? Maybe to the grandkids’ soccer game.”

It wasn’t magic—it was three simple steps: better fabric, smarter fit, intentional color. And that’s the secret: Style isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about honoring who someone is (hello, Dad!) and making it feel effortless.

At Sheen, we’re all about creating pieces that bridge generations—premium quality, modern cuts, and a touch of personality. Want to help the dads in your life upgrade their polos? Explore our “Heritage Refresh” collection here.