Edition Six: Professional polos for custom apparel – expert advice for decorators

  Ralawise  •  12 March 2026

The hardest-working garment in your client’s wardrobe!

Here’s a question. What other garment moves as effortlessly from the warehouse floor to the boardroom? From the golf course to the hotel lobby? From a charity fun run to a premium car showroom?

The polo does it all. And it does it in style, without breaking a sweat – sometimes literally, thanks to modern fabric technology.

More polished than a tee, less stuffy than a shirt, polos occupy a perfect middle ground – the backbone of uniform programmes, corporate merchandising and workwear across virtually every sector.

But not all polos are created equal. The right combination of fit, fabric and finishing transforms a basic blank into something that genuinely performs – for the wearer, for the brand, and for your bottom line, too.

Polo fits explained – how cut delivers style, comfort and function

Even when a customer isn’t sure which fit they want, that’s where the opportunity begins – because the right fit adds comfort, style and real value to every polo.

Slim fit – all about confidence and precision; perfect for client-facing roles in premium hospitality or high-end retail.

Regular fit – the safe pair of hands, comfortably covering the widest range of body types and contexts.

Loose fit – prioritises movement and comfort; ideal for warehousing, logistics, trades, or any role requiring bending, lifting or stretching.

Oversized – e.g., BY421 from Build Your Brand. Dropped shoulders, boxy cut, contemporary styling. Great for lifestyle brands, creative agencies, or younger demographics.

Fabric that works as hard as your clients

Cotton piqué built the polo’s reputation: textured knit, natural breathability, comfort against the skin. Kustom Kit covers colour ranges and sizes for every requirement.

Polycotton blends combine comfort of natural fibre with resilience of synthetic – perfect for workwear and industrial laundering. Premier’s Coolchecker Plus range pairs classic styling with technical wicking fabric.

TriDri’s ‘Ion-Charge’ technology supports muscle performance and blood flow. Once you and your clients appreciate the science, it becomes a genuine differentiator in fitness, sport or wellness sectors.

Big brands, big profits – recognising polo brand value

Sometimes a logo isn’t enough. Sometimes your clients want the brand cachet. Nike, Adidas, Under Armour – premium price points, built-in brand equity. Ideal for executive ranges, golf days, incentive programmes, or client-facing teams.

They’re not for every brief; but knowing they’re available – and when to recommend them – adds a super-profitable string to your bow.

The details that deliver

Solid colours are just the starting point. Contrast plackets catch the eye. Tipped collars add sporting heritage. Piped seams create subtle definition. Finishing touches help decorators offer something beyond the basic – hugely useful when a client wants their team to shine or when competing against generic options.

Colour does heavy lifting: navy reads corporate, black contemporary, white for hospitality or sport. Burgundy, bottle green, French navy – premium shades signalling quality before a logo is even seen.

Fit everyone, win everything – inclusive polo ranges

Your customer may need an entire team kitted out: 40 people across multiple departments, from XS to 5XL, men and women, front-of-house to back-office.

Extended sizing, women’s cuts shaped for women, and sufficient stock depth are essential. Inclusivity isn’t optional – it’s how you win contracts and keep customers returning.

Selling smart solutions, not just shirts – expert advice for blank apparel decorators

A decorator who understands polos consults, not just takes orders. Consider: environment, activity level, wash frequency, and desired impression.

Match answers to the right fit, fabric, and finishing. Competing on know-how, not price, increases margins and client satisfaction.

Keep exploring

Ready to put this insider knowledge to work? Wholesale Clothing Markets for Decorators – Where to Find New Clients and Grow Sales outlines sectors where polos dominate and shows how to pitch effectively. Step back to Cut & Character – How Tee Styling, Fit, Fabric, and Colour Transform Decorated Apparel to apply the same principles to tees.

The more you understand, the stronger your recommendations. Smart recommendations win business.

👉 Explore polos and tees at Ralawise