Who Invented the Polo Shirt?

Some believe the polo shirt we know today originated in India during British rule in the 19^th century.  Others believe it was John Brooks, creator of "The Original Button-Down Polo Shirt."  And others, despite the name of Brooks' shirt, believe Jean Rene Lacoste was the founding father of the polo shirt.

If you look at the different polo shirts from each period, it's obvious which one resembles the polo shirt we wear today: a cotton, two-button shirt with pique knitting style that sports a classy, yet relaxed style.

When looking at these pictures of polo fashion during the British Raj (left), the Brooks Brothers Polo shirt (middle) and Lacoste's interpretation of Brooks' full button-down polo (right), it's easy to see that Jean Lacoste, famous tennis player and founder of the Lacoste clothing line, created the polo that's most similar to the one we wear today. 

Do you like Vicomte A and La Martina shirts?  If so, thank Lacoste for this.

But does that mean Lacoste is the inventor of the polo shirt?  Not necessarily.  However, it's undeniable that he's the largest contributor to the style of today's polo shirt.

If the loose clothing produced for 19^th century polo matches between the Brits and India's people never existed, would the Brooks Brothers polo have ever been created?  And if the Brooks Brothers polo wasn't created, would Lacoste have designed the two-button, loose-collar tee?

The amazing thing about polo fashion is its rich history and reliance on sport.  Since the British Raj in the late 1800's, polo fashion has always been inspired by good competition in sports (polo and tennis) and a desire to look good in battle, win or lose.  So when the question is asked – Who invented the polo shirt we wear today? – many polo fans approach the question like they would an adversary before a match. 

Instead of saying the Brits, Brooks or Lacoste invented it, they say the polo shirt is the product of a rich history. 

One person didn't invent it.  We did.