I Spent $1000 to Find the Best Polo (2023) - (Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Uniqlo, Sunspel, Loro Piana)

Summary

In this men's basics series, the host compares various polo shirts, ranging from affordable to luxury brands, focusing on fit, fabric, collar, and construction. The goal is to find the optimal balance between price and quality. From Uniqlo's budget-friendly option to high-end Italian brand Laura Piana, the video explores the subtle differences that justify their price tags, revealing that while quality varies, the perfect polo largely depends on personal preference and fit.

Takeaways

• 👕 The video is a review of men's polo shirts, focusing on the price-quality relationship across various brands.
• 💰 The goal is to determine why some brands are expensive and find the optimal balance between cost and quality.
• 🎥 The series has previously covered t-shirts and joggers, and now includes polos in the comparison.
• 🏅 The reviewer has a personal preference for a polo that fits well, has good fabric quality, a solid collar, and overall good construction.
• 📈 The review includes a range of prices, from affordable Uniqlo to the high-end Loro Piana.
• 👚 Uniqlo's polo is praised for its value at around $20, but lacks a tailored look.
• 🤵 Kent Wang polos are highlighted for their slim fit and strong, structured collar, offering good quality at $65.
• 🎖 Lacoste polos are noted for their thin, breathable fabric and historical popularity, but have a disappointing collar.
• 👔 Ralph Lauren polos are a staple for the reviewer, known for their custom fit and average fabric quality, retailing around $95.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Sunspel's Riviera polo, worn by Daniel Craig in 'Casino Royale', is appreciated for its soft, open weave fabric and structured collar, though it has a casual pocket.
• 💎 Loro Piana's high-priced polo offers a luxurious, thin fabric with a fine knit, but may not justify the cost compared to other options.
• 🛍️ The video concludes that polos are hard to get wrong if they meet personal preferences, and spending more doesn't always equate to better quality.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the 'Best Men's Basics' series?

The main purpose of the series is to spend a significant amount of money on one type of clothing to determine why some brands charge so much and to find the optimal balance between price and quality.

What are the four key aspects the host considers when evaluating a polo shirt?

The four key aspects are fit, fabric, collar, and overall construction.

What is the price range of the polos tested in the video?

The price range of the polos tested in the video is from around twenty dollars for the Uniqlo polo to five hundred and forty-five dollars for the Loro Piana polo.

What is the brand that the host has worn his entire life and which did not compete as expected in the test?

The brand that the host has worn his entire life and which did not compete as expected is Ralph Lauren.

What is the main difference between the Uniqlo polo and the others in terms of fit?

The Uniqlo polo has a more relaxed fit, resulting in longer sleeve lengths and excess fabric around the underarms, making the chest not as fitted as preferred.

What makes the Kent Wang polo stand out according to the host?

The Kent Wang polo stands out due to its strong collar made of a collar band and two layers of fabric, which maintains its shape even after multiple washes.

What is the unique feature of the Sunspel Riviera polo that was worn by Daniel Craig in 'Casino Royale'?

The unique feature of the Sunspel Riviera polo is its exceptionally wide and loose weave, making it feel like wearing a jersey made from some of the softest cotton in the world.

What is the main drawback of the Loro Piana polo according to the host's experience?

The main drawback of the Loro Piana polo is the thin and somewhat translucent fabric, which, while luxurious, may not offer the same level of quality and durability as expected for its price.

What is the host's recommendation for someone on a budget looking for a quality polo?

For someone on a budget, the host recommends either saving up for a Sunspel polo when it goes on sale or opting for a Kent Wang polo.

What is the host's final verdict on the importance of price in relation to the quality of a polo shirt?

The host concludes that there is a point of diminishing returns for polo shirts where spending significantly more money does not necessarily yield a proportional increase in quality, and that fit and construction are more important than price.