So I decided it was time to upgrade my work wardrobe last month after realizing all my long sleeve polos looked like they’d survived a war. Started by dragging my buddy Dave to the mall because dude wears these things daily for his sales job.
The Great Fitting Room Struggle
First stop was that big department store with three floors. Grabbed like six different brands off the racks – Ralph Lauren, Tommy Bahama, some store brand stuff. Took an hour just trying them all on in that sweaty little room. The Ralph Lauren felt like cardboard against my skin, but Tommy’s fabric was crazy soft. Problem was the Tommy sleeves ran super long on me. Sales guy kept saying “just get them tailored” but who’s got time for that?
Online Trial & Error
Went home and ordered three brands online after reading forums:
- Lacoste – Looked sharp but made that weird swishy noise when I moved
- Fred Perry – Collar stood up weird like Dracula’s cape
- Rhone – This one felt like pajamas honestly
Return process was a nightmare. Had to wait in line at UPS for 40 minutes. Wife started calling my polo pile “Mount Laundry” from all the returns.
The Breakthrough Moment
Finally asked my barber where he gets those clean polos he always wears. Dude pulled up this brand called Peter Millar on his phone right in the chair. Ordered two next day. First wear was magic – stretchy but not tight, sleeves hit perfectly at my wrist, and survived burrito lunch without stains. Best part? Washed it six times now and zero shrinkage. Worth every penny of that $95 price tag.
Final Thoughts
Learned two things through this whole mess:
- Always check the fabric blend – cotton/polyester mix breathes best
- Cheap polos cost more in the long run when they shrink after two washes
Sticking with Peter Millar but keeping that Tommy Bahama in mind for beach vacations. Maybe I’ll just roll up the sleeves.
