Guide · Polos

Pique or polyester: the polo question

TEZO sells exactly two polos and they disagree about everything: fibre, fit, price and who they are for. Five minutes here settles it.

What pique cotton does

Pique is the textured knit on classic polos. The waffle surface holds the fabric off your skin, so air moves and the shirt reads dressier than a flat knit. It absorbs sweat rather than wicking it, which is fine at a barbecue and slower on a fairway in August. TEZO cuts it relaxed, in 2XL to 6XL only, with double-needle stitching where big shirts usually split.

What quick-dry polyester does

The 3-pack is 92% polyester, 8% elastic: sweat moves to the surface and evaporates, the shirt dries overnight on a hanger, and creases fall out without an iron. It is the travel and sport answer. The trade-off is hand-feel; it never quite pretends to be cotton.

The details that differ

Pique polo: chest pocket, high side slits, $14.99 a shirt. Polyester pack: 3-button placket with a hanging loop under it for sunglasses, no pocket, about $9.66 a shirt in the pack. Both machine wash cold; only the polyester one genuinely shrugs off a gym bag.

The honest verdict

Under 2XL, the decision is made for you: the pique polo does not come in your size. Above it, buy by climate: pique for dress and mild weather, the polyester pack for sweat, sun and repetition.

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