ポロシャツ

A Japanese coinage from English "polo" and "shirt" (シャツ). In Japan, polo shirts occupy a middle ground between formal and casual — too relaxed for formal business but acceptable in many semi-casual workplace settings, especially during summer.

Common collocations

• ポロシャツを着(き)る: to wear a polo shirt
• 半袖(はんそで)ポロシャツ: short-sleeved polo shirt
• 長袖(ながそで)ポロシャツ: long-sleeved polo shirt
• ポロシャツにチノパン: polo shirt with chinos (typical casual style)

Cultural note

Since Japan's Cool Biz campaign (encouraging lighter clothing in summer to reduce air conditioning), polo shirts have become more accepted in offices. Some companies include them in their dress code as appropriate summer attire.

Related clothing terms

• Tシャツ: T-shirt — more casual, no collar
• ワイシャツ: dress shirt — more formal, typically with a full button front
• カットソー: cut-and-sewn top — a broader category of knitted casual tops