Design Insights
Putting the 'Sport' in Sportswear
While the term 'sportswear' has been used in the fashion world since the '60s, it initially spoke to casualwear. During the '80s and '90s Tommy Hilfiger pulled sporting shapes and details — the baseball cap, cheerleader skirts and Ivy League stripes — into his collections. In this process, he blended the contemporary American wardrobe with sporting influences, as classic athletic silhouettes became a cornerstone of his collections. Among his most iconic was the timeless polo shirt.
How Tommy Reinvented the Polo
From new colors to more relaxed fits, Tommy endlessly reinvents the polo shirt. In the early years, Tommy drew inspiration from trends and subcultures such as Hip Hop and hippie, using oversized fits and colorful prints and motifs. Later, the brand released polos inspired by Formula 1, basketball, sailing, athletics and more, creating a blueprint for reinventing this classic staple.
What makes a
Tommy Polo?
The prep staple is defined by distinctive design elements:
Crafted from cotton pique
Design Element
The iconic flag logo — a feature since the late '90s
Design Element
Bold colors — red, white and blue, as well as varsity colors
Design Element
Vertical stripes
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Blending the codes of sport and lifestyle
Design Element
