Polo shirts have come in and out of style over the years, but they are here to stay—and for good reason. This wardrobe staple is incredibly versatile and can be worn in so many ways. A single shirt can be used to complete a sporty look, a casual outfit, and even be dressed up for a night out. However, not all polo shirts are made alike; when  buying a polo shirt for your son, there are seven things you need to be on the lookout for.

1. Fabric

The most common polo shirts are made of cotton, thanks to its superior breathability and moisture-wicking properties. There are other options available like jersey knit or polyester blends, but your best bet is to go with a high-quality, 100% cotton polo shirt to ensure it stays soft but remains durable the more you wash it.

2. Fit

A good polo shirt should be slightly longer in the back than the front. This helps the shirt sit right on every body type. You also need to check the fit of the shirt: you want to look for a slim, stylish fit that isn’t too tight. Boys absolutely despise when clothes are constricting, and they won’t be shy about telling you, so (to preserve your sanity) check to make sure there’s enough room under the arms to comfortably support his movements. Another thing to remember when trying on polo shirts is the undershirt; polos aren’t designed to be worn with undershirts so make sure he tries it on without anything underneath for the most accurate fit.

3. Occasion

Polo shirts are ideal to dress up and dress down. They’re a multi-use shirt that can be worn with  khaki shorts for a casual day or dressed up with chinos and a thick, cosy jumper for a more sophisticated look. When buying a polo shirt, think about where it’s going to be worn: if your boy is planning on sporting it both casually and for special occasions, you might want to opt for a neutral colour, like white or black.

4. Design

A lot of famous brands have the bad habit of adding obnoxiously large logos or front pockets onto polo shirts. But when buying one for a child, remember to go for a simple one with a small, classy logo on the right breast, and steer clear of front pockets. The polo shirt will outlast trend changes, and the front pocket won’t sag or become misshapen when washed.

5. Hem

Polo shirts can be worn both untucked and tucked into pants, but it really depends on the occasion. Dressier events call for a tucked in shirt with clean, ironed pants and a belt, while the untucked shirt works great for more casual days and with shorts.

6. Style

Polo shirts are often mistaken for sports shirts, but there’s an important difference between the two. Sports shirts, often used for golf and tennis, need to be made from a synthetic blend of fabrics to help wick away sweat and keep the body cool. When buying a polo shirt, make sure you choose the right style for the intended use.

Boys Polo Shirt in Sky Blue

7. Colour

When choosing the colour of the shirt, remember that the darker the colour, the faster it will fade. Lighter hues like white, pale yellow and baby blue will last longer and work with more outfit combinations.

A higher price tag does not equal higher quality when it comes to polo shirts. If you’re paying more, it’s possible that you’re just paying for the brand name. Expertly pick quality and substance using these seven tips to ensure that your boy is happy and comfortable in his new polo shirt.