T-shirts and polos from French Days

Fred Perry, from the Wimbledon court to the polo

Fred Perry, world table tennis champion in 1929, then became one of the great tennis players of his time, winning Wimbledon in 1934, 1935, and 1936. In 1952, he launched at Wimbledon a tennis polo made of white piqué cotton, short-sleeved with a buttoned placket, initially offered in white or black. Embroidered with a laurel crown, an emblem chosen to remember his victories on the London grass, it quickly left the courts to become a city garment, embraced by several generations of British culture, from the mods of the 1960s to the musical scenes that followed.

Other lifestyle offers

The French Days lifestyle also includes:

• Sneakers.
• Sweatshirts and Pulls.
• Shirts.
• Trousers and Jeans.
• Dresses and Jumpsuits.
• Swimwear.

All offers are gathered on the lifestyle page.

Twin Tipped or plain polo: recognising the models

The Twin Tipped polo is recognised by its double piping of colour at the edge of the collar and sleeves: Fred Perry was the first brand to put this double stripe on a polo, which became its signature. The current model takes the pattern from the brand's original polo. The Plain polo, which is solid, retains the piqué knit and the embroidered crown for a more understated look, and the double-button polo reinterprets the classic placket. Worn with the collar open and two buttons undone, the polo remains casual; buttoned all the way up, it adopts the British mod style that made its reputation.

Ringer, double stripe or basic: the selected t-shirts

The Ringer t-shirt stands out with a collar and sleeve edges in contrasting colours, sewn in rib knit of a different colour to the body: a retro style that Fred Perry signs with its laurel crown. The brand’s double stripe t-shirt features the same piping as its polos. The Guess t-shirts, from Original to Mini Triangle, highlight the triangle of the brand, and the Kappa Cafers Slim, with a fitted cut, shows the Omini logo, two silhouettes sitting back to back. The basic unicolour Kariban and Stedman Classic are available in multiple colours to vary outfits throughout the week.

Polo or t-shirt: what usage and maintenance

The polo, with its collar and buttoned placket, is dressier than the t-shirt: it’s suitable for days when you want a smart outfit without giving up comfort. The cotton jersey t-shirt, lighter, is worn alone in summer or layered in mid-season. For maintenance, polos and t-shirts should be washed inside out at thirty degrees, which protects embroideries and prints from friction. They should be dried flat or on a hanger to avoid distorting the collar, and ironed on the reverse side, never directly on the embroidered crown or printed logo, as they could melt.

Frequently asked questions

How do Fred Perry polos fit?

Fred Perry polos have a fairly fitted cut, especially at the shoulders and sleeves. For a looser fit, you could take one size up from your usual size, checking the back length.

What’s the difference between piqué knit and jersey?

Piqué knit, textured, thicker and more breathable, is what the polo is made from: it keeps its shape and breathes well. Jersey, smooth and fluid, is what the t-shirt is made from: softer against the skin, it drapes more.

How to prevent a cotton t-shirt from shrinking?

Cotton shrinks mainly with heat: wash at thirty degrees and avoid the tumble dryer, or choose a low-temperature setting. Combed or pre-washed cotton moves less in the wash.

Which t-shirt should I choose for printing or embroidery?

The basic Kariban and Stedman, plain and with a classic cut, are designed to be printed or embroidered: clubs, associations, and companies use them a lot. Their cotton is well-suited for screen printing and transfer.

Which polo should I give to a Formula 1 fan?

The polo from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team features the colours and logos worn by the team in the paddocks. It makes a popular gift for enthusiasts, suitable for wearing in the stands or daily.