The Most Wearable Upgrade In Corporate Apparel THE EVOLUTION OF THE golf and lifestyle market is a huge driver behind polo trends. “Golf has expanded beyond a traditional sport into a broader cultural space, and that shift is redefining how polos are designed, styled and worn,” says Siva Kandaswamy, founder and CEO of Sparkpolo. The polo has become a true crossover garment, especially for younger wearers, as it’s worn on and off the course, at work and in social settings. “That versatility drives demand for apparel that blends lifestyle, athleisure and high-performance features, while aligning with a more modern aesthetic and refined decorating techniques,” Kandaswamy says. Corporate buyers and business owners expect the same level of design, fit and quality in branded polos that they see at retail. “That’s why styles with refined fits, lightweight fabrication and a premium hand feel are resonating strongly right now,” says AJ Dickson, senior category director at PCNA, PPAI 100’s No. 6 supplier. Polos are showing up across a wider range of apparel programs, including trade shows and client-facing events, year-end corporate gifting, client appreciation initiatives and key companywide moments, such as annual conferences, summits, milestone celebrations and rebranding efforts. Breanna WoicekowskiWiener, senior merchandiser at Vantage Apparel, PPAI 100’s No. 14 supplier, sees a high demand for polos as part of uniform programs. “Our customers want retail-inspired looks that still maintain team spirit,” she says. Another opportunity within fall programs is positioning the polo as part of a complete look. “We often think about polos as the foundation of a collection, styled with layering pieces like quarterzips or lightweight outerwear,” Dickson says. “That gives distributors a way to build more versatile, coordinated programs while giving end users options that feel practical and elevated.” Today’s polos marry performance, upleveled design details and retailinspired styling that works everywhere from corporate gifting programs to uniforms. By Nicole Rollender weARproduction / Shutterstock.com 16 • JULY 2026 • PPAI Essentials | In Style
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