more than just a polo
It's hard to pin down exactly what the Fred Perry polo means to those loyal to the brand. The Fred Perry polo (M3600) transcends ideologies, trends, and music genres—and has since its inception. It's a British heritage treasure, but not in the traditional sense that comes to mind when thinking of British heritage and design. Subcultures and youth culture were all over the Fred Perry polo—or rather, the polo was all over them. Mods, Skinheads, Rude Boys, and Ravers all wore it. It was their uniform, speaking to them regardless of the scene they belonged to.
What makes the Fred Perry polo's connection to youth culture so unique isn't trendiness, but its crisp, clean classiness juxtaposed with whatever grunge, punk, or mod outfit it was paired with.
Fred Perry
Architecture of the Men's Fred Perry Polo Shirt
The simplicity of the Fred Perry polo can't be overstated, and it's a major reason why it was launched into the youth culture zeitgeist. In 1970s London, nightclubs still enforced strict dress codes: collared shirts and ties, no jeans, and no sneakers. Enter the polo shirt. Collared and buttoned up, but never stuffy. The breathable cotton piqué ensured comfort, while remaining sharp enough to hold its own no matter where the night took you.
Not only did it meet the dress code, but it was also functional and could rise to the occasion.
The Infamous M3600 - THE ORIGINAL Fred Perry POLO
Fred Perry is a legendary tennis champion, winning Wimbledon three times and the first player to win a Career Grand Slam - Fred Perry remains the only British player to ever achieve this.
Unlike most tennis players at the time who came from privileged backgrounds, Fred Perry came from a humble working class family. His father was a cotton spinner - see where this is going?
Fred Perry
Fred Perry designed the original M3600 Fred Perry polo himself and wore it. Fusing practicality, style and wearability to wear on and off the court. The 'Fred Perry Fit' is known as a simple, streamlined silhouette and a focus on lightweight functionality.
The shirt that took him from tennis champion to designer was the twin tipped Fred Perry polo. A buyer from Lillywhites requested a shirt with the football team colours White / Ice / Maroon and White / Ice / Navy and they are still in production to this day.
The thing about cotton pique is that it is perfectly suited to support high intensity activities and there lies the intersection between sportswear and youth-culture and why so many are dedicated to the Fred Perry polo.
Cotton piqué is manufactured by utilizing a double-knit weave. Its textured, open structure sees it uniquely suited to sports and other high-impact activities, like dancing. The raised waffle pattern makes it both breathable and durable, perfect for tennis clubs and nightclubs alike. As comfortable as cotton jersey, but smarter in terms of usefulness and looks.
Fred Perry
Fred Perry Polo Sizing
| Feature | Modern Twin Tipped (M3600) | Original Twin Tipped (M12) |
|
Cut |
Modern Slim / Streamlined | Traditional / Slightly Boxy |
| Sleeves & Collar | Tighter arm bands, narrower collar | Roomier arm opening, original collar width |
|
Torso |
Straight, closer fit through chest and waist | Flat hem, classic straight drape |
| Fabric | Finer cotton Pique | Heavier traditional cotton pique |
Sizing Advice for the Fred Perry Polo (M3600)
True to Size: Stick with your regular size for a tailored, contemporary fitting Fred Perry polo.
Size Up: If you prefer a relaxed look for the Fred Perry polo or are between sizes, size up once - the M3600 runs trimmer through the shoulders and arms compared to standard North American sizing.