The London Lounge

My wife has invited me to what looks to be a fantastic Polo Match in Los Angeles. I was wondering for those members of the forum if there were any suggestions for classic attire to be worn at such an event. Do any of the members have photos they would wish to share with those of us who would like to stand out at outdoors outings such as these.

I recall seeing some prints by L. Fellows of equestrian pursuits where gents were dressed that could provide solid inspiration for a modern polo match.

Any and all suggestions would be welcome.

I have been playing for some decades now. Other than overnight dotcom millionaires and Oriental royalty, most players are down-to-earth farmers and professionals, and get a great deal of mirth out of watching the outfits of spectators, some of which seem to be Evelyn Waugh fantasy ensembles backed up by borrowed Bentleys and conspicuous Harrods hampers. Sports jacket, tie, trousers and good quality casual shoes will be more than up to the task. A hat is not a bad idea either; being autumn a felt Fedora might be better than a Panama but use what you have at hand. Have a great day at the tournament and consider taking some lessons; it's a great sport, very sociable and not expensive to play at a basic level.

Archdale wrote:I was wondering for those members of the forum if there were any suggestions for classic attire to be worn at such an event.

Dear Archdale,

the short reply is tweed

cheers, david

Simon A wrote: Sports jacket, tie, trousers and good quality casual shoes will be more than up to the task.

A bit too general but sensible advice for a Los Angeles venue.
Wear some elegant but sturdy soled shoes (no gommini loafers). You will be using and displaying them while pressing divots between chukkas.

I would say that calf chukka boots would be ideal. Concur with blazer or tweed jacket with light coloured flannels or chinos.

I'm slightly piqued about the "Evelyn Waugh fantasy" comment (touché).
I suppose similar disdain might be directed, nowdays, at anyone not wearing "GAP casuals", if we must hew to the mainstream.

Don't be too piqued, I'm not advocating hoodies and trainers I have seen some amusing spectator getups over the years, including pith helmets, elephant-ear jodhpurs,white silk suits and Hermes-swathed ladies draped in million-dollar pearls being fanned by their servants. Best to keep it simple. The players are coated in dust, mud and sweat while playing, but after the match they, their patrons and most of the spectators will be respectably dressed in a good sports jacket or blazer as Berwick says; well-cut pants and short boots or brogues will be fine for what is an informal event.

If it helps, here it is what this royal couple wore last year at a polo match in California (Santa Barbara). It was during the peak of summer, though.

Simon A wrote:... I have seen some amusing spectator getups over the years, including pith helmets, elephant-ear jodhpurs,white silk suits and Hermes-swathed ladies draped in million-dollar pearls being fanned by their servants...

hectorm wrote:If it helps, here it is what this royal couple wore last year at a polo match in California (Santa Barbara). It was during the peak of summer, though.

It is arelief tosee them wearing clothes at all.

NJS

NJS wrote: It is arelief tosee them wearing clothes at all.

NJS