Not sure if this is the right place to ask about professionalism

Seriously though, this is the only place I know a large number of owners of established businesses are, and we're all customers too I guess.

Lead in to question...

So I'm starting a business with a mate and he's insisting that we get polo shirts done up with logos 'to look professional'.
I can't say I'm all that keen on polo shirts, I would think that a nice, good quality t-shirt with the biz logo on it would be just as professional.
So yeah, we're discussing it, but I need opinions on this.

If you're dealing with a business in a non-office environment, does it really make a difference to you whether the person you are dealing with is wearing a polo shirt, or a really nice quality t-shirt? (both with logos etc, only difference being the collar)

Does a collar really matter to your view, on a first impression, of how professional someone is?
Or does the way someone conducts them self negate the need for a collar?

I don't know what my beef is really, I just think collars are out dated, outmoded and seem pointless to me as a part of clothing.
Maybe I'm just rebelling against my hate of business shirts and ties, which I've worn for a good part of my career, but now I don't have to, yay!
Either way, I'd really appreciate some serious views on this.


Cheers
Matt

A shirt with a collar falls under "neat casual". Without collar, it is very casual - and not professional.
The collar gives you a more "serious" and neater perception.

It depends on who your clients are and what they expect from you.

I think the polo shirt is more professional for business use, the T shirt is a little too casual.

I think it depends on the business.
Funeral director, bank manager, prime minister, bookie - polo
Everything else (unless you need access to establishments with a dress code) - t shirt or blue singlet

I don't know. ., all the pros I've ever delt with wore fishnet stockings and high heels

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oceanfire said..
Not sure if this is the right place to ask about professionalism

Seriously though, this is the only place I know a large number of owners of established businesses are, and we're all customers too I guess.

Lead in to question...

So I'm starting a business with a mate and he's insisting that we get polo shirts done up with logos 'to look professional'.
I can't say I'm all that keen on polo shirts, I would think that a nice, good quality t-shirt with the biz logo on it would be just as professional.
So yeah, we're discussing it, but I need opinions on this.

If you're dealing with a business in a non-office environment, does it really make a difference to you whether the person you are dealing with is wearing a polo shirt, or a really nice quality t-shirt? (both with logos etc, only difference being the collar)

Does a collar really matter to your view, on a first impression, of how professional someone is?
Or does the way someone conducts them self negate the need for a collar?

I don't know what my beef is really, I just think collars are out dated, outmoded and seem pointless to me as a part of clothing.
Maybe I'm just rebelling against my hate of business shirts and ties, which I've worn for a good part of my career, but now I don't have to, yay!
Either way, I'd really appreciate some serious views on this.


Cheers
Matt

what industry are you in ? I have personalised polo shirts for my techs and personalised business shirts for my sales staff .

Definitely need collared shirts.

@dusta
it's a fencing related thing, an associated product that we're selling but also offering supply & install for those would rather get it done than do it DIY.


Dang collars, we're all conditioned to place an image value on them, like they mean something!
Trouble is I totally have that conditioning too. I really just wanted to be able to do something different and not have it negatively impact the image of the biz.

Cause really, I've met just as many dregs of humans in collars, as I have good people.

The collars mean nothing! Yet we place a value on them. Why?

Hmm, what a dilemma. Your staff will either become rednecks or hot under the collar. For a tidy professional look, I'd go with the collar.

More value in the customer service and the customers experience of your service/product then a collared shirt i reckon.

Spend less on collars and more on stubby coolers,bottle openers,calenders and hats/caps for marketing. Its all cheap to source

Its definitely good to have a uniform or some kind as that'll make it easier for you to control what your team wear.

Polo's tend to look better as they age than tshirts as well.

Yeah, I'm definitely wanting a uniform look, but was hoping something other than polos would be good to use, definitely not just any type of t-shirt.
Maybe t-shirt is the wrong word to use, but there really isn't any alternative to polos, are there?

I recently got collared dark navy blue polos with my business name and my name printed front in small letters,

and what i do "video production" and "Cinematographer" and the website on the back.

Stay away from the garish multicolor options they will throw at you.

Spend some time making sure the T shirt embroidery company doesnt give you a cheesy font (helvetica all the way)

Its free advertising at events and also everyone knows my name on set as its always there

One of the best investments i have made in my business.

I wouldnt feel right going without a collar... but i am as anti tie as anyone!

Definitely polo shirts. I work for a small family business and we all got polo's as well as the sales reps with black business shirts. Looks professional and gives a better image. Small logo and business name on left top of shirts.

polo shirts look crap. either t shirt or full buttons i say

Fingerbang,
do you swing both ways

Polo shirts or (tennis shirts) look a bit preppy.

Go the T-shirt, you know you really want to.

I don't really like Polo shirt
For your sort of business I'd go a long sleeve button up shirt like this with your logo and name above the pocket for you, your mate and senior staff.
www.workwearhub.com.au/bisley-cool-lightweight-drill-shirt-ls-bs6893-khaki.html
Also good form WHS point of view.
t shirt in the same colour with logo on the back for labourers or labouring

I find all the Polo shirts are some sort of polyester &I hate that stuff so I go full cotton king gee shirts button up have collars &two front pockets big enough to take phone in &when working hard you can unbutton All the way . Show your abs
I turn up in these but have singlet on under &generally spend day working in singlet.
The other thing about polyester is it disintegrates if your grinding or welding it just burns straight through that's why I go for drilled cotton bit more expensive but they last ten times longer. And as your saying that you will be fencing I suggest you get the hardest wearing shirt for protection.

Customised/logoised mankinis are the next big thing, boys, mark my word.

Dont over think it FFS

As others have said it depends on the role the individual plays. The appearance of any sales staff will be taken as reflection of the quality of work the company delivers, fact of life for tradies in the domestic sector. An open collar shirt with a company logo wins over a polo with logo followed by a t-shirt with logo in last place.

As a consultant I deal with contractors all the way up to investment fund managers in a single day and I wear a black polo with logo and smart office pants. Yes this is not the most professional look but after 10 minutes talking with clients they get a good idea of my ability and it never creates a problem. I just hate long sleeve shirts and is more the reason for a polo as a short sleeve business shirt goes only with a safari suit. Try and sell yourself more on good hand shake and positive attitude and that may cover over the poor appearanc, that what I try to do at least.

Polo shirts are too hot and sweaty, so are t shirts except white but they dont last, go yellow with suncream after a few uses. Ive had to work in everything from leather welding jackets, flying suits, mil camo to hi vis king gee, board room suit, shirt and tie to polo shirts.best rig by far is my current king gee chombre shirt with cotton long pants with side pocket for phone. If your business grows and you go on site you may have to comply with ohs, insurance and site rules which these days in the nancy state of wa means high vis and sun protection ie long sleeves. So you might have to go for a logo on a cotton drill long sleeve hi vis collared button shirt. Down side is you cant go to some pubs in that. Plus is its actually cooler if you work in the sun. Maybe get some t shirt time while you can, but it will be expensive to look good for more than a day.

And don't forget about fit. A shirt that fits well leaves a better impression than someone oversized. Remember back to the days of baggy jeans and when your mum would buy you clothes 1 size bigger for highschool.

Go the NT look, navy blue singlet and shorts and cheap double plugers! Or business shirt formal shorts sandals and long white socks!

Polo shirts every time.
Even my local amateur footy club get their players (inc. Juniors) to attend the games wearing them.
Looks good and professional and team orientated
Customers - its all about first impressions as your going to be invading their personal space
You want them to immediately think your professional and on the ball
If your tradies are going to be wearing them, just get the light breathable sport options.
Somewhere like Bladon WA have a massive selection of colours and types to choose from.
That's where i get all mine made.

What about some sort of stylish khaki sort of number (a bit Steve Irwinish). Would have a collar, not be a polo, not be a t shirt, and could still be rugged enough for a fence installation, and would look kinda cool as a uniform

^^ That'll look great until the sweat starts flowing.

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ThinkaBowtit said..
^^ That'll look great until the sweat starts flowing.

A non sweaty fence installer isn't working hard enough