Silk gives a yarn a soft shine, a more fluid drape and a smoother feel. Even a small percentage of silk can make a knitted polo softer and more supple. Cotton provides sturdiness, linen a drier feel and silk softness and shine. Care for such a yarn gently and at a cool temperature, and the shine stays beautiful for a long time.
Why silk in a summer yarn?
Silk is a natural protein fibre that has been loved for centuries for its shine and softness. In a garment made entirely of silk, the shine is very noticeable. In a blend with other fibres the shine is more subtle. The yarn gets a light, deep lustre that you only see when light falls on it, and the knit feels smoother than pure cotton. That is why a polo with silk works both during the day and at a dinner.
A good example is the Julian knitted polo with quarter zip in ivory cream. The yarn consists of 84.3% cotton, 10.9% silk and 4.8% linen. Three natural fibres, each with its own role.
What each fibre contributes
| Fibre | What it does in the yarn | What you notice |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Forms the base, sturdy and breathable | The polo keeps its shape and feels familiar |
| Silk | Adds shine, smoothness and suppleness | A richer look and a softer feel on the skin |
| Linen | Brings a dry, slightly rougher texture | A cool feel and a natural, lively structure |
Read more about the base fibre on our page about cotton.
How does silk feel in summer?
Silk often feels cool in warm weather and a little warmer when it cools down. It feels cool on a warm day and still holds some warmth when it cools down in the evening. Silk can also absorb moisture without immediately feeling wet. Together with cotton and linen, the yarn stays airy and pleasant on warm days.
The linen in the yarn adds a dry touch. As a result, the knit clings to your skin less quickly than a smooth synthetic shirt. The cotton keeps everything in balance, so the polo does not become too smooth or too delicate for daily use.
How do you wear a polo with silk?
Because of the light shine, a polo with silk looks slightly dressier than an ordinary cotton piqué polo. You can play with that in two ways.
- Dressed up: combine the polo with smart trousers and loafers for a summer dinner or a business lunch. The Harrison tapered trousers with pleats in white give a calm, light whole that suits the ivory shade.
- Dressed down: wear it with supple trousers and sneakers for a weekend in the city. The Vincent slim-fit trousers in khaki make the look slightly more informal without the polo losing its refinement.
The Julian polo in cool grey is the slightly cooler, urban variant. Grey with the light shine of silk looks modern and goes well with cream or white trousers. Try it with the Winston light high-waist trousers in cream for a summery tone-on-tone look in soft neutral shades.
Quarter zip open or closed?
With the quarter zip you can easily change the look. With the zip open a little, the polo looks relaxed and airy, especially on warm days. If you zip it up further, you get a closer neckline that moves towards a smart sweater. Do not let the zip hang open all the way down, because then the collar loses its shape. An opening of a few centimetres is usually the most flattering.
How to care for a yarn with silk
Silk is strong, but sensitive to heat, friction and harsh detergents. With a few simple habits the shine is preserved.
- Always read the label. The care label is leading. On our care instructions page you will find extra explanation per material.
- Wash cool and short. Choose hand wash or a delicate or wool programme at a low temperature, with a low spin speed.
- Use a mild detergent. A detergent for wool or delicates is gentler on protein fibres such as silk. Avoid bleach and fabric softener.
- Do not wring. Press the water out gently, for example by rolling the polo in a towel.
- Dry flat. Lay the polo flat on a drying rack or towel, out of bright sun. That way the knit does not stretch and the fabric does not fade.
- Store folded. Do not hang knitwear on a hanger, because the shoulders will stretch out.
Airing between wears
A polo with silk does not need to go in the wash after every wear. After an evening out, it is often enough to let it air overnight on a chair or a wide hanger by an open window. Washing in moderation is the best way to preserve the shine and softness of the yarn. If you have a small mark, treat it immediately with cold water and dab gently, instead of washing the whole garment.
What to look for when buying
- Composition: check the label for how much silk is in the yarn and which fibres it is blended with.
- Shine: a good silk blend has a soft, deep lustre, not a plastic sparkle.
- Knit: a fine, even knit hangs better and keeps its shape for longer.
- Colour: light and neutral shades such as ivory and grey show off the shine of silk best.
Discover more summer knits in our polos for men.
Shop the look
Julian: knitted polo with quarter zip, ivory cream
Julian: knitted polo with quarter zip, cool grey
Winston: light high-waist trousers, cream
Harrison: tapered trousers with pleats, white
Vincent: slim-fit trousers with mid-rise, khaki
Frequently asked questions
Is a polo with silk suitable for daily use?
Yes, especially if the silk is blended with sturdier fibres such as cotton. It does need a little more care when washing: cool, mild and dried flat.
Can I wash a polo with silk in the washing machine?
Always follow the care label. If it may go in the machine, choose a delicate or wool programme at a low temperature with a low spin speed and a mild detergent.
Why does my polo with silk shine less after washing?
Washing too warm, fabric softener or drying in bright sun can reduce the shine of silk. Wash cool, skip the fabric softener and dry in the shade.
