Grading a used polo shirt
Grading a used polo shirt leads with the collar and placket. A curled, wavy, or stretched collar is the most common polo flaw, so the grade starts there, then checks the pique fabric for pilling, the placket buttons, and the underarm and hem for staining and the pinholes fine knits pick up.
What to check
- Collar shape — curling, waviness, or lost stiffness
- Placket buttons present, matching, and secure
- Pique-knit pilling and pinholes
- Underarm staining and hem wear
How to grade it, step by step
- 1
Judge the collar
Lay the collar flat and check for curling, waviness, or a limp, stretched fold. A misshapen collar is the top polo flaw and leads the grade.
- 2
Inspect the pique
Scan the pique knit for pilling and backlight for pinholes, most common on the front and hem.
- 3
Check buttons and pits
Confirm the placket buttons are present and matching and inspect the underarms for staining.
Graded examples
| Grade | Why |
|---|---|
| 9 (NWOT) | Crisp flat collar, all buttons, no pilling. |
| 6 (Good) | Slight collar softening, buttons intact, clean pique. |
| 3 (Poor) | Curled wavy collar and underarm staining. |
Every grade sits on the GradeThread 1.0–10.0 scale.
Flaws to watch on this garment
Frequently asked
- Why does the collar matter so much on a polo?
- Because it's the polo's signature feature and the first thing to look worn. Collars curl, ripple, and lose their stiffness from washing and wear, and a floppy or wavy collar reads as tired even when the body is spotless. It's usually the flaw that sets a polo's grade.
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