Here’s a simple new style for you: the Cyprus Woven Polo!
In retrospect, maybe we should have called this the Goldilocks Woven Polo. Here’s why.
The collar itself encircles the neck gracefully, not too tight and not too loose. The way the shoulders and the sleeves sit are actually my favorite part of this style–again, not too relaxed and not too fitted. The overall width is not restrictive but also not too oversized. And the details: that simple polo placket that looks continuous when it’s closed. Small vents at the sides, with a longer hem at the back for slightly more coverage. The long sleeves include a minimalist cuff that’s easy to sew and looks good button or unbuttoned. And the short sleeve, which, of course, is neither too long nor too short. And then there’s that optional chest pocket, neither too big nor too small.
As we like to do, this sewing pattern comes with two views. View A has short sleeves and an optional chest pocket. View B has long sleeves with those very simple cuffs, which you’ll see below.
So enough talk. Let’s get to the photos so you can see for yourself.
Here is the collar and placket.
Whether you add buttons and button holes or leave it unembellished, the polo placket adds an interesting detail to the front of an otherwise somewhat minimalist style. The front placket is a continuation of the front of the polo, so there is no seam.
The shape of the collar helps it to stand really nicely. Choose the right interfacing for your fabric and the collar will stand up just the right amount around you, gently framing the face. If you prefer a collar that lies more flat, just choose softer interfacing, like I did with the linen version. It’s a one-piece collar–no collar stand–but the shape alone gives it a nice lift. That’s why I like it so much.
Here’s that cute chest pocket. I like its top hem, which is actually a little difficult to see in this photo, but it’s a V, like the bottom of the pocket.
And here are the side vents, which are really easy to sew but give a nice detail, I think.
This is the long-sleeve cuff when it’s opened.
And closed.
Maybe we could have called it the Mamma Bear Polo, actually. It was her bed, chair, and porridge that were just right, weren’t they?
Anyway, all of these details are achieved with a minimum of pattern pieces. But of course we still included cup sizes to help you get a great fit.
In terms of fabrics, I recommend woven fabrics with a little bit of structure. Nothing too stiff, but preferably nothing to drapey either. See what I mean? Goldilocks is queen here! For the two samples you see in these photos I used a tussah silk and a medium weight linen. A lighter weight linen would also be wonderful, as would lawn, cotton shirtings, chambray, or even double gauze.
Like I mentioned the other day, you can always take your fabrics in other directions as well, as long as you understand that the end result will also be different. Do you want to try this in a knit? A drapier fabric like viscose or tencel? It can absolutely be done. My advice, if you choose to head in another direction fabric-wise, is that you ensure you’re using a substantial enough interfacing for the collar, but other than that it should be fine.
Can you picture yourself wearing this all fall and winter?
And again next spring and summer?
Ready to sew it?
You can purchase the Cyprus Woven Polo in paper or in digital format. I love it when you tag us in your social media, so if you use #lieslandco and #cypruswovenpolo I’ll be able to find you.
As always, I’ll have lots more ideas and inspiration for you for this style in the weeks to come.