History and Style Tips for Mardi Gras Polo Shirts

The History and Tradition of Mardi Gras Polos

Mardi Gras is one of the biggest and brightest celebrations in New Orleans and across the Gulf Coast region. Known for its colorful parades, elaborate floats, vibrant music, and wild parties, Mardi Gras brings people from all over the world to enjoy the festivities leading up to Lent. And no Mardi Gras celebration would be complete without some eye-catching attire to join in the revelry!

One popular clothing item that has become a Mardi Gras staple is the Mardi Gras polo shirt. These brightly colored polos often feature sequins, embroidery, and other embellishments that pay homage to the spirit of Carnival. From purple, green, and gold polos to styles covered in beads and feathers, Mardi Gras polos allow revelers to show off their festive flair in comfort and style.

The Origins

Mardi Gras polos grew out of New Orleans' preppy culture and affinity for lacoste and polo style shirts. As Parades and parties during Mardi Gras became more elaborate in the 1980s and 90s, tailored shirts were adorned with shiny accents and colors symbolic of Carnival season. What started as an ironic statement on high society evolved into a playful way for locals to display their Mardi Gras spirit.

Today, Mardi Gras polos come in every color under the sun, often featuring iconic symbols of the season. Fleur de lis, masks, crowns, feathers, beads, and more make appearances on these Carnival-inspired tops. The classic polo style also allows for comfort during long days of celebrating before Lent begins.

Popular Styles & Designs

From subtlety sequined to overtly opulent, there are many styles of Mardi Gras polos to choose from:

• Solid polos in purple, green, and gold - the official colors of Mardi Gras
• Polos with allover sequin or bead embellishments
• Styles featuring colorful prints and patterns like feathers and masks
• Polos with embroidered fleur de lis, crowns, or "Mardi Gras" text
• Half-zip pullover polos in Mardi Gras hues
• Polos with sheer mesh or netted fabric for a festive look

Men's and women's cuts come in both loose and form-fitting styles to suit any reveler's personal tastes. Mini polos and cropped tops have also become popular for a more daring Carnival look.

Where to Buy

Mardi Gras polos can be purchased from a variety of retailers in New Orleans and online:

• Specialty boutiques in New Orleans and southern Louisiana year-round
• Pop-up vendors along parade routes during Carnival season
• The French Market and Jackson Square artists and merchants
• Mardi Gras supply stores like The Royal Sceptre
• Online at Etsy, Amazon, and official brand websites
• Large retailers like Target, Walmart, and Kohl's

For the best selection, shop early as the most elaborate and vibrant styles tend to sell out quickly leading up to Fat Tuesday. Visiting local boutiques while in New Orleans is also a great way to find unique Mardi Gras polos.

How to Style Mardi Gras Polos

Mardi Gras polos can take an outfit from drab to fab with little effort. Here are some tips for styling a Mardi Gras polo:

Keep it Casual

For daytime parade-going or strolling the French Quarter, try pairing a Mardi Gras polo with dark wash jeans or shorts and casual footwear like sneakers or boat shoes. Add some fun accessories like bead necklaces and sunglasses to finish the look.

Dress it Up

For night parades or parties, take your polo up a notch by tucking it into a sequin skirt or leather pants with strappy heels. Go glam with piled-on beads and bangles and a bold red lip.

Layer It

If the weather is chilly, layer your polo under a sparkly jacket or fur coat. For ladies, consider rocking it over a lacy bralette for a peek-a-boo effect. Finish with tights or leggings and boots.

Mix & Match

A Mardi Gras polo can act as a neutral in an otherwise eclectic outfit. Pair with houndstooth pants, a tutu, or clashing colored accessories for extra punch.

DIY Details

Personalize a basic polo with iron-on patches, pins, appliques, or jewels to make it your own unique Mardi Gras top.

Why Mardi Gras Polos are a Go-To

Mardi Gras polos have become a Carnival wardrobe staple for good reason. Here are some benefits of this festive top:

Comfortable

A polo shirt style with a knit cotton or poly-blend fabric allows you to party in comfort. The collar and loose fit keep you cool as temperatures rise.

Stylish

Polos can be dressed up or down seamlessly. Fitted women's cuts provide a flattering silhouette without being too revealing.

Customizable

From completely plain to ultra-glittery, Mardi Gras polos can be customized with embellishments to match any personality or style.

Versatile

Polos pair well with skirts, pants, shorts, and more. Plus they work for daytime casual or nighttime chic occasions.

Budget-Friendly

While elaborate styles can be pricey, basic Mardi Gras polos are relatively inexpensive. They also last for many Carnival seasons.

On Trend

Mardi Gras polos have been popular for decades and continue to be a hot style for parades and parties.

How to Care for Your Mardi Gras Polo

Mardi Gras polos often have special embellishments that require some extra care. Follow these tips to keep yours looking festive and vibrant for seasons to come:

Check the Care Tag

Follow the garment's care instructions to determine washing, drying, and ironing needs. Handwashing is best for delicates.

Protect Sequins and Beads

Turn polos with heavy embellishments inside out when washing. Use a garment bag for extra protection in the washer and dryer.

Go Low Heat

Wash in cool water and dry on low heat/air fluff setting to prevent damage to fabrics, sequins, glues, etc.

Spot Clean When Possible

Spot treat any stains/dirt rather than doing a full wash cycle. Use a toothbrush to gently scrub beads and sequins.

Avoid the Dryer

Line dry or flat dry on a rack if possible to extend the life of embellishments and prevent heat damage.

Store Properly

Keep Mardi Gras polos folded neatly or on hangers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not wearing.

Conclusion

With their vibrant colors, dazzling accents, and festive flair, it's no wonder Mardi Gras polo shirts have become a signature staple of the New Orleans Carnival experience. The perfect balance of comfort and style, these lively tops allow revelers to display their Mardi Gras spirit in fashion. So whether you're a first-time tourist or lifelong local, be sure to get your hands on a few Mardi Gras polos to fully embrace the joie de vivre of Carnival season.

FAQs

What are the traditional Mardi Gras colors?

The traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple, green, and gold. They were established in 1872 by a Russian nobleman named Rex who modeled them after the Roman Catholic Lenten colors.

What types of embellishments are popular on Mardi Gras polos?

Sequins, beads, feathers, and embroidered designs featuring fleur de lis, masks, crowns, and more are popular embellishments seen on Mardi Gras polos.

Where can I buy a Mardi Gras polo online?

Mardi Gras polos can be purchased online from sites like Etsy, Amazon, official brand websites, and large retailers that carry Carnival apparel.

How can I make a basic polo shirt into a Mardi Gras polo?

You can customize a plain polo into a Mardi Gras polo by adding iron-on patches, pins, appliques, beads, embroidery, or fabric paint in Mardi Gras colors and symbols.

What is the best way to care for a sequined Mardi Gras polo?

It's best to hand wash or spot clean sequined Mardi Gras polos. When machine washing, use a garment bag and gentle cycle. Always line dry or flat dry to avoid damaging the sequins.