INTRODUCTION

    In 1929, the tennis champion, René Lacoste invented a shirt that has carved its place into clothing history. Originally called a "tennis shirt", then later becoming the "polo", this versatile apparel is universally appealing to the majority of the world in a variety of work and leisure environments. SCOTTEVEST (SeV) has just released their newest lineup, and included is a Performance Polo. A trend that is surely going to last into the future, but what does Scott’s version have to offer that you couldn’t get from your local Old Navy? Check out our review for the details.

AT A GLANCE

(all images link to higher resolution)

Color options are important, and I would expect Scott to release even more options in the future (white or pink would be interesting, as would a hooped variation). In the meantime, you have three to choose from, Smoke, Olive, or Black.

    The only thing to look at on the back of this shirt is one small SeV logo. The piqued collar does flip up (and stays up), if necessary. Interestingly enough, this flip-up capability was planned since the first variation in order to protect one’s neck from the sun – not just to make you look hip.

     As is normal for a polo shirt, we find three buttons on the front (with the top button hole in red, a nice touch). The buttons are white and small, and a spare can be found inside the shirt near the care tag. The collar itself folds down softly but stays in place as it has a different weave (pique, or fine ribbing) than the rest of the polo.

    Inside the collar are two Collar Loops, a small grey stretch of fabric to cover the collar stitches, and a printed size above the SeV logo. No tag, which means no tag chafing. And if you are moving about a lot, chafing can be a big issue.

On the left sleeve, we find small red TEC tag. This is probably the best shirt sleeve cut I’ve had on a SeV product (especially considering my body shape).

    Another TEC tag can be found on the lower right side at the seam. The bottom of this stylish shirt has split sides typical of polo shirts with a "tennis tail" (meaning that the back is slightly longer than the front). A small red stitch adds a bit of highlight without being flashy.

    Surprisingly, there is only one zippered pocket (found on the upper left shoulder) on this SeV line. The reason? Apparently to let one tuck the shirt in, if desired. Although Scott’s is internal, rather than the traditional external. Hopefully we will see a two pocket version in the future, as I hardly ever tuck polo shirts in, if at all. It is TEC (Technology Enabled Clothing), and so there is a small, red stitched hole through which you can run your wires (using the Personal Area Network or PAN). The zipper itself moves smoothly up and down, with or without snags or falling on its own.

    Unfortunately, the pocket just doesn’t work well with large gadgets, such as my XV6700 (left example) or Creative Zen Vision:M. There was a noticeable bulge and the shirt just didn’t fit as comfortably (although, the interior fabric did keep the gear from chafing my sensitive skin). An iPod Nano, on the other hand, fit very nicely into the pocket with little to no visible bulging.

    The pocket did, however, almost seem to be perfectly designed for the Plantronics 260. It stayed hidden in the pocket while the headphone cable ran neatly through the PAN system, into the Collar Loops, and available for use. With this setup, I didn’t even need to use a clip to keep the answer button/mic easily accessible – it was always just inside the collar and out of view.

    Being a rather tall drink of water, I often have issues with shirts being sized properly after purchase, but once I wash them, they shrink up and become almost unwearable. Not the case with SeV’s Performance Polo. Since it is manufactured out of 100% polyester, the shirt doesn’t shrink and bounces back from any stress or strain. Then add in the special weave that allows for excellent moisture management, and you too will want to snag several of your own.

THE DRAWING BOARD

    According to the site, only one pocket was included to allow the customer to tuck the shirt in (without having a strange zipper rising out of your waistband). A great idea, but considering I seldomly tuck my polo shirts in, I would have liked the option of a two-pocket version. This would not only allow one to carry more gear, but also provide a spot for larger gadgets and gear that feel bulky and out of place in the smaller shoulder pocket.

PURCHASING

    You can purchase SeV’s Performance Polo here for $59.99

PROS

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Technology Enabled Clothing

CONS

• Just a single pocket
• Only small gadgets fit comfortably

Value
Ease of Use
Features
Overall

What
do these ratings mean?

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OVERALL IMPRESSION

    Yet another positive evolution in the SeV lineup. This sporty polo looks good, feels great, and even provides a TEC pocket for your gadgets. While I like the ability to tuck the polo shirt in, I would have liked to see an option for a second side pocket that could handle larger gear efficiently. Once again, SeV gives us product that I would recommend to anyone.