Vertical Stripe Knit Polo

The Vertical Stripe Knit Polo from Le 31 delivers knitted-in stripes that never peel, crack, or fade, providing a smoothly cool, silk-like hand feel with uniform moisture wicking that outperforms cotton for light sweat but dries slower than synthetic activewear; while the pattern persists with careful washing, the knit may pill at the collar and underarms, and to maintain its wrinkle-resistant drape, the shirt must be air-dried flat to prevent stretching.

Stripe construction

Knitted-in stripes will never peel, crack, or fade.

Why this is supported

According to the brand's Q&A,

The vertical stripes are knitted into the fabric as part of the knit construction, not printed on.Are the vertical stripes knitted into the fabric or printed on?

This permanent integration ensures the stripes will not peel, crack, or fade with regular washing and wear.

Hand feel

Knitted stripes create a smoothly cool, silk-like hand feel.

Why this is supported

The knitted stripe structure contributes to the fabric's texture. The brand confirms that

The vertical stripes are knitted into the fabric as part of the knit construction, not printed on.Are the vertical stripes knitted into the fabric or printed on?

This construction provides a consistent surface. Research notes that

With viscose as the dominant fiber at 65%, this knit feels smoothly cool and silk-like against the skin, while the polyester adds just enough body to prevent the fabric from feeling limp or overly fluidMaterial feel and performance — hand_feel_and_drape

.

Moisture performance

Uniform moisture absorption and wicking across the shirt.

Why this is supported

Because the stripes are knitted in, the fabric's moisture behavior is even. As stated,

The vertical stripes are knitted into the fabric as part of the knit construction, not printed on.Are the vertical stripes knitted into the fabric or printed on?

This uniformity supports consistent performance. Deep research explains that

Viscose's moisture regain of about 11–13% (versus 7–8.5% for cotton) means the polo wicks light sweat away from the body more actively than a standard cotton version, though the 35% polyester blend yields slower overall drying compared to pure synthetic workout shirts.Material feel and performance — moisture_absorbency

Pattern longevity

With careful washing, stripes stay sharp; knit may pill but pattern persists.

Why this is supported

The stripes are deeply integrated into the knit, ensuring they outlast the fabric's smooth surface. The brand notes,

The vertical stripes are knitted into the fabric as part of the knit construction, not printed on.Are the vertical stripes knitted into the fabric or printed on?

However, the viscose-polyester blend is prone to pilling:

Viscose-polyester knit blends are susceptible to surface pilling because the shorter viscose fibers eventually work loose and tangle with polyester — the ribbed collar and underarm zones, subject to friction, will be the first areas to show these pills.Material feel and performance — pilling_risk

Proper care is crucial to maintain the pattern;

Viscose loses roughly half its tensile strength when saturated, so pulling and wringing this polo while wet can distort the knit — air-drying flat and avoiding the machine dryer extends its lifespan and keeps the ribbed edging crisp.Material feel and performance — wet_care_fragility

The polyester content helps the fabric resist deep creasing:

Polyester's inherent elasticity prevents the deep, stubborn creasing that 100% viscose is known for; this polo can be unpacked and worn with minimal freshening, saving the time and effort of steaming that a pure viscose shirt demands.Material feel and performance — wrinkle_resistance

Thus, with proper care, the stripe pattern remains sharp despite potential pilling.

Drape

Knitted stripes and wrinkle resistance keep drape smooth even from luggage.

Why this is supported

The vertical stripes are a structural element that moves with the fabric.

The vertical stripes are knitted into the fabric as part of the knit construction, not printed on.Are the vertical stripes knitted into the fabric or printed on?

This ensures the drape isn't stiffened by an extra layer. Additionally, the polyester component provides wrinkle resistance.

this polo can be unpacked and worn with minimal freshening, saving the time and effort of steamingMaterial feel and performance — wrinkle_resistance

Together, these features maintain a smooth drape even when packed.

Moisture management

Wicks light sweat better than cotton with a cool feel, but dries slower than synthetic shirts.

Why this is supported

The blend's viscose wicks light sweat better than cotton (

Viscose's moisture regain of about 11–13% (versus 7–8.5% for cotton) means the polo wicks light sweat away from the body more actively than a standard cotton versionMaterial feel and performance — moisture_absorbency

), but the polyester slows drying (

the 35% polyester blend yields slower overall drying compared to pure synthetic workout shirtsMaterial feel and performance — moisture_absorbency

). During sweating, the knit

feels smoothly cool and silk-like against the skinMaterial feel and performance — hand_feel_and_drape

, and the blend prevents limpness, making it comfortable for casual warm-weather wear without athletic-level performance.

Pilling

Pilling develops at the ribbed collar and underarms.

Why this is supported

The material research states that

the ribbed collar and underarm zones, subject to friction, will be the first areas to show these pills.Material feel and performance — pilling_risk

, which is because shorter viscose fibers work loose and tangle with polyester.

Wrinkle resistance

Resists deep wrinkles; wearable after unpacking with minimal freshening.

Why this is supported

The fabric analysis indicates that

Polyester's inherent elasticity prevents the deep, stubborn creasing that 100% viscose is known for; this polo can be unpacked and worn with minimal freshening, saving the time and effort of steaming that a pure viscose shirt demands.Material feel and performance — wrinkle_resistance

This is a practical advantage for everyday wear.

Care

Avoid wringing wet and always air-dry flat to prevent stretching.

Why this is supported

The research found that

Viscose loses roughly half its tensile strength when saturatedMaterial feel and performance — wet_care_fragility

, so wringing or pulling the wet polo can distort the knit. Additionally, it recommends

air-drying flat and avoiding the machine dryer extends its lifespan and keeps the ribbed edging crispMaterial feel and performance — wet_care_fragility

to preserve the garment's shape.

Drying time

Air-dries slower than synthetic activewear.

Why this is supported

While the viscose blend offers good moisture wicking,

the 35% polyester blend yields slower overall drying compared to pure synthetic workout shirtsMaterial feel and performance — moisture_absorbency

, so expect longer air-dry times.