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Tom Cruise is famous for making hardcore stunts look easy. For decades, he's scaled buildings, jumped off motorbikes, and careened onto helicopters, all while looking remarkably chill about it. As it turns out, he can look just as chill while watching hardcore sports, too.
Like every famous guy on the planet, Cruise is currently in Paris to catch some of the Olympics, which kicked off over the weekend. He was spotted yesterday watching USA champ Simone Biles tear up the gymnastics event, wearing a typical slick fit of dark-wash jeans, leather lace-up boots, and a white polo shirt. The 62-year-old (!) accessorized with his Rolex Day-Date—an up-close inspection appears to show a glimmering white meteorite dial, adding another fresh touch—along with his wear-everywhere aviator sunglasses.
Second to Biles, of course, the polo is the star of the show. Designed by British label Orlebar Brown, it features a camp collar and a pointelle-knit open texture, making it appear a bit breezier than its close-knit counterparts. It's relaxed. It's summer on the rocks in Marseille. It's, dare we say, a bit sexy—and it all comes down to that open knit.
Plenty of more pedestrian polos can veer into corporate drone territory. But if you zoom in on Orlebar Brown's version, the weave is so open it almost looks like mesh, with pin-pricks of skin peeking through. Coupled with the cling around the waist and slightly cropped length, it's a sultry riff on the 9-5 staple.
No one would blame you if you've reached the limits of polo shirt fatigue. Nowadays, you can't board a subway car without bumping into at least four guys wearing them. Which is all the more reason you should be specific about the ones you own, opting for details that elevate yours above the competition. Take it from Tom Cruise: a shorter sleeve, interesting placket, or bold, open knit will go a lot further than you realize.
This story originally appeared on British GQ with the title 'Tom Cruise cured polo shirt fatigue with one white-hot shirt'.