Real stories · The polo that retired the rugby shirts

My husband owns rugby shirts and one stiff formal shirt — this polo finally filled the gap

The polo that retired the rugby shirts — that's what this one has done in our house. I'm 67, and my husband Malcolm's wardrobe has had two settings since roughly 1987: ancient rugby shirts for every single day, and one stiff formal shirt that comes out for funerals and complains the whole time. There was nothing in between, and 'in between' is where most of life happens.

What I wanted was a shirt he'd look smart in — that he'd actually agree to wear.

Then I found the Corvandaré from a British label called York Boutique — a long-sleeve polo, and I chose the grey, which goes with every pair of trousers he owns.

The cleverness is in the details. Inside the collar and down the button placket runs a neat navy gingham check, with a matching trim on the little chest pocket — small touches, but they're exactly why it reads as a shirt someone chose, not just grabbed. Meanwhile the fabric is a soft, breathable blend with a bit of stretch, which is why Malcolm — a man who describes ironing as 'aggression' — feels like he's in one of his old rugby shirts while looking like he's made an effort. The tailored fit is flattering without squeezing, and it works with jeans, chinos, the lot.

The little gingham check inside the collar and down the buttons makes it look chosen rather than grabbed — while the soft stretchy fabric means Malcolm forgets he's 'dressed up' at all.

Its first outing was dinner at the pub with friends, and his friend Geoffrey — who has never once commented on clothing — asked where the shirt was from. Malcolm, to my astonishment, knew the answer. He now reaches for it unprompted, which anyone married to such a man will recognise as the highest possible review.

It was £29.95 in the sale, half the usual £60 — and I'd checked I could send it back if he refused to wear it, which you can, within a fortnight, and the delivery's free. It comes in five colours and in sizes S all the way to 3XL.

If the man in your life also lives in that gap between rugby shirt and funeral shirt, do treat yourself — or him — to a look. The Corvandaré is rated 4.6 out of 5 by more than 230 buyers, it's £29.95 in the sale instead of £60 — half price — and the middle sizes always seem to go first.