You’re likely to have seen Polo Ralph Lauren pop up once or twice in your lifetime, perhaps you’ve found yourself wondering what actually is Polo Ralph Lauren, and where did it come from?
Renowned for its quintessential preppy style, the Ralph Lauren brand has been around since 1967, when it began by selling the ‘American dream’. Today, the brand is distinguished in every corner of the globe and stands for something much bigger, read our Polo Ralph Lauren Guide covering your most asked questions…
#1 Polo Ralph Lauren History
Before its catapult into the mainstream in 1967, the brand started in the early 1960s with a young Ralph Lauren spending his spare time selling handmade ties to his fellow Bronx schoolmates. Ralph then went on to become a neckwear salesman at Brooks Brothers and later persuaded the president of Beau Brummell to let him start his own line at 28 years old, where he worked out of a single drawer in their Empire State Building showroom.
Image Credit: Vanity Fair
The brand took off in the late ’60s and brought a mix of country club/everyday apparel to the states and beyond. Since then, Polo Ralph Lauren has garnered an immensely successful reputation and loyal following due to its rich archive of designs and many lucrative campaigns, gaining cultural resonance within the hip-hop, punk, skate and basketball communities, to name a few.
#2 What are thedifferent Polo Ralph Laurenlabels?
The brand overall has had many different brands and diffusion lines since its launch in 1967, with Polo Ralph Lauren (often shortened to just Polo) being the most recognized. The brand’s products are vast, spanning apparel, accessories, fragrance collections, as well as childrenswear and home furnishings. Below are the current brands operating under the Polo Ralph Lauren umbrella.
Image Credit: Vanity Fair
First up…
Polo Ralph Lauren: The most recognisable label, think of iconic pieces such as the classic polo player logo. Combining English haberdashery with the all-American Ivy League, it brought forth modern styles with classic American sporting looks.
Polo Ralph Lauren (Womens):The brand is renowned for its classic, go-to, everyday styles. All of their collections are refined and relaxed with timeless shapes in fresh spring colours and a range of iconic logos.
There’s also…
- Ralph Lauren Purple Label (Men’s) & Ralph Lauren Collection (Women’s): Both labels are renowned for their hand-tailoring, fine fabrics and sophisticated look.
- Double RL: Made up of selvedge denim, vintage-inspired apparel, sportswear and accessories, the Double RL label is inspired by workwear and military gear.
- Polo Sport Collection: Heavily inspired by Ralph’s childhood in the Bronx and gained a cult following in the 90s and 00s. Think vintage-inspired sportswear influenced by track-and-field sportswear and athletic uniforms.
- Polo Golf/ RLX Golf
- Pink Pony: Made up of dual-gender sportswear and accessories. A percentage of sales from these products go towards a network of local cancer charities around the world.
- Lauren Ralph Lauren: Known for its accessible price point.
- Polo Ralph Lauren Home & Children
Plus many, many more that have now been discontinued – often characterised as vintage!
#3 Why is Ralph Lauren so popular?
First, a firm favourite amongst upper-class wealth the brand then infiltrated the 90’s subcultures on a mass scale. Iconically renowned as the uniform for the Lo-Life Crew who loved the brand for its oversized logos and bright branding. They would try and get their hands on the brand as much as possible, portraying the lavish and luxurious lifestyle they aspired for.
Ralph Lauren is arguably one of the most openly interpreted brands. There are very few brands that have managed to achieve the level of dominance that Ralph Lauren has, striking the perfect balance between aspiration and attainability for many.
RL has appeared in mainstream culture continuously since its beginnings over half a century ago. Alongside endless collaborations that span many different subcultures, we have seen the Ralph Lauren lifestyle break through into Hip-hop music videos, the White House, Kensington Palace, the Oscars, the Met Gala, TV sitcoms and so, so much more.
Take the Polo shirt, for example, one of Lauren’s most recognizable hallmarks that debuted over 50 years ago. To this day, the Ralph Lauren Polo is still one of the most beloved pieces in the collection. A foundation of the brand, there are always new colours and limited edition styles released every season. You can read out Buyer’s Edit if you want to see which are trending this season.
#4 The Polo Ralph Lauren Bear
Kanye West, The College Dropout, 2004
Following the same success as the brand, the Polo bear descended from Ivy League corridors all the way to Kanye West’s 2004 College Dropout Album front cover. The idea was born when Ralph Lauren himself was gifted a Richard Steiff bear in a tailored Ralph Lauren outfit. Impressed with the attention to detail he wanted to offer the bear to customers. Sold in the Madison Avenue flagship store the bear’s sold out in one weekend. However, production stopped due to manufacturing costs.
Cue the Polo Bear apparel line. Designed by Richard Tahsin the bear became the second most recognised logo for the brand. The bear’s bold appearance has been adored throughout generations for his character and extensive wardrobe. When they stopped the line the bear became a highly desired vintage, collectable’s item, leading the brand to bring back the bear in 2013.
#5 Are Polo Ralph Lauren sizes true to size?
Yes, the clothing range is true to size. The main brand built itself on tailoring and high-quality fashion with its sub-brands following suit. If you are wanting to find your correct size, refer to the size chart to help you.
Men’s Size Chart
Women’s Size Chart
@poloralphlauren
#6 Are Polo Ralph Laurenshoesgood?
Yes! The brand’s shoes are popular for their high-quality shoes that offer a smart but sporty look. Their shoes bridge the gap between current trainers with a more well-tailored, mature side of fashion. Often characterised by the iconic pony logo embroidered to the outer sides, there’s a selection of trainers, formal wear and slippers.
#7 Polo Ralph Lauren Kids
If you are looking for some super cool, casual kidswear then you can’t beat the Polo Ralph Lauren collection. Including smarter essentials and loungewear wardrobe pieces for your little ones, their style is traditional with bright primary colours. In keeping with the Polo Ralph Lauren aesthetic, these are high-quality kids’ clothing perfect for every day.
#7 Polo Ralph Lauren Kids Sizing
Use the chart below to find the right size for your little ones.
Kids Size Chart
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2021-04-27 09:00:47 • By Sarah Atkinson
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the realm of fashion, particularly Polo Ralph Lauren, my knowledge extends far beyond the surface, delving into the intricate history, diverse product lines, iconic symbols, and the cultural impact that Ralph Lauren has made over the decades. Let's dissect the key concepts touched upon in the provided article:
Polo Ralph Lauren History
The journey of Polo Ralph Lauren began in the early 1960s when Ralph Lauren, even as a young man, demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by selling handmade ties to his Bronx schoolmates. The pivotal moment occurred in 1967 when, at the age of 28, Ralph Lauren persuaded the president of Beau Brummell to let him start his own line, operating out of a single drawer in their Empire State Building showroom. The brand's mix of country club and everyday apparel gained popularity, and it became a cultural phenomenon with resonance in various communities, including hip-hop, punk, skate, and basketball.
Different Polo Ralph Lauren Labels
Polo Ralph Lauren encompasses various brands and diffusion lines. The most recognizable is "Polo Ralph Lauren," known for combining English haberdashery with all-American Ivy League style. The women's line under the same name offers classic, everyday styles. Other notable labels include:
- Ralph Lauren Purple Label (Men’s) & Ralph Lauren Collection (Women’s): Known for hand-tailoring, fine fabrics, and a sophisticated look.
- Double RL: Inspired by workwear and military gear, featuring selvedge denim and vintage-inspired apparel.
- Polo Sport Collection: Heavily influenced by Ralph’s Bronx childhood, gained a cult following in the '90s and '00s.
- Pink Pony: Offers dual-gender sportswear and accessories, with a percentage of sales supporting cancer charities.
- Lauren Ralph Lauren: Known for its accessible price point.
- Polo Ralph Lauren Home & Children: Expanding the brand into home furnishings and childrenswear.
Why is Ralph Lauren So Popular?
Ralph Lauren's popularity transcends socio-economic boundaries. Initially embraced by the upper class, it became a staple in 90s subcultures, notably the Lo-Life Crew, who admired its oversized logos and branding. Ralph Lauren is a brand that perfectly balances aspiration and attainability, continuously making its presence felt in mainstream culture through collaborations spanning various subcultures, music videos, political arenas, and prestigious events.
The Polo Ralph Lauren Bear
The iconic Polo Bear, born from Ralph Lauren's admiration for a gifted bear in a tailored outfit, became a symbol featured in the brand's apparel line. With its bold appearance and extensive wardrobe, the Polo Bear is a recognizable logo that even graced Kanye West's 2004 "College Dropout" album cover.
Polo Ralph Lauren Sizes and Shoes
The clothing range, including Polo Ralph Lauren's diverse sub-brands, is known for being true to size. The brand's shoes are highly regarded for their high quality, offering a smart yet sporty look. The shoes feature the iconic pony logo and include a range from trainers to formal wear and slippers.
Polo Ralph Lauren Kids
The brand extends its appeal to children with the Polo Ralph Lauren Kids collection. This collection reflects the brand's traditional style with bright primary colors, offering high-quality clothing suitable for everyday wear.
In conclusion, Polo Ralph Lauren's enduring success is a testament to its founder's vision, the brand's ability to adapt to cultural shifts, and the diverse range of products that cater to various tastes and lifestyles. From its humble beginnings in the Bronx to becoming a global phenomenon, Polo Ralph Lauren has left an indelible mark on the world of fashion.
