by The Ralph Lauren polo shirt is the symbolistic garment of the preppy culture with an everlasting heritage. Rising in popularity since 1800’s, the famous polo design has soared the court and the high street. Today, Ralph Lauren is holding the title of the iconic polo design, becoming a wardrobe essential and the signature uniform for men everywhere.
The Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt
The iconic polo shirts by Ralph Lauren have been passed through generations. With careful construction built for the modern man, the Ralph Lauren polo stands for craftsmanship and heritage. The vented hem design and signature cross-stitch make the Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt a lifetime investment.
Bound neckline and shoulders, the Ralph Lauren Polo will last endless washes due to the tight stitching preventing stretching. Hem lengths and design contribute to the maximum movement, giving you the confidence to wear it with almost any day-to-day look.
Ralph Lauren Classic Fit
Ralph Lauren’s Classic Fit is the staple design of the iconic polo. The longer back hem allows the polo to be worn easily tucked into your smartest trousers, effortlessly creating a preppy look.
The carefully cut body design makes the Classic fit one of the most comfortable yet. This means that the classic polo can become the staple item in your wardrobe and the ultimate backup to any last minute party plans. Low drop sleeves, close to the elbow and lower arm holes make the polo an easy fit for any body shape.
If you are in need of a polo to become your day to day essential, the classic fit will be your ultimate choice. Consistent throughout the seasons, the classic fit is famous for its rib-eye collar and cuff shape. When it comes to choice, going for the classic fit has no limitations.
The Ideal Body Shape: If you have more of an athletic shape, go for the Classic fit.
Ralph Lauren Slim Fit
If you are looking something a little tighter, then the Ralph Lauren slim fit is the one for you. One of the more recent designs to enter the Ralph Lauren polo circle, the slim fit is heavily inspired by the loyal European market. With shorter hems by 3 inches on the front and back compared to the classic fit, the Ralph Lauren slim fit is the best for daily walks and day-to-day activities.
With a slimmer body and tailored streamline, the Ralph Lauren Slim Fit is the ideal shape to layer within the colder seasons or to wear on its own during the summer. Classic fit vs slim fit involves higher arm holes and a tighter chest shape and ideal for a tall, skinny body shape.
The Ideal Body Shape: Tall and short slim body shapes are the perfect choices to accompany the slim fit polo.
Custom Fit
Last of the trio is the Ralph Lauren Polo custom fit polo shirt. Although this has a very similar, trimmed body shape to the slim fit, the custom fit holds its own individuality. With that extra 1.5 inches extra length at the front and back, the custom fit still has the functionality of being worn tucked in with a pair of your smartest trousers, like the classic shirt. With shorter sleeves and higher arm holes, the custom fit is the go-to summer polo.
The Ideal Body Shape: Average or broader shouldered, the custom fit is the perfect protocol.
Ralph Lauren Custom Fit vs Classic – What You Need to Know
- The custom fit is designed with a shorter sleeve to the classic, making it more of a heat-cooler essential for the summer.
- Although the front and back hems are considerably shorter, the custom fit still has the ability to be tucked in and smartened up into a pair of smart trousers or chinos.
- The custom fit features more of a fitted waistline shape, which is ideal for a tall and short athletic body types.
- The classic fit is catered to become a functional wardrobe addition, where the custom is fashion-focused.
Ralph Lauren Custom Fit vs Slim – What You Need to Know
- Both custom and slim fit have the shorter sleeves in the trio, resulting in them both being suitable for the summer heat.
- Although the custom fit is slimmer, the slim fit is considerably shorter and smaller around the chest and waist. Ideal for layering when the temperature drops, the slim fit pairs perfectly with a cardigan creating more of the preppy look.
- The slim fit is considerably shorter compared to the custom, so if you are looking for the ideal shirt to tuck in, the slim fit is a perfect choice.
Celebrities in Ralph Lauren Polo Shirts
From the golf grounds to the street, the Ralph Lauren Polo has become a statement item of celebrities’ wardrobes. Easy to pair with a pair of chinos or jeans, it’s obvious the polo is a go-to item.
History
The Ralph Lauren polo has become an iconic significant item for the RL brand. Since being introduced to the courts in 1972, the polo has revolutionised the brand to the ‘preppy’, American Dream it is today.
My symbol was always a polo player because I liked sports and polo had a stylishness to it
– Ralph Lauren, Founder and Designer
From Ralph to Ralph Lauren
From its early beginnings, Ralph Lauren has soared globally, becoming a favourite fashion house across Europe. Originally a womenswear dominated brand with menswear following, Ralph Lauren has merged into a modern gentlemen’s lifestyle. It’s traditional, timeless and classic, shaping into a brand which passes through generations.
Apart from the polo, Ralph Lauren has had an eventful history. The brand has traditionally grown into the fashion house with a rich and thriving heritage. Ralph began his apparel career from a young age, creating homemade ties to be worn on the school playgrounds and by his friends.
Once finishing his school years and after joining the US army, Ralph pursued his interest in fashion by taking on evening classes at Brooklyn’s Baruch College. From that, he began his journey in industry, landing a neckwear sales position at Brooks Brothers.
His interest in fashion design increased, leading to the production of his own neckwear. Still working for Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren was heavily inspired and drove their design aesthetic in his own designs. Short after, Brooks Brothers then turned down time for Lauren to then progress with his designs. That resulted with Ralph turning to the helping hand of outside manufacturers.
Lauren then landed a spot at Beau Brummell, the New York neckwear boutique. Holding showrooms in the Empire State Building, Lauren was granted the opportunity and sell his own designs. From then and with the establishment of the brand in 1962, Ralph Lauren became one of in-demand fashion houses. This led to three decades of iconic polo shirts, collections and colognes which contributed to the creation of the timeless luxury fashion brand we all know and love today.
Introducing the Ralph Lauren Polo
It was in 1972 that the famous polo was born. Through the ages to now, the polo has become an essential in the modern man’s wardrobe. The original iconic design with the embroidered polo player, tight chest and short sleeves was a staple item to be introduced to the market during the 1970s, changing the game of sports uniforms and lifestyle leisure activities.
In the 1980s, cardigans became a trend in the market, providing the opportunity for the polo to become the wardrobe addition for the modern man. Polos also became a way to achieve status and a symbol of a luxury lifestyle.
Ralph Lauren Polo Fit
- Classic Fit – Athletic Shape
- Slim Fit – Tall and short, slim
- Custom Fit – All average, broader shoulder
On that Note
Even with its thirty-year history, it doesn’t look like the polo shirt will be leaving our wardrobes anytime soon. Timeless, seasonal and versatile, the Ralph Lauren Polo will be an ever-lasting investment. With the rise in demand globally, expect even more variations, designs and colours in the years to come. So if you’re thinking of grabbing one for your next round of golf or next time you hit the bar, make sure the Ralph Lauren polo is your next go-to item.
Feature image from Pinterest
