Polo Ralph Lauren Brand Guide | Aphrodite Clothing Menswear Blog

Ralph Lauren Bear Hoodie

Polo Ralph Lauren Brand Guide

Ralph Lauren History

The Polo Ralph Lauren brand is almost synonymous with the world of fashion. The iconic Polo logo that is brandished on many of their items is arguably one of the most recognisable in the world, with a reputation and heritage that is almost unrivalled by anyone else provided through a line of menswear, womenswear and accessories that has, in recent times, produced revenues of around $5 Billion, making Ralph Lauren not only a powerhouse in fashion, but also in the economic world.

Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt in Navy

Ralph Lauren’s Life

Born in 1939 in the Bronx of New York, Ralph Liftshitz as he was initially known as (He changed his name to Ralph Lauren when he was 15) led a relatively working-class lifestyle, with an orthodox Jewish upbringing that led him through college as well as working as a sales assistant. However, this was about to change. At the age of 26, Ralph was inspired to design and create a wide necktie that he had seen the famous Douglas Fairbanks Jr wearing, but the idea was scrapped as it wasn’t “commercially viable”.

After leaving the company, Ralph began to create these ties himself, establishing his own company that worked out of a single drawer in the iconic Empire State Building. Referring to it as “Polo”, Ralph Laurens neckties quickly gained popularity amongst businessmen in NYC who wanted a wider, more European tie. After gaining some respect and reputation, Ralph was approached by the luxury department store Neiman Marcus, where an order for 100 dozen of his unique ties paved the way for Ralph Lauren to become a real player in the fashion world.  After investment by Manhattan clothing manufacturer Norman Hilton, Ralph Lauren was able to open its first store that sold his now very popular ties. This was the start of Ralph Lauren.

Ralph Lauren

Photo Credit: Ralph Lauren

Ralph developed his first menswear under the “Polo” name in 1968 after wanting to create something that made him “excited” yet maintained a “traditional” value.  Gaining critical acclaim instantly, it was in 1972, just after producing his first women’s items, that one of Ralph Lauren’s most popular items, even today, was introduced; the Polo Shirt. Originally available in twenty-four different colours, the Polo quickly became the most iconic item for the “preppy look”, something that Ralph himself is best known for. This signaled the exponential rise of the brand, spiralling Ralph into the world of fashion, where he consistently produced stylish, preppy menswear whilst also expanding into different areas that he felt passionate in.

From full lines of womenswear to the launch of his own fragrances, to expanding into an infant’s range, Ralph Lauren is now a leading arm for both men and women’s fashion, with vibrant, abstract colours and styles that are now staples in fashion. Ralph’s passion can be felt in all his lines, where inspiration from films, celebrities, and the traditional American culture has allowed him to create all of his designs. Ralph himself says that when designing something he works more “like a writer”, where he is “writing a story” through his garments that people can relate to and really feel themselves when wearing.

Ralph Lauren Bear Hoodie

What Is Polo Ralph Lauren ?

When you think of Ralph Lauren, the image of the iconic Polo player logo that is embroidered onto almost all of their garments instantly pops up in your mind. Emblazoned proudly on the likes of their polos and shirting, the logo has a reason for being there. It is a reflection of Ralph’s original tie business named “Polo”. The name came from the idea that he wanted a brand that drew inspiration from the likes of sport and the idea of using the term “Polo” shares a link between the brand and sport. A sophisticated, trendy sport reflects the brand itself, so the name stuck. Initially seen on Ralph’s first introduction into womenswear on the cuffs of the shirts, the logo is now seen all over the brand, accurately reflecting what Ralph Lauren is all about, even today. Style, trendiness, and a casual attitude are what Ralph Lauren is all about and the Polo player accurately reinforces this idea.


Ralph Lauren Polo Shirts

While the Ralph Lauren brand found its footsteps in the world of fashion with its signature ties, it’s the eponymous labels venture into Polo Shirt’s that has truly propelled the brand to newfound levels. Ralph Lauren combined techniques found in traditional tailoring with durable everyday fabrics to produce an effortlessly wearable piece that can last a lifetime in any mans wardrobe. What’s more, the array of colours, patterns and fits means that picking your own Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt is an incredibly personal experience. But what are the Ralph Lauren Polo Shirts and how do the different fits size up against each other?

Ralph Lauren Polo Shirts Fits Guide

Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Polo Shirts

The Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Polo Shirt was the first of the labels silhouettes. It arrives with a roomy feel, offering a relaxed look to the body which pairs with a loose cuff. This style is loved by those who opt for a more casual aesthetic as it allows them to easily pair the Polo with a straight-leg jean, cargo pant or even Joggers.

Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Polo Shirt

Ralph Lauren Slim Fit Polo Shirts

The Ralph Lauren Slim Fit Polo Shirt is, well… Slim. It offers an extremely tapered version of the brands Classic Fit Polo Shirt, with a more trim waist and a tighter, almost muscle fit, cuff. Its style is perfect for those who love a skinny jean, or perhaps a formal trouser that they pair with some clean white Ralph Lauren trainers.

Ralph Lauren Slim Fit Polo Shirt

Ralph Lauren Custom Slim Fit Polo Shirts

The most queried fit from the Polo Ralph Collection, the Custom-Slim Fit isn’t just a “It does what it says on the tin” kind of thing, it takes a little explaining. The Custom-Slim Fit sits between the happy medium of the Casual and Slim-Fit styles, but with the addition of a more tapered waist. This enhances the wearers body shape and offers a more trim appearance, which is a definite bonus. The Ralph Lauren Custom Slim Fit Polo Shirt is best styled with tapered jeans, or a slim Ralph Lauren Tracksuit pant.

Ralph Lauren Custom Slim Fit Polo Shirt

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