What to Buy from Ralph Lauren

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Ralph Lauren is an iconic American clothing brand that was founded in 1967 and today, is a seven billion dollar company. A lot of people ask us “Well, what do you buy from this brand or what would you suggest we buy?”

Brief History Of The Brand

Ironically, it was founded by Ralph Lifshitz who just decided that that was not so marketable and went with Ralph Lauren. When he founded the company, he was 27 years old and initially, he started with ties because he was working for a tie manufacturer. Through the 60s, slim ties were en vogue and so Ralph Lauren decided to go the opposite way and make very wide ties. What really propelled his brand is when he had an in-store concept at Bloomingdale’s and that was the first brand or person to be able to get that. He also had the first stand-alone single designer store on Rodeo Drive and he was the first to win the Coty fashion award twice.

Following ties, he launched a line of women’s shirts under the Polo brand which became later synonymous with Ralph Lauren. A few years later in 1972, he created the polo mesh shirt and it’s a hallmark staple of the brand to this day. With this roaring success, Ralph Lauren was also asked to design the wardrobes for the Great Gatsby at the time and Annie Hall. They went public in 1997 and today has a bunch of sub-brands. Ralph Lauren is a brand that has begun so popular that it’s often counterfeited. So if you buy used goods, beware that you don’t get a fake.

  • Ralph Lauren Collection
  • Purple Label
  • Black Label
  • Polo
  • Double RL
  • RL X
  • Ralph Lauren Home
  • Chaps & Club Monaco
  • Ralph Lauren Restaurants
Ralph Lauren in a Navy Double Breasted Blazer and White Pants
Ralph Lauren in a Navy Double Breasted Blazer and White Pants

So what’s Ralph Lauren’s style? If I have to break it down, I would say it’s preppy Americana but they do a really good job in using vintage inspired patterns and garments and just tweaking them a little bit and putting them back onto the market. They also do a good job of using different colors, patterns, and fabrics. Apart from that, they are still one of those few lines that offer a full range of men’s clothing and suits that is not just plain gray and navy but they have Prince of Wales checks and nice stripes, they have seersuckers, sometimes even bold paisley, or velvet garments, and just overall, it’s a brand that has the entire spectrum of a classic men’s wardrobe in a ready-to-wear segment.

Before you go out and buy anything, keep in mind that everything they sell has a very high retail price. Often, it’s discounted, especially at department stores, but even on their website. So, if you don’t need it right away and it’s not something that you must have immediately, it probably pays to wait because you’ll get a substantial discount.

Top Ralph Lauren Picks

A Ralph Lauren cricket sweater
A Ralph Lauren cricket sweater

1. Sweaters & Sweater Vests

First of all, I would say sweaters and sweater vests. Ralph Lauren is one of the few companies that offer really an extremely wide range of knits; whether it’s a cable knit or an Aran sweater, maybe a fair isle, knit vest inspired style, they have cool wools, they have cool styles with shawl collars, cardigans, and really everything under the sun. So if you’re in the market for any kind of cardigan, I suggest you check them out. Also, check out the vintage polo sweaters. They can be really cool things to have at a very low price.

2. Double RL Brand

It’s not usually carried in department stores, they are usually sold at specific stores; there’s a great one in New York, I think it’s their flagship store. It’s mostly vintage Americana inspired work wear so lots of denim, lots of more casual garments with vintage influences but their suits are also very nice, they feature usually a nice belly and have this kind of vintage feel to it but it’s not just distinctly 1930s that like is much slimmer and more modern; so it’s just a cool kind of garment that is hard to be found elsewhere.

5½-Inch Traveler Swim Trunk
5½-Inch Traveler Swim Trunk

3. Swimwear

Probably my favorite swimwear items are from Ralph Lauren, they are usually in classic patterns such as checks or they have like bold stripes and it’s very hard to find a tasteful classically inspired pair of swim trunks from other brands.

Polo Coat Ralph Lauren
Polo Coat Ralph Lauren

4. Overcoats

Probably the most iconic piece is the Polo overcoat which works well with their name. It’s kind of a camel hair coat and you’ve probably have seen an ad from them. Ironically, it’s not sold on their website very often anymore so the best chance to find it is vintage on eBay or other places. Be prepared to pay around $1,000 for a polo coat even though it’s used but it’s a very nice garment and if you find other overcoats, chances are they’re made with really cool details out of really unusual fabrics.

5. Vintage Polo Items

Today, Polo Ralph Lauren is much more commercialized. It’s mostly made in Asia, however, in the 80s, things were made in the US or in Italy or in England and oftentimes, to a higher standard; the yarns and the fabrics are better so they’ve stood the test of time. So if you find something from the 80s or 90s that you like and it goes with your style, don’t be afraid of buying it, it’s good stuff. Good items in this area are corduroys or sweaters, ties, suits, or even seersucker.

6. Shorts

Men’s shorts or Bermuda shorts are really great. But just in general, often they are vintage-inspired, they offer bolder colors than other men’s brands, and they have little details such as coin pockets or just a pattern like a real Indian cotton madras.

7. Dress Shoes

In the past, they were often manufactured in Italy. Today, their Purple Label shoe line is usually made by Crockett & Jones, Edward Green or Graziano & Girling which are all high-end British makers. They have a very good styling, they add the purple sole, and while the retail price is quite high, if you find a markdown in store, at outlets, or on eBay, they’re a very good buy.

Ralph Lauren Purple Label Chalk Stripe suit
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Chalk Stripe suit

8. Purple Label Suits & Jackets

Back in the day, they were made in England by Chester Barrie and crew. It’s really nice, it has a very 30s inspired style with wide lapels, it’s tailored very softly so it’s extremely comfortable just like a sweater and even though today, most of Purple Label’s items are made in Italy and things have changed quite a bit, they’re still at a high-quality level and I recommend them. Usually, those garments retail anywhere from $4,000-$6,000 or more. Now, I don’t believe it’s worth the retail price but sometimes, you can score bargains on eBay or on outlets. They also offer a great range of dinner jackets in unusual patterns and colors, as well as cuts.

Elegant Black & White Brook Street Bedroom by Ralph Lauren
Elegant Black & White Brook Street Bedroom by Ralph Lauren

9. Ralph Lauren Home Goods

They have anything from bed sheets to glasses to decorative items and while generally, their stuff is not of the utmost quality, it is good quality and it is a superb style, however, again, in a very high price point. So if you can find it used somewhere or in a dead-stock, that’s the time to buy, unless, of course, you really like it, it works with your room then just splurge on it and enjoy it.

Blue flat front Chino by Ralph Lauren
Blue flat front Chino by Ralph Lauren

10. Slacks

Especially, Polo has a range of corduroys for the winter that is unusual, many different colors, they also have great chinos in shades like Nantucket red, baby blue, or just regular sand or khaki and so any type of somewhat casual pants or medium formal pair of slacks, Ralph Lauren is a great option for you.

What Not To Buy From Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren Wimbledon Jersey Polo Shirt
Ralph Lauren Wimbledon Jersey Polo Shirt

1. Polo Shirts

I am not a big fan of their polo shirts anymore, I think they’re priced quite high, they have bigger and bigger logos in their chests that are very contrasting which I don’t like, and their collars are flimsy.

2. Dress Shirts

In my experience, the fit is often awkward, they also have like oxford shirts but they have all the Polo pony which is something I don’t like on a shirt, and on top of that, they’re rather pricey so you’re better off going made-to-measure somewhere else where you get exactly the fabric you want in a color you want and in a fit that works for you.

RL Hiking Bear Wool Sweater
RL Hiking Bear Wool Sweater

3. Anything With Obnoxious Logos

Also, stay clear of anything that’s obnoxious with logos. There’s a tendency to have a super-huge ponies on your clothing or the American flag or the polar bear and all of these make you more look like a brand whore rather than a well-dressed person. Yes, you can be patriotic but when have you ever seen an American president wearing a sweater with the American flag? Never, right? Well, there’s a good reason, it’s just obnoxious.

4. Ralph Lauren Activewear

Also, in my experience, stay clear of Ralph Lauren activewear with windproof stuff. I used to have a jacket way back in the day and it performed very poorly especially compared to other brands that focus specifically on outdoor stuff so I just stay clear of that altogether.

5.T-Shirts

They’re simply overpriced and no one needs a little pony on their t-shirt. I also think a lot of accessories that Ralph Lauren offers, such as their leather goods, are simply not really super high quality, they just have a high price tag. Overall, I think all of the accessories just rely too heavily on branding. For example, look at the polar bear quartz watch for $2,000. I mean, really?

CONCLUSION

So in summary, Ralph Lauren has a great range of products that you could buy from them when things are on sale or if they’re vintage, they’re exceptionally good buys, otherwise, stay clear of some of the accessories. Overall, I think Ralph Lauren is a fantastic brand. They did an exceptional job in bringing kind of a classic English inspired Americana style to the average man and for that, I truly thank Ralph Lauren.

What are your favorite Ralph Lauren items? Share with us in the comments section below!

Reader Comments

  1. The proliferation of labels under the name of Ralph Lauren is a bit bewildering. This provides some useful perspective. Let’s hope that this video influences people to pronounce the name correctly (which is just how the name “Lauren” is normally pronounced) and to stop trying to Frenchify or Italianize it into “Lorén,” as I hear far too often.

  2. The correct answer is nothing, and the correct question is how can a business founded in 1967 be considered “Backed by history, not trends” as promised by this site which has sadly lost its way

  3. I’ve bought Polo neckties and have been pleased; more or less the same quality as Brooks Brothers. I’ve never been tempted to buy anything else from Ralph Lauren.

  4. No one in his right mind would buy any Purple Label suit/jacket at retail, as you’ve indicated. For the ridiculous prices charged for what is an off-the-rack item, you can get bespoke, with better fabric, fit and workmanship.

  5. I am very pleased to see someone sharing my opinions about this brand. It is really all too unfortunate that Ralph Lauren has been more and more known as the to-go-brand for the rather swaggering and obnoxious kind, while it has in fact so much more and better things to offer.

  6. You neglected to mention Ralph Lauren underwear. The briefs are comfortable, durable, and fade resistant.
    Don’t forget, Ralph Lauren is the epitome of what a modern philanthropist should be.

    Thanks for the outstanding video.

    Johnny

  7. I really like the silk pocket squares, but only when purchased at a deep discount. They are some of my favorites.

  8. I agree with your comments about the dress shirts. As a Brit, I regard one of the joys of American shirts is that they have a breast pocket. Instead, RL sticks a badge there.
    I was interested in your comments about vintage pieces. I used to love Brooks Brothers shirts when they were American made and I still have in the dark recesses of my closet some great BB shirts I bought from the huge store on Madison back in the 90s.
    I just cannot buy an American classic knowing it has been made in Malaysia or wherever BB get their shirts made nowadays.

  9. “oftentimes” Who made this word up ? Surely the right word is “sometimes”
    Polo shirts were created by Lacoste of France in the 1930’s. I think Fred Perry made them more popular in the 60’s.

    1. I agree with the Lacoste statements which actually has an interesting history, started by the French tennis champion, the “Alligator”. Oftentimes is a bonafide word; review in the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
      Regards.

  10. I would very much agree. There are for example, higher level performance golf and polo shirts. They do have some innovative stretch and wrinkle resistant sport shirts with smart appearance. Their jeans are reinforced for belt loops and pocket stress points. They hold up quite well. I never pay full price. I would have to comment the underwear is also a no go. A few years ago, their boxer briefs were almost identical to the FOTL discount brand. Stretched out, bulky, worthless. Their underwear is neither innovative nor have they learned to use modal or Pima, or add five percent stretch. BR, AF, AE all offer better basics.

  11. Great video. Thanks for the information. Would love to see other brands done as many have lesser quality lines. Would like to see same done on Brooks Brothers. Keep up the great work!

  12. I have an issue with companies which advertise a very high price and then discount heavily to make you think you’re getting a bargain. Some of us refuse to be play that deceptive game. Also, I refuse to be a walking billboard for brands, so won’t wear logos unless they can’t be seen. Furthermore, I pay for quality and fit; I baulk at paying for a name.

  13. I agree with the Lacoste statements which actually has an interesting history, started by the French tennis champion, the “Alligator”. Oftentimes is a bonafide word; review in the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
    Regards.

  14. Thanks for the article. Personally, I am attracted to a lot of RL products – the quality, the lines, the simplicity of the cuts (for the most part). But when cheaper stuff started showing up at Costco in huge piles, alongside another designer who’s whored himself to the masses with the lower-end product, Tommy Hilfiger, I saw the marked reduction in fabric and workmanship in these Malaysian-made oxfords and polos. Yuck.
    Btw, Sven? That pic of you in the Purple Label chalk-stripe suit…is that Columbia University behind you?

  15. You can buy the polos. Just stay away from the big horses. The Polo shirts are still iconic.

    The other thing that should be on this list are the Special Rugby shirts.

    Last but not least. No one makes sweats as comfortable as the classic double sweatshirt and pants.

    They last forever.

  16. Some of their plainer, more traditional items (coats and tweed jackets) are nice but they often overdo the decoration on many other items.

    A lot of their stuff would make you look like an idiot if you wore it. And it is overpriced. The bear sweather is very cute – if you are under 10 years old.

  17. The earlier RL style was quite good most of the time. Of late, vulgar. It was a go-to brand for quality in its early days, but no longer as everything RL I have bought in the past 25 years or so has fallen apart. WSJ will run an article periodically about the Company’s economic woes. This could be corrected with a return to quality–and perhaps toning down the flash.

  18. Like most I remember the obnoxious cologne from the 80’s. The only thing I own from RL at this time a a classic seersucker suit. I searched for years to find one and I am very pleased with the cut and style. The experience has made me rethink my gut reaction when I see the brand.

  19. Thoughtful article, well done Raphael ……..
    Back in the day he offered wonderful men’s spectators – especially leather/ivory suede numbers,

    James I. Laursen – Minneapolis

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