Polo Ralph Lauren: From Preppy Classics to Modern Icons

Let’s chat about Polo Ralph Lauren – a brand that has remained a staple in men’s wardrobes for decades. Whether it’s the classic polo shirt you wear to your local, or the vintage sweatshirt you sport on match day: Polo Ralph Lauren is the kind of brand that bridges generations.

But how did it all start, and how did it grow from preppy roots to streetwear royalty? Grab a seat and settle in for the story of an American icon.

The story kicks off in 1967 when a young Ralph Lifshitz (that’s his real name) decided to make a splash in the world of men’s fashion. Ralph started small, designing a line of ties that broke all the traditional rules. While most ties of the time were thin and understated, Ralph’s designs were bold, wide, and unapologetically stylish. The world noticed, and soon, the Polo Ralph Lauren brand emerged.

By the early ’70s, Ralph had introduced the now-iconic polo shirt. Inspired by the elite sport of polo, it combined casual comfort with an air of sophistication. The embroidered pony became an instant status symbol as a way to say, "I’ve got class, but I’m chill about it.". Since then it's popularity has only grown, and nowadays you'd struggle to walk into any packed pub and not see a polo shirt.

If you grew up on a healthy diet of ‘80s and '90s films, you’ll know the preppy look that Polo Ralph Lauren championed. Think chinos, rugby shirts, and boat shoes – the kind of stuff you’d see on Ivy League campuses.

Polo Ralph Lauren didn’t just sell clothes, they sold a lifestyle. The designs made you feel like you could be with the elite. Even if your weekend plans were more about playing five-a-side football than going to yacht clubs, you could put on a shirt from the brand and feel your style was instantly elevated. 

Now, here’s where Polo Ralph Lauren really interesting. In the ’90s, the brand had some unexpected adopters and became a cornerstone of streetwear culture. Rocking the same preppy designs but in new ways, the hip-hop scene embraced Polo Ralph Lauren as a fashion mainstay.

Groups like the Wu-Tang Clan and other urban style icons loved Ralph’s bold logos and boxy fits. They completely swiched up the brand’s fancy image, and mixed in other streetwear styles, bringing Polo Ralph Lauren's look to an even wider audience. From this, the "Lo-Life" subculture emerged, with fans proudly repping Polo head-to-toe as a badge of honour.

Polo Ralph Lauren didn’t stop at the streets, and has ventured into other clusters of culture too. The brand has always had a deep connection with sport, from outfitting US Olympic teams to collaborations with Wimbledon. And let’s not forget the Polo Ralph Lauren polo shirts worn everyday by people playing rounds of golf or games of tennis. Sporty, stylish, and super versatile – it’s a combo that’s hard to beat. 

So, why does Ralph Lauren still resonate with blokes in their 20s and 30s? Simple: it’s all about adaptability. Polo Ralph Lauren has something for every occasion:

• You can wear a custom slim fit Oxford shirt for a date. 
• A classic quarter-zip is great for meeting friends. 
• A lightweight jacket works well for a streetwear look.

Polo Ralph Lauren has always delivered style. It’s timeless, yet it always feels fresh thanks to the versatility of the pieces and all of the different ways you can rock the brand.

Polo Ralph Lauren isn’t just a brand; it’s a cultural icon. It has evolved from its Ivy League beginnings to fit into pretty much any style you can think of. Whether you love the classic preppy style or prefer urban streetwear, or are more of a sporty kinda guy- Polo Ralph Lauren has something for you.

So next time you’re heading out; whether you're off to the match, a mate’s party, or just on a mission to grab some grub, reach for Ralph and be confident you're on the right track. You’re not just wearing a shirt; you’re wearing a piece of history.