Lauren Mens

Who is Ralph Lauren and What is the Polo?

If you have heard of the Polo shirt, it is most likely the name Ralph Lauren is also familiar to you.

While the polo is older than Ralph Lauren, it was Ralph Lauren who made the polo shirt what it is today. The polo shirt’s beginnings may have started as early as the mid-1800s. Sporting teams were wearing long sleeved jerseys made from the same knitted material as the polo is today. Rene Lacoste added some flare to the shirt in 1926 producing it in white with short sleeves and with an un-starched, flat protruding collar. It also had a buttoned placket, and a longer shirttail in back than in front for tennis players.  As a tennis player,  he first wore the shirt at the 1926 U.S. Open championship.

Later on, clothing retailer Ralph Lauren, born Ralph Lischitz, was getting his own name brand off the ground. This was in the late 1960s.  By 1971, Polo Ralph Lauren launched its first women’s collection and his first standalone store in Beverly Hills, California. Ten years later, in 1981, the brand went global with its first international store on London’s New Bond Street. The Polo Sport line was introduced in 1993.

Ralph Lauren’s brand now produces clothing, accessories, fragrances, furniture, operates the restaurant RL in Chicago. The flagship store is located in the former Rhinelander Mansion on Madison Avenue in New York City.  Ralph Lauren is one of the largest retailers in the United States with revenues reaching $4.2 billion in 2007.

Some of Ralph Lauren’s classics are of course his Polo. One of the most famous pieces in the Polo line is the classic polo short-sleeved knit shirt featuring the now-iconic Polo player on the left breast of the shirt. This shirt in particular became a fashion must-have in the 1980s with the preppy set. Other Polo classics include the cashmere cableknit sweater, chinos and the oxford cloth button-down shirt.

Since Ralph Lauren’s first brand, Polo, was launched in 1967, the company has expanded to include a variety of luxury brands. They include:
* Purple Label: Launched in 1994, this is Ralph Lauren’s signature, and highest end, men’s line, with classic, traditionally British styling. It includes ready-to-wear suits and sportcoats (made by St. Andrews and Cantarelli), dress shirts, sportswear, accessories, and footwear, as well as a collection of made-to-order suits, sportcoats, shoes (made by British company Edward Green), dress shirts, exotic skin luggage, small leather goods, and jewelry. Purple Label is only available in Ralph Lauren stores, the company’s online store and high-end department stores such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
* Black Label: Black Label for men and women. The men’s clothing tends to have a more modern, Italian cut to its suits, sport coats (made by Raffaele Caruso), dress shirts, and sportswear, with higher armholes and a slimmer silhouette. Black Label for women demonstrated more modern, high-end casual and semi-formal women’s wear.

* Polo Ralph Lauren: His first brand for men, and also the most widely available. This ‘blue label’ line spans from tailored clothing (ready-to-wear and made to measure), sportswear, accessories (including luggage) to small leather goods. Available at many department and specialty stores as well as Ralph Lauren stores and the company’s online store.
* Polo Golf: A sporty collection catering to golfers since 1987 and often featuring celebrity golfers as advertising models (see Sports sponsorship below).[4]
* Polo Jeans Co.: Denim inspired line. Now discontinued in the US.
* Polo Denim: A 2007 relaunch of the Polo Jeans Co. line of 1996. Denim basics available online and in department stores.
* Lauren Ralph Lauren: Basics and suiting. Divided into Green and Silver (slightly slimmer cuts) Label. Available primarily through department and outlet stores, and not at RL stores or ralphlauren.com.
* Ralph by Ralph Lauren: Men’s clothing exclusively available at Dillard’s stores, this label offers suits, sport coats, dress trousers and suit vests.
* Collection: The highest end clothing line for women (also carries a purple tag), as seen in his runway shows. Includes classic eveningwear, tailored blazers, outerwear, sportswear, handbags, and accessories.
* RLX: A technical sports apparel line, focusing on clothing and outerwear built for outdoor sports such as tennis, golf, skiing, sailing, and hiking, launched in 1998. Primarily distributed through RalphLauren.com
* Polo Sport: A discontinued line of casual sports clothing that was introduced for men in 1993 and women in 1996. It was retired in 2005 and ultimately replaced by RLX as well as the Golf and Tennis lines. The Polo Sport fragrance lines continue to exist as remnants of this label.
* RRL (pronounced “Double-R L”): A denim and sportswear line that takes its influence from the American West. Available in Ralph Lauren stores as well as several smaller signature Double RL stores.
* Rugby Ralph Lauren: A brand launched in 2004 focusing on collegiate apparel with a similar look to the pricier Polo and Blue Label brands. Sold at signature Rugby stores.
* Tennis: Sports clothing for tennis players. Special collections for the US Open tournaments.
* Pink Pony: A charity line of sportswear and accessories all carrying a pink Polo pony. A portion of the proceeds benefit cancer research. Predominantly for women, the line also includes polo shirts for men.

Yes, the polo shirt spurred on the growth of a number of other types of clothing but it is still the preferred style of shirt for outdoor enthusiasts and for business casual. It is still comfortable and colorful, even after all these years.

About the Author

Justin Morris is a Managing Partner of LEADApparel.com. LEADApparel.com offers first class Screen Printing & Embroidery services, custom clothing including printers t-shirt. Companies purchase t-shirts print services from LEADApparel.com at heavily discounted prices. For more information, visit www.leadapparel.com.

Ralph Lauren Mens Long Sleeve shirts

RALPH LAUREN POLO MENS REVERSIBLE BELT BLACK BROWN SIZE 36 NWT $37.98

RALPH LAUREN POLO MENS REVERSIBLE BELT SIZE 32 36 38 40 42 nwt $37.98

NIB! Polo Ralph Lauren Mens Harker Hiking Boots Black Sz 13-14 R$179 Winter Work $119.95

POLO DOUBLE BLACK Ralph Lauren 4.2 oz Men’s 5 pc Cologne Travel SET NIB $99.00

New mens POLO Jeans Co RALPH LAUREN cargo stitch shorts 32 black $24.99

RALPH LAUREN RUGBY * Men’s GRAY THERMAL HOODIE SWEATSHIRT * NWT $178 * XS $62.99

Mens Ralph Lauren Oxford Dress Shirt, Lot of 3 (Large) with blemishes $35.99

RALPH LAUREN RLX * Men’s ORANGE/RED BEACH HOODIE SWEAT JACKET * NWT $98 * M $44.99

POLO BLACK Ralph Lauren 4.2 oz Men’s 5 pc Cologne Travel SET NIB $99.00

RALPH LAUREN POLO Men’s FOREST GREEN Flat-Front POLO COUNTRY CHINO’S NWT 36″ 32″ $38.99

Polo Ralph Lauren Yarmouth Men’s Long Sleeve Dress Shirt – FREE SHIPPING $16.95

* POLO * Ralph Lauren 4.0 oz 4 edt Men’s 5 pc Cologne Travel SET NIB $99.00

Polo Ralph Lauren Philip Men’s Long Sleeve Dress Shirt – FREE SHIPPING $16.95

Polo Golf Ralph Lauren Men Short Sleeve Shirt, Beige w/ Navy Fine Sripes, sz L $9.99

Polo Ralph Lauren Blake Men’s Medium Long Sleeve Shirt – FREE SHIPPING $16.95

Mens black Ralph Lauren jacket size Large $44.24

RALPH LAUREN * Men’s CHARCOAL Pleated DRESS PANTS * NWT 40″ 32″ $34.99

CHAPS/RALPH LAUREN MEN’S CASUAL PANTS – BLACK – SIZE 34 $10.99

Polo Ralph Lauren Blake Men’s Medium Long Sleeve Shirt – FREE SHIPPING $16.95

NWT Ralph Lauren Mens Bags Denim & Supply Black Flap Messenger Postal Bag Tote $139.00

Polo Ralph Lauren Yarmouth Men’s Long Sleeve Dress Shirt – FREE SHIPPING $16.95

NWT NEW Ralph Lauren CLassic Fit Mens BIG PONY Rugby Sweater GRAY $79.99

NWT NEW Ralph Lauren CLassic Fit Mens BIG PONY Rugby Sweater GRAY $79.99

Ralph Lauren Polo Jeans Co Vintage S/S Striped Polo Shirt Mens Extra Large $4.99

NEW POLO RALPH LAUREN MEN’S SOCKS ANTIMICROBIAL FLAT TOE SEAM CUSTOM FIT NAVY $11.99

NWT NEW Ralph Lauren CLassic Fit Mens BIG PONY Rugby Sweater NAVY $79.99

NWT NEW Ralph Lauren CLassic Fit Mens BIG PONY Rugby Sweater NAVY $79.99

NWT NEW Ralph Lauren CLassic Fit Mens BIG PONY Rugby Sweater NAVY $79.99

NEW NWT Mens Polo Ralph Lauren Golf LS Crew Neck Shirt Blue Med $97 Cotton $59.99

Mens Polo Ralph Lauren Shirt -Yarmouth- 16 1/2 – 33 Large $3.99

Polo Black by Ralph Lauren Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 oz Men NIB $68.76

Mens RALPH LAUREN BLAKE Style L/S Blue and White Button Down Shirt Sz L $5.50

RALPH LAUREN MENS DRESS SHIRT LONG SLEEVE PURPLE CHECK NWOT SIZE 16.5 32/33 $39.99

RALPH LAUREN POLO MENS DRESS SHIRT GREEN CHECK NWOT SIZE 16.5 L $39.99

Polo Ralph Lauren Mens Black Polo, Brand New, Size M, RRP £90 $75.87

BNWT MENS 2012 RALPH LAUREN TANK TOP LARGE/40″/EU50,BUY IN CONFIDENCE.AUTHENTIC $47.41

Ralph Lauren Mens Shirt size XL Blaire $4.99

TV GUIDE M12 1977 LAUREN HUTTON-Rich Man Poor Man $5.00

CREWNECK STYLE POLO SHIRT MENS L NWT RALPH LAUREN BLUE ABERDARE L6390 $29.95

RUGBY RALPH LAUREN Men L $178 NWT Reversible Jacket Vest Puffy Down Large NEW $135.00

Mens Polo Ralph Lauren Sweatshirts, Lot of 4 (Large) w/ blemishes $57.99

Mens Polo Ralph Lauren Shirt, Lot of 3 (Large) with blemishes $39.99

Mens Polo Ralph Lauren Shirt, Lot of 3 (Large) with blemishes $39.99

CHAPS RALPH LAUREN Men’s Medium Dark Beige L/S Button Down $2.99

Polo Ralph Lauren Mens Polo Shirt size L. $4.99

Men’s Ralph Lauren Red V Neck Sweater Size M $11.99

*Men’s POLO Ralph Lauren Classic V-Neck Sweater – Size XL* $15.99

NEW POLO RALPH LAUREN MEN’S SUPER SOFT SOCKS TOBACO BROWN $12.99

POLO RALPH LAUREN Mens Pink/White Striped Dress Shirt Sz 17.5 34/35 MINT! $8.99

Polo by Ralph Lauren Polo men,s shirt size L $16.99

Polo Ralph Lauren Men White Casual Shorts size 35 Adjustable Waist 34 36 Cotton $9.95

Mens Polo Ralph Lauren Shirt -Custom Fit- Short Sleeve XXL $3.99

Polo Ralph Lauren Bleeker fit men short size 40 $19.99

Polo by Ralph Lauren Light Blue and White Pinstripe Button Down – Size Men’s 17 $21.99

Mens Polo Ralph Lauren Shirt -Big- 2XL, XXL, $6.51

Polo Jeans Co. Ralph Lauren Men’s Casual Jean Shirt Large ” Blue ” EUC $4.99

Mens 34 Shorts 34 RALPH LAUREN CHAPS SHORTS KHAKIS NICE $25.99

Polo by Ralph Lauren Men’s Medium Navy Blue V Neck Cotton Sweater $23.00

MENS RALPH LAUREN DRESS SHIRT $0.99

Ralph Lauren Polo Pony Mens Classic Buttondown Dress Shirt 2XL XXL L/S NWT $49.99

RALPH LAUREN~POLO~EUC~MENS SUMMER SHORTS~SIZE 32 $17.17

NEW Men American Living Ralph Lauren Button Check LS Shirt Large L FREE SHIPPING $19.99

Mens Ralph Lauren POLO shoes $49.99

Mens Dark Blue Polo Ralph Lauren Shirt, size M $8.99

Mens Polo Ralph Lauren Shirt -Blaire- 2XL, XXL $8.00

Men Large Polo Ralph Lauren classic cotton round neck t shirt great daily deal $15.79

RALPH LAUREN POLO * Men’s WHITE R.L.P.C. CREW T-Shirt * NWT * XL $24.99

Ralph Lauren POLO GREEN 4.5 oz Body Spray Deodorant for Men (NWOB) $22.95

RALPH LAUREN RLX * Men’s SKY BLUE and WHITE Stripes RLX GOLF SHIRT * NWT $85 * S $38.99

Mens Polo Ralph Lauren Shirt -Big- 2XB, XXL, $18.50

Mens Polo By Ralph Lauren ” Green & White Seersucker ” Preppy Shorts Size 42 $29.00

Mens 33X32 Ralph Lauren Polo Chino Denim Jeans Andrew Pants 33 X 32 $38.00

Mens 46X30 Polo Ralph Lauren ” 867 Classic ” Jeans 46 B X 30 $55.00

Mens 34X30 Ralph Lauren Polo Chino Preppy Light Green Hammond Pant Pants 34 X 30 $26.00

Mens Ralph Lauren Polo ” Tyler ” Chino Khaki Shorts Size 38 $22.00

Mens Ralph Lauren Polo Striped Short Sleeve Shirt SIze Large L $24.00

Mens Ralph Lauren Chaps Polo Chino Khaki Fatigue Military Cargo Shorts Size 40 $21.00

Mens Ralph Lauren Polo ” Classic Fit ” Linen Oxford Short Sleeve Shirt Size XL $36.00

Mens Polo By Ralph Lauren ” Multi Color Plaid ” Preppy Shorts Size 42 $28.00

XLT Ralph Lauren seersucker blue men Big and Tall button polo shirt extra large $49.50

XLT Ralph Lauren Africa men shirt Big and Tall brown 1st quality XLTnew nwt $74.99

XLT Ralph Lauren oxford shirt classic blue stripe men Big and Tall polo SS XL $48.50

XLT Ralph Lauren oxford shirt classic white men Big and Tall button polo XL $49.50

XLT Ralph Lauren Dual Match BIG pony men polo shirt white double and tall XL $72.50

XLT Ralph Lauren oxford shirt classic blue men Big and Tall button polo SS XL $49.50

Mens 34 Pants RALPH LAUREN 34 RALPH LAUREN 34 RALPH LAUREN THE CLASSIC GOLF PANT $45.00

RALPH LAUREN POLO * Men’s NAVY BLUE R.L.P.C. CREW T-Shirt * NWT * S $24.99

Mens CHAPS by Ralph Lauren Polo Short Sleeve Shirt 100% cotton Size XL EUC!!!! $11.90

Polo Ralph Lauren Tavin Mens SZ 8.5 Brown Boots Snow Winter Shoes $168.99

RALPH LAUREN POLO * Men’s NAVY BLUE R.L.P.C. CREW T-Shirt * NWT * XXL $24.99

POLO RALPH LAUREN MENS LEATHER BLACK BIFOLD PASSCASE WALLET $44.99

MENS VINTAGE POLO by Ralph Lauren Blue/Green/Red Stripe Silk HANDMADE Neck Tie $35.00

mens Polo Ralph Lauren green blue white plaid shorts size 36 $38.99

2XLT Ralph Lauren Dual Match BIG pony men polo shirt white double and tall 2X $72.50

2XLT Ralph Lauren oxford shirt classic blue men Big and Tall button polo SS 2X $54.50

2XLT Ralph Lauren green men Big and Tall button front polo shirt gingham 2X new $47.50

2XLT Ralph Lauren Africa men shirt Big and Tall brown 1st quality 2X new nwt $74.50

Men’s Polo by Ralph Lauren Medium Orange Sweater w/ Partial Zipper $44.99

Mens shirt chaps by ralph lauren size xl white $4.99

Men’s Polo by Ralph Lauren XL X-Large Beige/Tan Coat/Jacket $62.99