The Polo Shirt

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The Original Icon

“It was never about a shirt, but a way of living.”
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The Polo Shirt

The Making of an Icon

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Collar

A compactly knit design engineered to sit high on the neck and resist stretching

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Placket & Buttons

Meticulously refined to look clean and lay flat, finished with cross-stitched buttons for durability

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Shoulder Seam

Carefully considered and reinforced to resist natural wear

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Rib-Knit Cuff

Crafted for a touch of subtle detail and tailored to complement the bicep

CRAFTSMANSHIP

Placket & Buttons

Meticulously refined to look clean and lay flat, finished with cross-stitched buttons for durability

CRAFTSMANSHIP

Shoulder Seam

Carefully considered and reinforced to resist natural wear

CRAFTSMANSHIP

Rib-Knit Cuff

Crafted for a touch of subtle detail and tailored to complement the bicep

The Polo Shirt

Defining Moments

The Polo shirt has written its own chapter across fashion history, from tennis courts and museums to seasonal runway shows

The Creation

In 1972, Ralph Lauren introduces the signature Polo shirt in 24 hues, offering more colour choices than any other brand at the time. The 100 percent cotton shirt is finished with pearl buttons and signature polo player embroidery at the chest

The Runway

The Polo shirt appears across multiple early Ralph Lauren womenswear runway collections, including Summer 1980, Spring 1991, and more, bridging the gap between casual, preppy style and elevated refinement

The Exhibition

Ralph Lauren’s Polo shirt is highlighted in the Museum of Modern Art’s landmark exhibition, Items: Is Fashion Modern?, as one of the most important items of clothing released in the past several decades

The Tournament

The Big Pony Polo shirt is launched onto the world stage at the 2005 US Open as an official style for a major sporting event. Following this debut, it becomes a staple across collections for the Olympics & Paralympics, Australian Open, and more

The Cause

In September 2000, Ralph Lauren launches the Pink Pony initiative, utilizing the Polo shirt as a powerful aid in the fight against cancer. Limited-edition Polo shirts have since been created on behalf of numerous other causes, including disaster relief efforts, LGBTQIA+ pride, and more

The Book

Ralph Lauren’s Polo Shirt

A fascinating look back at the history of the enduring wardrobe classic and the stories and lifestyles into which it is woven

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Colours

A rainbow of hues designed for a bold style statement, from vibrant primaries to soft pastels and everything in between

Classic White

Both a tennis staple and summer essential, classic white evokes the purity of a blank canvas – serene, timeless, and forever classic

Equestrian

A sophisticated world of manicured greens, thundering polo ponies, and joyful camaraderie is brought to life through saddlery motifs, colour-blocked details, and signature embroidery

Sport

Bold graphics and heritage emblems celebrate the dynamic energy of classic sporting pursuits, from track and field to cycling, racing, and more

Destination

Spirited versions with timeless appeal incorporate the names, flags, and national colours of countries and cities across the globe

Nautical

Vibrant hues and boating motifs draw inspiration from a life on the water, from the speed and tradition of competitive yacht racing to the glamour of the French Riviera

Outdoor

Authentic activities of the great outdoors – hiking, rafting, kayaking, fishing – result in styles decorated, patched, and coloured in hues and graphics taken from the natural world

University

Defining details, including letter patches, embroidered crests, and classic stripes, are reminiscent of collegiate traditions and heritage

Create Your Own

The Custom Polo

Made to order for each customer, the custom Polo shirt is carefully knit, individually created, and hand-finished. Available in hundreds of combinations for men and women

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The Polo Shirt

How To

Care for Your Polo Shirt

Discover tips to properly care for your Polo shirt, including washing, drying, ironing, and folding, to ensure it can be worn and loved for years to come

How To

Wash Your Polo

1) If you’re using a washing machine, set it to a cooler temperature

2) Turn your Polo shirt inside out to protect the buttons and embroidery, and pop the collar to prevent curling

3) Ensure you separate garments into similar colours, and use a detergent that’s gentle on fabrics

Special Note: Some Ralph Lauren Polo shirts are made with delicate fabrics that require hand washing or dry cleaning. Always check the care label for specific instructions

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How To

Dry Your Polo

1) Slide your damp Polo shirt onto a padded hanger. For Polos made from delicate fabrics, lay the garment on a flat surface to retain its shape

2) Let your Polo air-dry naturally, in a well-ventilated area and away from harsh sunlight

Special Note: Avoid tumble drying your Polo, as this could cause potential shrinking

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How To

Iron Your Polo

1) Set your iron to a slightly cooler temperature

2) Turn the garment inside out to protect the buttons and preserve its colour

3) Lay the body of the Polo shirt onto an ironing board and slowly work from top to bottom

Special Note: To iron the collar, start in the centre and work the iron out toward the edges in a swift diagonal motion

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How To

Fold Your Polo

1) Fasten the buttons and lay your Polo shirt face down on a flat surface

2) Gently fold the sleeves in toward the centre, lining them up with the collar

3) Fold your Polo in half vertically, until the bottom edge meets the top of the collar

Special Note: Your Polo shirt should resemble a neat rectangle, which can then be easily stored away

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