totally, just subscribed myself! i don't there's anything on YT that's quite like it. really enjoying the content, in particular this video and the Brooks Brothers one and appreciate the thorough coverage of the different sub-brands and labels. please keep it up.
Wow, the cookies are tracking me VERY well lol. Recently dove all in to ralph lauren pre owned, and then this video shows up in my suggested lol. This helps answer some of my questions as to why quality has differed in some of the pieces ive gotten. Most of them have been perfect, timeless pieces though. Thanks for the vid!
As a new-ish Ralph fan (I've only been buying stuff for less than a year) this cleared up a lot of the questions I had about the different lines. Great video.
Thanks for including all those screenshots of examples from ebay listings so we can see the unique item along with the asking prices - nice touch, well done
You remind me of a young Ben Affleck. Both in appearance and speaking voice. I’m not an aficionado of men’s clothing and fashion but I watched the whole thing. Learned a lot. Thanks!
Definitely coming back for all the RL episodes. This is the kind of video I love watching. So well done. Thank you! If you want to go into more detail definitely do it. We’d watch. Side note: I have some killer vintage women’s wear from the brand that I’ll never part with. 3-piece navy pinstripe suit, brown suede western jacket. Love! 💕
Speaking on Polo University, they are of a pretty high quality, but they're just not designed or cut like a Polo suit. They're very traditional 2 button slightly English-style suits, like Hart, Schaffner, and Marx were producing. However, some of the fabrics are a little Polo-inspired and of good quality (Camel hair, herringbone, I have a navy suit with a chalk stripe check pattern).
I left your Brooke brothers video because you were the only person on RU-vid who is able to confirm the knowledge I had and expand it. This RL video is great because I’ve encountered many niche things when I’ve been thrifting that I haven’t been able to find much about online. They either stopped producing it suddenly or the info is at least 15 years out of date. Super helpful to casually watch and learn about Most of the Ralph Lauren stuff is going to be overpriced even when used, but regardless of which line I recommend the double breasted jackets and suits as those always seem to be a little bit more special.
I was a manager at Macy's right out of college. The Ralph Lauren rep who serviced my store told me a different brand has the copyright to the Polo name on button down collar shirts, so that is why you will find some shirts that only say Ralph Lauren on their labels. Case in point: the purple shirt you are wearing is a button down collar and therefore doesn't include the Polo brand name on the label.
Excellent stuff as usual! I'd love to see another video like this just going into vintage Polo Ralph Lauren since it's such a large space in the Ralph Lauren world.
A quick point re. Purple Label. There was, waaaaay back in the day, a PURPLE label “Polo by Ralph Lauren” which was mostly suits/blazers w the same silhouette as the 80s blue label Polo by Ralph Lauren but with premium fabrics and made-to-measure construction/features. That was followed by Purple Label Made in England, which was at the time mostly suits/blazers/overcoats made by high-end English firms like Chester Barrie and is definitely built to last in a way the current Italian isn’t.
I wore some of that 80's...90's...seeing even what you shared...got me back into creating in my visual art expression of Mask making...Walrus Ivory...Inupiaq...even make mask buttons...thnx 4 sharing n me wanting to still dress w/style n function function...again...@ 70...!!!😮😮😮
It’s true Purple Label has some more delicate fabrics but, if well cared for, they last longer. Also, very important, the styling of most of the items is classic and discreet, something which some of other sub-lines fail to do a lot of times. And finally the Purple Label pony with jockey logo is by far the best!
Appreciate the info and agree with most. I think how I characterized Purple Labels' long-term durability could use more context. However, I disagree that the other lines "failed" at being discreet and classic. I don't think that was their goal in many instances.
I watched the whole video , although after the first few minutes you had said everything. Ralph Lauren is a Brilliant Business man , unlike the other Fashion designers you referenced who grew up drawing & interested in Fashion, he has Never designed anything New ! He sell people on a Nostalgic idea of an era that Never existed . He does it well by the photographer who he has used extensively Bruce Webber ,whose Art work also does the same thing & Very well . I mean I have Never met anyone wearing Pollo who have ever been to a Pollo match or even watched one on TV ! If you have any interest in Fashion I suggest watching any Video Haute LeMode done spot on & thought provoking by the young man who can't pronounce properly the name of his Very well done Vlogs .
Been waiting for a video like this, never clicked on a video so fast! As a (broke) grad student, I really like Polo Golf, especially some of the unique looking polos. Cool mix of unique and preppy.
You should definitely check out the outlet stores. Lots of work has gone into elevating the experience and the quality. Not sure where you live but definitely worth a look. Great content by the way👍🏻
You should interview 88-Keys who’s worn nothing but Polo head to toe each day since 1991. He’s even refused photo shoots because he won’t put anything on that’s not Lo.
I have 2 Lauren RL mens suits and I enjoy them alot. Quality is a bit thinner but if you are on a budget it is a fine choice. Also would love to see a video exclusivley on their different pants and fits
I agree. When looking for imagery for that particular line I was like, 'huh, uniforms and being an individual.' So I specifically chose someone receiving the medal of honor - individual heroism in a collective setting. But I think if you broaden out and look at it from a larger societal view it might make more sense. In certain communities joining the military is uncommon and even frowned upon, so doing so sets you apart. Also the brand really took off directly after the Vietnam war when being in the military was not popular. So in hindsight I think a picture of a soldier returning home from Vietnam to the harassment of war protesters would have been more fitting.
@@CoyoteSharp I do think of the paradox as a genuine one (meaning, it intuitively seems impossible, but really does work). Part of that may be the military aspect, as you mention, but also the idea that anything that is stereotypically Americana is both a uniform on the surface level but also symbolic of America and its culture of individualism. As you point out, many different types of of people wear RL, and they wear them in different ways and contexts. One big strength of the clothing is its versatility and ability to adapt to changing contexts. Versatility/adaptation are shared virtues of both individualism and uniform design. Also, somewhere in the mix is the idea of the person who has a capsule wardrobe of their "personal uniform," something which is far from foreign in the actual attire of contemporary fashion designers.
@@briankelley987 Ahh, I see. That's a great observation! And it's got me thinking about an inverse paradox in fashion: the hipster wearing many ironic and random pieces to, on the surface, signal individuality but symbolically often represents many collective values.
@@CoyoteSharp Wearing military gear outside of the military is still seen as pretty out there, so makes sense to me. Makes me think of Jamaican reggae artists wearing military gear that sing out against Babylon IE: government control.
@@agomodern wearing current military gear definitely can look out there, but it's worth noting that any number of menswear staples (khaki pants, cargo pants, peacoats, wristwatches, bomber jackets, boots with any heel at all, etc. - and that's the stuff no one in 2024 thinks is ironic) started out in a military context.
You could get some really nice Loren, Ralph, Lauren or Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren items. Like a all cashmere overcoat. Everything is quality it just depends on what peace you’re getting. Some of the tweet suits are super quality.
A great tutorial! As an RL buyer since the 1990s (new and used) I’ve determined that the Polo brand and RRL brand are the best value. Further to this, I’ve found that his sweaters and shirts are the best investment and best value; they’re also usually timeless in terms of style and trend. You can wear them decades later and they still feel appropriate, comfortable and look great. That’s not to say his pants, jeans, etc aren’t any good, I just feel his shirts and sweaters are his best offerings. His dress socks are not great quality at all: holes after just a few wears. Sports socks (white, black and multicoloured l) fare much better. Underwear is average. Outerwear (coats, jackets) need to be thoroughly examined for quality issues before buying: I have never had luck with his parkas (ripped lining, tearing at the seams) but his lightweight coats and jackets are usually excellent. Thanks again for the video!
really enjoyed this and subscribed for more -- I guess you edited it out but my favourite RL lore is the story that when he was selling ties in Bloomingdale’s someone he knew and who knew someone at Christie’s gave Ralph iirc $20,000 to go through some of Christie’s giant estate sales -- Ralph (and team) picked out the best clothes from the “old money families” and then recreated them. Flooded the market with the classic clothing of old money - so you could live in the dream of old wealth.
Only a minute in and I can already tell this is going to be a good video. I buy a lot of Polo, RRL and Purple Label online, and nearly every single piece not only fit me, but also was in excellent quality and great value. Lots of Purple Label jackets and knitwear for $100-200. Highly recommended. BTW RL Outlets are awesome. Probably the best outlet store other than specific designers. RL doesn’t have an outlet brand, I’ve even found plenty of Purple Label marked down on the racks. Lots of basics brand new for 40% off.
Thanks and appreciate the info. I'm not totally positive RL doesn't make clothes specifically for the outlets. I know they have stuff is that is significantly lower quality (labeled PRL) and I find it hard to believe it would ever end up on a mainline shelf or website. Perhaps it's intended for some department stores. But I'll have to check the outlets out.
@@CoyoteSharp Remember back in the day the outlets were actually outlets where they sold clothing that didn't make the quality cut (had flaws) to be able to sell it in their retail stores?
So on the topic of mainline store and outlet store product separation, you are absolutely correct. Even as an employee myself there is almost no way of knowing which collections are going to which locations until they are there already. Same could be said for after they are sold and on the second hand market. I will say, I have noticed a great majority of the new product using our old blue tags is product that went clearance from our online store that is being shipped to outlets for further discounting. It seems that all the product “meant for outlet stores” has the new blue and yellow tag. With that being said, the shirts on the website sharing the blue and yellow tag are basics so the tag is kept the same whether sold online or in store. Very interesting video btw!
Also interesting thing about the denim and supply line. It is still used today, just not recognized as a brand of its own. Reserved for Polo pieces that have a more double rl aesthetic, with the quality of a normal polo item
This stuff is great man. I would love to see you do Pendleton at some point. I know it's smaller than the brands you probably operate in a lot, but something to put in your pocket for down the line. Keep it up!
good quality video, it is just a pity you don't talk about the made in USA stuff versus later made in China etc quality and pricing. Also would be interesting to know more where the fabrics are made. I think where and how something is made should be reflected in the price more than the brand label.
The best vintage Ralph Lauren to buy is anything from the 80s to early 90s that was Made in USA, Hong Kong and The Islands of Mauritius. These countries produced the best quality Polo that lasted the test of time. The new pieces made in China and Philippines are of poorer quality materials and not worth the investment for a longterm keepsake piece. There are stuff from the 80's that still looks fairly new with no fading or holes. Especially the Knitwear sweaters and Cardigans. In the 80s and 90s the label with just "Ralph Lauren" with the Polo player logo in the middle of the name was used strictly for the Womenswear line. In Brooklyn back in the later 80's boosters (Shoplifters) and collectors never wore anything with the Polo Player logo. Only Polo worn by primarily Boosters and collectors were the items with embroidered logos and Large Symbols (aka Big Syms). Ralph would introduce a new logo every season and then later in that season he would release the larger version of the logo on Knit sweaters, crewnecks and hoodies. Those were the most coveted items during the height of the brand's fame amongst Boosters in Brooklyn. During the 80's there were Polo Gangs in Brooklyn that would battle to see who had the most flamboyant Polo. It was called "Flammin" short slang for Flamboyant. Polo symbols were coordinated and matched from Socks all the way up to your hat. The bigger the crew was with the most exclusive and newest Polo on head to toe were the victors. Dudes would travel to other states just to boost Polo that wasn't yet seen or sold in NYC department stores; just to one up their fellow comrades and Ops. Boosting was looked at as an art and status symbol for getting money and staying the flyest. If a booster had a large Polo collection it showed that they were elite in the craft of shoplifting. Boosting clicks were like a secret society of sorts, keeping trade skill tactics, Department stores and out of state mall locations amongst their crew. The goose down coats were made with real goose feathers but with the advancement and criticism from PETA, that style of coat ceased to exist. In back in 1986-1990 people were getting robbed and even shot for their Polo Gooses in NYC. Walking around the hood with a $300+ coat on was very dangerous during that time. It was like wearing a target on your back. PS: Dudes also stopped wearing CHAPS as early as the late 80s and abbreviated the name, nicknaming it "Could of Had a Polo Shirt". During that era CHAPS was looked down upon even lower than anything with just the Polo Player logo.
@@agomodern Yes, Peru production came later. Mostly good for Pima-Cotton lightweight sweaters and flannels. Made in USA was top tier with most of the manufacturing done in New England. The Piques in the 80s were so soft. It felt like you were wearing a shirt made out of cotton balls. I can still remember touching a shirt and being amazed out how soft the fabric was and I was just a kid noticing this. Also the dyes used in those factories made the most vibrant colors. Everything popped in the summer sunlight and looked so radiant! It was visual eye-candy. Now days it just doesn’t have that luster anymore.
Normal shirt/ocbd of white/lighter colors look dull for me so about 2 months ago I started thrifting RL ocbd, specifically those with colorful pony embroidery. Thrift shirt + alteration fee cost me about 50-60 myr per shirt ~ 10usd. Worth the addition.
I would love to see a video about Ralph Lauren furniture and decor. I love watching clothing brands on vintage TV shows. Currently watching Dallas TV series with some Polo clothing. Might be some Polo Western in it, but wasn't aware of that line until watching this video. 22:52 Funny because when I was a kid in the 80s/early 90s Macy's was known to carry medium high-end products (the highest end you could buy at the mall), so not sure where you came up with it being low end department store.
I am typing this while lying on a Ralph Lauren bed that my mom purchased nearly 20yrs ago. I believe it retailed for $10K at the time and she bought it for about $2300. The workmanship of the woodwork and the plushness of the velvet on the headboard and footboard are beyond exquisite. It is truly a timeless heirloom piece of art. It is so rich and luxuriating to sleep in this bed. Nothing but great things to say about it.
Great video, looking forward to further installations - so much to cover with this brand. I agree with many of your findings as I have done thrifting of my own. When it comes to the plain blue label "Ralph Lauren" shirts, I think it is mainline stuff. Generally the quality is good and the fabric has a nice feel. I pick up those shirts all the time and I think they are better than the newer stuff. "Rugby" line is uber-prep styling in my opinion and someone GTH oriented.
Appreciate the feedback and info. And yeah, the just RL label shirt I’m wearing in the video is a bit older and feels to be better quality than a lot of their newer stuff.
I've been buying more Polo lately because it keeps turning up in TK (TJ) Maxx. Presuming this stock is coming from the US. The quality level on a lot of it is fantastic. Unfortunately the dedicated Ralph Lauren shops in Ireland only seem to stock the most boring and low quality basics. Culture of Polo in the rap community was so strong in the 90's and 00's. Used see a lot of Rugby Polo being worn. You also have a loosley affiliated crew called the Lo Lifes worth looking at their videos for an overview of that side of things.
Yo know, I've never shopped for RL at TJ Maxx but glad to hear some decent stuff is finding its way there. But sorry the mainline stores your way aren't delivering. And yes, huge sub-culture worth exploring.
Thanks for the great info. I have a peak lapel suit coat with a blue tag that reads Ralph Lauren in cursive font. I have never seen this tag before and have had a hard time finding it in an image search. Have you ever seen this tag?
This was such great 😃 information. And actually really fun to watch. I recently acquired a pair of Polo loafers with a double crossed belt. I cannot find any information on them. I even wrote NYC Polo heads way into Polo and they don't even know. I'm just looking for the year made. Not a reseller, I wear these everyday 😄 I might become a Polo guy because of them. Thanks you.
RL is heavily replicated, do you have tips on avoiding replicas? Things like misspelled labels or ebay accounts with hundreds of BNWT listings from china are easy to avoid. Not sure what to do when the pictures look good, but in hand it feels wrong. I once bought a “wool sweatshirt” with fibers that melted like plastic when burned.
I get a lot of joy from British brands; however I have a place for RL and Brooks Brothers in my wardrobe as both being American institutions. Unless it is a suit, I try to aim for American made vintage if I can. I did buy a BB plaid shirt in XL so it doesn't fit so I aim to make it into BB handkerchiefs!
So from understanding the little gold dot does indicate it was bought from an outlet but not that it was necessarily made for the outlets. I believe it might be stuff made for the mainline stores that has some little factory flaw so it was kicked to the outlets.
@@CoyoteSharp I wasn't aware that outlets sold factory flaws anymore. Last time I went to the outlet malls about 2 decades ago everything was retail prices.
I was lucky enough to find some RRL denim at Nordstrom Rack for $80. I wore them almost daily for a few years and they are still going strong. Unfortunately, when I looked at a replacement pair, I feel like the modem stuff isn't made to the same standard. Do you feel like RRL quality has fallen in recent years?
So though I've handled a fair amount of RRL denim, I can't commit of the quality of the stuff made today vs 5ish ya. If so, hopefully just a momentary glitch.
This is super informative! That's a ridiculous amount of sub-labels. I have a Polo herringbone sports jacket and a Lauren seersucker jacket which are nice but living in the UK we have many better brands of menswear which I would choose over anything RL.
Polo used to be everything when I worked for them ‘89-91’. The pieces that became Purple Label were just the regular line pieces that were more fashionable, made from luxury materials. This allowed RL to lower the quality of everything else. Black Label isn’t good enough to bother with unless you find a specific piece you love. Both Black and Purple are made to a much higher standard and will outlast their other products excepting where the material (say cashmere) just wears faster. They aren’t meant for roping cattle or playing rugby. RRL or Rugby are the high quality lines for that kind of activity. And these pieces benefit from a bit of a worn in look. Polo Country isn’t western wear. It’s more of a fashion take on the ‘peasant’ clothing of people worldwide. Influences from South American products like the shirt shown for instance. Lauren is junk. Ralph is junk Chaps is the junkiest I still own pieces from the early 90s. Buy quality, maintain and store it well and the initial cost becomes good value.
Yeah, their waffles feel decent but don't scream high quality. But I don't handle too many so opinion subject to change. It's the shirts that really sing.
