Mesh Polo Shirt
The pony-embroidered cotton mesh polo is the founding icon of the label and still its most recognizable garment.
1 live now · from $117
Explore mesh polos →Brand profile
Polo Ralph Lauren
The core preppy sportswear line of Ralph Lauren Corporation, known for pony-logo mesh polo shirts, oxford button-downs and Ivy League–rooted staples.
New York CityOrigin
MenswearFocus
Urban prep / IvyStyle
$$Price
23 brands like Polo Ralph Lauren like Brooks Brothers, GANT, J. Crew →
What to know about Polo Ralph Lauren
Started with ties, not shirts
Ralph Lauren launched the label in 1967 with wide handmade ties, then expanded into full menswear the following year.
An American reading of Ivy dress
The range is built on preppy and Anglo-American sporting codes: mesh polo shirts, oxford button-downs, cable-knit sweaters, chinos and rugby shirts.
Mid-price core of a public company
Polo is the main sportswear line of Ralph Lauren Corporation, still independent and listed as NYSE: RL, with Ralph Lauren as chief creative officer.
The pieces that define Polo Ralph Lauren
Shop Polo Ralph Lauren →
Cable-Knit Sweater
Hand-framed cable knits in cotton and wool are the backbone of Ralph Lauren's Ivy League and Anglo-American sporting codes.
1 live now · from $105
Explore cable knits →Polo Bear Fleece
The Polo Bear graphic on garment-dyed fleece hoodies is the brand's most collected piece of self-mythologizing Americana.
4 live now · from $61
Explore Polo Bear →Shop Polo Ralph Lauren
Shop all Polo Ralph Lauren ↗How Polo Ralph Lauren fits
Overall fit
slightly large
Most shoppers report Polo Ralph Lauren's Classic Fit garments run generous and boxy while the Custom/Slim Fit lines land close to true to size, so the fit name matters more than the size label.
Tip: If you like a modern fit, take Custom Slim in your usual size or size down one in Classic Fit.
High confidence · based on 45 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoodies & sweatshirts | slightly large | relaxed but not extreme; fleece is generally roomy through the body | Take your usual size, or size down if you want a closer fit without layering. |
| Shirts & overshirts | runs large | Classic Fit oxfords and button-downs are very full through the body with a generous armhole; Custom Fit/Slim Fit is tapered | Size down or choose Custom Fit if you don't want the traditional billowy oxford shape. |
| Trousers & pants | true to size | chinos in Classic Fit sit fuller with a higher rise, Stretch Slim Fit is tapered | Buy your measured waist and pick the fit name rather than adjusting the size. |
| Jeans & denim | true to size | Sullivan slim and Eldridge skinny run trim, Varick and Prospect sit straighter and roomier | Order your usual waist, expecting a little stretch-relax after wearing. |
| Jackets | slightly small | quilted and lightweight jackets are cut fairly close, outerwear shells are more regular | Consider sizing up if you plan to layer a sweater or hoodie underneath a quilted jacket. |
| T-shirts & graphic tees | runs large | classic-fit tees are boxy and wide through the chest; Custom Slim is noticeably trimmer | Most people size down one in the classic tee or buy Custom Slim in their usual size. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Polo Ralph Lauren
See all 23 brands like Polo Ralph Lauren →
88% matchBrooks Brothers
The original Ivy source: oxfords, repp ties, sack suits
What changes: More formal and tailoring-led, less logo sportswear
85% matchGANT
Same rugby-and-OCBD prep codes, Scandinavian-run now
What changes: Narrower range, less heritage marketing and no equestrian world
83% matchJ. Crew
American prep staples without the crest and pony
What changes: Lower price, trend-driven seasonal styling
78% matchSid Mashburn
Southern take on Anglo-American soft tailoring
What changes: Smaller shop-led range, pricier, no logo product
Polo Ralph Lauren fit questions
Does Polo Ralph Lauren run big or small?
Polo Ralph Lauren fits slightly large. If you like a modern fit, take Custom Slim in your usual size or size down one in Classic Fit. Most shoppers report Polo Ralph Lauren's Classic Fit garments run generous and boxy while the Custom/Slim Fit lines land close to true to size, so the fit name matters more than the size label.
How does Polo Ralph Lauren fit?
Most shoppers report Polo Ralph Lauren's Classic Fit garments run generous and boxy while the Custom/Slim Fit lines land close to true to size, so the fit name matters more than the size label. Overall shape: varies by fit name — Classic Fit reads boxy and roomy, Custom/Slim Fit reads trim and closer to the body.
How do Polo Ralph Lauren hoodies & sweatshirts fit?
Polo Ralph Lauren hoodies & sweatshirts fits slightly large. Take your usual size, or size down if you want a closer fit without layering. Shape: relaxed but not extreme; fleece is generally roomy through the body.
How do Polo Ralph Lauren shirts & overshirts fit?
Polo Ralph Lauren shirts & overshirts runs large. Size down or choose Custom Fit if you don't want the traditional billowy oxford shape. Shape: Classic Fit oxfords and button-downs are very full through the body with a generous armhole; Custom Fit/Slim Fit is tapered.
How do Polo Ralph Lauren trousers & pants fit?
Polo Ralph Lauren trousers & pants fits true to size. Buy your measured waist and pick the fit name rather than adjusting the size. Shape: chinos in Classic Fit sit fuller with a higher rise, Stretch Slim Fit is tapered.
Brand facts
Polo Ralph Lauren is the core sportswear label of New York–based Ralph Lauren Corporation, started by Ralph Lauren in 1967 with a line of wide handmade ties and expanded into full menswear the following year. Its identity rests on preppy, Ivy League and Anglo-American sporting codes: the pony-embroidered mesh polo shirt, oxford button-downs, cable-knit sweaters, chinos and rugby shirts. The company remains independent and publicly traded as NYSE: RL, with Ralph Lauren as executive chairman and chief creative officer and Patrice Louvet as chief executive.
- Founded
- 1967
- Origin
- New York City, United States
- Made in
- China, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Italy, Portugal, United States, Mexico
- Price
- $$
- Typical prices
- Shirts $124–$168 · Jackets $248–$688 · Hoodies $131–$188
- Focus
- Menswear
- Facts checked
- September 2026
- Styles
- Urban prep / Ivy, Quiet luxury, Workwear / Heritage