When one thinks of Ralph Lauren, the iconic polo player logo may come to mind, or the brand’s all Americana aesthetic. But one piece of clothing that’s become synonymous with the brand, is without a doubt its polo shirt. The sporty collared top is a staple in closets across America becoming something that’s both “equally democratic and aspirational,” as the brand puts it.
It’s been 50 years since the shirt debuted in 1972 and to celebrate its history and status in pop culture, the brand teamed with Rizzoli International to publish the new 554-page book, Ralph Lauren’s Polo Shirt.
The book highlights the shirt’s origins, its evolution, the enduring legacy of the polo — which has surpassed trends for decades — and the people who made it so iconic. Personal stories from celebrities, presidents, royals, world class athletes, and passionate customers are all included to show the breadth of the sporty and fashionable style.
“I wanted the shirt to become part of the life of the person who wore it. I never knew that after fifty years it would become such a personal icon all over the world,” says Ralph Lauren, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation, in the introduction of the book. “What I do has always come from the way people live. It’s honest and from the heart and hopefully that is what touches the diversity of people who wear my Polo and all my clothes.”
To push the celebration to the next level, the brand is expanding its offerings of the classic polo shirt in new colorways and options to “Create Your Own Customization.” The Custom Polo includes a choice of solid, striped or color-blocked designs for the body, collar and sleeves, and the option to add lettering and symbols onto each cuff, resulting in hundreds of combinations available. A limited number of vintage and collectible designs will also be available in select stores and on the mobile Polo app.
Customers can also engage with the brand by styling their Polos or sharing memories of their Polo shirts via the hashtag, #MyPoloShirtStory and tagging @PoloRalphLauren. Fans can unlock an exclusive experience through an official Snapchat lens and explore a 3D version of Ralph Lauren’s Polo Shirt in Snapchat and connect with others.
Ralph Lauren’s Polo Shirt ($36.95) is out now.
