Part of BSTN’s Holiday 2025 Gift Guide, a hand-picked curation of some of the finest selections, staff-favorites, and proven all-time classics from BSTN’s premium product portfolio.
When Ralph Lauren first introduced his Polo Ralph Lauren label in 1967, he didn’t just design clothes – he would go on to craft an entire lifestyle. What began as a collection of wide-lapel neckties would grow into one of the most recognizable fashion brands in the world, embodying a unique blend of prep-school tradition, Ivy League flair, and all-American aspiration – and eventually finding resonance in the form of an own movement in hip hop culture.
From the very beginning, Polo Ralph Lauren was rooted in storytelling. Whether it was the polished look of East Coast elites that a young Ralph Lauren once dreamed to be a part of (which – Spoiler – worked out pretty well), or the rugged charm of the American West: Polo pieces served as wearable chapters in a larger narrative. And no piece tells that story quite like the Polo shirt. Introduced in 1972 in a rainbow of colors, it quickly became more than a garment – the shirt with the iconic Polo player emblem was a (status) symbol.
But the power of Polo lies not just in its heritage, but in its adaptability. The same brand that once predominantly was known for dressing Wall Street executives and country club regulars would, by the 1990s, find itself deeply embedded in hip hop culture. In New York, the Lo Lifes – a Brooklyn crew with a deep love for Polo gear – redefined the brand’s image, turning rugby shirts, ski jackets, and teddy bear sweaters into streetwear staples thanks to their eye-catching graphics, colors, and patterns. Through them, often worn oversized, and head-to-toe-Polo’d-out, the brand became a badge of style, rebellion, and non-singular identity.
Polo Ralph Lauren has always played with dualities: refined yet rugged, classic yet current, heritage yet youth-driven. And today, that spirit lives on through timeless silhouettes and modern interpretations alike. Whether it’s the iconic Polo Bear donning unexpected fits or bold patchwork pieces turning heads, the label continues to bridge generations and subcultures.
Polo Ralph Lauren doesn’t just endure, it evolves. It continues to be a canvas for self-expression, a quality cornerstone in closets around the globe, and a foundational brand for those who understand that style is more than what you wear – it’s how your wear it.
