Ralph Lauren Polo — American Heritage Since 1967
Ralph Lauren founded Polo in 1967 in New York, building an American interpretation of British country dress that became one of the most globally recognised clothing brands of the late 20th century. The Polo shirt — particularly the original mesh piqué with the embroidered pony logo — has crossed every demographic and cultural category since. English Brands stocks the heritage Polo shirt collection in classic colours and the signature Big Pony and Sterling Blue Multi designs.
What we stock
The Ralph Lauren range at English Brands focuses on the heritage Polo shirt collection:
- Classic Fit Polo Shirts — the original mesh piqué with embroidered pony, in heritage colourways
- Polo Sterling Blue Multi — Ralph Lauren's signature blue collection
- Estate Pink Shirts — heritage colour shirts
- Other Ralph Lauren classic styles as stocked
Why Ralph Lauren Polo
The defining American polo shirt — Ralph Lauren's mesh piqué polo is the shirt that defined the category for the late 20th century. The embroidered pony logo became one of the most globally recognised brand marks.
Quality of cotton — Ralph Lauren mesh piqué uses long-staple cotton with a distinctive open mesh weave. The cotton softens with washing while maintaining structure. The collar holds its shape over years of wear in a way that mass-market polos do not.
Heritage colour palette — Ralph Lauren maintains a wider heritage colour range than most polo shirt brands, including the distinctive Sterling Blue and Estate Pink that don't appear elsewhere.
Classless American style — Ralph Lauren Polo sits in the small group of American casual brands that work across cultural categories. Country clubs, urban professionals, weekend casual, weekend country — all worn with similar credibility.
Caring for your Ralph Lauren
Mesh piqué cotton polos need standard care:
- Machine wash at 30°C with similar colours
- Air dry where possible — tumble drying shortens the lifespan of the embroidery and the cotton structure
- Iron on medium heat inside out to protect the embroidered pony
- Avoid bleach — chlorine bleach damages both the cotton fibres and the embroidery thread
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Fit? Classic Fit is Ralph Lauren's standard polo cut — a relaxed, slightly boxy silhouette designed for comfort rather than body-skimming style. It is the original fit and the most popular among the brand's customers. The alternative Custom Slim Fit is more fitted through the chest and waist.
Are Ralph Lauren polos made in the USA? Ralph Lauren's Polo shirts are produced in multiple countries across the world. Specific production location varies by model and season. The brand is American-owned but globally manufactured.
How long do Ralph Lauren polos last? The mesh piqué cotton is genuinely durable — well-cared-for Ralph Lauren polos commonly last 10+ years of regular wear. The embroidered pony tends to outlast the cotton itself.
What is the difference between the Polo and the Big Pony? The standard Polo has a small embroidered pony logo on the chest. The Big Pony line features a much larger pony embroidery — often with a contrast colour number alongside. The Big Pony is a distinct fashion line within the broader Polo collection.
