Polo Ralph Lauren Men's Review [Summer 2024]

Outline

Introduction

Big Picture Themes

Core Trend: 2024 Olympics

Personal Favorites

Final Thoughts

Introduction

Known for pairing the timeless/classic aesthetic of Ralph Lauren's eponymous label Ralph Lauren with a more moderate price point, Polo Ralph Lauren represents American leisure and prosperity just like its parent brand.

However, despite this goal, I wonder if the timeless image of the brand has led it to play things a little too safe.

Is it possible for Polo Ralph Lauren to stay timeless while sitting in the pocket of the ins and outs of today's market?

Big Picture

From briefly working as a clothing designer, I know that it's important to look at a collection from the big picture and find the main artistic elements that inspired the collection and then find physical design elements (ex: fabric or fit) that make it possible.

Creatively Polo Ralph Lauren Summer 2024 pulls inspiration from the ideas of Utility/Camping, Hedonistic Vacations, and American Pride.

In terms of physical design characteristics, Polo Ralph Lauren plays with many elements that are big in menswear right now: Camp Collars, Quilted Jackets, Utility Jackets, Suede, and Straight-Legged Jeans.

Together, these elements come to tell a story that strives to leave the customer feeling strong, proud, and confident, which makes sense for the brand.

Core Trend - 2024 Olympics

After seeing the J. Crew USA Olympic Swim collection I'm thankful to see this trend in another retailer, specifically one that's known for its timeless aesthetic.

Ironically, the execution of this trend is far from timeless.

Many of the items contain classic Olympic iconography like the Olympic rings, varsity typography, and world flags, but, I criticize the use of more timely elements like the year "2024" or the location of Paris.

While I'll acknowledge that these themes might have the potential to become nostalgic items many years from now, right now, I think that these items are destined to become uncool on August 12th (the day after the closing ceremony).

To conclude, if you avoid the overdramatic mentions of "Paris 2024" there's a lot of love here.

But, if you end up indulging in these themes you'll risk looking like THAT guy at the Fourth of July Barbeque next year.

Personal Favorites

Fabricated with a rustic blue corduroy, this short is a stylish piece for the rest of the summer.

Link: Click Here

Price: $79.99

Size: XS-XXL

Pros: Nice Fabric & Great Pattern

Cons: Requires Undershirt

This jacquard-knit popover workshirt is a refreshing take on the Summer 2024 utility trend.

Link: Click Here

Price: $198.00

Size: XS-XXL

Pros: Nice Fabric

Cons: Sweat Damage

Fabricated with a rustic blue corduroy, this short is a stylish piece for the rest of the summer.

Link: Click Here

Price: $98.50

Size: XS-XXL

Pros: Nice Fabric & Great Inseam Length

Cons: Limited Wearage Opportunities

Featuring an adjustable waistline and unique button placement, this swim short offers a unique and high-quality take on an American classic.

Link: Click Here

Price: $89.99

Size: 28-42

Pros: Adjustable Waistline & Great Inseam Length

Cons: Limited Wearage Opportunities

Reminiscent of the Paris 2024 theme of red, white & blue color block, this paneled suede sweater is a great way to physically remember the Olympics.

Link: Click Here

Price: $138.00

Size: 7-15

Pros: Relevant Design & Nice Fabric

Cons: Hard to Clean

Include your entire family in the Olympic celebration with this adorable RL Flag dog sweater.

Link: Click Here

Price: $125.00

Size: XS-XL

Pros: Adorable Design

Cons: Confusing Sizing

Honorable Mention from Ralph Lauren: The Iconic Flag Sweater remains a core piece of Ralph Lauren's brand image.

Link: Click Here

Price: $398.00

Size: XXS-XXXXXL

Pros: Timeless Design & Quality Fabric

Cons: High Price & Potential Shrinkage

Santa if you're reading this ... this is the one.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, I think there's a lot to love in this collection outside of the Polo Ralph Lauren dress shirts, sweaters, and dress pants they're known for.

The collection plays well into current menswear trends like linen, seersucker, and color block while blending these ideas into current macro trends like vacation, utility, and the Olympics.

When chosen correctly this collection offers several timely but timeless items that can flourish in your wardrobe for years to come.