Ralph Lauren lines explained: Polo, Purple Label and RRL
Polo Ralph Lauren, Polo Sport, Double RL, Purple Label, RLX, Lauren and Chaps: what each Ralph Lauren line was made for, when it began and what the line on the label shows.
In this guide
Ralph Lauren is made up of several lines, each with its own label, purpose and price level. The line named on the neck label shows what an item was made for and sets the earliest date it can be from.
Two navy jumpers can carry the same polo player and still come from different lines. This guide explains the main lines, from Polo Ralph Lauren to Purple Label, Double RL and RLX, and what each one says about an item.
Why the line matters
The main Polo line has been made since 1968, so the name Polo on its own does not date an item. Several other lines started later. Polo Sport began in the early 1990s, Double RL in 1993, Purple Label in 1994 and RLX in 1998, so an item from one of those lines cannot be older than the line itself.
Reading the line first and the rest of the label second is therefore the practical order. The details of the neck label and the care label narrow the date down further. Each part of the label is explained in how to read a Ralph Lauren label.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Polo Ralph Lauren is the main line. Ralph Lauren began in 1967 with ties and named his first full menswear line Polo in 1968. The line covers polo shirts, Oxford shirts, chinos, knitwear and jackets, and it is the line behind most of the items that carry the polo player.
The company itself was called Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation until 2011 and has been called Ralph Lauren Corporation since then. Polo Ralph Lauren and Ralph Lauren on a label therefore refer to the same company.
Polo Sport
Polo Sport began in the early 1990s as a sportswear line. Its items often have bold colours, colour blocking and the name spelled out across the chest. Printed graphics can crack or lift with wear, so the condition of the print is the first thing to check.
Double RL
Double RL, also written RRL, was established in 1993 and is named after the Double RL ranch of Ralph Lauren in Colorado. The line covers denim and workwear and is closer to American workwear than to the look of the main line. On a Double RL item, the wear of the denim, the hardware and any repairs say more than the label.
Purple Label
Purple Label began in 1994 as the highest line in the range, with a focus on tailoring. A tailored item may have been altered by a previous owner, so the size on the label may no longer describe the garment, and the flat measurements are the reliable guide.
RLX
RLX began in 1998 as a technical sportswear line. An RLX item is judged like any technical garment: the zips, the seams and the condition of the fabric matter more than the logo.
Lauren Ralph Lauren and Chaps
Lauren Ralph Lauren is a womenswear line and Chaps a line at a lower price level. Both have their own labels and are separate from the main Polo line. Within these lines the weight of the cloth, the finishing of the seams and the way the knit has held its shape say more about an item than the name.
The lines at a glance
| Line | Since | Made for | Check first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polo Ralph Lauren | 1968 | The main line | Label design and construction, since the line alone gives no date |
| Polo Sport | Early 1990s | Sportswear | Condition of the printed graphics |
| Double RL (RRL) | 1993 | Denim and workwear | Wear of the denim, hardware and repairs |
| Purple Label | 1994 | Tailoring | Alterations and flat measurements |
| RLX | 1998 | Technical sportswear | Zips, seams and fabric |
How items are prepared at leverene
Each item is inspected, authenticated, cleaned and measured before it is added to the store. Each step is described in How leverene works.
How a genuine item is recognised is described in how to spot fake Ralph Lauren, and the wider picture is in the Ralph Lauren guide. Ralph Lauren items can be browsed on the Ralph Lauren page, for men and women.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Polo Ralph Lauren and Ralph Lauren?
Polo Ralph Lauren is the main line of Ralph Lauren Corporation, and Ralph Lauren is the name of the company. The company was called Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation until 2011.
Which Ralph Lauren line is the highest?
Purple Label is the highest line in the range. It began in 1994 and focuses on tailoring.
What does RRL stand for?
RRL stands for Double RL, the line named after the Double RL ranch of Ralph Lauren in Colorado. It was established in 1993 and covers denim and workwear.
Is every Ralph Lauren item at leverene authenticated?
Every item is authenticated through LegitApp before it is added to the store.
Items can be returned within 30 days.
