Ralph Lauren items: what to check on each one
What to check on a Ralph Lauren Oxford shirt, polo shirt, jumper, Harrington jacket and hoodie before buying, from the collar and the cuffs to the zip and the ribbing.
In this guide
Each type of Ralph Lauren item has its own points of wear. A shirt shows wear first at the collar and the cuffs, a jumper at the elbows and the ribbing, a jacket at the zip and the lining. This guide sets out what to check on each type of item before buying.
Authenticity is a separate question and is covered in how to spot fake Ralph Lauren. This guide is about the condition of the garment.
The Oxford shirt
The Oxford shirt with a button-down collar is one of the items most associated with the main Polo line. The weight of the cloth is the first thing to check: held up to the light, a heavier Oxford cloth lets less light through.
The collar points and the edges of the cuffs are where an Oxford shirt wears first. Fraying at the collar fold or a cuff edge that has turned soft is stated in the condition description. Ralph Lauren shirts can be browsed on the Ralph Lauren shirts page.
The polo shirt
The Ralph Lauren mesh polo shirt was introduced in 1972 in cotton piqué. On a polo shirt, check that the piqué has not thinned at the shoulders and the underarms, and that the collar stands rather than curls at the points. The ribbed cuffs on the sleeves should still close around the arm.
Polo shirts can be browsed on the Ralph Lauren polo shirts page.
Jumpers and knitwear
Ralph Lauren knitwear covers crewneck, V-neck, quarter-zip and cable knit jumpers. On every jumper, check the elbows and the underarms for thinning and check that the ribbing at the hem and the cuffs springs back after stretching.
On a cable knit jumper, the cables should be even and clearly defined across the front. On a quarter-zip jumper, the zip should run smoothly from top to bottom with no missing teeth. Wool and cotton knits can relax through the body with wear, so the flat measurements say more than the size on the label.
Jumpers can be browsed on the Ralph Lauren jumpers page, and cable knits on the Ralph Lauren cable knit jumpers page.
The Harrington jacket and light jackets
On a Harrington jacket or another light jacket, check three things in this order: the zip, the ribbed cuffs and hem, and the lining under the arms. A zip that catches or a lining that has worn through is stated in the condition description.
Jackets can be browsed on the Ralph Lauren jackets page and the Ralph Lauren Harrington jackets page.
Hoodies and sweatshirts
On a hoodie, check the weight of the fabric, the ribbed cuffs and the drawstring channel of the hood. Where an item has a printed graphic rather than embroidery, check the print for cracking and for lifting at the edges. Items with a motif, such as the Polo Bear, are judged in the same way as plain items: by the construction and the condition.
Hoodies can be browsed on the Ralph Lauren hoodies page.
What to check first on each item
| Item | Check first | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford shirt | Collar points and cuff edges | Weight of the cloth |
| Polo shirt | Collar shape and piqué at the shoulders | Ribbed cuffs |
| Jumper | Elbows and underarms | Ribbing at the hem and cuffs |
| Quarter-zip jumper | Zip | Elbows and ribbing |
| Harrington jacket | Zip | Ribbed cuffs, hem and lining |
| Hoodie | Weight of the fabric and ribbed cuffs | Print or embroidery |
For size, the flat measurements stated for each item are the reliable guide. The Ralph Lauren cuts are explained in the Ralph Lauren guide.
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.
Each item has one of four condition labels: Deadstock, Excellent, Good or Fair. Ralph Lauren items can be browsed on the Ralph Lauren page, for men and women.
Frequently asked questions
Where does a Ralph Lauren shirt wear first?
A shirt wears first at the collar points and the edges of the cuffs. Both are checked before an item is added to the store.
How is the condition of an item described?
Each item has a condition label, and any imperfection is stated in the condition description of the item.
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.
