What Ralph Lauren is and where to shop

Ralph Lauren is a clothing and accessories brand owned by Ralph Lauren Corporation, a publicly traded company. The brand sells men's, women's, and children's clothing, shoes, fragrances, and home goods through its own stores, department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom, and its website at ralphlauren.com.

Ralph Lauren operates several sub-brands under the same parent company. The main line is called Polo Ralph Lauren, named after the polo sport. There is also Lauren by Ralph Lauren, which is a lower-priced line, and Purple Label, which is a higher-priced luxury line. Each has different price points and target customers, but all are sold under the Ralph Lauren Corporation umbrella.

The brand is known for its preppy aesthetic — think polo shirts with the embroidered pony logo, khakis, and classic American sportswear styling. It has been in business since 1967 and is one of the largest fashion companies in the world by revenue.

Key Takeaways

  • Ralph Lauren is a clothing brand with multiple price tiers: Polo Ralph Lauren (mid-range), Lauren by Ralph Lauren (budget-friendly), and Purple Label (luxury).
  • You can buy Ralph Lauren clothing at the brand's own stores and website, at department stores, and through authorized online retailers.
  • The brand's signature look is preppy American sportswear, including polo shirts, khakis, sweaters, and accessories with the embroidered pony logo.
  • Ralph Lauren runs seasonal sales and clearance events, particularly at the end of each season, where prices drop significantly.
  • Return policies vary depending on where you shop — buying directly from Ralph Lauren's website or stores usually offers more flexible returns than department store purchases.

How to find Ralph Lauren stores and online shopping

Ralph Lauren has two main ways to shop: in physical stores or online. The brand operates its own retail locations in most major cities and shopping malls. You can find a store near you by using the store locator on ralphlauren.com — enter your zip code and it will show you the nearest locations, hours, and what each store carries.

Online shopping happens at ralphlauren.com, where you can browse the full catalog, filter by size and color, and have items shipped to your home or picked up at a store. The website also shows which items are in stock at nearby locations, which is useful if you want to try something on before buying.

Ralph Lauren is also sold at major department stores. Macy's, Nordstrom, Dillard's, and Saks Fifth Avenue all carry Ralph Lauren merchandise. Department store prices are sometimes higher than Ralph Lauren's own website, but department stores run their own sales and may offer different inventory. If you have a department store credit card, you might earn rewards on Ralph Lauren purchases there.

Understanding Ralph Lauren's price tiers and product lines

Ralph Lauren Corporation owns three main clothing lines at different price points. Polo Ralph Lauren is the core brand and sits in the mid-range — a polo shirt typically costs $80 to $120, and jeans run $100 to $150. This is the line you see most often in stores and online.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren is the budget-friendly option. Prices are roughly 30 to 40 percent lower than Polo Ralph Lauren. A polo shirt might cost $50 to $70, and basics like t-shirts are $30 to $50. This line is sold primarily at department stores and outlet locations, not at Ralph Lauren's full-price stores.

Purple Label is the luxury line, with prices two to three times higher than Polo Ralph Lauren. A polo shirt can cost $300 or more. Purple Label uses premium fabrics and construction and is aimed at customers willing to pay for higher-end sportswear. It is sold at specialty boutiques, high-end department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, and select Ralph Lauren locations.

All three lines use the Ralph Lauren name and design language, but they target different budgets. If you are new to the brand and want to test the style without spending much, Lauren by Ralph Lauren is the entry point. If you want the classic Polo Ralph Lauren look at mid-range prices, shop the main Polo line. If you want premium fabrics and construction, Purple Label is the option.

What to expect when you buy Ralph Lauren clothing

Ralph Lauren clothing is made to last, but quality varies by line and product type. Polo Ralph Lauren items are typically made from cotton, cotton blends, or wool, depending on the piece. A classic polo shirt or oxford button-down is generally durable and will hold up to regular washing and wearing for years. Jeans and chinos are similarly sturdy.

Sizing at Ralph Lauren runs true to standard American sizes for most items. Men's polos and shirts fit similarly to other mainstream brands. Women's sizing is also standard, though like most clothing brands, fit can vary between styles — a size 6 in one style might fit differently than a size 6 in another. The website includes size charts and customer reviews that often mention fit, which helps before you order online.

Ralph Lauren's signature item is the polo shirt with the embroidered pony logo on the chest. The pony is a status symbol in preppy fashion and is when ready recognizable. Other classic pieces include oxford button-down shirts, cable-knit sweaters, khaki pants, and leather belts. The brand also sells fragrances, watches, home goods, and accessories like scarves and hats.

How Ralph Lauren sales and discounts work

Ralph Lauren runs sales throughout the year, with the biggest discounts at the end of each season. End-of-season clearance typically happens in January (for fall and winter inventory) and July (for spring and summer inventory). During these sales, prices can drop 30 to 50 percent or more on remaining stock.

Ralph Lauren also has outlet stores in outlet malls across the country. These stores sell overstock, past-season items, and merchandise made specifically for the outlet channel at lower prices than full-price stores. Outlet prices are typically 20 to 40 percent lower than the main stores, though the selection is smaller and changes frequently.

The brand's website has a "Sale" section that is updated regularly. You can sign up for email notifications on ralphlauren.com to be alerted when new sales start or when specific items go on sale. Department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom also run their own sales on Ralph Lauren merchandise, sometimes at different times than Ralph Lauren's own promotions.

Return and exchange policies

If you buy directly from Ralph Lauren's website or stores, you can return or exchange most items within 60 days of purchase with a receipt. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original condition with tags attached. You can return items to any Ralph Lauren store or by mail — the website provides a prepaid shipping label if you return by mail.

If you buy from a department store, that store's return policy applies, not Ralph Lauren's. Macy's, Nordstrom, and other department stores have their own return windows and conditions. Some allow returns for 30 days, others for 60 or 90 days. Check the department store's policy before you buy, or ask at the register.

Outlet store returns are typically final sale or have a shorter return window — usually 30 days. Check the outlet store's policy when you purchase. Online orders from department store websites follow that department store's return policy, not Ralph Lauren's.

How Ralph Lauren's loyalty program works

Ralph Lauren offers a free loyalty program called Ralph's Club. Members earn points on purchases at Ralph Lauren stores and on ralphlauren.com. Points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. You sign up for free on the website or in stores by providing your email address and creating an account.

Members also get early access to sales, birthday rewards, and exclusive offers sent via email. The program has no annual fee and no expiration date on points, so you can accumulate them over time. If you shop at Ralph Lauren regularly, joining Ralph's Club is worth doing because the points add up and can be used toward future purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ralph Lauren made in the USA?

Ralph Lauren clothing is made in multiple countries, including the United States, China, Vietnam, and others. The brand does not make all items domestically. Some higher-end pieces and certain styles are made in the USA, but most Polo Ralph Lauren items are manufactured overseas. Check the care tag on individual items to see where each piece was made.

What is the difference between Polo Ralph Lauren and Lauren by Ralph Lauren?

Polo Ralph Lauren is the main brand at mid-range prices. Lauren by Ralph Lauren is a lower-priced line sold primarily at department stores and outlets. Both use similar design and styling, but Lauren by Ralph Lauren uses less expensive fabrics and construction to hit lower price points. If budget is your main concern, Lauren by Ralph Lauren offers the same preppy aesthetic at 30 to 40 percent less cost.

Can I return Ralph Lauren items bought at a department store to a Ralph Lauren store?

No. Items bought at a department store must be returned to that department store, not to a Ralph Lauren store. Each retailer has its own return system and policy. If you bought at Macy's, return to Macy's. If you bought at Nordstrom, return to Nordstrom. This applies even if the item has a Ralph Lauren tag.

Does Ralph Lauren have an outlet online?

Ralph Lauren does not operate a separate online outlet store. However, the main ralphlauren.com website has a "Sale" section with discounted items. Outlet-specific merchandise and deeper discounts are found only at physical outlet store locations. You can find outlet store locations using the store locator on the website.

How often does Ralph Lauren have sales?

Ralph Lauren runs sales year-round, with the biggest discounts at the end of each season — January and July. The brand also runs smaller promotions throughout the year, especially around holidays. Sign up for email notifications on ralphlauren.com to stay informed about upcoming sales and new markdowns.