The Ultimate Guide to Ralph Lauren: Timeless Investment Pieces Worth Owning

Author: Tellar Styling Team

Date: July 2025

Disclaimer: This content is honest, independent, and always free. No sponsorships or paid placements.

Few fashion houses embody timeless American elegance quite like Ralph Lauren. For over five decades, the brand has defined aspirational dressing—from Ivy League polos and cable knits to refined tailoring and heritage equestrian aesthetics.

But is Ralph Lauren worth the investment? And which pieces stand the test of time?

This technical guide explores Ralph Lauren's brand architecture, sizing nuances, craftsmanship, and most importantly—which Ralph Lauren items are true wardrobe investments.

The Ralph Lauren Brand Breakdown

Ralph Lauren is not a single brand, but a tiered fashion ecosystem designed to suit different budgets and lifestyles. Understanding the structure is key:

Tip: Investment shoppers should focus on Polo Ralph Lauren, Collection, or RRL, where the craftsmanship, materials, and resale value justify the cost.

Why Ralph Lauren Pieces Are Worth Investing In

1. Timeless Design Language

Ralph Lauren isn’t trend-led. Each collection builds on classic silhouettes:

• Camel coats, pleated trousers, cable knits, Oxford shirts

• Strong equestrian and nautical influence

• Neutral colour palettes (navy, cream, camel, burgundy)

These never date—and can be styled for decades.

2. Heritage and Brand Value

Ralph Lauren’s prestige retains its value:

• Globally recognised

• Strong resale market (especially RRL and Collection)

• Worn by celebrities, royals, and US presidents

If you buy well, your cost per wear can become minimal over time.

3. Quality Fabrics and Tailoring

Particularly in the Collection and Purple Label, Ralph Lauren excels at:

• Wool flannels, Italian cashmere, and brushed cottons

• Hand-finished tailoring details

• Structured linings and resilient finishes

Even Polo Ralph Lauren knitwear often outlasts high-street equivalents by years.

Ralph Lauren Investment Pieces Worth Owning

1. Wool or Cashmere Coat

A classic Lauren trench or double-breasted coat is among the brand’s most iconic pieces.

Look for:

• Camel, navy, or black

• 100% wool or wool-cashmere blend

• Mid-length or longline with structured lapels

Style tip: Pair with crisp trousers and loafers for quiet luxury.

Ideal for: Office wear, outerwear layering, capsule wardrobes

2. Cable Knit Jumper

No other item is as closely linked to Ralph Lauren as the cable knit.

Choose:

• Classic cream, navy, or blush pink

• Cotton or merino in Polo Ralph Lauren or RRL ranges

• Cropped or oversized depending on your shape

Great for: Smart casual layering, jeans, skirts, tailoring

Explore body shape fit in:

📍 The Ultimate Guide: Flattering Jeans for Every Body Shape

3. Oxford Shirt

Effortlessly preppy. Gender-neutral. Universally flattering.

Best details:

• Button-down collar

• Embroidered polo pony

• 100% cotton poplin

Style as:

• Oversized with leggings

• French tucked into tailored shorts

• Layered under cable knits or blazers

Look to Polo Ralph Lauren or Lauren Ralph Lauren for mid-price options.

4. Tailored Blazer

Whether it’s a navy crest-embroidered jacket or a heritage check in wool flannel, Ralph Lauren excels at sharp layering.

Features to look for:

• Single-breasted or double-breasted

• Peak or notch lapel

• Slim tailoring with enough shoulder structure

Perfect for: Workwear, interviews, smart dinners, capsule styling

See more in:

📍 The Ultimate Guide to Smart Casual Blazers for Women’s Body Types

5. Equestrian-Inspired Leather Boots

Invest in knee-high or riding boot styles from RRL or Collection ranges.

Look for:

• Calf leather or soft-grain Italian leather

• Pull-on with buckles or side zips

• Almond or round toe

They pair perfectly with jeans, skirts, and winter dresses.

6. Denim from Double RL

RRL jeans are considered among the best heritage denim options globally.

Details:

• Raw or selvedge denim

• Made in USA or Japan

• Slim-straight or vintage-cut fits

Their durability and resale value make them a solid long-term buy.

7. Eveningwear (Collection)

If you’re dressing for black tie or special events, Ralph Lauren’s Collection gowns, silk tailoring and tuxedo suits rival designer houses.

Explore formal styling in:

📍 The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Tuxedo Suits

Ralph Lauren Sizing: What You Need to Know

Sizing can vary across lines:

• Polo Ralph Lauren tends to run true to size

• Lauren Ralph Lauren can run slightly large

• Collection and RRL often follow US sizing (check conversions)

For help finding your exact Ralph Lauren size based on your body:

Tellar.co.uk: Your Exact Fit for Ralph Lauren and 1,500+ Brands

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool that calculates your exact size across 1,500+ fashion brands—including Ralph Lauren.

Use your bust, waist, and hip measurements—or your known size in a comparable brand—to skip guesswork, size charts, and returns.

How It Works:

1. Create your free profile

2. Use the Store Size Lookup

3. Get instant size results for Ralph Lauren and every other brand

4. Download a free measuring tape if needed

You’ll know exactly what size to buy—whether in Collection eveningwear, a Polo knit, or tailored blazer.

Explore the Tellar Fashion Hub

Tellar also includes a free library of 1000s of posts on fashion, fit, and styling:

• Smart shopping strategies

• Brand comparisons

• Styling tips for real bodies

• Best investment buys

• Sizing guidance by region

Explore more:

📍 Finding Your Clothes Size

📍 UK vs USA vs European Sizes

📍 What Size Am I in Next?

Follow Us for Daily Style & Fit Advice

• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

• Pinterest: TellarSizing

• Twitter/X: @TellarSizing

• Facebook: Tellar Sizing

Final Word

Ralph Lauren isn’t just a brand—it’s a wardrobe legacy. From cable knits to wool coats and equestrian denim, Ralph Lauren offers some of the most reliable, long-lasting investment pieces in fashion today.

With Tellar.co.uk, you’ll never second-guess your size again—so you can shop Ralph Lauren confidently and get the fit right the first time.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.