What Is Sizing Like at Polo Ralph Lauren?

By Ella Blake — Fashion Stylist | Tellar Fashion Hub — Always honest, unbiased & unsponsored

Polo Ralph Lauren uses US sizing and generally runs true to size, but with one important caveat: the fit is cut with a classic, slightly slim American proportions in mind, so if you're fuller across the bust or hips, or simply prefer a more relaxed fit, sizing up one is often the smarter call. I've been buying Ralph Lauren pieces for years — the polo shirts, the cable knits, the Oxford shirts — and once you understand the brand's sizing logic, it becomes one of the most reliable and consistent labels in your wardrobe. Get it right, and you'll be wearing these pieces for a decade. Get it wrong, and even the most beautiful rugby shirt will look slightly off. So let's get it right.

The World of Polo Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren founded his label in 1967 with a single line of men's neckties, and what followed became one of the most iconic fashion empires in history. Polo Ralph Lauren is the brand's core ready-to-wear line — think the polo shirt with that tiny embroidered rider, the classic Oxford button-down, cosy Aran knitwear, tailored chinos, and that unmistakable preppy-meets-heritage American aesthetic. It's a brand that occupies a brilliant sweet spot: elevated enough to feel genuinely premium, but wearable enough for everyday life. The women's offer is strong, spanning everything from classic sportswear basics through to occasion-ready blazers and evening pieces. The quality, particularly in their knitwear and shirting, is genuinely excellent.

Polo Ralph Lauren Size Conversion Table

Polo Ralph Lauren uses US sizing throughout the women's range. Here's your conversion guide:

US SizeUK SizeEU SizeBust (cm)Waist (cm)Hips (cm)XXS (0)63480–8261–6386–88XS (2)83683–8564–6689–91S (4–6)103886–8967–7092–95M (8–10)124090–9371–7496–99L (12–14)14–1642–4494–9875–79100–104XL (16)184699–10380–84105–109XXL (18)2048104–10885–89110–114

Measurements are a guide. Fit varies between Polo Ralph Lauren's different product lines — always check the individual garment's measurements where available, particularly for fitted styles.

Fit by Garment Type — The Honest Breakdown

Polo Ralph Lauren has a wide product range across quite different categories, and the fit really does vary depending on what you're buying. Here's what I've found, having styled and worn pieces across the range:

Polo Shirts: The iconic style, and probably the piece most people buy first. Women's polo shirts from Ralph Lauren tend to follow a slim-to-classic fit depending on the style — the fitted versions are cut quite close to the body and are true to US size, while the classic fit gives more ease across the chest and waist. If you're between sizes or prefer not to feel constricted, go up one. A slightly roomier polo tucked into high-waisted trousers is a far better look than one stretched across the chest.
Oxford Shirts & Chambray: These are one of the brand's genuine strengths. The fitted Oxford shirts run quite true to size but have that classic slightly boxy American shirting proportions — not fitted in the way a European shirt might be. If you like a relaxed, untucked, slightly oversized vibe (very on trend right now), stay in your usual size. If you want it smarter and more tailored, size down one.
Knitwear — Cable Knits, Crewnecks & Roll Necks: This is where Ralph Lauren absolutely shines, and honestly where I'd start if you're new to the brand. The quality of their merino and lambswool knits is exceptional. Sizing here is fairly generous — the classic cable-knit jumpers in particular have a lovely relaxed ease to them. True to US size is usually perfect; only size up if you plan to layer heavily underneath.
Chinos & Trousers: Cuts vary quite a bit across the range. The slim-fit chinos run true to US size but are cut for a straight, American-proportioned figure — if you have curvier hips relative to your waist, check the individual measurements carefully. The relaxed and wide-leg styles are far more forgiving. As always, the waist-to-hip ratio is the key factor here.
Denim: Ralph Lauren denim is well-made but runs slightly small in the waist compared to some other denim brands. I'd suggest sizing up one, especially if you're between sizes. The fabric softens and relaxes beautifully with wear.
Blazers & Tailoring: Cut with a clean, structured American silhouette. These tend to run true to US size and have a slightly boxy, broad-shouldered shape that is very much part of their heritage aesthetic. If you prefer a more European-fitted look, you might find the proportions slightly different to what you're used to.
Dresses & Skirts: The dresses span a range of fits — some are quite fitted (especially the shirt dresses), others have more ease. Check whether the style is fitted or relaxed and measure accordingly. The midi skirts are generally generous and very wearable.

My Key Styling Tips for Polo Ralph Lauren

Beyond the sizing, here are a few things I always tell clients when they're building a Ralph Lauren wardrobe:

The brand is at its very best when pieces are mixed together — a cable-knit layered over an Oxford shirt collar, a polo shirt tucked into tailored wide-leg trousers. The aesthetic reward is in the combination, not just the individual piece.
Colour is everything with this brand. The navy, forest green, rich burgundy, and classic cream colourways are the DNA of the house — these are the pieces worth investing in, not the trend colours which come and go each season.
If you're buying online, the US site often has a wider selection and occasional better pricing, but always factor in import duties from the US to the UK — it can add up surprisingly quickly on larger orders.

High Street Alternatives for the Ralph Lauren Aesthetic

The preppy, classic American heritage aesthetic that Ralph Lauren owns so brilliantly is also brilliantly served at much more accessible price points. These are my picks:

Gant — Probably the closest thing to Ralph Lauren on the European high street. Similar East Coast American preppy roots, brilliant Oxford shirts and knitwear, and very consistent sizing. An absolute wardrobe staple brand.
Boden — The British equivalent of that classic, slightly preppy, quality-focused wardrobe. Brilliant for colourful knitwear, well-cut chinos, and very wearable basics. Sizes true to UK and the quality is genuinely impressive for the price.
Tommy Hilfiger — Shares much of the same American preppy heritage as Ralph Lauren. Their polo shirts and striped knits in particular are excellent value and the brand has excellent credibility. Check sale periods for brilliant deals.
Abercrombie & Fitch — Dramatically improved in recent years, with a real focus on quality basics and classic American-inspired fits. Their straight-leg jeans and heavyweight knitwear are particularly strong.
Banana Republic — Smart, classic, and very well-made for the price point. Great for the tailored end of the Ralph Lauren aesthetic — blazers, trousers, structured shirts — at a fraction of the price.
Massimo Dutti — The Spanish brand that quietly produces some of the best-quality classics on the high street. Their knitwear and Oxford shirts are superb, with a slightly more European, refined silhouette than Ralph Lauren but equally timeless.
The White Company — Brilliant for the classic, clean, understated end of the Ralph Lauren world. Beautiful knitwear, relaxed shirts, and impeccable basics, all at a very reasonable price point. Excellent quality and sizing that runs true to UK.

Premium & Designer Alternatives

For those who want to step beyond Ralph Lauren into similar but elevated territory:

Barbour — Shares that heritage, outdoorsy, quintessentially classic aesthetic but with a distinctly British lens. The quality is outstanding and the brand has brilliant credibility across both city and country dressing.
Hush — A premium British brand with a beautifully considered take on classic casual dressing. Brilliant knitwear, relaxed shirting, and easy separates that sit in the same aesthetic world as Ralph Lauren but with a softer, more contemporary edge.
Me&Em — One of the best British premium brands for elevated, polished classics. If you want the Ralph Lauren aesthetic but with a smarter, more considered British sensibility, Me&Em is where to look.

Two Independent Picks You Need to Know

Sunspel — A British heritage brand founded in 1860 and still making some of the finest quality basics available anywhere. Their polo shirts and fine-knit jumpers are genuinely exceptional — understated where Ralph Lauren is branded, but the quality speaks for itself. If you're building a proper wardrobe of classics, Sunspel belongs in it.
Rowing Blazers — A New York–based independent label with an irreverent, joyful take on the preppy heritage aesthetic that Ralph Lauren helped define. Brilliant rugby shirts, bold archive-inspired knits, and a real sense of fun. Not cheap, but a brilliant independent alternative for those who want something more unexpected.

Get Your Exact Polo Ralph Lauren Size in Seconds

US sizing, fitted versus classic cuts, denim that runs small — Ralph Lauren has more sizing nuance than most people realise. Tellar takes all of that guesswork away instantly.

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And if you're after more honest, unsponsored fashion advice, the Tellar Fashion Hub is your go-to — a library of free posts from our top stylists covering every sizing and style question you can think of. Always honest. Always free.

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This post is written by Ella Blake for Tellar Fashion Hub. All brand recommendations are independent and unsponsored. Tellar is free to use and does not accept payment for editorial coverage.