The Polo Association and Ralph Lauren Polo are two distinct entities that are sometimes mistaken for each other. The Polo Association is a non-profit organization that governs the sport of polo, while Ralph Lauren Polo is a fashion brand that is inspired by the sport and incorporates its style and aesthetic into its designs. Both the Polo Association and Ralph Lauren Polo play important roles in the world of polo and both have a significant impact on how the sport is perceived and celebrated, but they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference between these two entities can help you appreciate both the sport of polo and the fashion that it has inspired.
History of the Polo Association:
The Polo Association is a well-known British luxury clothing brand that specializes in producing polo shirts and other high-end apparel. It was founded by René Lacoste, a French tennis champion and fashion designer, in 1933. The brand is best known for its iconic crocodile logo and signature “piqué” cotton fabric with a raised weave, which is highly breathable and resistant to wrinkles. The Polo Association has become an internationally recognized symbol of luxury and excellence in men’s fashion.
The brand offers a wide range of polo shirts that come in a variety of styles, colors, and materials. The signature Lacoste piqué fabric is available in many colors and patterns, ranging from classic stripes to modern prints. The brand also offers other apparel such as jackets, sweaters, trousers, and accessories.
Materials and Design of the Polo Association:
The Polo Association is known for its quality materials and attention to detail. All of their products are made with the highest quality fabrics that are designed to last a lifetime. They also use special treatments to ensure that their products stay looking fresh, even with frequent wear. The brand is also known for its classic designs and timeless style that never go out of fashion.
Because of its luxury status, the Polo Association comes at a premium price point compared to other brands. However, quality materials and craftsmanship mean that you get what you pay for and more. The Polo Association also has a wide range of products to choose from, so customers have plenty of options when it comes to finding the perfect shirt or apparel for their wardrobe.
History of Ralph Lauren Polo:
Ralph Lauren Polo also known as Polo Ralph Lauren is a luxury lifestyle brand that focuses on offering sophisticated, timeless apparel. It was founded in 1967 by American designer Ralph Lauren and has since become one of the most recognizable names in fashion.
Materials and Design of Ralph Lauren Polo:
Ralph Lauren Polo offers a wide range of products including polo shirts, sweaters, jackets, trousers, and accessories. The brand is known for its quality materials and attention to detail. The brand uses special treatments like softening and shrinking to ensure that their products stay looking fresh, even with frequent wear.
The brand also offers a variety of colors and patterns in its polo shirts, ranging from classic stripes to modern prints. Ralph Lauren Polo has become known for its classic designs that never go out of style.
The brand does come at a premium price point compared to other brands, but the quality materials and craftsmanship mean that you get what you pay for and more. Ralph Lauren Polo also has a wide range of products to choose from, so customers have plenty of options when it comes to finding the perfect shirt or apparel for their wardrobe.
Key Difference between Polo Assn vs Ralph Lauren Polo
- Brand ownership: “Polo Assn” is a licensed brand, while “Ralph Lauren Polo” is owned by Ralph Lauren Corporation.
- Price range: “Polo Assn” typically offers more affordable products, while “Ralph Lauren Polo” is more premium-priced.
- Product offerings: “Polo Assn” offers a wider range of products including footwear, accessories, and home goods, while “Ralph Lauren Polo” primarily focuses on clothing and accessories.
- Quality and materials: “Ralph Lauren Polo” is known for high-quality materials and construction, while “Polo Assn” products may vary in quality.
- Marketing and image: “Ralph Lauren Polo” has a more upscale image and focuses on luxury, while “Polo Assn” focuses on accessibility and affordability.
- Target audience: “Ralph Lauren Polo” is targeted towards a more mature, upscale audience, while “Polo Assn” is marketed towards a wider, more youthful audience.
- Retail presence: “Ralph Lauren Polo” has a stronger retail presence with standalone stores, while “Polo Assn” products are primarily sold in department stores.
- Heritage: “Ralph Lauren Polo” has a longer history and legacy, dating back to 1967, while “Polo Assn” is a more recent brand established in the 1980s.
- Global reach: “Ralph Lauren Polo” has a global reach with a presence in multiple countries, while “Polo Assn” has a more limited international presence.
- Collaborations: “Ralph Lauren Polo” has a history of high-profile collaborations with designers and brands, while “Polo Assn” has had fewer high-profile collaborations.
Conclusion:
The Polo Association and Ralph Lauren Polo are both luxury lifestyle brands that offer quality materials and craftsmanship. The Polo Association offers a wider range of products than Ralph Lauren Polo does, as well as its signature piqué fabric in a variety of colors and patterns. However, Ralph Lauren Polo is generally more expensive than the Polo Association and only offers plain-colored polo shirts.