Ralph Lauren

Full review

Ah, Ralph Lauren. The models on your website all look like clones of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. They are fit and active, going skiing or motorcycling…oddly no one is playing polo…but anyway- these are undeniably sunkissed, windblown, “yes I use product in my hair” kinds of folks.
So this may intimidate the typical American couch tater from shopping Polo.com.

Don’t let it.

The opening page of the website is now featuring their new collection, the RLX67. It’s video-intensive, and will drag down almost any connection speed, but worth the wait. It’s all about the clothing for winter sports. But even if you don’t see the need for a special sweater to schuss the mountain, you’ll look fabulous in it at your next tailgate party.

That’s the main reason for men to shop Polo. They offer sizing from custom made polo shirts for the very slim, to the Big & Tall shop, which outfits huggybear sized gentlemen up to size 6x or 66 inch chest! Your colors and cut will be impeccable if you follow the suggestions in the photos, or if you need more help you can call Customer Service for a personal shopper, or email them directly.

For the ladies the sizing is just as generous, with the Lauren collection going up to size 22. Try to find that in most designer clothing.

The bottom line on Polo clothing is that it is cut well, fits well, and the color lasts. This is designer clothing that earns loyalty to the brand. The website will give you access to a great many more sizes and colors than you’ll find in any store, and it arrives at your door with no teeth-grinding shopping mall experience for the guys!

Back to the main opening page. You can see what’s new, shop different collections, build your own polo shirt, and easily shop by category of item from the opening page.
Try clicking the Style Guide button, and go through the various tips for putting together a runway-ready look, whether you’re male or female. There’s even a style guide for home accessories, and this is much faster than flipping through a stack of design magazines.

Creating your own custom shirt is the most fun at Polo.com. They are 10-15 dollars more expensive than the regular polo shirt, but if you want to choose your own pony color or add your monogram, it really makes it something unique. It does also add two weeks to the delivery time, but you also get free shipping when you buy more than one polo.

Gift wrapping is superb from the website. It’s free with most purchases and your selection arrives in a gorgeous, substantial weight navy box, with ribbon and your item swathed in tissue, with a gift exchange receipt. ( I have kept these delightful boxes to store necklaces flat, corral small craft objects, and to store neckties)

Shipping is always quick, and you get email updates when the order is received and when it is shipped. They include the tracking in the email, instead of making you go to the site to find your account, order number, and finally the tracking.
Shipping is by Fed Ex, which delivers on Saturday, unlike UPS, and that is your only choice. The cost is also based on the cost of your items, instead of by weight, so that can add up quickly. A “small” purchase of one polo shirt and one rugby shirt could easily add up to a $14 shipping fee. The key here is to sign up for Polo email updates, and wait for free shipping coupons and discounts to stock up on basic items.

I have read that others have had problems with wrong orders arriving, or problems exchanging. I have ordered a lot from Polo, and never had these issues. Returns are easy using the postage-paid label, which deducts $5 from the amount of your return. You can also return your items to a Ralph Lauren store, but be aware this means a free-standing store- not a department of Ralph Lauren in a Macy’s or Dillards, or specialty store.

The rest of the Ralph Lauren Polo site includes sections for Children, Baby, Home, Fragrance, and Gifts. All of those are self-explanatory, except gifts, which are things such as candles, picture frames, vases, and cocktail shakers. There is also a gift area for your dog, and the most outrageous thing in that section is the shearling coat for little Pooky, priced breathtakingly at $250, but wait, on sale now for $150! Take two! I admit I might be tempted by the polo shirt for dogs at $32, to match his daddy…

As I said- bottom line- give Polo.com a chance to earn your loyalty and a big hunk of your closet space. With all of the clothing websites competing for your dollar, I think you’ll find Polo works harder, and does it better.