Step into any high street and you will see polo shirts with horse logos as far as the eye can see. Some of them are Ralph Lauren, some are US Polo Assn, and most people can tell the difference. But there’s a massive difference between those two brands, and knowing that could save you from proper embarrassment.
The Mix-Up
US Polo or Ralph Lauren – many people get this wrong when shopping. They look at a horse logo and the word “polo” and figure it’s all from the same brand. It’s not.
Ralph Lauren (Polo Ralph Lauren) is a luxury fashion house, and it was started by designer Ralph Lauren in 1967. He started with ties and created a fashion empire worth billions. When you purchase Ralph Lauren, you are purchasing designer fashion.
US Polo Assn is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA) – the real governing body for the sport of polo in the United States since 1890. They sell branded clothing to fund the sport. When you buy US Polo Assn, you’re buying sports merchandise.
Completely different companies. Different owners, different price points, different everything.
The Logo Thing
The U.S. Polo vs Ralph Lauren logo is the stumbling block for most people. They both have polo players on horses and both have more or less similar colours.
The Ralph Lauren logo has a single polo player with his mallet raised. The logo is small and elegant and is usually embroidered on the chest. Subtle. That’s the point.
The US Polo Assn logo has two polo players. Their logo is technically bigger, bolder, and sometimes repeated across the garment, giving a sportier, more casual look.
The similarity isn’t accidental. Ralph Lauren filed many lawsuits against US Polo Assn. The courts said US Polo Assn could use their logo since they’re the real polo association, but they have to make it different from Ralph Lauren’s logo. That is why they are similar but never identical.
And in 2015, Ralph Lauren was awarded damages when the US Polo Assn also lost in a court case; it had to pay $3.2m (£1.9m). Legal battles have gone on for decades.
The Price Gap
U.S. Polo vs Ralph Lauren, which is expensive, isn’t even a contest.
Ralph Lauren polo shirts begin at £70-90 and will quickly rack up to around £150-200 for better options. Coats and knitwear? £200-500. You are also paying for quality and for brand prestige.
US Polo Assn polos cost around £20-50. T-shirts £12-25. Jeans around £25-40. Wallet-friendly fashion that looks similar without the designer price tag.
For kids, families, and anyone who doesn’t want to break the bank, US Polo Assn is a solid choice. You achieve the preppy polo look without having to spend designer money. But the quality difference shows.
Quality Matters
Ralph Lauren uses premium stuff – fine cotton, soft merino wool, and cashmere blends. The stitching’s detailed, the cuts refined, and the garments last years.
US Polo Assn uses mid-grade fabrics – cotton blends and polyester mixes. Decent for everyday wear, they’ll survive normal use, but don’t expect the same feel as Ralph Lauren.
Touch a Ralph Lauren polo and you feel the difference straightaway. The weight, the softness, how it drapes – just better quality.
Is U.S. Polo Assn. a good brand for what it is? Yeah, absolutely. If you want affordable preppy-style clothing that looks decent, it does the job. Just don’t expect designer-level quality.
The Luxury Question
Is U.S. Polo Assn a luxury brand? No. It’s a midrange, affordable sports brand with a polo connection.
Ralph Lauren is luxury. Marketed by high-end department stores and exclusive boutiques, it has its own flagship shops. Celebrities wear it, the rich acquire it, and fashion magazines cover it.
The US Polo Assn is available through outlet malls and discount web retailers, as well as budget-friendly department stores. It is affordable fashion for the people who like the polo aesthetic but want it at non-designer prices.
Nothing wrong with that. Not everyone needs luxury fashion. But to call US Polo Assn luxury is like describing Primark as haute couture.
The Copy Accusation
Is U.S. Polo Assn a copy of Ralph Lauren? Tricky one. Causes loads of arguments.
Technically, no. US Polo Assn is the official brand of the actual polo association that existed before Ralph Lauren started his company. They have legitimate rights to use polo imagery.
But practically? Their marketing definitely benefits from confusion with Ralph Lauren. Similar logos, preppy aesthetics, and the word “polo” are an association that helps US Polo Assn sell clothes to people who think they’re getting something similar to Ralph Lauren.
Some reckon it’s clever business. Others think it’s dodgy. The courts ruled they can continue, but they’ve also made US Polo Assn pay millions for getting too close to Ralph Lauren’s branding.
Who Wears What
US Polo or Ralph Lauren – which is better? It depends on what you need.
Ralph Lauren is for professionals, fashion-conscious buyers, and people who value quality and brand heritage. If you want timeless preppy style that’ll last years and don’t mind paying for it, go to Ralph Lauren.
US Polo Assn works for students, young professionals starting out, families on budgets, and anyone who likes the look but doesn’t want designer prices. Practical daily wear that won’t break the bank.
Neither choice is wrong. Just serving different markets.
The Styling
US Polo or Ralph Lauren clothing – this is where it gets interesting.
Ralph Lauren clothing is refined, sophisticated, and timeless. Preppy American style; stuff worn at yacht clubs and country estates. Slim fits, classic cuts, understated elegance.
US Polo Assn clothing is more casual, sporty, and relaxed. Bright colours, bold logos, comfortable everyday wear. Aiming for “athletic casual” rather than “refined preppy”.
Both work for different situations. Ralph Lauren for work, nice dinners, and occasions where you want to look polished. US Polo Assn for weekends, casual outings, and everyday comfort.
Bottom Line
US Polo or Ralph Lauren isn’t really a fair comparison because they’re not competing for the same customers.
Ralph Lauren is a designer of fashion. US Polo Assn is an affordable sportswear.
The mix-up is understandable given the near-identical branding, but once you know the difference, it’s extremely clear. Ralph Lauren costs more, so you get more — finer materials, better construction, and designer prestige.
US Polo Assn is cheaper because it’s targeting budget-conscious shoppers who want the polo look but without luxury prices. It is honest about what it is: affordable fashion, which is inspired by Polo Sport.
Neither brand is “better” in absolute terms. They’re better for different things. Got the money and want quality that lasts? Ralph Lauren wins. Watching your budget and want decent casual wear? US Polo Assn makes sense.
The important thing is knowing what you’re actually buying. Don’t pay Ralph Lauren prices, thinking you’re getting a bargain. Don’t buy US Polo Assn expecting Ralph Lauren quality.
Know the difference. Check the logo. Look at the price. Make your choice based on what you actually need and can afford.
And next time someone asks you about US Polo or Ralph Lauren, you’ll actually know the answer. They’re not the same, have never been the same, and that horse logo doesn’t mean what most people think it means.
