The Polo Shirt

Embodying a chic casualness that is uniquely American, the iconic Polo shirt has become a cool cultural symbol, worn by everyone from movie stars and presidents to athletes and artists.

The Polo shirt is to Ralph Lauren what the Swoosh is to Nike, what Mickey Mouse is to Disney, or what the Empire State Building is to New York. Whether worn layered with the collar popped up, open and untucked, or dressed up under an elegant suit jacket, the Polo shirt embodies the optimism and confidence of American style. An astute observer of culture and style once declared that the shirt is "the most democratic of garments, as ubiquitous as a pair of jeans."

Featuring a gallery of iconic stars and celebrities from the worlds of fashion, sports, politics, film, music, and even royalty--everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio and Spike Lee to Bill Clinton and Prince Harry, to Pharrell Williams and Venus Williams-- as well as everyday people around the world who have made the Polo their personal canvas for self-expression, and who share their stories about important moments their Polos have played in their lives, The Polo Shirt is a fascinating look at the enduring cultural cool of a wardrobe classic.

Also included are the full range of colors, styles, and fits the shirt has been produced in during its more than fifty-year history. From the classic white to the weathered Polo, from the striped Polo to the U.S. Olympic, U.S. Open and Wimbledon Championship collaborations, this comprehensive 544-page catalog celebrates the full range and history of the Polo, making it a collector's dream.

Ralph Lauren began his career in 1967, designing neckties under the label Polo. He has received numerous awards for his work in fashion, philanthropy, and humanitarian causes and is the only designer to receive the CFDA’s four highest honors: Womenswear Designer of the Year, Menswear Designer of the Year, Retailer of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement. In 2019 he received an honorary KBE for Services to Fashion from the Prince of Wales. Ken Burns is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker.