How to Spot a Fake Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt: The Ultimate Guide
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Ralph Lauren is more than just a brand; it’s a symbol of American heritage and timeless style. The classic Pony emblem is recognised worldwide. Unfortunately, this popularity makes Ralph Lauren one of the most counterfeited brands on the planet.
For vintage and pre-loved enthusiasts, finding a genuine piece at a great price is the thrill of the hunt. But how can you be sure you are buying the real deal?
At RewearableUK, we authenticate thousands of items. Here is our expert guide to spotting a genuine Ralph Lauren Polo shirt.
1. The Pony Embroidery
The iconic horse and rider logo is the first thing to check. On a fake, this often looks messy or distorted.
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Detail is Key: On a genuine polo, the embroidery is meticulous. You should be able to clearly see the rider’s head, the horse’s tail, and the reins.
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Texture: Run your finger over the logo. It should feel slightly raised and have a "3D" texture, not flat.
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Placement: The pony should be perfectly upright. Fakes often have the horse tilting forward or backward, or placed too low on the chest.
2. The Collar Labels
The labels inside the neck tell a story. While vintage labels have changed over the decades (from the green tags of the 90s to the modern blue ones), there are constants to look for.
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Separate Size Tag: On most authentic adult polos, the size (S, M, L) is on a separate small tag to the right of the main brand label. Fakes often print the size directly onto the main label.
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The Thread: Check the stitching behind the label. Genuine Ralph Lauren manufacturing is clean and almost invisible from the front. If you see messy, loose stitching fixing the label, be suspicious.
3. The Buttons and Placket
The devil is in the details, and counterfeiters rarely spend money on high-quality buttons.
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Pearlescent Finish: Genuine Ralph Lauren polos (especially the classic mesh cotton ones) use buttons that have a "mother of pearl" finish. They are slightly shiny and opalescent. Fakes use solid, dull white plastic.
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Stitching: Look at the buttonholes. They should be tight and neat. There should be no loose threads popping out around the buttons.
4. The "Tennis Tail" Hem
One of the most distinct features of a classic Ralph Lauren polo is the hemline.
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Uneven Length: A genuine polo is designed with a "Tennis Tail"—meaning the back hem is slightly longer than the front hem. This was originally designed to keep the shirt tucked in during matches.
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The Vents: Check the side slits (vents). They should be neatly hemmed. Fakes often have a straight hem (same length front and back) to save on fabric costs.
Shop Authentic
Navigating the world of second-hand designer wear can be tricky, but knowing these signs protects your investment.
When you shop with us, we do the hard work for you. Every Ralph Lauren item in our store is hand-checked for authenticity, quality, and condition, ensuring you get that premium feel without the worry.
Ready to find your next wardrobe staple?
Browse our Authentic Ralph Lauren Collection here