Ralph Lauren in South Africa: A Gift Guide to the House

Ralph Lauren built his house in New York, starting with neckties and growing it into a full wardrobe of menswear, womenswear and, later, home. The house's vision draws on Ivy League campuses, English country tailoring, the American West and the world of polo. The result looks familiar on purpose: clothes meant to be worn for years rather than a single season.

The polo player on horseback is the house's best-known emblem. It is usually embroidered on the chest of shirts and knitwear, and it signals the brand quietly. That restraint is a large part of why Ralph Lauren works so well as a gift. It suits people who like good clothes but do not want logos everywhere.

Ralph Lauren is not one label but several, and knowing the difference helps you match the gift to the person.

• Polo Ralph Lauren: the core line and the one most people picture. Polo shirts, Oxford shirts, chinos, knitwear and outerwear.
• Lauren Ralph Lauren: a womenswear line focused on polished everyday dressing.
• Ralph Lauren Purple Label: the house's most refined menswear, with tailoring and fine fabrics. It suits someone who already values cloth and cut.
• Ralph Lauren Collection: the house's top womenswear, shown on the runway.
• RRL (Double RL): rugged, workwear-inspired pieces such as denim, flannel and leather. Popular with people who like vintage character.
• Ralph Lauren Home: bedding, throws, glassware and tableware in the same classic spirit.

If the recipient leans towards quiet, fabric-led luxury, it can help to compare Purple Label with houses like Loro Piana, which work in a similar register.

A first gift from the house works best when it is the piece the brand is known for.

1. The mesh polo shirt. A piqué cotton polo with the embroidered pony suits a South African summer. It is the obvious choice for a Christmas gift worn at a braai or on the coast.
2. The Oxford shirt. A button-down in white or pale blue sits well with jeans or a blazer. It is a reliable gift for someone starting a new job.
3. The cable-knit jumper. Cotton or cashmere cable knits are a house signature, and they suit a Highveld winter evening. The Polo Bear knits are a more playful option.
4. Small accessories. A cap, a belt or a leather wallet makes a smaller gift that still carries the house's style. Browse more ideas in our gifts for him and gifts for her guides.

For colour, navy, white, cream and racing green are the safest choices. Bolder pony colours suit someone who already wears the brand.

Polo Ralph Lauren shirts usually come in several cuts, most often Classic Fit, Slim Fit and Custom Slim Fit. Classic Fit is fuller through the body. Custom Slim Fit is the closest to the body. If you are unsure, check a shirt the recipient already wears, or choose knitwear, which is more forgiving.

Care is simple and adds to a piece's life:

• Wash cotton polos and Oxford shirts cool, inside out, to protect the embroidery.
• Dry knitwear flat rather than hanging it, so it keeps its shape.
• Store cashmere folded, with a cedar block in the cupboard.

Price depends on the line, the fabric and where the piece was made. A polo from the core line sits well below Purple Label tailoring or cashmere. Set your budget by deciding first between an everyday classic and a fabric-led piece.

The polo shirt is one of the most imitated garments in fashion, so check before you buy. Genuine pieces have a neatly embroidered pony with clear detail, even stitching and clean seams. They also carry consistent neck and care labels and good-quality buttons. Copies often get the pony's proportions wrong or use thin, stiff fabric.

Buy from sources that can explain where a piece came from, and be wary of prices that seem far below what the line normally costs. If you are looking for a particular shirt, knit or home piece, tell us what you have in mind and we will come back with options. For business gifting, see our corporate gifts guide, or explore other houses on our brands page.