The Distinctive Heritage of Each Brand

Ralph Lauren has established itself as an iconic American luxury brand since its founding in 1967. The brand's polo shirts became a status symbol in the 1980s and remain a cornerstone of preppy fashion. Their recognizable polo player logo embroidered on the chest has become synonymous with upscale casual wear and country club style.

Criquet, founded in 2010 by Billy Nachman and Hobson Brown, represents a newer approach to classic polo shirts. The founders created Criquet to fill what they saw as a gap in the market for vintage-inspired, environmentally conscious polo shirts. Their designs draw inspiration from the 1970s golf aesthetic, offering a more relaxed take on traditional polo styling with a focus on organic materials and sustainability practices.

Materials and Construction Comparison

Ralph Lauren polo shirts are primarily crafted from cotton mesh or interlock fabrics. Their classic mesh design features a textured, breathable weave that's become their signature. The brand offers various fabric options including standard cotton, cotton-polyester blends, and performance fabrics with moisture-wicking properties. The construction typically includes reinforced seams and mother-of-pearl buttons on higher-end models.

Criquet distinguishes itself through its organic cotton construction and unique fabric blends. Their signature Players Shirt uses 100% organic cotton with a touch of spandex for stretch, providing comfort during movement. Many Criquet polos feature details like removable collar stays (helping maintain collar shape) and recycled buttons. Their emphasis on sustainable materials appeals to environmentally conscious consumers looking for polo shirts with modern performance and vintage aesthetics.

Fit and Style Differences

Ralph Lauren offers various fits to accommodate different body types. Their Classic Fit provides a traditional, relaxed silhouette with room through the chest and waist. The Custom Slim Fit offers a more tailored look while still providing comfort, and their Slim Fit provides the most contemporary, streamlined silhouette. Color options span from traditional navy, white, and black to seasonal colors and limited edition patterns.

Criquet focuses on a more relaxed fit inspired by vintage golf shirts from the 1970s. Their polos generally feature a slightly looser cut through the body with a shorter sleeve length than Ralph Lauren's designs. The brand offers fewer fit variations but emphasizes comfort and mobility. Their color palette tends toward classic, muted tones with occasional limited releases featuring retro-inspired patterns and stripes. For men seeking a less structured, more casual polo aesthetic, Criquet provides an appealing alternative to Ralph Lauren's more structured approach.

Price Point and Value Assessment

Ralph Lauren polo shirts span a wide price range, typically starting around $89-$98 for their standard polo shirts and increasing to $125+ for special editions or performance fabrics. The brand frequently runs sales, making their entry-level polos more accessible during promotional periods. The premium pricing reflects both the quality construction and the brand's luxury positioning in the market.

Criquet positions itself in a similar price bracket to Ralph Lauren, with most of their Players Shirts priced between $85-$95. Their organic materials and sustainable practices contribute to this premium pricing. While not significantly less expensive than Ralph Lauren, Criquet offers different value propositions through their environmental focus and unique vintage-inspired styling. For consumers prioritizing organic materials and sustainability alongside quality, Criquet may represent better value despite similar pricing to Ralph Lauren.

Making Your Decision: Which Polo Fits Your Needs

When choosing between these designer polo shirts for men, consider your personal style preferences and priorities. Ralph Lauren represents classic luxury with more structured fits and a recognizable status symbol. Their wider range of fits makes them suitable for various body types, and their established reputation ensures consistent quality across products.

Criquet appeals to those seeking a more relaxed, vintage-inspired aesthetic with environmental consciousness built into the product. Their organic materials and sustainability focus differentiate them in the premium polo shirt market. The decision ultimately comes down to whether you prefer Ralph Lauren's refined preppy style and variety or Criquet's laid-back, eco-friendly approach to classic polo shirts.

For formal-leaning casual settings, Ralph Lauren's more structured silhouettes may be more appropriate. For relaxed weekend wear or casual office environments, Criquet's vintage-inspired designs offer both comfort and style. Both brands represent quality investments in your wardrobe, with durability that justifies their premium price points when compared to fast-fashion alternatives.

Conclusion

Both Ralph Lauren and Criquet offer compelling options in the luxury polo shirt market, with distinct advantages depending on your priorities. Ralph Lauren delivers heritage luxury with recognizable status and a variety of fits and colors, making it a versatile choice for diverse wardrobes and occasions. Criquet provides a more specialized offering with its focus on organic materials, vintage aesthetics, and sustainability practices.

Consider your typical wearing occasions, style preferences, and values when making your selection. If classic preppy style and brand recognition matter most, Ralph Lauren remains the standard-bearer. If environmental consciousness and relaxed vintage styling appeal more, Criquet offers a compelling alternative. Regardless of which you choose, investing in quality polo shirts from either brand represents a step toward building a versatile, lasting wardrobe of high-end men's polo shirts.

Citations

This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.