Ralph Lauren Rugby Shirts

Ralph Lauren Rugby Shirts: 

Ralph Lauren Rugby Shirts are fall season staples, however, they work wonders to a a pop of sporty collegiate style color throughout the year.  these come in handy, especially in Spring and fall when there is often a chill in the air here in Bavaria and work great as an extra layer.  Essentially, I employ them as a sportier substitute for a merino v-neck sweater, often under a tweed sport coat as temps drop.

Of course, I have featured Rugby Shirts on this blog before from such Heritage brands as Kent & Curwen, and while I still love their offerings, they have recently withdrawn from the market, so in my opinion, Ralph Lauren rugby shirts stand alone for the best designs.  Featured here are a few that I have recently added to my collection.

A brief History:

In the world of style, few brands carry the same weight of tradition and sophistication as Ralph Lauren. Since its inception in 1967, the Ralph Lauren Polo has been synonymous with timeless American style, effortlessly blending classic aesthetics with contemporary trends. Among its myriad offerings, one particular garment stands out for its enduring popularity and unmistakable charm: the Ralph Lauren Rugby shirt.

Introduced in the 1970s as part of Ralph Lauren's broader exploration of collegiate and sporting attire, the Rugby shirt quickly became a staple in the brand's repertoire. Inspired by the rugged elegance of traditional rugby uniforms, these shirts exude a sense of casual refinement that effortlessly transitions from the playing field to everyday life.

At the heart of the Ralph Lauren Rugby shirt's appeal is its impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. Crafted from premium materials such as cotton jersey or piqué cotton, each shirt is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality. From the iconic embroidered pony logo to the distinctive striped patterns and contrasting collars, every element of design is meticulously curated to exude sophistication and style.

One of the defining characteristics of Ralph Lauren Rugby shirts is their versatility. Whether paired with tailored trousers for a polished yet relaxed look or worn with jeans for a casual outing, these shirts effortlessly elevate any ensemble. Their timeless appeal transcends fleeting trends, making them a perennial favorite among fashion enthusiasts of all ages.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Ralph Lauren Rugby shirts also carry a sense of heritage and authenticity. Rooted in the rich tradition of collegiate sports and Ivy League culture, these shirts evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era of gentlemen's leisurely pursuits. Wearing a Ralph Lauren Rugby shirt is not just about making a fashion statement; it's about embracing a lifestyle steeped in elegance and refinement.

Moreover, the enduring popularity of Ralph Lauren Rugby shirts can be attributed to their ability to evolve with the times while staying true to their roots. While the basic silhouette remains unchanged, the brand continually updates its offerings with new colors, patterns, and design details to cater to evolving tastes and preferences. This seamless blend of tradition and innovation ensures that Ralph Lauren Rugby shirts remain relevant and desirable season after season. As a result a collector's market for all things RL has sprung up on eBay and Etsy, etc. for vintage garments so this is a great place to look if you want to find some of their older more unique designs or if, like me, you love a bargain. Since these are such hardwearing, durable garments, there are often hundreds of these offering in all sizes often dating back to the 1980s and 1990s

Ralph Lauren Rugby shirts are more than just garments; they are symbols of timeless elegance and sophistication, which have become a staple of the traditional men's wardrobe. From their impeccable craftsmanship to their versatile styling options, these shirts embody the essence of the Ralph Lauren brand. Whether worn on the rugby field or the city streets, they exude an aura of effortless chic that is as relevant today as it was decades ago.

Pentrich Derby Boots From Stanley Biggs Clothiers

Pentrich Derby Boots From Stanely Biggs Clothiers

Pentrich Derby boots From Stanley Biggs Clothiers - These Pentrich boots from Stanley Biggs Clothiers just arrived this week and I am super happy with them.  Made Stanley Biggs by Heritage Bootmaker William Lennon (since 1899).  I have been wanting to dip my toes into the William Lennon rugged work boot experience for a while now, but have been a bit put off by their long wait times, so when I saw the post on Instagram from Biggs that they've got some pairs in my size available for immediate shipping, I jump on the opportunity.  

About 10 days later, here they are.  Wrapped as traditionally as can be with string and brown paper, it was like receiving a package right out of the first half of the last century:-)  All smiles here, I couldn't be happier with them, the UK size ten fit me perfectly, and despite the fact that they are built like a tank a surprisingly comfortable right out of the box.   

a couple of coats of Saphir shoe cream for extra protection and a bit of black polish at the toe box for looks and they look amazing.  incidentally, these are made from heavily oiled 'Pull-up' leather so a mirror shine won't be possible (not that I would mirror shine these workhorses anyway).

The Build:  

The construction is about as traditional a work boot as one could ever hope to find using sewing machines and BUSM Rapid Standard brass wire screwing machines to attach the prepared sole or throughsole to the leather upper. These machines, like just about everything about the build process are straight out of the late 1800's, so you can be assured that the boots made by William Lennon today are the very same that they've been making for the hard-working men of England for nearly 125 years.

Further details:

For the full explanation of the build process, please visit the William Lennon website here: Full Build process

For a video of these details: William Lennons at Stoney Middleton

And for the full company history: William Lennons Company History

The Unboxing:

Overall, I couldn't be more pleased with my first Stanely Biggs/William Lennon boots experience, and can assure you that these won't be my last.  I'm already perusing the Stanley Bigg online shop for my next purchase.