Polo in the Projects: The Unexpected Story of Ralph Lauren in Hip-Hop

What started as a symbol of upper-class prep turned into a cornerstone of hip-hop street fashion. In the early 1990s, Ralph Lauren Polo found a new home — not in country clubs, but in city blocks and high school hallways.

Crews like the Lo Lifes in Brooklyn reimagined Polo as a statement of aspiration and pride. The bold colors, big logos, and sporty silhouettes perfectly fit the confidence of 90s hip-hop style. It wasn’t about fitting in — it was about flipping a narrative.

Today, the Polo Bear sweaters, striped track jackets, and vintage pieces remain cult classics. Ralph Lauren’s influence on urban vintage fashion proves that style has no boundaries — it’s all about attitude.