Ralph Lauren Size Guide
Ralph Lauren, founded in 1967 and headquartered in New York, is renowned for its premium, timeless designs that blend modern sensibility with classic elegance. The brand is celebrated for its iconic polo shirts and sophisticated casualwear, appealing to discerning customers who value quality craftsmanship and refined aesthetics. Ralph Lauren sizing tends toward a tailored, structured fit with generous proportions in many categories. The brand offers distinct collections including Polo Ralph Lauren, Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren, and premium Purple Label ranges, each with slightly different fit characteristics. Most Ralph Lauren pieces are designed to sit comfortably without excess fabric, making accurate measurement essential for satisfaction.
How to Measure
- Chest: Wear a fitted (not tight) t-shirt. Measure horizontally around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the ground. Record the measurement in inches or centimetres.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline (where your trousers normally sit) with the tape comfortably snug but not pulling. Keep the tape horizontal.
- Hips: Standing with feet hip-width apart, measure around the fullest part of your hip and seat area, approximately 20–23 centimetres below your natural waist.
- Neck: For shirts and tops, wrap the tape around the base of your neck where a collar would sit. Measure to the nearest 0.5 centimetre.
- Sleeve Length: Wear a fitted shirt. Measure from the centre back neck, across the shoulder, and down the outside of your arm to your wrist bone with your arm relaxed at your side.
- Shoe Size: Measure your foot length from heel to the tip of your longest toe, preferably in the afternoon when feet are slightly swollen. Wear the socks you intend to use with the shoes.
Men's Clothing Size Chart
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest (cm) | 78.7–86.4 | 88.9–94 | 96.5–101.6 | 106.7–114.3 | 116.8–121.9 | 124.5–132.1 |
| Chest (in) | 31–34 | 35–37 | 38–40 | 42–45 | 46–48 | 49–52 |
| Waist (cm) | 66–71.1 | 71.1–76.2 | 78.7–86.4 | 88.9–96.5 | 101.6–106.7 | 109.2–114.3 |
| Neck (cm) | 35.6 | 35.6–36.8 | 38.1–39.4 | 40.6–41.9 | 43.2–44.5 | 45.7–47 |
| Sleeve (cm) | 81.3–82.6 | 81.3–83.8 | 86.4–88.9 | 88.9–91.4 | 91.4–94 | 94–96.5 |
Men's Jeans Size Chart
| Waist Size | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist (cm) | 71.1 | 76.2 | 81.3 | 86.4 | 91.4 | 96.5 | 101.6 | 106.7 | 111.8 |
Women's Clothing Size Chart
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | 0 | 2–4 | 6–8 | 10–12 | 14–16 |
| UK | 4 | 6–8 | 10–12 | 14–16 | 18–20 |
| Bust (cm) | 82.6 | 85.1–87.6 | 90.2–92.7 | 95.3–99.1 | 102.9–108 |
| Bust (in) | 32.5 | 33.5–34.5 | 35.5–36.5 | 37.5–39 | 40.5–42.5 |
| Waist (cm) | 64.8 | 67.3–69.9 | 72.4–74.9 | 77.5–81.3 | 85.1–90.2 |
| Hip (cm) | 90.2 | 92.7–95.3 | 97.8–100.3 | 102.9–106.7 | 110.5–115.6 |
Women's Swimwear & Beachwear Size Chart
| UK | Beachwear | US | EU | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | XS | 4 | 36 | 86.4 | 68.6 | 94 |
| 8 | S | 6 | 38 | 88.9 | 71.1 | 96.5 |
| 10 | S | 8 | 40 | 91.4 | 73.7 | 99.1 |
| 12 | M | 10 | 42 | 94 | 76.2 | 101.6 |
| 14 | M | 12 | 44 | 96.5 | 78.7 | 104.1 |
| 16 | L | 14 | 46 | 100.3 | 82.6 | 108 |
| 18 | L | 16 | 48 | 104.1 | 86.4 | 111.8 |
| 20 | XL | 18 | 50 | 109.2 | 91.4 | 116.8 |
Unisex Footwear Size Chart
| Men's US | Men's UK | Women's US | EU | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | — | 38 | 23.5 |
| 5.5 | 4.5 | — | 38.5 | 24 |
| 6 | 5 | — | 39 | 24.5 |
| 6.5 | 5.5 | — | 39.5 | 25 |
| 7 | 6 | 8.5 | 40 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 7 | 9.5 | 41 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 8 | 10.5 | 42 | 27.5 |
| 10 | 9 | 11.5 | 43 | 28 |
| 11 | 10 | 12.5 | 44 | 29.5 |
| 12 | 11 | 13.5 | 45 | 29.5 |
| 13 | 12 | 14.5 | 46 | 31 |
Product-Specific Guidance
Polo Shirts & Casual Tops: Ralph Lauren polo shirts and t-shirts are cut with a structured, tailored silhouette. If you prefer a relaxed fit, consider sizing up one size. Sleeves are typically generous; if you have shorter arms or prefer a closer fit, drop down a size. Purple Label and premium collections are cut slimmer and more refined than standard Polo lines.
Jeans & Trousers: Ralph Lauren denim is designed with a classic, slightly generous cut through the thigh and seat. Always measure your actual waist rather than relying on the size you typically wear elsewhere, as Ralph Lauren jeans are notorious for fitting true to size. Length runs standard; many styles come in multiple inseam options. Modern slim and skinny fits are available but still maintain the brand's signature structured aesthetic.
Shirts & Dress Wear: Formal and dress shirts from Ralph Lauren are tailored and may run slightly narrow in the shoulders. Pay close attention to neck and sleeve measurements, as these cannot be easily altered. If you are between sizes, the next size up will provide better shoulder room without excess fabric elsewhere.
Sweatshirts & Knitwear: Hoodies and crew-neck sweatshirts are designed with a relaxed but structured fit. They should sit at the hip without excess bulk. If you prefer a more oversized look, size up one size. Sleeves are proportionate to overall length; petite wearers may find even small sizes slightly long.
Footwear: Ralph Lauren shoes are manufactured in multiple factories and fit can vary between styles. Classic leather shoes and loafers tend to run true to size. Canvas trainers and sportwear shoes may fit slightly larger. Try on or check individual product reviews when possible. Most Ralph Lauren shoes feature a medium to slightly narrow toebox.
Sizing Tips
- Ralph Lauren sizing is consistent within collections, but varies across different product lines (Purple Label is slimmer; Denim & Supply is relaxed). Always check product descriptions and customer reviews for fit specifics.
- The brand's British and European stockists often carry different fits than the US website; UK sizes generally run one to two sizes smaller than equivalent US labelling.
- If you fall between sizes on your chest or waist measurement, choose the larger size for tops and the smaller size for trousers, as Ralph Lauren tailoring prioritises shoulder fit in uppers and waist fit in bottoms.
- Invest time in accurate sleeve and shoulder measurements for shirts. Ralph Lauren's structured aesthetic means ill-fitting sleeves cannot be easily remedied and dramatically affect the overall look.
- Many Ralph Lauren pieces are pre-shrunk, but high-cotton content garments may shrink slightly on warm washes. Wash in cold water and air dry to preserve fit and fabric integrity.
- Ralph Lauren offers free returns and exchanges on UK orders above £70 and through designated account holders, making it relatively risk-free to order two sizes and return one.
- For women, Ralph Lauren sizing is generous through the hip and seat compared to many contemporary brands; if you have a pear-shaped figure, you may need to size down in trousers despite a larger bust measurement.