The authentic and timeless world of Ralph Lauren
Spring 2026
RL/Men

A Touch of the Purple

Exploring the Purple Label difference in six shirt styles.
By Eric Twardzik
1/6
Down for It
The Pinpoint Oxford
The elevated approach of Purple Label carries over to every style the line produces—even something as seemingly simple as a pinpoint oxford shirt. In this case, it is made with a custom-developed Italian cotton whose 120/2 yarn count is far finer than a typical pinpoint and softened by a proprietary finish that gives it a lived-in texture. The slightly elongated points of its button-down collar achieve that much sought-after perfect roll, a highly desirable detail whether it’s worn open with casual outerwear and denim or with impeccable tailoring and a four-in-hand tie knot.
Kent Handmade Wool-Cashmere Sport Coat
£3,050.00
Automotive Square Sunglasses
£300.00
Silk Four-Pocket Jacket
£4,400.00
Calf-Suede Chelsea Western Boot
£850.00
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Flax of Life
The Linen Shirt
A calling card of Purple Label’s distinctive way of doing things, our 100 percent linen shirt is piece-dyed—meaning that its fabric has been dyed following the weaving process—in order to achieve that uniquely Ralph range of colors. The natural breathability and moisture-wicking qualities of linen coupled with a finishing process that further softens its hand, makes for a casual yet stylish shirt of instant comfort, dressed up or down. Its more structured one-piece collar has the staying power to be worn with a blazer and white denim as part of a polished, off-duty look, yet it’s equally capable of being worn with swim trunks and espadrilles by the pool.
Linen Shirt
£500.00
Kent Hand-Tailored Linen Suit Jacket
£2,900.00
Slim Fit Stretch Twill Trouser
£660.00
Relaxed Fit Silk-Linen Jumper
£1,550.00
Linen Shirt
£500.00
Triple-Wrap Leather Mallet Bracelet
£290.00
Purple Reign
A Brief History of Purple Label
In 1995, just as the rest of the world was going more casual, Ralph launched Purple Label as a new vision of what the highest level of American luxury and craftsmanship could be—one still rooted in heritage, with Savile Row suiting and the Golden Age of Hollywood serving as particular inspirations, yet more sleek and modern with structured, tailored cuts and a more refined and paired-back color palette. Here was the wardrobe he himself now wanted to wear. Just as important as those references and aesthetic differentiations was Purple Label’s unyielding commitment to the highest level of craftsmanship and materials. From suiting to shirting, almost every fabric is custom-developed expressly for the line and often benefit from proprietary finishes and washes that make them even further unique. Subtle distinctions, from shirts with finer needle counts to suiting with hand-finished shoulders and hand-sewn buttonholes elevate Purple Label pieces to a deeper level of sophistication. This is particularly true for its shirting range, whether it’s a workhorse pinpoint oxford, a rugged yet refined take on a denim Western shirt, or even a seemingly simple camp shirt made with a fine mix of tussah silk and linen. For more on the Purple Label difference, follow as we explore these six shirts that run the gamut from the office to poolside and back.
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In the Wash
The Chambray Shirt
A true study in versatility, Purple Label’s washed chambray shirt is made from an indigo chambray fabric woven in Japan and then washed to achieve a perfectly aged color and sumptuous hand. While those qualities make it more casual, its soft Astor collar—a refined, spread style borrowed from our dress shirts—means that it can be worn just as easily with a tie and a double-breasted blazer as it can a flight jacket and a pair of Chelsea boots.
Washed Chambray Shirt
£500.00
Crewneck Cashmere Jumper
£1,000.00
Gregory Hand-Tailored Wool Serge Blazer
£2,450.00
Washed Chambray Shirt
£500.00
Slim Fit Stretch Twill Trouser
£660.00
4/6
Go West
The Western Shirt
This rugged icon of timeless, American style, becomes more refined—yet no less authentic—in its Purple Label iteration. Made with a luxurious, breathable blend of cotton and linen, and finished with a hand-sewn sterling silver button at the neck, this is a shirt worthy of the saddle or the C-suite. Double-down on its heritage (and fabric) with light washed jeans and an alligator Western belt, or wear it below a sand-colored flannel suit to blend the formal and the casual like a natural.
Cotton-Linen Denim Western Shirt
£850.00
Caiman Western Belt
£3,050.00
Suede-Front Cashmere Cardigan
£2,600.00
Straight Fit Jean
£850.00
Automotive Round Sunglasses
£300.00
Kent Hand-Tailored Wool Flannel Jacket
£3,350.00
Cotton-Linen Denim Western Shirt
£850.00
Gregory Hand-Tailored Wool Suit Trouser
£750.00
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Notes on Camp
The Camp Shirt
Among the most casual of summer styles benefits from distinctions like a silk-and-linen fabric milled in Italy that combines lightweight ease with a beautiful drape. While its boxier cut and square hem look good when worn casually above matching drawstring shorts and woven leather sandals, it’s long enough to be tucked in when you need to follow club rules.
Silk-Linen Camp Shirt
£500.00
42 MM Aged Steel Watch
£3,600.00
Silk-Linen Drawstring Short
£450.00
Suede-Front Cashmere Cardigan
£2,600.00
Silk-Linen Camp Shirt
£500.00
Gregory Hand-Tailored Silk-Linen Trouser
£660.00
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Take the Over
The Overshirt
Made with lightweight, supple suede with a fluid hand, the overshirt is a testament to Purple Label’s exceptional attention to fine detail. Think of it as a more casual—yet no less elegant—sub for the blue blazer, which can be worn as a layer on top of everything from white denim and a cashmere crewneck sweater to chino shorts and striped cotton T-shirts.
Suede Overshirt
£3,050.00
Crewneck Cashmere Jumper
£1,000.00
Slim Fit Stretch Twill Trouser
£660.00
Burnished Calfskin Fisherman Sandal
£850.00
Suede Overshirt
£3,050.00
Relaxed Fit Hand-Tailored Chino Shorts
£620.00
Eric Twardzik is a writer with a deep reverence for things that get better with age, from tweed jackets to single-malt Scotch. He has contributed to titles including GQ, Esquire, and Condé Nast Traveler and serves as deputy editor of Wm Brown magazine. He lives in New England with his family and owns too many ties.
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