I had absolutely no clue the world of hip hop fashion was the driving force behind Ralph Lauren’s surge in vintage value. Maybe that’s because I haven’t purchased a hip hop album since they stopped making them on cassette tapes. Maybe it’s because I use terms like, “cassette tapes” – a red flag that my radar on “hip” deteriorated when the data went digital.
Still, who would have thought a Ralph Lauren sweater featuring a cute polo outfitted bear would be pursued by those on the cutting edge of hip hop fashion? Not me, but I like it, I like it a lot. I am obviously behind any movement that appreciates and promotes the styles of yesterday. Certain shirts, sweaters and jackets are commonly selling on eBay for up to 10 times their original value and Ralph Lauren isn’t getting a dime of it. It’s all going to the savvy vendors of vintage clothing who somehow manage to get their claws on it.
For those worried about Ralph’s financial situation, don’t feel too bad; he’s certainly benefiting from plenty of free endorsements. Hip Hop icons like Raekwon are frequently photographed in his vintage gear, producer Just Blaze reportedly has the largest collection of it in the world, and Thirstin Howell III has a song titled, “Polo Rican” biggin’ it up and basically saying FU to FUBU.
How long will this trend continue? It all depends on whether or not Ralph Lauren can keep his hand out of the cookie jar. Can he pass up the big bucks that would result from re-issuing these popular designs? If so, the trend could tread water for years to come.
Where’s the best place to find it? eBay is the best source for tracking it down and you can begin a broad search for vintage Polo gear by clicking here.
Which vintage Polo items are the most sought-after? It’s not the shirts with the little guy on the horse, or we’d all be rich. It’s mostly the clothes that fall under the Polo Sport brand which became defunct in 1998.
The highlighted links below are more concise searches that fetch eBay’s current inventory of the various incarnations of Polo Sport.
- As mentioned previously, the “P-Bear” and his multiple incarnations (skiing, golfing, in a tux or just hanging out) are hugely popular in sweater form.
- Anything “P-Wing,” which is basically a track and field symbol (a shoe with wings) on sweatshirts and jackets.
- Any of the elaborate “P-Wing”, “Stadium” polo shirts with all-over prints featuring various types of sports.
- Anything with “cookies” on them – which is an embroidered circle containing Polo branding.
- Jackets and hoodies that read, “Snow Beach,” or have an Indian head or tiger.
- Pretty much anything with a USA flag, or any combination of the above features.
And the Holy Grail of vintage Ralph? Get this: the 100% silk polo crest shirt recently fetched more than $2,300 on eBay.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Cool trend, I hope it doesn’t go the way of Lacoste
September 8th, 2008 at 2:30 am
[...] – bookmarked by 4 members originally found by mehrwish on 2008-08-19 The Cost of Vintage Polo Might Make You Ralph [...]
March 26th, 2009 at 8:58 am
the trend will never die because ralph isnt going to re release any of this stuff. additionally, alot of people think that ONLY having the above mentioned peices makes you a bonafide lo head, which to an extent is true. however, the range of collections that are available are almost mind numbing and still in the tradition of yesteryear. i am a lo life and proud of it. regardless of whats going on in fashion, i call pull out some garms from my closet and be the best dressed man in any room!
March 27th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Polo Ralph Lauren is one of the most classic brands that you can still wear from any collection and look amazing in but these are some pretty high priced exclusive pieces. I found a pretty cool store In NYC that has some pretty nice classic Polo pieces and they’re actually affordable. I think the store is called Consortium New York -check’em out they also have some other poloesque
brands as well
May 17th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Nuff respect to all the lo heads out there,i been following this trend since 1991 and i must say its no other trend like it,many different fashions fade away and dont have the street credibilty to produce legendary vintage wears worth of bringing out,even though ralph lauren after 2000 went a totally different direction,vintage polo is being sought after all over cause its rare its hot and we seperate ourselves from the rest of them.I still own alot of pieces and still sell n trade…we still out here…..
June 3rd, 2009 at 6:01 pm
This is a helpful guide, i had to share this site with my girl, thanks!
August 27th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
yo im only 21 but i remember that ma older brother was down with lo life in bk back in tha days rockin tha crest wit tha teddy robe and all that i followed in his footsteps i prolly tha only yung dude where im at that know about vintage lo. im an aspirin rapper so if i came out thats all i wud rock. i wud smash yung dro in lo son fa real. lo life crew baby.
September 16th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
that’s it, i’m pushing down Grandmas at thrift stores to get at Polo gear now!
December 5th, 2009 at 9:39 am
What about a hoody with Bear? It’s made in USA. Does it has any high value? Anyone knows?
December 8th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
yes, polo bear hoodies are collectable too. Matters not if the bear is big or small.