1. The Ralph Lauren Skinny Polo for Women in size XL is virtually the same size as their Classic Polo in size L. (The White shirt is the Skinny XL and the Pink is the Classic L.) The length and sleeves are the same and the most discernible difference is the Skinny Polo is cut in about ½" to ¾" at the waist. This has been helpful as it can increase the number of color options. I agree with John that you can often find better polo shirt hues at the outlets.
2. All Patagonia outlets now ship, not just Dillon, Montana. And all items are returnable. Although I usually only buy a handful of core Men’s items (Synchilla Snap-Ts and Vests, Retro-X Cardigans, 9 inch Stand Up Shorts, Down Jackets and Vests, and Storm Jackets) and pay full price from their site, and although some of these can be found in their Web Specials section, I find the Patagonia outlets useful in two ways. First, they often have leftovers from past seasons – colors and/or styles that have been discontinued and where I wished I had bought more. (Like the now discontinued 9 inch Stand Up Shorts above.) Secondly, they also can have “Special” items, which are custom produced for other companies. Often this is where I can find more preferable color combinations, like this Retro-X Cardigan in Blue Black which I don't remember seeing before.
3. Don’t ever buy a Men’s “346” Blue Oxford shirt from the Brooks Brothers Outlet. Ever. The color is too dark; the fabric is too harsh; and the seams pucker. Stick to the “1818” classic oxford from their regular stores or on their site.
4. Cape Madras has opened its first outlet store in Freeport, Maine, in the courtyard, directly across the street from Dooney & Bourke. See how their Madras is made in Christian’s interview with founder Brian Sisselman over at Ivy Style.
5. When shopping for Men’s Ralph Lauren shirts, be sure to look closely at the label. While virtually all of their shirts used to have the “Classic Fit” label, there are now many, with a trimmer cut, and have the label “Custom Fit”. I have had to exchange many a “Custom Fit” labeled shirt.
13 comments:
Thank you so much for the tips! I like to buy online alot and I have always wondered the difference between the skinny fit and the classic.
M. It is funny that you mention the custom fit because I just purchased a navy blue polo online and when I put it on it looked as if it were painted (skin tight). Had to end up returning it. Another exceptional post.
Dear Muffy,
What about the Ralph Lauren women's oxford cloth buttondowns? I wanted to replace my wife's now-tattered Polo buttondowns in white and in pink/white candystripe, but they all seemed to be slim or "skinny" fit rather than classic fit. Have you tried the different sizes and found a way to adjust, as with the polos? Thanks for the blog--a bastion of classic understated prep style. A port in a storm.
I love my outlet mall finds, I've had many a success
Thank you for this info! I have avoided the skinny fit, but won't now! Hope you're having a great day! xoxo
@Xtina - I have found the Classic Fit to be slightly boxier, which I sometimes prefer, and I take a size smaller in the Classic Fit compared to the Skinny Fit.
@Raulston - That is funny. BTW, I enjoyed your entry on Summer Internship Wear.
@Michael - The only place I can find the Women's Classic Fit Oxford Shirts is at the RL outlets. I vastly prefer them to the Skinny Fit, although I have yet to find that wonderful pink/white candy stripe that you mention. The only slight negative with them is that the collars are lined with variations of striped oxford cloth. The stripes are tasteful, but somewhat distracting.
And thank you!
@Stu - I second that.
@Preppy 101 - I don't know what size you take, but I always take a Medium from places like L.L. Bean and Lands' End, yet I need to go up to an XL in the Skinny Fit.
I am not at all on the skinny side of the whole weight spectrum. To make matters worse, most of my height is in my torso. The thing that just makes me want to pull my hair out is that Ralph Lauren polos seem to run on the very short side. I feel like I'm constantly pulling my shirt down. Unlike most of the slim, young, teen girls, I don't like 3 inches of my middle section showing. Believe me when I tell you, no one wants to see 3 inches of my middle section showing, not pretty.
Additionally, can you shed any light on the different label colors on Ralph Lauren clothing? What's up with that?
Excellent tips!
Do not like the skinny fit items. Much prefer a boxier polo on my boxy person!
Nice post!
I, too wonder about the Ralph color labels.
Muffy,
As always, I have anonymously enjoyed another of your posts. We have a outlet about 45 mins from our campus, and its filled with the usual outlet fare. I am usually able to replace my Weejuns and Tennis shirts with affordable ease. However, not all things Outlet-able are valuable, I replaced my RL oxford for an Izod version and its only lasted me one semester..this will now be relegated to my"car-wash" shirt! Thanks for the post:)
Great post, Muffy, as usual! What is truly disappointing to the American consumer is the lack of care and craftsmanship that is given to Brooks Bros men's shirts. Those purchased from the store now only last 6 months before they start fraying and falling apart at the seams. This is an example of a company not taking care of its brand.
I've found that Brooks Brothers outlets work pretty well for men's dress socks, the all cotton over the calf ribbed variety. The wool ones were terrible, though, they came out of the dryer looking like a used clothes dryer filter. Great idea for a post.
Dear Muffy
I would like to ask you which is in your opinion the best choose talking about colors for the Retro-X Cardigan from Patagonia. I have the doubt choosing between the Narwhal Grey or the Prussian Blue (I hate their Bali Blue and the darkest blue) Which one would you recommend for men. Otherwise What do you think about the New Balance 993 there si no a big choice if you want to buy stilish and classic running shoes.
Best regards
JC
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