What is Ralph Lauren Chaps?

Ralph Lauren Chaps (now simply branded as Chaps) is an entry-level “diffusion line” originally created by Ralph Lauren in 1978.¹

It was designed to be an affordable, mass-market alternative to the premium “Polo” brand.² While it shares the classic American preppy aesthetic (nautical themes, plaid shirts, quarter-zip sweaters), it operates differently from the main Ralph Lauren labels today.

Here is the breakdown of what the brand is and how it compares to the “real” Ralph Lauren.

The “Secret” Ownership Change

For decades, Chaps was a direct sub-brand of the Ralph Lauren Corporation.³ However, in 2021, Ralph Lauren shifted Chaps to a fully licensed model.⁴

What this means: While Ralph Lauren Corporation technically owns the name, they no longer design or manufacture the clothing themselves. That responsibility was handed over to a third-party company called 5 Star Apparel.⁵
The Result: Chaps is now effectively a separate budget brand that pays to use the “Ralph Lauren” association. This is why you will see it sold at stores like Kohl’s, Belk, and Amazon, but never in a luxury Ralph Lauren boutique.

Chaps vs. Polo Ralph Lauren: The Difference

If you are deciding between a Chaps shirt and a Polo Ralph Lauren shirt, here is the real-world difference:

	Chaps	Polo Ralph Lauren
Price Range	Price Range $20 – $40	Price Range $95 – $125
Target Audience	Target Audience Budget / Mass Market	Target Audience Premium / Aspirational
Material Quality	Material Quality Cotton/Poly blends (often thinner)	Material Quality 100% Piqué Cotton (Mesh)

Is Chaps “Good”?

Yes, if: You want the “Ralph Lauren look” for work or church but don’t want to spend $100 on a single shirt. Their button-down dress shirts and fleece pullovers are excellent value for the money (usually under $30).
No, if: You are looking for investment pieces or prestige. A Chaps shirt will likely fade and lose its shape faster than a Polo Ralph Lauren equivalent.

Where to Find It

Since it is a mass-market brand, you won’t find it at high-end malls. It is a staple at mid-range department stores.⁶

Chaps Men’s Long Sleeve Stretch OxfordA classic example of the brand’s value. It offers the “preppy” oxford look with added stretch for comfort, typically costing significantly less than the Polo version.
Chaps Men’s Quarter Zip Mock Neck SweaterThis is one of their best-selling items. It mimics the style of the high-end Polo pullovers but uses a cotton-poly blend that is easier to machine wash.

Recommendation: If you are shopping for yourself, Chaps is a great “workhorse” brand for daily office wear. If you are buying a gift and want to impress someone, spend the extra money for the Polo Ralph Lauren label, as the “Chaps” label immediately signals “budget” to most people.