Are Ralph Lauren sunglasses good?

The short answer is yes, they are “good,” but primarily for fashion rather than performance.

If you are buying them to look stylish and get decent durability, you will likely be satisfied. However, if you are looking for top-tier optical clarity or sport-level durability, there are better options for the money.

Here is the detailed breakdown of what you are actually getting with Ralph Lauren sunglasses.

1. Know Which “Ralph Lauren” You Are Buying

It is crucial to know that there are three main tiers of the brand, and the quality varies significantly between them:

Ralph Lauren (Purple Label): This is the ultra-luxury line.¹ These are often handmade in Italy with premium materials (like acetate or real glass lenses).² They are excellent but very expensive ($400+).
Polo Ralph Lauren: This is the line most people buy (featuring the pony player logo). These are premium mass-market sunglasses. They are “good” quality but mass-produced.
Ralph (by Ralph Lauren): This is a diffusion line, often targeted at younger women.³ These are generally cheaper and made of lower-grade injected plastics.

2. The Quality of “Polo Ralph Lauren” (The Most Common)

Most likely, you are looking at Polo Ralph Lauren sunglasses. Here is how they stack up:

Manufacturer: They are made by Luxottica, the same Italian giant that makes Ray-Ban, Oakley, Versace, and Prada. This means the build quality is standardized and reliable.
Frames: They typically use high-quality acetate (a durable plastic derived from plants) or metal.⁴ They feel solid and generally hold their shape well over time.
Lenses: Most Polo models use polycarbonate (plastic) lenses.⁵
- Pros: They are lightweight and impact-resistant (won’t shatter if dropped).
- Cons: They are not as scratch-resistant or optically clear as the mineral glass lenses you might find in high-end Ray-Bans or Maui Jims.
UV Protection: They all come with 100% UVA/UVB protection, which is the most important safety feature.⁶

3. How They Compare to Other Brands

Feature	Polo Ralph Lauren	Ray-Ban	Maui Jim / Costa
Primary Focus	Style & Brand Image	Classic Style	Lens Technology
Lens Material	Mostly Plastic	Glass & Plastic	Advanced Glass/Poly
Polarization	Optional (usually extra)	Optional	Standard on most
Price Point	$100 – $200	$150 – $250	$200 – $350
Best For	Casual / Fashion	Everyday Wear	Fishing / Driving / Sport

4. The Verdict: Are They Worth It?

Buy them if:

You love the “Preppy/Classic” aesthetic (tortoiseshell, aviators, deep blues).
You want a solid, recognizable brand name.
You can find them on sale (they are often available at a discount at department stores or Sunglass Hut).

Skip them if:

You are an outdoor enthusiast who needs polarized lenses for fishing or driving (you can get much better lens tech from Maui Jim or Costa for a similar price).
You want heavy-duty scratch resistance (look for mineral glass lenses instead).

Pro Tip: Since they are made by Luxottica, they come with a standard 2-year manufacturer warranty against defects (like a hinge breaking), but this doesn’t cover scratched lenses from normal use.