The Story of Ralph Lauren's 'Preppy Bear'

March 11, 2021

The Origins of the Ralph Lauren Polo Bear

The Polo Bear is an enduring emblem of the Ralph Lauren brand, born from a whimsical idea and a fondness for teddy bears. According to Ralph Lauren, his brother Jerry, an avid collector of Steiff teddy bears, received a bear dressed in Ralph's likeness as a birthday gift in 1990. The concept struck a chord with Ralph, sparking a tradition of the brothers receiving such bears annually. Adorned in outfits inspired by Ralph Lauren's distinctive personal style, these bears ultimately inspired the creation of the Polo Bear as a cherished brand symbol.

The First Polo Bear Collection

The first limited run of 200 Steiff-made, Ralph Lauren-designed bears sold out from the company's Madison Avenue flagship store in a single weekend. 'Preppy Bear, ' as the teddy was aptly named, quickly returned on t-shirts, dress shirts, denim jackets, and ties before making its debut appearance on the iconic Polo sweater a year later. The bear would go on to pop up in various stylish guises throughout the 90s, both on apparel and in print ads, actions that would only add to the nostalgic pull of the garments the bear appears on today.

The Hiatus and Resurgence of Polo Bear

By 2001, Ralph Lauren had ended its collaboration with Steiff and halted the production of their coveted teddies. Following a resurgence in demand for Polo Ralph Lauren items featuring this unique mascot in the mid-2000s, collectors searched high and wide for highly sought-after vintage pieces that were perhaps the most potent signifiers of the brand's identity in the modern world.

The Return of an Icon

The Polo Bear range finally returned in 2013 as part of Ralph Lauren's Bring it Back campaign, as the brand increasingly focused on its popular nostalgic collections. 'Preppy Bear' has remained a fan favourite across a wide range of age groups and demographics ever since. What started as a joke has now become unintentionally self-aware clothing, with the bear embodying the brand's and its wearers' traits.

The Enduring Appeal of Polo Bear

As the company's creative director said, "Who doesn't love a teddy bear?"

The Polo Bear is just one chapter of the story. Discover the broader world of Polo Ralph Lauren at The Sporting Lodge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Kanye West shape Preppy Bear’s fame?

In 2004, Kanye West wore a Preppy Bear sweater on his 'College Dropout' album cover, sparking hip-hop’s love for Polo Ralph Lauren. His bold styling turned the bear into a streetwear icon, far beyond its preppy roots, influencing its lasting appeal.

What inspired Preppy Bear’s wardrobe variety?

Ralph Lauren’s personal style—including tailored suits and rugby shirts—inspired the bear’s diverse outfits. Designers like Richard Tahsin sketched bears in bespoke guises, from martini-sipping dandies to sporty types, reflecting Lauren’s knack for blending luxury with playfulness.

Why did Preppy Bear join the Lo-Life movement?

The Brooklyn Lo-Life crew, obsessed with Polo’s elite vibe since the 1980s, embraced the Preppy Bear in the 90s. They adopted bear-clad gear to flaunt wealth, making it a gritty symbol of aspiration, distinct from its plush origins.

How rare are vintage Preppy Bear knits?

Pre-2001 Preppy Bear sweaters, like the 1991 RL 92 edition, can fetch £500+ at auction due to limited runs. Collectors prize hand-knitted details and faded logos, which stand in stark contrast to the mass-produced 2013 'Bring it Back' pieces.

What’s the Preppy Bear’s link to Steiff’s craft?

Steiff’s 1902 teddy legacy, born from Theodore Roosevelt’s hunt, shaped the Preppy Bear’s debut. Their mohair expertise gave the 1991 run a plush, durable finish, tying Ralph Lauren’s mascot to a century-old German tradition of quality.

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