Chaps is a Ralph Lauren line, and the pieces that reach us carry both names on the label. It sat below the main Polo range when it was new, which today makes it one of the more affordable ways into the same look and the same era.
What comes through is the everyday end: shorts, shirts and knitwear in heavy cotton, cut fuller than you'd get today. Chaps and Polo Ralph Lauren are separate lines, so the tag matters. We photograph the neck label on every piece so you can see which line you're buying. Waists on shorts and trousers are measured flat, since an old garment rarely still matches the number on its tag.
For shorts from every label, browse vintage shorts. For more of the same look, see vintage Tommy Hilfiger or vintage Ralph Lauren.
Common questions
Is Chaps the same as Polo Ralph Lauren?
No. Chaps is a separate line under the same parent label, sold at a lower price when new. The neck tag tells you which line a piece belongs to, and we photograph it on every listing.
Does that make it worth less?
It generally sells for less than main line Polo, yes. Whether that matters is up to you, since the era, the cut and the fabric are much the same.
How do I check the fit?
Use the measured waist and chest we've listed rather than the labelled size. We measure every garment flat, because decades of washing move a piece away from the number printed on its tag.
