The AVANT Guide to RRL
(Double RL)
by Ralph Lauren
RRL (often written Double RL) is Ralph Lauren’s tribute to early 20th-century workwear, military uniforms, and the rugged mythology of the American West. Launched in 1993 and named after Ralph and Ricky Lauren’s Colorado ranch, the Double RL Ranch, the line focuses on heritage garments with meticulous construction: selvedge denim, sun-faded flannels, leather jackets, and knitwear that feels like it has a life before you.
For menswear enthusiasts, RRL sits at the intersection of Americana, western wear, vintage workwear and luxury craftsmanship—which is exactly why it has become a cornerstone in the AVANT universe.
Quick Facts:
What Is RRL?
Full name: RRL or Double RL
Parent brand: Ralph Lauren
Founded: 1993
Name origin: The Double RL Ranch in Colorado, owned by Ralph and Ricky Lauren
Core inspiration:
Early 1900s American workwear (railroad workers, miners, farmers)
US military uniforms
Western ranch life and frontier imagery
Focus categories: Selvedge denim, chore jackets, western wear, leather jackets, military-inspired outerwear, flannels, knitwear, accessories.
The History & Heritage of RRL
A Ranch Turned into a Wardrobe
The story of RRL starts with the Double RL Ranch in Colorado, a personal retreat for Ralph and Ricky Lauren. The brand borrows its name, its cattle-brand logo spirit, and its aesthetic from that landscape: dusty roads, weather-beaten barns, Navajo blankets, denim worn to threads.
From the beginning, RRL was not about fashion trends. It was about re-creating, with obsessive accuracy, garments that might have belonged to ranch hands, railroad engineers or soldiers—then refining them with contemporary pattern-making and Ralph Lauren’s romantic storytelling.
From Cult Line to Heritage Icon
Initially a niche line within the Ralph Lauren universe, RRL slowly grew into a cult label for vintage lovers, denim heads and heritage aficionados worldwide. Today it is:
One of the most premium and niche Ralph Lauren labels
Stocked in selected Ralph Lauren boutiques and a curated list of specialist retailers
Recognised for museum-level repros (WWII chinos, 1940s denim, 1930s leather jackets) and more interpretive seasonal pieces
For AVANT readers, RRL is a gateway into serious heritage clothing: you get authenticity and storytelling, with the reassurance and consistency of a major house.
What Makes RRL Special?
Fabric & Construction
RRL is known for a level of material honesty that goes beyond most mainline fashion:
Heavyweight selvedge denim (often Japanese or American)
Authentic canvas, chambray and twill based on historical garments
Horsehide and premium steerhide leathers for jackets and belts
Military-spec melton wool, knitwear and linings
Look for details such as:
Chain-stitched hems
Hidden rivets
Bartacks on stress points
Custom metal hardware and buttons based on vintage originals
Design Philosophy
RRL pieces often feel like found garments: sun-faded, lightly repaired, washed down, or printed with period-correct graphics. The intent is not cosplay, but living with clothes that carry a story and then adding your own patina over years of wear.
How to style RRL the AVANT way
The Ranch-Meets-City Uniform
RRL straight-leg selvedge jeans
RRL western shirt or chambray work shirt
Vintage-style leather belt and engineer boots
Add a tailored navy blazer or a tweed sport coat to bring it into the city
Elevated Workwear
RRL chore jacket or barn coat
Merino or cotton knit underneath
Dark denim or chinos
Clean sneakers or service boots
Western Minimalist
RRL can be subtle, too:
Plain ecru tee
Slim dark RRL jeans
Simple belt and loafers or Chelsea boots
One standout accessory (Navajo blanket scarf, concho belt, or a single silver bracelet)
RRL sizing & Fit guide
Because RRL takes inspiration from vintage garments, fits can vary between models and seasons.
Jeans:
Many models run slightly small in the waist compared to modern vanity sizing.
For raw/unsanforized denim (check product description), consider sizing up; for sanforized or washed denim, your true waist or +1 is usually safe.
Shirts:
Western and work shirts are often tailored but not skinny; if you’re between sizes, choose based on shoulder width rather than chest.
Flannels and work shirts may have a boxier, vintage cut.
Jackets:
Leather and heavy outerwear are cut to work over layers. If you want a trim, contemporary fit, many people size down one—unless you plan to layer heavy knitwear underneath.
Where to buy RRL (Double RL)
RRL keeps a relatively tight distribution, which reinforces its cult aura.
Key buying channels:
Official Ralph Lauren / Double RL stores and e-shops – the fullest seasonal selection, both clothing and accessories
Specialist heritage & denim retailers – carefully curated selections, sometimes with exclusive pieces
High-end department stores and online luxury platforms – a mix of evergreen icons and seasonal highlights.
How to avoid fakes
Because RRL is relatively niche and high-priced, the counterfeit market is smaller than for mainstream Ralph Lauren, but still present on resale platforms.
Basic checks:
Stitching quality and hardware (buttons, rivets, zippers) – RRL details are usually excellent
Inner labels – fonts and logo placement should be clean and consistent
Compare suspicious pieces with official product images on the Ralph Lauren website
Is RRL Worth It?
RRL sits at a higher price point than mainline Ralph Lauren or many contemporary brands, but for AVANT’s audience, the value often comes from:
Authentic design and fabrics – repro-level details without going fully into niche Japanese Americana brands
Longevity – heavy fabrics and quality construction age gracefully, especially denim, leather and wool
Styling versatility – one RRL piece can anchor an entire look
You can position RRL as an investment in a long-term wardrobe, especially for:
Denim enthusiasts
Heritage and western-wear fans
Menswear collectors who appreciate Ralph Lauren’s universe
Build your first RRL Wardrobe
For those looking to explore the world of Double RL, starting with a few signature pieces is the best way to understand the brand’s philosophy. From Japanese selvedge denim to Western-inspired shirts and rugged outerwear, these garments embody the craftsmanship and vintage references that define RRL.
Here are five essential pieces that form the backbone of an authentic RRL wardrobe:
Selvedge Denim
Denim sits at the heart of the RRL universe. Produced with Japanese selvedge fabrics and inspired by vintage American jeans, RRL denim is known for its rich indigo dye and beautiful aging over time.
A classic RRL denim inspired by mid-century American workwear, made from heavyweight Japanese selvedge that will develop beautiful fades over time.
The cut: Straight-leg silhouette inspired by classic mid-century workwear jeans.
The fabric: Japanese selvedge denim woven on traditional shuttle looms for durability and character.
The special detail: Signature RRL hardware and leather patch at the waistband.
Available at 575$ from DeeCee Style.
A classic Double RL jean inspired by late-1960s American workwear, crafted in the USA from Japanese selvedge denim designed to develop character over time.
The cut: Straight-leg silhouette with a regular rise, offering a timeless vintage fit through the thigh and leg.
The fabric: 13.75 oz Japanese selvedge denim, shuttle-woven from rope-dyed cotton yarns for a deep indigo color that fades beautifully with wear.
The special detail: Classic 5-pocket construction with a button fly, signature RRL hardware, and a debossed leather patch at the back waist.
Available at 300$ from Stag Provisions.
Western Shirts
Western shirts are one of the most recognizable pieces in the RRL collection, featuring pearl snap buttons, pointed yokes, and rugged fabrics inspired by classic ranch wear.
A classic RRL western shirt crafted from indigo denim and finished with a vintage stone wash that gives the garment a naturally worn-in look from the first wear.
The cut: Slim-fitting western silhouette with a slightly tailored body, inspired by classic ranch shirts.
The fabric: Japanese indigo denim in 100% cotton, known for its durability and ability to develop character with wear.
The special detail: Triple-needle chain-stitch construction with custom high-rim snap buttons and western yokes on the front and back.
Available at 381$ from DeeCee Style.
A clean take on the classic Western shirt, crafted from crisp cotton poplin and finished with authentic ranch-inspired details that define the Double RL aesthetic.
The cut: Slim western fit, tailored close through the body and sleeves for a sharp silhouette while retaining classic cowboy styling.
The fabric: Lightweight 100% cotton poplin with a dry, crisp texture that gives the shirt structure and makes it ideal for layering.
The special detail: Traditional pearl snap buttons, western front and back yokes, and a silver-tone concho button at the collar for an authentic ranch-inspired finish.
Available at 225$ from Stag Provisions.
Denim Trucker Jacket
Inspired by classic American workwear jackets, the RRL trucker jacket is a versatile piece that pairs naturally with denim or chinos and ages beautifully with wear.
A timeless trucker jacket from RRL, inspired by classic American workwear of the 1950s and crafted from Japanese denim designed to age beautifully with wear.
The cut: Vintage trucker silhouette with a tailored fit through the body and adjustable tabs at the back waist for a customizable shape.
The fabric: 12.75 oz Japanese denim, sanforized to minimize shrinkage and finished with a subtle vintage wash for a naturally worn-in look.
The special detail: Signature zig-zag top-stitching on the placket, RRL-branded metal buttons, and curved chest pockets inspired by 1950s denim jackets.
Available at 390$ from Stag Provisions.
A darker interpretation of the iconic Lot 271 trucker jacket from RRL, inspired by 1950s American denim jackets and crafted from durable black denim that develops character with wear.
The cut: Classic trucker silhouette with a regular fit through the chest and waist, finished with adjustable tabs at the back for a customizable shape.
The fabric: 13.6 oz cotton denim in a worn-in black wash, sanforized to minimize shrinkage while maintaining the rugged texture typical of heritage denim.
The special detail: Curved buttoned chest pockets, signature zig-zag stitching on the placket, and RRL-branded metal buttons inspired by vintage workwear jackets.
Available at 390$ from Stag Provisions.
Leather Belt
Crafted from thick vegetable-tanned leather, RRL belts often feature vintage-inspired buckles and tooling details, reflecting the brand’s Western roots.
A rugged leather belt from RRL, crafted from full-grain cowhide and finished with vintage-inspired hardware that reflects the brand’s Western heritage.
The cut:
A classic 1.25-inch belt with a subtly pointed tip and a traditional single-prong buckle, designed to pair easily with denim or workwear trousers.
The leather:
Full-grain cowhide specially treated to create a naturally worn, time-worn appearance that develops more character with use.
The special detail:
Debossed Double RL Ranch logo at the tip and a tarnished brass Bellingham buckle with an antiqued brass stud at the keeper.
Available at 225$ from Stag Provisions.
A statement belt from RRL, inspired by 1930s Western belts and crafted in Italy from distressed leather with bold studded detailing.
The cut: A classic 1.5-inch belt with a pointed tip and a single-prong square brass buckle, designed to pair naturally with denim or rugged workwear trousers.
The fabric: Hand-distressed roughout leather made in Italy, giving the belt a worn-in texture and rich vintage character from the first wear.
The special detail: Southwestern-inspired embossing with brass studs and glass stones along the strap, creating a distinctive Western look rooted in vintage ranch belts.
Available at 425$ from Stag Provisions.
Bandana
A humble accessory with deep roots in American workwear, the bandana has long been a staple among cowboys, railroad workers, and miners. In the world of RRL, bandanas reflect this heritage, often featuring vintage-inspired patterns and traditional cotton fabrics.
A classic bandana from RRL, inspired by vintage American workwear scarves and crafted in Japan from indigo-dyed cotton. Lightweight and versatile, it adds a subtle touch of Western character to any outfit.
The cut: Lightweight woven cotton dyed with authentic indigo, designed to soften over time and develop a unique patina with wear.
The pattern: Vintage-inspired graphic with the “Double RL & Company” logo printed at the center and additional branding motifs in the corners.
The special detail: Discharge printing on indigo-dyed fabric, a traditional technique that removes dye to create the design while preserving the natural texture of the cotton.
Available at 144$ from Stag Provisions.
A distinctive accessory from RRL, designed to secure a bandana while adding a subtle Western accent to an outfit. Inspired by vintage scarf slides worn by cowboys and ranchers, it brings a refined touch of Americana style.
The material: Crafted from solid nickel silver, chosen for its durability and vintage patina that develops character over time.
The design: Compact rectangular slider designed to hold a bandana neatly at the neck, offering a clean alternative to the traditional knot.
The special detail: Intricate engraved pattern inspired by hand-tooled Western leatherwork, reflecting the heritage craftsmanship central to the Double RL aesthetic.
Available at 175$ from Stag Provisions.
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