Ralph Lauren is making strides in material innovation with the upcoming debut of its RLX Clarus Polo Shirt at the 2022 Australian Open in Melbourne. This performance polo shirt not only delivers on sustainability but also utilizes a groundbreaking patented platform that transforms virgin and recycled cotton. While maintaining the luxury comfort and breathability of cotton, the shirt’s fibers are enhanced with moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, similar to synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. What sets it apart is that it achieves these performance capabilities without relying on petroleum-based fossil fuels.
David Lauren, Chief Branding and Innovation Officer at Ralph Lauren, highlights the brand’s dedication to both heritage and innovation. He emphasizes that the RLX Clarus Polo Shirt is a game-changer in the industry, encompassing a high-performance apparel product that utilizes natural fibers for the first time. By reinventing their signature style with sustainability in mind, Ralph Lauren aims to shape the future of fashion.
To bring the RLX Clarus Polo to life, Ralph Lauren partnered with Natural Fiber Welding (NFW), a sustainable material science startup that the brand invested in last year. NFW’s expertise in textile innovation enabled the development of materials that perform similarly to plastic-based synthetic fabrics while reducing waste and eliminating the use of synthetic plastics. This collaboration sets the stage for achieving complete circularity in the fashion industry.
During the 2022 Australian Open, Ralph Lauren plans to host an exhibition tennis clinic featuring renowned tennis player Sam Groth and professional Australian football player Josh Cavallo. Both athletes will showcase the performance capabilities of the RLX Clarus Polo Shirt during the clinic. After the event, the polo shirt will be available for purchase globally.
The release of the RLX Clarus Polo Shirt is part of Ralph Lauren’s broader commitment to investing in infrastructure and technologies, such as NFW, to develop and scale a circular apparel economy. By 2025, the brand aims to expand its use of recycled cotton and sustainably source 100 percent of its key materials, including cotton. Additionally, Ralph Lauren intends to incorporate zero-waste principles throughout its operations.
Through the innovative RLX Clarus Polo Shirt, Ralph Lauren demonstrates its dedication to combining timeless style with pioneering sustainability. By leveraging natural fibers and collaborating with experts in sustainable material science, the brand is pushing the fashion industry towards more eco-friendly practices. This launch represents an exciting step forward in creating high-performance apparel that aligns with Ralph Lauren’s commitment to the environment.
Useful links:
– Ralph Lauren
– Natural Fiber Welding
