Polo Indonesia Diaries

 By Awliya

Polo Indonesia is often known for having a similar preppy aesthetic to classic brands such as Ralph Lauren, especially in terms of logo design and knitwear styles. The overall vibe feels clean, sporty, and timeless. It gives a very effortless everyday look that is easy to style with basic outfits. This kind of aesthetic is also very popular among people who like simple yet put-together fashion.

However, Polo Indonesia is still its own brand and not the same as Ralph Lauren. It is more of an aesthetic inspiration while maintaining its own identity. Although the similarities are quite noticeable, there are still details that make it different when you look closely. It still manages to create its own version of the preppy style in a more affordable way.

First Visit – Jakarta (Terminal 2 Airport)

My first time visiting Polo Indonesia was during my trip to Jakarta at Terminal 2 airport. I decided to check it out because the brand had been going viral, and many Malaysian tourists visiting Indonesia seemed to buy it as a local product. At that time, I was curious to see it for myself since it was trending everywhere on social media. The store was quite easy to find and had a lot of attention from tourists.

I was quite surprised to see a wide range of items available, including their “bear polo” shirts, which strongly resemble the preppy knitwear style. The pricing is significantly cheaper, around two to three times lower than Ralph Lauren. The designs also give a very similar vibe, especially the logo placement and colour choices. It feels like a more casual version of the preppy aesthetic.

For example, a cap from Ralph Lauren costs around RM350, while Polo Indonesia is priced at approximately Rp199,000 (around RM60). The color options and cap designs are also quite similar, especially the ones featuring the horse logo. However, differences become more noticeable when viewed closely. The finishing and detailing are where you can really see the gap between both brands.

I eventually decided to buy a navy blue cap. The logo is slightly larger compared to Ralph Lauren, but overall it still looks neat and wearable for everyday outfits. The store atmosphere was decent and pleasant, although in my opinion, it cannot really compete with the premium boutique experience of Ralph Lauren. The finishing and detailing are where you can really see the gap between both brands.

Second Visit – Surabaya International Airport

My second visit to Polo Indonesia was at Surabaya International Airport. This time, there was a discount, so I purchased a light blue knit cardigan. The discount made it even more tempting to try another item from the brand. The selection at the airport store also felt quite organised and easy to browse

After conversion, the price was around RM150. In comparison, a knit cardigan from Ralph Lauren can cost around RM1,100 or more, making the price difference extremely significant. This made the purchase feel very worth it in terms of affordability. It is a good option for people who want the look without spending too much.

In terms of quality, there is a clear difference as well. Ralph Lauren feels softer, more comfortable, and more premium. Polo Indonesia’s fabric is slightly rougher, but it still has good stretch and is comfortable enough for daily wear. It is still practical for casual use even if it is not as luxurious.

Overall, Polo Indonesia is a very affordable option for those who want a preppy-inspired look without spending too much. However, in terms of quality and luxury feel, Ralph Lauren is still on a much higher level. Both brands serve different purposes depending on budget and preference. It really depends on what you are looking for in terms of style and comfort.

If I travel to Indonesia again, I would consider buying another knit cardigan as part of my basic wardrobe, especially for casual outings or classes, since the price is very reasonable and practical. It is the kind of item that is easy to wear often without worrying too much about cost.