When Ralph Lauren first introduced the Polo shirt in 1972, there was no way of knowing that an icon was born.

Ralph Lauren’s Polo Shirt, Rizzoli, rizzoliusa.com

This simple classic immediately became the preferred choice and representative of American style, and could be seen on everyone from rappers to royalty of all ages, and even their pets.

Polo Shirt

The shirt has quite literally taken on a life of its own. Not confined to pristine perfection, the shirt looks best when imbued with the personality of its wearer. Rizzoli International has published a 544-page book to celebrate the weathered, paint-splattered, striped, brightly colored and immediately recognizable shirt.

It is filled with the personal stories of fans, celebrities, royals and athletes who give the Polo its individual style and inspire so many along the way. While the book may capture the best of the last 50 years, the brand is also introducing vintage versions and newly upcycled fabrics in select stores and its app, making sure this legend lives long into the future.