Polo Ralph Lauren Tracksuits for Men: Fabrics, Fit and How to Wear Them

Updated October 2026 · 7 min read

You have seen the look a hundred times: a navy zip hoodie, matching joggers, white trainers and a small embroidered pony on the chest. It looks effortless. Then you try to put one together yourself and the questions start. Fleece or knit? Matching set or separates? Should the joggers be tapered or straight? And how do you keep a tracksuit from looking like you just rolled out of bed?

The answer is simpler than most style guides make it. A Polo Ralph Lauren tracksuit looks good when the fabric, the fit and the occasion agree with each other. Get those three right and the rest takes care of itself.

This guide walks you through the fabrics you will come across, how the pieces are cut, how to choose your size, and five ways to wear a men's tracksuit from the weekend to the airport. Along the way we link to the men's designer resell collection so you can see the pieces we talk about.

In this guide:

What counts as a Polo Ralph Lauren tracksuit?

People search for "polo tracksuit", "Ralph Lauren tracksuit" and "Polo sweat suit" and mean roughly the same thing: a matching top and bottom from Polo Ralph Lauren, usually with the small embroidered Pony logo on the chest. In practice you will find three formats.

1. The zip-hoodie tracksuit

The most popular format: a full-zip hooded top with matching joggers. The Polo Ralph Lauren men's fleece tracksuit with full-zip hoodie and joggers is a good example. The zip lets you wear it open over a T-shirt or closed on a colder day, and the hood makes it the most casual of the three.

2. The two-piece set

A slightly cleaner take: a long-sleeve top with matching bottoms, designed to be worn together but easy to split up. The Polo Ralph Lauren men's two-piece set sits in this category and works well when you want a tracksuit that leans smart-casual rather than gym.

3. Build-your-own separates

Plenty of men prefer to combine pieces: a zip sweater or hoodie on top, joggers below, in the same or a complementary colour. This gives you more control over fit, because you can choose a different size for the top and the bottom. More on that below.

Fabrics: fleece, double knit and cotton sweats

The fabric decides how a tracksuit looks, how warm it is and how it drapes. Always check the product description for the exact material, but these are the main types you will see.

Fabric Look and feel Best for
Fleece Soft, brushed inside, matte outside, a bit of volume Autumn and winter, lounging, travel
Double knit Smooth, structured, holds its shape, slightly sporty sheen A sharper, more "put together" tracksuit look
Cotton sweat / French terry Lighter, breathable, looped inside Spring, mild days, layering under a jacket

Fleece is the classic choice for a Polo tracksuit. It feels soft against the skin and has enough body to look relaxed without looking sloppy. Both the Polo Ralph Lauren full-zip fleece sweater and the fleece hoodie with the Big Pony detail use a fleece construction, so they pair naturally with fleece joggers.

Double knit is smoother and more structured. It suits men who want a tracksuit that looks closer to a smart jacket and trousers. If you mix fabrics, keep the texture similar: a brushed fleece top with very sleek bottoms can look like two different outfits.

Fit: how the pieces are cut

Polo Ralph Lauren loungewear generally has a classic, comfortable cut rather than a skinny or oversized one. The details still matter, so look at the photos and the size options of each product.

Tops

  • Full-zip hoodies and sweaters are made to be layered, so they usually leave a little room through the chest.
  • Pullover hoodies with a large logo, like the Big Pony hoodie, tend to look best with a bit of ease rather than skin-tight.
  • Ribbed cuffs and hem keep the shape neat at the wrists and waist, so the top does not hang loose.

Bottoms

  • Joggers with cuffed ankles give a tapered, modern silhouette that shows off your trainers.
  • Elastic or drawstring waistbands make sizing more forgiving at the waist; length and thigh room are what to watch.

The Polo Ralph Lauren casual joggers follow that classic jogger shape and are an easy way to build your own tracksuit around a top you already own.

How to choose your size

Most sizing mistakes with tracksuits come from guessing. A few minutes with a tape measure saves you a lot of hassle.

  1. Measure a tracksuit you already like. Lay it flat and measure chest width (armpit to armpit), body length and sleeve length on the top, then waist and inseam on the bottoms.
  2. Compare with the size chart on the product page. Size options differ per product. The full-zip hoodie tracksuit comes in XS to L, while the two-piece set runs XS to XL, so always check before you choose.
  3. Decide how you want it to look. Choose your usual size for a classic fit. If you are between sizes and like a relaxed look, go up; if you like a cleaner, closer fit, go down.
  4. Consider separates if you are two sizes. Many men are a medium on top and a large on the bottom (or the other way round). Buying the top and joggers separately solves that.

If you are unsure, our customer service can help you compare measurements before you order.

Five ways to wear a men's tracksuit

1. The classic matching set

Top and bottom in the same colour, white or neutral trainers, nothing else. Navy, grey and black are the safest choices and look the most expensive. The full-zip hoodie tracksuit is available in black, white, grey, navy and dark green, so you can stay tonal or pick something a little different.

2. Open zip over a plain tee

Wear the zip hoodie or zip sweater open over a crisp white or grey T-shirt. It breaks up the block of colour and looks more relaxed, ideal for a weekend coffee run.

3. Top and joggers in contrasting tones

A light grey top with navy joggers, or a cream top with black bottoms. Keep the colours in the same family (neutrals with neutrals) so it still looks deliberate.

4. The travel uniform

A tracksuit is one of the most comfortable things to wear on a long flight or train journey. Add a vest or light jacket on top, a cap and clean trainers. You arrive looking far more put together than in old sweatpants.

5. Tracksuit top, smarter trousers

Wear the zip top on its own with chinos or dark jeans. It is the easiest way to get more use out of the top half of a set, and the small embroidered logo keeps it looking smart-casual.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Going too big. Extra room on top is fine; baggy joggers that pool at the ankles make the whole outfit look careless.
  • Mixing too many logos. Let one logo do the talking. A Big Pony hoodie with a busy cap and loud trainers is a lot.
  • Clashing fabric textures. Keep fleece with fleece, smooth knit with smooth knit.
  • Ignoring shoes. Clean, simple trainers make a tracksuit. Worn-out running shoes undo it.
  • Skipping the size chart. Sizes and options vary per piece, so check every product, even within the same brand.

Care tips that keep a tracksuit looking new

  • Always follow the care label first.
  • Wash inside out at a low temperature to protect the embroidery and the brushed surface.
  • Close the zip before washing so the teeth do not snag other clothes.
  • Skip the tumble dryer where you can; air drying helps fleece keep its shape and softness.
  • Wash darks and lights separately, especially with white or light grey sets.

A note on buying

House of Portofino is an independent reseller. We are not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Ralph Lauren. Polo Ralph Lauren and the Pony logo are trademarks of their respective owner, and we use the brand name only to describe the products we sell.

Ready to build your tracksuit?

Start with the piece that fits your life best: the full-zip fleece tracksuit for a complete look in one go, the two-piece set for a smarter feel, or a top plus joggers if you want to mix sizes. You can browse everything in the men's designer resell collection.

FAQ

What is the difference between a Polo tracksuit and a Polo sweat suit?

Mostly the name. "Sweat suit" is the common American term and "tracksuit" the common European one. Both describe a matching top and bottom made from a soft, casual fabric such as fleece or cotton sweat.

Is a Ralph Lauren tracksuit warm enough for winter?

Fleece tracksuits are the warmest option and work well on cold days, especially with a vest or jacket on top. Lighter cotton sweat fabrics are better for spring and mild autumn days.

Should I size up in a Polo Ralph Lauren tracksuit?

Not by default. Choose your usual size for a classic fit and only size up if you are between sizes or want a relaxed look. Always compare your own measurements with the size chart on the product page.

Can I wear the top and bottoms separately?

Yes, and you should. A zip top works with chinos or jeans, and joggers work with a plain sweatshirt or tee. That makes a set far more versatile.

Which colour tracksuit is the most versatile?

Navy, grey and black. They match almost any trainer, are easy to split into separate outfits and look smart as a full matching set.

Is House of Portofino an official Ralph Lauren retailer?

No. House of Portofino is an independent reseller and is not affiliated with or authorised by Ralph Lauren. Brand names are used only to describe the products.