POLO RALPH LAUREN CREATING SUSTAINABLE UNIFORMS FOR U.S. OPEN

For the 2019 U.S. Open Tennis tournament, Polo Ralph Lauren has reimagined the U.S. Open Ball Person uniform apparel to be made of recycled materials. Further to the company’s recently announced renewed strategy on citizenship and sustainability – Design the Change – the new uniform reinforces Ralph Lauren’s commitment to sustainability. Specifically, the uniforms are part of the company’s journey to using 170 million recycled plastic bottles in its products and packaging by 2025 and to completely convert the use of virgin poly-fiber to recycled poly-fiber in the supply chain by 2025.

The 2019 U.S. Open Ball Person uniform apparel will be made from yarn derived from recycled plastic bottles. The fabric making up each item in the uniform – the polo shirt, short and skort – will be made of up to 7 plastic bottles. The fabric will additionally have functional performance features, like stretch and moisture-wicking properties, that are constructed for active play.

In addition, Polo Ralph Lauren will be collecting plastic tennis ball cans in partnership with Wilson at this year’s tournament, to be made into the fabric for the 2020 Ball Person uniform. Over the course of the tournament, approximately 12,000 cans will be collected and recycled.

Complementing the uniform is a bold, graphic and playful collection of off-court styles inspired by the Polo Sport brand from the 1990s. The collection is done in a fresh, primary color palette of red, blue, yellow and green and features playful graphics, bold color-blocking and fun tie-dyed pieces.

Once again, Polo Ralph Lauren will offer a comprehensive customization program on-site at the U.S. Open. An exciting presentation of Polo apparel and accessories, including polo shirts, water bottles. and totes – can be personalized through an innovative printing process. Customers can enjoy the U.S. Open experience while they wait for their designs to be printed and will receive a text message or email when their item is ready for pickup.

Polo Ralph Lauren has been the Official Outfitter of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships since 2005, providing uniforms for all on-court officials and ball persons as well as a U.S. Open collection of

men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel and accessories. The full collection is available at the Polo Ralph Lauren shops and in the 1968 Club in The Overlook on-site at the U.S. Open as well as online at RalphLauren.com for the duration of the tournament.