From Past to Present: Polo Ralph Lauren POLO 11 Heated Down Jacket

A modern take of the coveted 1997 piece.

Dressed in all-white, a puffy spacesuit with built-in electric heating, the Old Glory arm patch gleaming behind the black backdrop of space, Neil Armstrong was relying on his suit to keep him alive and warm during the Apollo 11 moon landing. Since then, many have taken inspiration in creating their own versions of the padded suit, constructing big warm jackets and driving forward the spirit of technological advancement. Polo Ralph Lauren is one such label. Nearly 21 years since the initial debut of the now coveted 1997 Polo Jeans Parka, the silhouette makes a return as “POLO 11”, this time modified with improved technology and extra attention to detail.

Unseen in the original ‘97 release, the “POLO 11” features an internal heating system that’s controlled via bluetooth through the RL app. This technology was actually first seen worn on the backs of Team USA athletes (the result of a fruitful partnership between Polo Ralph Lauren and the US Olympic Committee) in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics in South Korea. The jackets sported the three national colors while the American flag was printed on the inside, traced in conductive carbon and silver ink. This same silver lining now sits on the inside of the latest “POLO 11” Jacket.

The POLO 11 Heated Down Jacket is a versatile jacket. Powered by a slim Mophie battery, heat levels are made adjustable on your phone; at max, the battery lasts up to three hours. While a branded Mophie power bank comes with the jacket for charging, any certified USB power-source can be used as an alternative. The battery is stored in the zippered pocket at the front of the jacket where the power cable is— the heat is kept insulated with 750FP down. But in case it starts to get too warm, wearers will also find a large zip on the side that runs from under the right sleeve all the way to the waist, so cooling off becomes easy. Rounding out the jacket is the crisp white outer shell, neoprene ribbing, red stripes, flag of America and NASA meatball patch. Its referenced motifs and added functions progress the legacy of Polo Ralph Lauren and the spirit of NASA.

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