Lacoste

Lacoste is a French clothing and sportswear brand with its head office in Paris. The men’s range includes polo shirts, T-shirts, knitwear, trousers, jackets, sports clothing, footwear, bags and accessories. Its crocodile emblem and polo remain closely linked to its tennis origins.

Founded on the tennis court

René Lacoste and knitwear manufacturer André Gillier founded the company in 1933. That year, Lacoste introduced a light, short-sleeved polo in petit piqué cotton for tennis, designed to allow easier movement than the shirts then worn on court. The crocodile logo was embroidered on the garment, making the emblem part of the clothing rather than a separate badge.

The L.12.12 polo

The original polo developed into the L.12.12, still a central product in the collection. Lacoste describes its petit piqué as a finely textured cotton knit. Current versions include different fits, sleeve lengths and fabrics, alongside sport styles designed for tennis and golf. This range lets the same basic garment serve casual wear as well as athletic use.

From sportswear to a wardrobe

The company expanded beyond polos over time. Its history records leather goods from 1981, casual footwear from 1991 and watches from 1994. The current men’s store also lists shirts, sweatshirts, outerwear, sneakers, small leather goods, bags and sports apparel. The collection therefore covers both everyday clothing and items for active use.

French company, international brand

Lacoste has its corporate office in Paris. The company carries René Lacoste’s sportswear design approach into everyday clothing.