French heritage brand known for its iconic crocodile polo and sport-inspired, elegant casualwear.
ORIGIN
France
PRICE TIER
premium
Founded in 1933 by French tennis champion René Lacoste, the brand revolutionized sportswear with the creation of the very first short-sleeved, breathable polo shirt. Dissatisfied with the restrictive court attire of his time, the athlete, nicknamed "The Crocodile" for his tenacity, collaborated with André Gillier to produce the L.12.12 polo in a lightweight petit piqué cotton. This design, featuring the now-iconic embroidered crocodile logo, was the first instance of a brand emblem appearing on the outside of a garment and became a symbol of relaxed elegance.