Lacoste is a French premium fashion and lifestyle label distinguished by its green crocodile emblem and its creation of the modern polo shirt. Established in 1933 by tennis champion René Lacoste and knitwear manufacturer André Gillier, the brand merges sportswear functionality with enduring elegance to produce apparel and accessories that balance athletic performance with refined style. It is currently recognised as one of the world’s leading premium casual fashion brands, with products available in over 90 countries.1

The origins of Lacoste lie in the career of René Lacoste, a dominant tennis player of the 1920s who secured seven Grand Slam singles titles and was celebrated for his tenacity, tactical intelligence and graceful play. During a tournament in Boston in 1923, an American journalist dubbed him “The Crocodile” following a wager involving a crocodile-skin suitcase and in reference to his persistent court presence. René adopted the moniker, and his friend, artist Robert George, created the crocodile illustration that would eventually serve as the company’s trademark.2

In 1933, René Lacoste joined forces with André Gillier, proprietor of France’s largest knitwear firm, to establish La Société Chemise Lacoste. Their inaugural product was a short-sleeved tennis shirt crafted from lightweight petit piqué cotton, a significant departure from the stiff, long-sleeved garments traditionally worn on court. This innovative design provided superior comfort, breathability and freedom of movement, quickly gaining popularity both during matches and in everyday wear.3

The embroidered crocodile on the chest marked a milestone in fashion history as one of the first visible logos displayed on the exterior of a garment, helping to establish the concept of branded apparel that remains prevalent today.4

The green crocodile stands as one of the most recognisable symbols in the fashion industry, representing:

• Determination
• Confidence
• Elegance
• Resilience
• Sporting excellence

Derived from René Lacoste’s nickname “The Crocodile”, the emblem reflects his perseverance and competitive spirit. Since the 1930s, it has evolved into a global symbol of premium sports-inspired fashion.5

Lacoste positions itself at the convergence of sport, fashion and French elegance. The brand’s philosophy is anchored in values such as:

• Elegance
• Innovation
• Fair play
• Authenticity
• Confidence
• Creativity

Its mission is to produce timeless apparel that enables self-expression without compromising comfort or sophistication. The company maintains that true elegance encompasses not only appearance but also attitude, sportsmanship and respect for others.6

Over the decades, Lacoste has diversified significantly beyond its original polo shirts. Current collections encompass:

Clothing

• Polo shirts
• T-shirts
• Sweatshirts
• Hoodies
• Jackets
• Shirts
• Pants
• Shorts
• Dresses
• Skirts
• Sportswear

Footwear

• Sneakers
• Tennis shoes
• Casual shoes
• Sandals
• Boots

Accessories

• Bags
• Wallets
• Belts
• Caps
• Hats
• Scarves
• Watches
• Sunglasses

Fragrances

The brand also offers an extensive range of men’s and women’s perfumes, having launched its first fragrance in the late 1960s.7

Sport remains integral to the identity of Lacoste. The brand maintains deep-rooted connections to tennis through sponsorships of professional athletes and tournaments. Notable ambassadors have included:

• Novak Djokovic
• Daniil Medvedev

While continuing its commitment to tennis, Lacoste has expanded its sporting portfolio to include golf and other disciplines, reinforcing its heritage of combining athletic performance with style.8

Lacoste is characterised by a clean, minimalist aesthetic featuring:

• Classic silhouettes
• Premium fabrics
• Bright yet refined colour palettes
• Sport-inspired tailoring
• The signature crocodile emblem

These designs are intended to transition seamlessly between casual, athletic and smart-casual environments.

Lacoste operates via a worldwide network of boutiques, department stores and digital retail platforms. The brand maintains a strong foothold across Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, serving customers in more than 90 countries.9

Since 2012, Lacoste has been owned by MF Brands Group, a division of the Swiss family-owned enterprise Maus Frères SA. This acquisition has facilitated continued international expansion while safeguarding the brand’s French heritage and sporting identity.10

Lacoste has placed increasing emphasis on sustainable fashion through improved material sourcing, reduced environmental impact and responsible manufacturing practices. Additionally, the Lacoste Foundation, established in 2006, supports social initiatives that utilise sport and education to assist young people and individuals with disabilities.11

More than 90 years after its inception, Lacoste endures as one of the most influential sportswear brands globally. Its invention of the modern polo shirt, pioneering use of external branding on clothing, and synthesis of athletic function with French elegance have cemented its status as a lasting icon in international fashion. The green crocodile continues to symbolise quality, confidence and timeless style across generations.12

1. About – Lacoste
2. Homepage – Lacoste
3. Our History – Lacoste
4. Lacoste unveils a new visual identity – Lacoste
5. ラコステ（LACOSTE）公式オンラインショップ – 1933年創業のプレミアム ファッションスポーツ ブランド
6. スニーカーコレクション – History | ラコステ（LACOSTE）公式オンラインショップ
7. ラコステ（LACOSTE）公式オンラインショップ – 1933年創業のプレミアム ファッションスポーツ ブランド
8. heritage-work-in-progress
9. Lacoste Heritage
10. Lacoste Heritage
11. Lacoste Heritage
12. История марки | Интернет-магазин Lacoste