Lacoste
Lacoste in short
Lacoste is a French brand founded in 1933 by tennis champion René Lacoste, renowned for its cotton piqué polo shirt featuring the crocodile logo (L.12.12). The brand uses its own numerical sizing system: 3 roughly corresponds to S, 4 to M, 5 to L, and 6 to XL. Wash at 30 degrees and dry polo shirts on a hanger.
Facts and background
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1933, France |
| Renowned for | Polo shirt L.12.12 |
| Categories | Polo shirts, tennis apparel, trainers, fragrance |
| Price point | Mid-range to premium |
| Signature | Crocodile, cotton piqué |
The code L.12.12 refers to the original shirt's specifications; the design has been produced virtually unchanged since 1933.
What to choose from
- Classic fit — a roomier cut representing the original silhouette.
- Slim fit — closer fitting, modern when paired with tailored trousers.
- Tennis range — technical fabrics engineered to wick away moisture.
- Trainers — understated leather styles in clean white and navy.
Sizing and care advice
Lacoste uses a proprietary numerical sizing system: 3 roughly corresponds to S, 4 to M, 5 to L, and 6 to XL. Cotton piqué shrinks slightly during the first wash.
- Wash inside out at 30 degrees and do not use bleach.
- Hang polo shirts to dry on a coat hanger to maintain the collar shape.
- Iron the collar at a medium temperature for a sharp, clean finish.
Buying in the Netherlands
Lacoste operates its own standalone stores in the Netherlands and is available through department stores and online retailers. Counterfeit versions of the polo shirt are widespread: inspect the embroidered crocodile closely along with the quality of the placket and buttons.
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Frequently asked questions about Lacoste
- What do sizes 3, 4, 5, and 6 mean?
- These are Lacoste sizes: 3 corresponds roughly to S, 4 to M, 5 to L, and 6 to XL.
- Where does the Lacoste polo shirt originate from?
- From tennis champion René Lacoste, who introduced a short-sleeved cotton piqué shirt in 1933 as a comfortable alternative to rigid, long-sleeved tennis shirts.
- Does a Lacoste polo shirt shrink?
- Cotton piqué can shrink slightly during the first wash. Washing at 30 degrees and line drying helps minimise this.
- How do I keep the collar crisp?
- Dry the polo shirt on a hanger and iron the collar on a medium heat setting; do not tumble dry.
Geschreven door
Brands.nl editorial team
Brand editors — interior, fashion & lifestyle
Brands.nl is an independent Dutch brand guide that sells nothing itself. Our editors follow brands, materials and collections and describe them independently, so you know what you are buying and can find similar brands.
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Laatst inhoudelijk gecontroleerd: 10 september 2026