Story

Once Upon A Crocodile

Just how well do you know the croc? From his birth in 1923 to modern day, learn his history.

The Birth of A Crocodile

A story of a bet, a journalist and a most tenacious player.

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The crocodile’s first steps

Boston, 1923. Young tennis prodigy René Lacoste is 19 and likes a challenge. His team captain promises him the crocodile leather suitcase the player admired in a store window if he wins his upcoming match. René doesn’t win but he had the determination of the crocodile on court, which is why an American journalist gave him this nickname.

René Lacoste in Wimbledon in 1928. © Lacoste Archives. Jacques Brugnon Collection

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The crocodile becomes a symbol

The crocodile takes shape in 1927 under the pen of designer Robert George. An early fan of customization, René Lacoste immediately has it embroidered on his blazers. A few years later, the polo sees the light of day. The crocodile over the heart makes Lacoste the first brand to display a visible logo on an article of clothing.

Portrait of René Lacoste. © Getty Images

The crocodile’s evolution through different ad campaigns

Follow the croc: Lacoste advertising archives from 1933.

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The crocodile's elegance

1933

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The crocodile's character

1958

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The crocodile's cheekiness

1960

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The crocodile's dialect

1969

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The crocodile’s break

1973

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The crocodile’s femininity

1975

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The crocodile's shirt

1980

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The crocodile's family

1989

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The crocodile's creativity

1993

L.12.12 Polo Merci, solidarity with a heart

To support the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, all sales (excl. taxes) of the polo will enable the implementation of health protection programs for volunteers in 26 countries where there is currently no medical coverage.

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Tracking the Crocodile

Everything you always wanted to know about Lacoste but were afraid to ask

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René Lacoste

Meet the Croc

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Making Magic

Lacoste Savoir-Faire

Men’s Polo Shirts: a polo shirt that’s always in style

Opt for a relaxed and easy style, whatever the occasion, with a classic men’s polo shirt.

No wardrobe is complete without a couple of polo shirts. This versatile staple is suitable for all occasions. From a casual lunch to an office meeting or day on the golf course. Lacoste men’s polo shirts are the perfect style for wherever you need to go.

A wardrobe favourite, a polo shirt dresses up any casual look. Choose from a range of fits and sleeve lengths to suit your style – classic, slim, regular, long-sleeve or our iconic L.12.12 polo shirt. Lacoste men’s polo shirts deliver all the classic features: a traditional polo collar, button up neck, and the signature Lacoste croc. Easy-care washing and ironing will keep your polo shirt in top shape and a range of fabrics, including cotton petit piqué and linen, are suitable for year-round wear.

Looking for a sports polo shirt to keep cool while playing tennis or golf? Check out the range of chic polo shirts that’ll keep things fresh on the court or green.

Lacoste polo shirts for men – solids, colour block, striped, or polka dots are perfect to pair with shorts, chinos or jeans.

Lacoste Women’s Polo Shirts: looking for an anytime, anywhere look?

The women’s polo shirt – an elegant wardrobe staple in so many styles and colours to choose from.

Wear your polo shirt in your own individual way. Perfect for shopping dates, a ladies’ casual lunch or a day on the golf course, choose your polo shirt to suit the occasion. Team a classic fit polo shirt with flowy lightweight Bermuda shorts on the beach, a mid-length pleated skirt for a hint of sophistication or side-stripe trackpants for the athletic look.

Choose from a range of women's polo shirt fits – slim to enhance your femininity, loose for casual days, or stretch for ultimate comfort. Sleeve lengths range from sleeveless to short or three-quarter length. Fabrics come in relaxed cotton petit piqué for texture, breathable jersey for the tennis court or airlight, which is designed to keep you cool on sunny days. All feature the iconic Lacoste croc embroidered on the chest and, even better, the organic polo shirt croc is recycled!

The classic piqué cotton weave creates a subtle texture while a zip collar offers something a little different from the 2-button women’s polo shirt.

For work or play, polo shirts are all about effortless style.