Lacoste is a French premium fashion and lifestyle brand best known for its iconic green crocodile logo and its invention of the modern polo shirt. Founded in 1933 by French tennis champion René Lacoste and knitwear manufacturer André Gillier, the brand blends sportswear with timeless elegance, creating clothing and accessories that combine athletic performance with sophisticated style. Today, Lacoste is recognized as one of the world’s leading premium casual fashion brands, with products sold in more than 90 countries. [1]

The story of Lacoste begins with René Lacoste, one of the greatest tennis players of the 1920s. During his career, he won seven Grand Slam singles titles and became known for his determination, intelligence, and elegant playing style. In 1923, while competing in Boston, an American journalist nicknamed him “The Crocodile” after a story involving a crocodile-skin suitcase and his tenacious personality. René embraced the nickname, and his friend, artist Robert George, designed the crocodile illustration that would later become the company’s famous logo. [2]

In 1933, René Lacoste partnered with André Gillier, owner of France’s largest knitwear company, to create La Société Chemise Lacoste. Their first product was a revolutionary short-sleeved tennis shirt made from lightweight petit piqué cotton. Unlike the stiff, long-sleeved shirts traditionally worn by tennis players, this new design offered greater comfort, breathability, and freedom of movement. It quickly became popular both on and off the tennis court. [3]

The crocodile embroidered on the chest made history as one of the first visible logos placed on the outside of clothing, helping establish the idea of branded fashion that remains common today. [4]

The green crocodile logo is among the most recognizable symbols in fashion. It represents:

• Determination

• Confidence

• Elegance

• Resilience

• Sporting excellence

The logo originated from René Lacoste’s nickname, “The Crocodile,” reflecting his persistence and competitive spirit on the tennis court. Since the 1930s, it has become a symbol of premium sports-inspired fashion worldwide. [5]

Lacoste positions itself at the intersection of sport, fashion, and French elegance. The brand’s philosophy is built around values including:

• Elegance

• Innovation

• Fair play

• Authenticity

• Confidence

• Creativity

Its mission is to create timeless clothing that allows people to express themselves while maintaining comfort and sophistication. The company emphasizes that elegance is not only about appearance but also about attitude, sportsmanship, and respect for others. [6]

Over the decades, Lacoste has expanded far beyond polo shirts. Its collections include:

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

Lacoste also produces a wide range of men’s and women’s perfumes, beginning with its first fragrance in the late 1960s. [7]

Sport remains central to Lacoste’s identity. The brand has longstanding ties to tennis and sponsors professional athletes and tournaments. Notable ambassadors have included:

• Novak Djokovic

• Daniil Medvedev

Lacoste continues to support tennis while expanding into golf and other sports, reinforcing its heritage of athletic performance and style. [8]

Lacoste is known for a clean, minimalist aesthetic featuring:

• Classic silhouettes

• Premium fabrics

• Bright yet refined color palettes

• Sport-inspired tailoring

• The signature crocodile emblem

Its clothing is designed to transition easily between casual, athletic, and smart-casual settings.

Lacoste operates through a worldwide network of boutiques, department stores, and online retail channels. The brand has a strong presence 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, part of the Swiss family-owned company Maus Frères SA. The acquisition has supported the brand’s continued international expansion while preserving its French heritage and sporting identity. [10]

Lacoste has increasingly focused on sustainable fashion by improving material sourcing, reducing environmental impact, and promoting responsible manufacturing. Through the Lacoste Foundation, established in 2006, the company also supports social initiatives that use sport and education to help young people and individuals with disabilities. [11]

More than 90 years after its founding, Lacoste remains one of the most influential sportswear brands in the world. Its invention of the modern polo shirt, pioneering use of an external clothing logo, and fusion of athletic performance with French elegance have made it a lasting icon in global fashion. The green crocodile continues to symbolize 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