Golf may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Lacoste" but the brands roots run deep in the sport.
Come along as we take a brief look at the company's history and highlight pieces from their apparel line.
Lacoste Apparel
Brand History
The Lacoste brand, started in 1933 by René Lacoste, has a foundation built on tennis and golf. René was a world-class tennis player, reaching #1 in the world in 1927.
The golf influence came from his wife and daughter, both accomplished golfers. His wife, Simone Thion de la Chaume, won the British Girls Amateur Championship and was a 13-time French champion. Carrying on in her parent's footsteps, Catherine Lacoste won the 1967 U.S. Women's Open golf championship.
The recognizable Crocodile logo also has an interesting history. It started as a bet between René and his tennis coach. The story goes that René saw a crocodile suitcase, which his coach told him he'd buy if Lacoste won his 1923 Davis Cup match. That win earned René a new suitcase, a nickname ("The Crocodile"), and the birth of a brand element.
Style
“Without elegance, playing and winning aren’t enough.” René Lacoste
Lacoste got its start and is known for the polo shirt, which was invented by René. He longed for a shirt he could wear playing tennis that wouldn't hinder his play. So, he cut off the sleeves of a long-sleeved shirt and the rest is history.
Lacoste polos are known for their petite piqué knit pattern. The fabric is made of a fine mesh that is uniquely knitted with a circular machine, giving the polo it's iconic look, feel, and durability.
The crocodile logo is sewn on next, using about 1600 stitches to create each one.
Once all the pieces of the polo are made, each one is sewn together by hand, completing the garment.
Notable Lacoste Apparel Pieces
Staple pieces
Lacoste offers 2 solid polos that are staples in any golf wardrobe; the Ultra Dry Raglan and the Ultra Dry-Tech polo.
Both shirts are breatheable with moisture-wicking fabric and are available in several color options.
The Ultra Dry Raglan has a unique raglan sleeve, where the fabric piece stretches from the collar on down. The Ultra Dry-Tech has subtle tone-on-tone stripes that give the shirt some pop as you look at it closer.