Description
The quintessence of French sporting elegance — René Lacoste’s original petit piqué polo, refreshed with signature crocodile pride.
Born from the courts of 1920s France and refined through nearly a century of textile mastery, the Lacoste L.12.12 polo stands as a cornerstone of refined casualwear. This iteration showcases the brand’s iconic small crocodile emblem embroidered on the chest — a tribute to founder René Lacoste, the tenacious French tennis champion whose on-court tenacity earned him the nickname “the Crocodile” and forever changed the way the world dressed for sport.
Crafted in Lacoste’s signature petit piqué cotton — a breathable, textured knit that has become synonymous with the maison — this polo offers a substantial yet supple hand feel that softens beautifully with every wash. The clean, ribbed collar, two-button placket, and short sleeves with ribbed cuffs are finished with the meticulous attention to detail that distinguishes a true heritage garment from its imitators.
Details & Specifications
- BrandLacoste
- StyleShort-sleeve polo shirt
- FitClassic regular fit
- CollarRibbed flat knit collar
- ClosureTwo-button placket
- SleevesShort sleeves with ribbed cuffs
- EmblemEmbroidered crocodile patch at chest
- OriginImported
Composition & Materials
- 100% Cotton petit piqué knit
Lacoste’s petit piqué is a unique open-knit weave that promotes airflow and moisture wicking, making it ideal for warmer climates. The fabric is pre-washed for softness and features a refined texture that holds its structure while remaining exceptionally comfortable against the skin.
Styling
Pair this polo with tailored chino shorts and white leather sneakers for a classic Riviera-inspired summer look, or layer it under a unstructured linen blazer with dark denim for smart-casual evenings. Its versatility is the very reason it has remained a wardrobe essential for over ninety years.
Brand Heritage
Founded in 1933 by tennis legend René Lacoste and knitwear entrepreneur André Gillier in Troyes, France, Lacoste revolutionized sportswear by introducing the first-ever polo shirt designed for tennis, freeing players from the constraints of traditional long-sleeve dress shirts. The iconic crocodile emblem, embroidered rather than printed, became one of the first brand logos ever displayed on the outside of a garment — a bold marketing statement that has endured for nearly a century.
Care Instructions
- Machine wash cold on gentle cycle with similar colors
- Turn inside out before washing to protect the embroidered logo
- Avoid chlorine bleach and fabric softeners
- Tumble dry low or lay flat to dry
- Iron on low heat if needed, avoiding the embroidered emblem
- Do not dry clean
