Lacoste S.A. is a prominent French designer sports fashion company, globally recognized for its signature green crocodile logo. Founded in 1933 by tennis champion René Lacoste and entrepreneur André Gillier, the brand is synonymous with “durable elegance” that blends sport and fashion.

Company Overview

Founded:
1933 by René Lacoste and André Gillier.

Headquarters:
Paris, France.

Ownership:
A subsidiary of the Swiss family-held group MF Brands Group (formerly Maus Frères) since 2012.

Global Presence:
Operates in over 100 countries with a network of boutiques, concessions in department stores, and an e-commerce platform.

Mission:
To be a casual premium brand embodying French elegance, creating a unique experience for customers worldwide.

Products and Expertise

Lacoste offers a wide range of products for men, women, and children, known for their quality and timeless appeal.

Apparel:
Most famous for the revolutionary L.12.12 polo shirt, made from a unique petit piqué fabric designed for comfort and freedom of movement. The product range has expanded to include a full line of clothing, sportswear, and underwear.

Accessories & Goods:
The company also sells footwear, leather goods (bags, belts), eyewear, watches, perfumes, and towels.

Sporting Goods:
True to its heritage, the brand continues to offer items like tennis, biking, and surfing gear.
The Iconic Crocodile

The logo’s origin dates back to a bet:
the American press nicknamed René Lacoste “the Crocodile” for his tenacity on the court, and he commissioned a friend to draw the now-famous logo, which was embroidered on his blazer. Lacoste claims to be the first brand to display a logo on the outside of an article of clothing.