Lacoste polo shirts are iconic symbols of casual luxury and timeless fashion. With their premium fabrics, elegant design, and signature crocodile logo, they have become highly sought after by fashion lovers around the world. Unfortunately, their popularity has made them a target for counterfeiters. Spotting a fake Lacoste polo shirt can be tricky, especially as knockoffs become more convincing. This authenticity guide will help you identify the real from the fake so you can shop with confidence.
1. Check the Crocodile Logo
The most recognizable feature of a Lacoste polo is its crocodile logo—and it’s also the most counterfeited part.
- Shape & Detail: The authentic crocodile has a clean, detailed design with visible claws, teeth, and a red open mouth.
- Embroidery: Genuine logos are finely stitched, never glued or loosely sewn. If the crocodile looks blurry or off-centered, it’s likely a fake.
- Placement: It should be located on the left side of the chest, aligned properly with the seams.
2. Inspect the Tag and Label
Authentic Lacoste polos come with high-quality tags that provide important clues.
- Brand Tag: Look for a soft, stitched-in tag at the collar that reads “Lacoste” with the crocodile logo. It should be clean, even, and not printed directly on the fabric.
- Size Format: Lacoste uses French sizing (e.g., 3, 4, 5). If you see U.S. letter sizes like “M” or “L” without the number sizing, it’s a red flag.
- Country of Origin: Lacoste shirts are manufactured in several countries including Peru, France, and Morocco. Be wary of tags that say “Made in China” unless purchased directly from Lacoste or a certified retailer.
3. Feel the Fabric Quality
Real Lacoste polos use premium petit piqué cotton, which has a distinctive textured weave.
- Touch Test: The fabric should feel soft but sturdy, not thin or overly stretchy.
- Breathability: Authentic polos are breathable and absorbent, ideal for warm-weather wear.
- Stitching: Look closely at the stitching—authentic Lacoste shirts have tight, even stitches. Loose threads or irregular seams are signs of a counterfeit.
4. Examine the Buttons
Buttons on a Lacoste polo are small but important details.
- Material: Genuine buttons are made of mother-of-pearl and will often have “Lacoste” engraved subtly.
- Attachment: Buttons are sewn securely with a cross stitch. If they look cheap, plastic, or loosely attached, it’s likely a fake.
5. Check the Inside Label and Care Tags
Look inside the shirt for additional labeling.
- Care Tags: Authentic shirts will have a care label sewn into the side seam, printed with washing instructions in multiple languages.
- Serial Numbers: Some newer Lacoste polos have QR codes or product reference numbers that can be verified online or through Lacoste’s customer service.
6. Consider the Price and Purchase Point
- Price Too Good to Be True? It probably is. Authentic Lacoste polos usually range from $80 to $120 USD.
- Where You Buy Matters: Only purchase from Lacoste stores, their official website, or authorized retailers like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, or reputable department stores.
7. Review Packaging and Presentation
- Official Lacoste Packaging: Items from Lacoste come neatly folded, often in branded packaging. A shirt crammed into a plastic bag with no branding is suspicious.
- Hang Tags: Authentic polos come with hang tags attached by string—not plastic—and usually include a barcode and brand info.
Final Thoughts
Spotting a fake Lacoste polo requires a combination of attention to detail and knowledge of what makes the real thing so special. Always inspect the logo, labels, stitching, fabric, and packaging. If in doubt, trust your instincts and only buy from verified sources. An authentic Lacoste polo is an investment in quality and style—don’t settle for anything less.
