Lacoste

Lacoste is a French clothing company known for its sportswear and casual apparel. It was founded in 1933 by tennis player René Lacoste and entrepreneur André Gillier in Paris. The brand is recognized for its polo shirts and its green crocodile logo, an emblem linked to René Lacoste's nickname “Le Crocodile” earned from his tenacity on the tennis court.

From its inception, Lacoste expanded to a broader range of apparel and accessories, including men's, women's, and children's clothing, footwear, eyewear, fragrances, leather goods, and casual sportswear. The polos, in particular, helped establish the label's global identity.

Today Lacoste operates as part of Maus Frères SA, a Swiss-based family holding company that owns the brand along with others. The company maintains a worldwide retail network consisting of company-operated stores, licensed shops, and an e-commerce platform, and its products are distributed through wholesale channels internationally.

Beyond clothing, Lacoste has engaged in licensed products and collaborations to extend its brand presence. The polo shirt remains emblematic of the brand and of preppy fashion in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.