Why I Must Have ... Lacoste L.12.12 Polo Shirt?

We have seen it. At some point, we even own it ― not in one but many colourways. And regardless of age, it is what you will find in most men’s wardrobe, wherever they are. 

What is it? What am I talking about? Well, I am talking about the classic polo shirt!

These days, a polo shirt ― Lacoste, en particulier ― is a staple item that every man needs.

The ribbed standing collar and armbands against the raised texture of the tightly-knitted petit piqué fabric has been long regarded as the embodiment of effortless style, and to some, contemporary sexiness. 

Amplifying your status as a fashion-forward yet practical fashion doyen is the iconic alligator logo, embroidered in luminous thread on the chest. It is, for long, the mark of distinctiveness and casual elegance to those who wear it.

Like its spirit reptile that underwent a series of evolution since the Jurassic days, Lacoste L.12.12 polo shirt too has been reinvented one too many times. Creative geniuses such as Karl Lagerfeld, Jean-Paul Goude and the Campana Brothers have all worked with the legendary shirt. Nevertheless, despite the various permutations it went through, the essence of its timeless design remains present.

First thing first: Who is René Lacoste?

René Lacoste, the great mind behind the polo shirt, was a French tennis player. At the age of 17, he won his first tournament followed by the French Open in 1924. Throughout the 1920s, Lacoste has participated and won 10 Grand Slam titles, including his final match against Jean Borotra in 1929.

Why he called his shirt ‘polo’ when he’s a tennis player?

The shirt in discussion stemmed from the shirts that Lacoste saw on polo players while he was in London. Since the shirt allows greater freedom of movement, he decided to adopt it as his game uniform.

When did the world begin to embrace Lacoste polo shirt as part of their style essentials?

In 1933, Lacoste met André Gillier and they conceived what is known today as Lacoste L.12.12 polo shirt. The duo used breathable fabric, which is the petit piqué jersey. The fabric resulted flexible and lightweight shirt. They also added the crocodile logo onto the shirt.

The alligator or the crocodile. Why?

First, the alligator came from the moniker coined by the press, alluding to his strength and performance in the court. The story has it that a journalist, having heard of a bet concerning an alligator skin suitcase, nicknamed Lacoste the “Alligator”.

The ferocious reptile became the spirit animal of the brand when Lacoste, inspired by his nickname, asked his friend Robert George, to design a crocodile. He premiered the logo on his blazer and the rest, as they say, is history.

What does L.12.12 stands for?

Now, that is the part where Lacoste polo shirt stands out. “L” stands for Lacoste, “1” stands for the unique fabric, and “2” stands for the short-sleeved design. After churning out multiple versions of design, Lacoste chose the 12^th version, hence the number “12”.  Another unique feature of this 80-year old style icon is every part of the shirt, from its collar right to the logo embroidery, is handcrafted!

How many fits are there for Lacoste L.12.12 polo shirt?

There are three main fits for men, namely “Classic” – straight fit with two buttons, the original Lacoste creation, “Regular” – casual and adjusted fit with three buttons and a pocket, and “Slim Fit” – which, like its name suggests, fits close to the body and has two buttons.  

For women, the fits consist “Classic” (straight fit with two buttons), “Slim Fit” (fits close to the body with five buttons), and “Slim Fit Chemise” (fitted with three-quarter length sleeves and five buttons)

Materials, quality and technique justify the value. How can I be assured that my Lacoste L.12.12 polo shirt is worth every single penny I’ve paid?

For more than 80 years, Lacoste L.12.12 polo shirts have been made using the same level of care that involves three core elements: The finest cotton thread, an exclusive knitting technique and rigorous processing controls. 

All these steps, paired with the skillful hands of Lacoste craftsmen, culminated to the birth of French discreet elegance and revered quality.

How meticulous is the manufacturing process?

The journey of your Lacoste L.12.12 polo shirts begins in Lacoste studio in Paris. Moreover, it is within the maison’s French workshops where the variety of colourways are developed and tested for optimum brilliance and resistance. 

Next, the threads will undergo a revolutionary knitting technique to produce petit piqué, a fabric that is signature to the maison. Knitted from two-ply fine cotton of unrivalled quality, the petit piqué is famous for its lightness, flexibility and strength. 

As details are essential to the maison’s celebrated savoir-faire and its pursuit of excellence, every Lacoste L.12.12 polo shirt is handcrafted and thoroughly controlled.

Wow, so much of history and effort within one shirt! Where can I find it?

Lacoste L.12.12 polo shirts are available at all Lacoste stores around the world. The current price of a Lacoste L.12.12 polo shirt falls between RM350.00 to RM500.00. Visit your nearest Lacoste stores or corners to know more. 

*Photos courtesy of Lacoste

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