The birth of Lacoste polo

To discover how was born the polo Lacoste, we must return in 1927, on the tennis courts at the time when the "Four Musketeers", the quartet of the French tennis team, composed of Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon, Henri Cochet and a certain Jean-René Lacoste, chained the victories in Davis Cup. At this time the players practice their art as if they were going to work in an office. Button-down long-sleeved shirt with cuffs and trousers were the classic outfit for tennis players. Tired of taking cold or suffocating heat according to the seasons, Jean-René Lacoste asks a fashion designer to create a shirt inspired by polo players to which would be added a collar. The Lacoste polo is born.

Jean-René Lacoste in 1927. Credits: Getty.

Polo Lacoste: a true revolution of clothing

A few years after ending his professional career, Jean-René Lacoste decided to join André Gillier. In addition to being a friend, the comparse is also the creator of Jil, the first brand of kangaroo briefs. It was therefore in 1933 that the company "La Chemise Lacoste" was born. The first shirt model to be marketed will be named L.12.12. This name, somewhat nebulous, refers to the name of its inventor (L), small quilted jersey (1) used as raw material, short sleeves (2) and the number of prototypes needed (12) before reaching to the finished product. In addition to the clothing revolution it brings to the world of tennis, the Lacoste polo brings a real added value on a technical level by freeing the movement. The jersey gives an incomparable suppleness to the garment and aeration of the fabric allows the skin to breathe.

Polo Lacoste: from marketing to success

If the Lacoste polo was produced at the beginning of the 1930s, it was not until the 1950s that it really won the tennis courts. From then on, the white shirts with their little embroidered crocodile bloom on the circuit, both at Roland Garros and at Wimbledon. With this first success, the two partners expanded their offer by bringing color as early as 1951. Navy blue, red, yellow, green ... The Lacoste shirts come in 65 different shades. Today, "Les Lacoste Shirts" have become the "Lacoste" group, belonging to the Swiss group Maus Frères Holding.

With an international reputation, the company continues to market its flagship product which it has largely developed the range. From fancy polo shirts to eco polo shirts and metal fiber shirts, the Lacoste polo seduces all generations.

Andy Roddick, Tennisman, champion of the Grand Slam tournament, sponsored by Lacoste. Credits: Getty.