Cartelo vs. Lacoste: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Cartelo offers a modern, streetwear-inspired aesthetic focused on sustainable materials and accessible pricing, targeting a younger, trend-conscious shopper. In contrast, Lacoste is a heritage brand famous for its classic, tennis-inspired style and high-quality polo shirts, appealing to those who value timeless design and premium craftsmanship.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your wardrobe.

Cartelo: The Contemporary Streetwear Innovator

Cartelo is a modern fashion brand that mixes casual luxury with streetwear style. It appeals to a youthful audience looking for versatile, comfortable, and stylish clothing. The brand stands out by focusing on modern cuts, bold graphics, and sustainable materials, making it a popular choice for eco-conscious consumers who don't want to compromise on style.

• Product mix: A range of everyday essentials including t-shirts, hoodies, joggers, and sneakers. The collections also feature accessories like hats and bags, often with minimalist designs fused with edgy, streetwear elements.
• Price point: Positions itself as accessible luxury, with most clothing and accessories priced between $50 and $150.
• Quality & Materials: Emphasizes high-quality craftsmanship, with a strong focus on sustainable and ethically sourced materials. Their use of innovative and eco-friendly fabrics is a key part of their brand identity.
• Style: The aesthetic is modern and edgy. Expect minimalist designs combined with bold graphics and contemporary, often relaxed, silhouettes that are easy to style.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true to size, although some streetwear-inspired pieces are intentionally designed with an oversized or relaxed fit for a more modern look.

Cartelo is the ideal choice for shoppers seeking stylish, budget-friendly, and sustainable pieces with a clear streetwear influence.

Shop Cartelo: cartelo.com

Lacoste: The Icon of Timeless Sporty Elegance

Established in 1933, Lacoste is a legendary French brand defined by its iconic crocodile logo and classic polo shirt. It embodies a timeless, elegant, and sporty aesthetic that has been a wardrobe staple for generations. The brand is for a wide range of consumers who appreciate quality, brand heritage, and pieces that blend sophistication with casual comfort.

• Product mix: Known for its signature pique polo shirts, Lacoste also offers a complete range of apparel including t-shirts, dresses, and outerwear, along with footwear, fragrances, and accessories.
• Price point: Positioned in the mid-to-high range. Classic polo shirts typically cost between $80 and $150, with other items ranging from $50 up to $300 or more.
• Quality & Materials: Celebrated for premium materials, particularly its high-quality, durable cotton piqué fabric. The construction is designed for longevity, holding its shape and color exceptionally well over time.
• Style: The look is distinctly preppy, sporty, and sophisticated. Its focus is on clean-cut, classic designs that offer versatility for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a consistent and true-to-size fit. The cuts are generally tailored yet comfortable, suiting a classic silhouette rather than an overly relaxed one.

Lacoste is perfect for those who are willing to invest in high-quality, durable classics with a rich brand history and a polished, sporty look.

Shop Lacoste: lacoste.com

Cartelo vs. Lacoste Comparison

Price Comparison

Cartelo is consistently more affordable. With most of its apparel and accessories in the $50-$150 range, it offers a stylish and accessible entry point into modern fashion. It is designed for shoppers who want a fashionable feel without the premium price tag.

Lacoste operates at a higher price point, with its iconic polos starting around $80 and going up to $150. This premium pricing reflects its brand heritage, superior material quality, and timeless design. While you get excellent value over the long term, the initial investment is higher.

Quality & Materials

Lacoste's reputation is built on the exceptional quality of its materials, especially its signature piqué cotton used in its polo shirts. The fabric is durable, breathable, and holds its shape and color for years, making it a true long-term wardrobe investment. The stitching and finishing are consistently precise and refined.

Cartelo also focuses on quality but places a heavier emphasis on sustainable and innovative materials. Shoppers can expect eco-friendly fabrics and modern manufacturing techniques. While the quality is very good for everyday casual wear, Lacoste has a slight edge in terms of proven longevity and traditional craftsmanship.

Style & Aesthetic

The style difference is the clearest way to distinguish the two. Cartelo is contemporary and trendy, drawing its inspiration from modern streetwear. Its collections feature oversized fits, bold graphics, and an edgy vibe, perfectly suited for a youthful, fashion-forward audience.

Lacoste's aesthetic is timeless, preppy, and sporty. Its designs are classic, clean, and polished, centered around the iconic polo shirt. This makes Lacoste a better choice for someone who prefers a sophisticated, "old money" look that remains stylish regardless of short-term trends. It's versatile enough for both a casual weekend and a smart-casual office.

Fit & Sizing

Lacoste sizing is known for being consistent and true to size across its collections. Its fits are typically classic or tailored - not too tight, not too loose. This makes online shopping predictable and reliable for customers familiar with the brand.

Cartelo is also generally true to size, but its streetwear influence means you are more likely to find intentionally oversized and relaxed fits. Depending on the collection, you might see dropped shoulders or wider cuts meant to be worn for a looser, more contemporary feel. Always check the individual product's size guide.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands are committed to improving their environmental impact, but Cartelo makes it a more prominent part of its brand identity. It actively markets its use of eco-friendly fabrics, ethical manufacturing processes, and a transparent supply chain, resonating strongly with environmentally conscious consumers.

Lacoste has made significant efforts in sustainability as well, increasingly using organic cotton and implementing eco-friendly production methods. However, it's less of a central marketing message compared to its focus on heritage and quality.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right brand really depends on your personal style, budget, and priorities.

Choose Cartelo if:

• Your personal style leans towards modern streetwear and trendy, oversized fits.
• You are shopping on a budget and want accessible, fashionable pieces under $150.
• Supporting brands with a strong focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials is important to you.
• You want versatile pieces for casual settings and social outings that look current and fresh.

Choose Lacoste if:

• You prefer a timeless, classic, and preppy aesthetic that will never go out of style.
• You are willing to invest more in high-quality, durable garments known for their longevity.
• You need versatile clothing that works for both casual weekends and smart-casual environments.
• You appreciate brand heritage and the status of an iconic logo like the Lacoste crocodile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cartelo or Lacoste more expensive?

Lacoste is generally more expensive than Cartelo. A classic Lacoste polo shirt typically costs between $80-$150, while most items from Cartelo fall within the $50-$150 price range, making Cartelo the more budget-friendly option.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands offer good quality, but they focus on different aspects. Lacoste is renowned for its high-quality piqué cotton and durable construction built to last for years. Cartelo focuses on innovative and sustainable materials with strong craftsmanship for its price point. For classic longevity, Lacoste has the edge.

What is the style difference between Cartelo and Lacoste?

The primary difference is their style aesthetic. Cartelo is all about modern, edgy streetwear with trendy, often oversized fits. Lacoste offers a timeless, sophisticated, and sporty-preppy look built around classic silhouettes.

How does the sizing compare between the two?

Both brands generally run true to size. However, Lacoste offers more classic, tailored fits, while Cartelo often incorporates relaxed and intentionally oversized cuts popular in streetwear.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Both brands are actively working on sustainability initiatives. However, using eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing is a core and central pillar of Cartelo's brand identity and marketing.

Is Cartelo considered a luxury brand?

Cartelo is best described as an "accessible luxury" brand. It offers a higher quality and more thoughtful design than fast fashion but remains more affordable than traditional luxury brands like Lacoste.

What is Lacoste famous for?

Lacoste is famous for its iconic polo shirt, which revolutionized sportswear in the 1930s. The shirt, featuring its signature crocodile logo, remains a global fashion symbol of timeless sporty elegance.

Which brand is better for a smart-casual office?

Lacoste is undoubtedly the better choice for a smart-casual or business-casual setting. A classic Lacoste polo is polished and sophisticated, while Cartelo's streetwear style is much more suited for casual environments.