Lacoste vs. Polo: Which brand is better? [2026]

While both brands are champions of the iconic polo shirt, Lacoste offers a distinctly French, sporty-chic aesthetic rooted in its tennis heritage, known for clean lines and a minimalist feel. In contrast, Polo Ralph Lauren embodies classic American preppy style, often with a more luxurious finish, richer colors, and a broader lifestyle approach that extends to home goods.

Here’s what you need to know to decide which of these legendary brands is the right fit for your personal style.

Lacoste: The Icon of French Sporty Elegance

Founded by French tennis star René Lacoste in 1933, the brand revolutionized sportswear by creating the first polo shirt designed for comfort and performance on the court. Lacoste's identity is built on a foundation of "sport-inspired elegance," appealing to customers who want refined, comfortable clothing that feels timeless. The small green crocodile logo is a symbol of quality and understated European style.

• Product mix: Best known for their L.12.12 polo shirt in petit piqué cotton, Lacoste also offers a full range of apparel, including t-shirts, sweaters, dresses, and tracksuits, alongside footwear, leather goods, and fragrances.
• Price point: Polo shirts generally range from $80 to $150. While positioned as a premium brand, its core items are often slightly more accessible than some of Ralph Lauren's offerings.
• Quality: Lacoste famously uses high-quality piqué cotton, which is known for its durability, breathability, and excellent color retention wash after wash. The construction is solid and designed for longevity.
• Style: The aesthetic is clean, minimalist, and sporty. The designs favor solid colors and classic silhouettes over trendy patterns, making them incredibly versatile for casual and smart-casual settings.
• Sizing/Fit: Lacoste polos predominantly feature a slim "Classic Fit" that is true to size and tailored but not restrictive. The consistency in sizing makes it a reliable choice for online shoppers.

Lacoste is the go-to for someone seeking high-quality, athletically-inspired apparel that perfectly balances comfort with a refined, modern look.

Shop Lacoste: lacoste.com

Polo Ralph Lauren: The Standard of American Preppy Style

Since 1967, Polo Ralph Lauren has defined American style, transforming the simple polo shirt into an aspirational symbol of a classic, upscale lifestyle. The brand embodies a preppy, East Coast aesthetic that feels both timeless and sophisticated. Its signature pony logo is globally recognized as a marker of heritage and quality craftsmanship that extends far beyond just clothing.

• Product mix: More than just apparel, Polo Ralph Lauren is a comprehensive lifestyle brand. It offers an extensive selection of menswear, womenswear, children's clothing, accessories, fragrances, and home furnishings.
• Price point: Polos typically fall between $90 and $200. The brand often commands a higher price, particularly for its more luxurious materials and detailed designs, reinforcing its premium positioning.
• Quality: Ralph Lauren uses a variety of high-end materials, including soft Pima cotton and performance fabrics. The construction feels noticeably refined and luxurious, with meticulous attention to stitching and finishing details.
• Style: The look is quintessentially preppy, classic, and polished. The brand frequently uses richer colors, plaids, and stripes and presents a more formal edge that can easily be dressed up.
• Sizing/Fit: A key advantage is its variety of fits, including Classic Fit (roomiest), Custom Slim Fit (tailored waist), and Slim Fit (most form-fitting). This allows shoppers to find a precise fit for their body type and style preference.

Polo Ralph Lauren delivers a premium lifestyle experience, making it ideal for those who value classic American style and a polished, sophisticated wardrobe.

Shop Polo Ralph Lauren: ralphlauren.com

Lacoste vs. Polo Ralph Lauren Comparison

Price Comparison

On average, Polo Ralph Lauren sits at a slightly higher price point than Lacoste. A classic mesh polo from Polo Ralph Lauren might start around $90-$110, while a signature Lacoste L.12.12 polo is often priced between $80 and $100. For limited edition collections or more premium fabrics, prices for both can increase significantly.

Both brands host seasonal sales where you can find discounts, but Ralph Lauren also has a strong presence in outlet malls, which can make some of its products more accessible. Generally, Lacoste presents slightly better value for a premium-quality daily polo, while Polo positions itself as more of a luxury purchase.

Quality & Materials

Both brands are synonymous with high quality, but their strengths differ subtly. Lacoste's signature petit piqué cotton is renowned for its durability and airy, breathable texture that holds up exceptionally well over time. It's a workhorse fabric designed with its athletic origins in mind.

Polo Ralph Lauren often utilizes even softer Pima cotton and other luxurious materials that provide a smoother, more refined feel against the skin. The finishing and detail work on a Ralph Lauren polo can sometimes feel more meticulous, aligning with its higher price and luxury marketing.

Style & Aesthetic

Your style preference is the biggest differentiator here. Lacoste leans into a clean, modern, and sporty aesthetic with French roots. Its branding is typically subtle, with the classic crocodile logo being the main identifier. It's the definition of understated athleisure.

Polo Ralph Lauren, conversely, is the blueprint for classic American prep. Its look is more traditional, often incorporating bolder patterns, Ivy League-inspired designs, and the iconic, larger pony logo that makes more of a statement. It’s a brand that represents a complete lifestyle, from the office to the weekend.

Fit & Sizing

Fit is a critical factor where these two brands diverge significantly. Lacoste largely offers a consistent "Classic Fit," which is essentially a modern slim fit. It runs true to size and is designed to create a clean, tailored silhouette without being overly tight.

Polo Ralph Lauren provides far more variety, which can be a huge benefit. Their main offerings include the Classic Fit (the roomiest, most traditional cut), the Custom Slim Fit (a modern, tailored choice), and the Slim Fit (the narrowest cut). This range makes it easier for customers of all body types to find their perfect shirt.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands have made public commitments to improving their environmental footprint. Lacoste has focused on using organic cotton, increasing transparency in its supply chain, and reducing water usage during production. They have clear initiatives and progress reports available to the public.

Similarly, Polo Ralph Lauren has set goals for responsible sourcing of materials like cotton and is working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. While both are taking positive steps, Lacoste is often cited for its clear communication and visible progress in sustainable manufacturing.

Which One Should You Choose?

While both brands offer exceptional quality, the right choice ultimately comes down to your personal style, desired fit, and budget.

Choose Lacoste if:

• You prefer a minimalist, clean, and sporty European aesthetic.
• A modern slim fit that runs true to size is what you look for in a shirt.
• You value durability and a breathable fabric perfect for active or casual wear.
• Understated branding and timeless simplicity appeal more to you than overt logos.

Choose Polo Ralph Lauren if:

• Your style is rooted in classic, preppy American fashion.
• You want multiple fit options (Classic, Custom Slim, Slim) to perfectly match your body type.
• You appreciate a more luxurious fabric feel and a polished look that can be dressed up easily.
• You see clothing as part of a larger sophisticated lifestyle and enjoy making a quiet statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lacoste or Polo Ralph Lauren more expensive?

Generally, Polo Ralph Lauren is slightly more expensive than Lacoste for comparable items. A basic mesh polo from Ralph Lauren typically costs about $10-$20 more than a classic piqué polo from Lacoste.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands offer excellent quality. Lacoste is praised for the rugged durability and longevity of its piqué cotton. Polo Ralph Lauren often uses softer, more luxurious-feeling fabrics like Pima cotton and is known for its meticulous construction.

How do Lacoste polos fit compared to Polo Ralph Lauren?

Lacoste polos typically have one primary fit - a consistent modern slim fit. Polo Ralph Lauren offers a wider range of fits, most commonly Classic (roomiest boxy cut), Custom Slim (trimmer through the body), and Slim (tightest cut).

Are Lacoste and Polo luxury brands?

Both are considered premium or entry-level luxury brands. They occupy a space above mass-market retailers but below high-fashion designer houses like Gucci or Prada. They symbolize aspirational style and high quality.

Which logo is more iconic, the crocodile or the polo player?

Both logos are globally recognized icons of fashion. The Lacoste crocodile, originating in the 1930s, represents tennis heritage and minimalist European style. The Polo player, from the late 1960s, symbolizes American aspirational preppy sport.

Which brand is better for business casual?

With its broader range of styles and a traditionally more structured aesthetic, Polo Ralph Lauren is often the preferred choice for business casual outfits. Its polos can be easily paired with chinos and a blazer for a polished, office-appropriate look.

Which is better for a sporty or casual look?

Thanks to its deep roots in tennis and its breathable piqué fabric, Lacoste excels as the go-to brand for a sporty, athletic, or an elevated casual look. Its design is less formal and more movement-focused.

Do Lacoste and Ralph Lauren have sales?

Yes, both brands have seasonal sales and promotions on their websites and in department stores. Polo Ralph Lauren also has a significant presence in outlet malls, where you can often find their products at a substantial discount year-round.