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

Lacoste offers a refined, sporty aesthetic rooted in French elegance, using high-quality materials that command a premium price point. In contrast, Vineyard Vines captures a playful, American coastal lifestyle with brighter colors, a more relaxed fit, and a more accessible price range. While both brands share a preppy foundation, Lacoste focuses on timeless, athletic-inspired classics, whereas Vineyard Vines leans into casual, fun-loving leisurewear.

Let's compare these two iconic brands to help you decide which one best fits your style and budget.

Lacoste: The French Standard for Sporty Elegance

Founded by French tennis player Rene Lacoste, this brand is synonymous with the invention of the modern polo shirt. The iconic crocodile logo represents a legacy of high-quality craftsmanship and a classic, sporty style. Lacoste appeals to consumers who value heritage and understated sophistication, offering timeless pieces that work for both active and casual settings.

• Product mix: Famous for its pique polo shirts, the brand also offers a full line of apparel including sweaters, dresses, and trousers, alongside footwear, accessories like watches and leather goods, and fragrances.
• Price point: Lacoste is a premium brand. Polos are typically priced between $80 and $150, while other items like sweaters and outerwear can range from $150 to over $300.
• Quality: Known for superior pique cotton that is durable, soft, and holds its shape well over time. The details, from the consistent stitching to the mother-of-pearl buttons, reflect a commitment to quality.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments generally have a tailored, classic fit and run true to size. While not overly slim, the cut is more form-fitting than many American casual brands.
• Style & Aesthetic: The look is clean, sporty, and sophisticated. Lacoste uses a versatile color palette of classic navys, whites, and greens, often complemented by vibrant, seasonal hues.

Lacoste is the ideal choice for shoppers seeking long-lasting, versatile wardrobe pieces with a legacy of quality and timeless sporty style.

Shop Lacoste: www.lacoste.com

Vineyard Vines: The American Coastal Lifestyle Brand

Vineyard Vines was founded on the idea of escaping the daily grind and embracing a life of leisure. With its smiling whale logo and motto "Every day should feel this good," the brand embodies a fun-loving, relaxed, and preppy coastal vibe. It's the go-to for cheerful, comfortable clothing perfect for weekends, vacations, and casual family gatherings.

• Product mix: The collection includes polos, button-down shirts with signature patterns, shorts, swimwear, and their famous Shep Shirts. The range also extends to accessories, bags, and home goods.
• Price point: More accessible than Lacoste, with polos generally costing between $50 and $100. Other key items like shorts and button-downs are usually priced from $60 to $125.
• Quality: Vineyard Vines focuses on soft, comfortable materials like cotton and performance blends that are designed for everyday wear. While durable for casual use, they aren't always comparable to Lacoste's premium construction.
• Sizing/Fit: The fit is more relaxed and generous compared to Lacoste, aligning with its comfortable, casual aesthetic. Sizing is consistent and typically runs true to size.
• Style & Aesthetic: Fun, playful, and bright. The brand is known for its vibrant colors, conversational patterns (like sailboats or fish), and a distinctly cheerful, laid-back New England personality.

Vineyard Vines is perfect for those who want affordable, comfortable, and spirited clothing that reflects a relaxed and optimistic approach to life.

Shop Vineyard Vines: www.vineyardvines.com

Lacoste vs. Vineyard Vines Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in pricing between the two brands. A Lacoste polo will typically set you back $80-$150, reflecting its premium positioning and French heritage. Outerwear and select pieces can easily exceed $300. This is an investment in a durable, classic garment.

Vineyard Vines offers a more budget-friendly entry into the preppy style. Their polos are priced around $50-$100, making them a more accessible option for daily wear or for building a larger casual wardrobe. The overall value from Vineyard Vines comes from its approachable pricing for fun, seasonal styles.

Quality & Materials

Lacoste's reputation is built on the superior quality of its materials, particularly its signature petit pique cotton. The fabric is both resilient and breathable, designed to hold its shape and color through countless washes. The entire garment, from the stitching to the buttons, feels substantial and well-made, justifying the higher price.

Vineyard Vines also uses quality materials suited for a casual lifestyle, like soft-washed cottons and performance blends. Their fabrics are known for comfort and softness right off the rack. While perfectly durable for everyday activities, they may not offer the same long-term resilience as a Lacoste piece, which is built with longevity in mind.

Style & Aesthetic

Lacoste’s style is timeless, sporty elegance. Its designs are clean, minimalist, and focused on classic silhouettes. It translates effortlessly from the tennis court to a casual dinner. The aesthetic is more understated and international, appealing to those who prefer a sophisticated yet relaxed look without loud patterns.

Vineyard Vines is distinctly American, preppy, and playful. Its identity is tied to bright colors, coastal living, and a sense of fun. The brand frequently uses whimsical prints and its prominent whale logo, creating a look that is approachable, cheerful, and explicitly casual.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size, but their fits are different. Lacoste offers a classic, tailored fit. It contours the body without being overly tight, providing a sharp and polished silhouette. If you prefer a trimmer, more athletic cut, Lacoste is the clear choice.

Vineyard Vines favors a more relaxed and comfortable fit. Their shirts and shorts offer more room, designed for ease of movement and a laid-back feel. If you prioritize comfort and a less structured look, you will likely prefer the fit of Vineyard Vines.

Sustainability & Ethics

Lacoste has made public commitments to sustainability, focusing on reducing its environmental footprint and using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton. The brand offers transparency about its manufacturing processes, which are held to high European standards.

Vineyard Vines is also involved in ethical practices, including charitable giving and taking steps toward more responsible sourcing. While they are making progress, their sustainability initiatives are not as central to their public brand identity as Lacoste's.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer excellent preppy style, but they cater to very different tastes and budgets.

Choose Lacoste if:

• You're investing in a timeless wardrobe piece that will last for years.
• You prefer a tailored, athletic fit that looks sharp and put-together.
• Your style is more classic, understated, and globally inspired.
• You value brand heritage and premium, durable materials.

Choose Vineyard Vines if:

• You're looking for fun, colorful, and comfortable clothes for casual wear.
• You prefer a relaxed, more generous fit for everyday comfort.
• Your style is bright, playful, and embodies a coastal American spirit.
• You want more affordable options to refresh your warm-weather wardrobe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lacoste or Vineyard Vines cheaper?

Vineyard Vines is consistently cheaper than Lacoste. A classic polo from Vineyard Vines typically costs around $50-$100, while a similar shirt from Lacoste is priced between $90 and $150. This price difference applies across most product categories.

Which brand has better quality?

Lacoste is widely recognized for having superior quality. Its use of premium pique cotton, detailed stitching, and durable construction means its garments are built to last for many years. Vineyard Vines offers good quality for its price point, but its focus is on everyday comfort rather than long-term resilience.

How do Lacoste and Vineyard Vines shirts fit?

Lacoste shirts offer a "Classic Fit" that is tailored and athletic, sitting closer to the body. Vineyard Vines shirts have a more traditional, relaxed fit with more room in the chest and sleeves, prioritizing comfort.

What is the style difference between a Lacoste polo and a Vineyard Vines polo?

A Lacoste polo is understated and sporty, typically in a solid color with the small crocodile logo as the only adornment. A Vineyard Vines polo is more playful and can feature brighter colors, patterns on the collar or placket, and the prominent smiling whale logo on the chest.

Is Lacoste considered a luxury brand?

Lacoste is considered a premium or "accessible luxury" brand. It offers high-quality products with a strong brand heritage at a price point below high-fashion luxury designers like Gucci or Prada, but sits well above mass-market retailers.

What is Vineyard Vines known for?

Vineyard Vines is known for its cheerful, coastal-inspired preppy clothing. Key items include their colorful shorts, printed button-down shirts, and signature quarter-zip pullovers known as "Shep Shirts."

Which brand is better for business-casual settings?

Lacoste is the more appropriate choice for business-casual settings. Its cleaner lines, solid colors, and more tailored fit project a more professional and sophisticated image compared to the explicitly casual and playful vibe of Vineyard Vines.

Do Lacoste and Vineyard Vines have sales?

Yes, both brands have sales, typically at the end of a season. You can find discounts on their official websites, in department stores, and at outlet locations. However, core and iconic styles from Lacoste are less frequently discounted than seasonal items.