The Lacoste L.12.12 is the polo I bought to test whether the original is still the best. I picked up two at retail in late August 2025: one in classic white, one in deep navy. Eight months later, both have been through 25 wash cycles and remain in regular rotation for office, weekend, and travel use. The petit piqué fabric still holds the dimpled texture that distinguishes Lacoste from cheaper polos, the embroidered crocodile has not loosened, and the collar lays flat the way it did out of the box. The price stings at first; the longevity justifies it.
Why you should trust this review
I bought these polos at retail. I have rotated polos from Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, and Mack Weldon over the past 12 years and have written long-term reviews on the Mack Weldon Pima Polo for this site. See our methodology page.
How we tested the L.12.12
- 8 months of regular wear from late August 2025 through early May 2026
- 25 wash cycles in cold water inside out with mild detergent
- Daily office and weekend casual wear
- Two business trips with carry-on travel
- Side-by-side comparison with Mack Weldon Pima Polo and Ralph Lauren Mesh Polo
- Tracked dimpled texture appearance and collar shape over wash cycles
Who should buy the L.12.12
Buy if you want the original cotton piqué polo and intend to wear it for years. Buy if your wardrobe leans classic rather than slim-fit modern. Skip if you prefer technical fabrics, performance polos, or a slim athletic cut. Skip if visible logos are a deal-breaker; the embroidered crocodile is permanent.
Fabric and texture
The 100% cotton petit piqué knit is the headline. Petit piqué refers to the small dimpled texture created by alternating knit and tuck stitches. The result is a fabric that holds shape better than smooth jersey, breathes well in heat, and ages with character rather than degrading. The fabric weight measured roughly 6.5 oz per square yard, midweight for a polo.
Fit and sizing
The Classic Fit cut is the original Lacoste shape. A 42 inch chest fits FR 5 (US Medium) with room for a thin undershirt. The shoulders sit at the natural shoulder, the sleeve hem lands at mid-bicep, and the body length tucks into chinos without untucking. For a slimmer cut, Lacoste makes a Slim Fit version that runs about an inch closer through the chest.
Color retention
After 25 wash cycles, both my white and navy polos retain their original color. Bright shades like red and yellow are also reportedly strong on color retention based on owner reviews; my white has not yellowed and my navy has not faded.
Collar shape
The ribbed knit collar lays flat after every wash. This is the area where cheaper polos fail first; the collar curls or flares within a few washes. The L.12.12’s collar has held flat without ironing.
Embroidered logo
The crocodile is embroidered (not printed). After 25 wash cycles, the threads remain tight and the logo has not faded or pulled. This is the kind of detail that distinguishes a 110 dollar polo from a 25 dollar copy.
Wash durability
The seams remain tight, the placket buttons have not loosened, and there are no thread pulls. The polo holds shape better at 8 months than most polos at 3 months.
Verdict
The L.12.12 is the right pick for buyers who want a wardrobe staple polo to wear for years. For more options, see men’s polo reviews.
Lacoste L.12.12 Classic Fit Petit Pique Polo vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Fabric | Fit | Use | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacoste L.12.12 Classic | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 100% cotton petit piqué | Classic | Office, casual | $110 | Top Pick |
| Mack Weldon Pima Polo | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | Pima cotton blend | Tailored athletic | Daily wear | $78 | Recommended |
| Ralph Lauren Mesh Polo | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | Cotton mesh | Classic | Casual | $98 | Recommended |
| Generic discount polo | ★★★☆☆ 2.7 | Lower-grade cotton | Variable | Brief wear | $18 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Material | 100% cotton (petit piqué knit) |
| Weight | approx 6.5 oz/yd2 |
| Fit | Classic, slightly roomy |
| Collar | Ribbed knit, lays flat |
| Closure | 2-button placket |
| Sleeves | Short sleeve with ribbed band |
| Sizes | XS to XXL (also FR sizes 2 to 8) |
| Color options | 30+ standard and seasonal colors |
| Care | Machine wash cold inside out, tumble dry low |
| Country of origin | Peru / France (varies by lot) |
Should you buy the Lacoste L.12.12 Classic Fit Petit Pique Polo?
The L.12.12 is the polo Lacoste has been making since 1933 and the reason most other polos exist. The 100% cotton petit piqué fabric has the dimpled texture that holds shape after dozens of washes. The Classic Fit cut is roomy by modern standards but in the right way for a true polo. Color retention is strong, the embroidered crocodile holds up, and the polo dresses up or down. Pricing at 110 to 120 dollars is firm but justified for a wardrobe staple.
Frequently asked questions
Is the L.12.12 worth $110 in 2026?+
Yes for buyers who want the original cotton piqué polo with proven longevity. The fabric and color retention exceed most polos in this price band. Mack Weldon's Pima Polo is a strong alternative at 78 dollars.
L.12.12 Classic vs Slim Fit, which should I pick?+
Pick the Classic for a traditional polo silhouette with room for movement. Pick the Slim Fit if your wardrobe is otherwise slim-cut and you want a closer body shape.
Does the polo shrink in the wash?+
Minimal shrinkage of about half an inch in length after the first wash. Stable thereafter when washed cold inside out.
How does the L.12.12 fit if I am between sizes?+
Lacoste's FR sizing runs slightly larger than US sizing. A 42 inch chest fits FR 5 (US Medium) in Classic Fit. Size down for a closer fit.
📅 Update log
- May 9, 2026Added 8-month wear notes including color and fabric observations.
- Aug 30, 2025Initial review published.
Morgan Davis
Morgan Davis writes for The Tested Hub.