Lacoste Golf Apparel Review

The Lacoste brand has been around for years. As I recall, it used to be Izod Lacoste: now they are two totally separate brands. I remember when the "double shirt" thing was in style; would-be preppy kids wearing layered polo shirts, sporting the iconic crocodile logo. Why the crocodile logo you ask? It's because company founder René Lacoste, was nicknamed "the Crocodile" because of his tenacity on the tennis court. It also explains the brand's popularity within the tennis circuit.

Lacoste actually got its start back in 1933 and, in 1952 began exporting their apparel to the United States, where it quickly became a status symbol and was sold almost exclusively at Brooks Brothers. The Lacoste brand reached its height of popularity in the US during the late 1970s and was a staple for every kid that considered him/herself "preppy". The company was even mentioned in Lisa Birnbach's Official Preppy Handbook. Lacoste also began to expand their line with such products as shorts, perfume, sunglasses, watches, tennis shoes, leather goods and a multitude of shoes for every occasion and event.

Lacoste recently began to increase its presence in the golf world by signing on some big names as brand ambassadors: two time Masters champion José Maria Olazabal, two time LPGA major winner Christie Kerr and most recently Alexandre Levy, currently ranked #74 in the world.

We recently received a few men's and women's pieces from Lacoste to review. The brand is quite different from when I was introduced to it back in the early 1980's. It used to be that everything was cotton; not so anymore.

Here are a few pieces that caught our eye:

The Men's L12.12 Polo - To me, this is the shirt that launched the company. I can still remember seeing players wearing the shirt during Wimbledon back in the early 1980s. The L12.12 Polo has a classic look and combines, simplicity, elegance and comfort. It's 100% cotton, a single color and has a ribbed collar and sleeves. The sides are slit at the bottom adding to mobility and the iconic crocodile logo is embroidered on the chest. Quality never goes out of style and the L12.12 Polo proves it. It's available in sizes XS - 4XL and in about 40 colors. Retail price is $89.50 but it always seems to be on sale somewhere.

Lacoste L!ve Full-Zip Colorblock Hoodie - Another classic look from Lacoste. This sporty zip-up hoodie features a full zipper as well as side slit pockets with zippers, and an adjustable drawstring hood. The fleece lining will keep you warm and the Colorblock detail is a nice touch. Let's not forget the embroidered croc on the chest. This Full-Zip Colorblock Hoodie is available in sizes XS - XXL and in several colors. Retail price is $175.

Women's Classic Fit Pique Polo - This very well may be the female version of the L.12.12. It's the perfect polo for everyday wear and pairs well with a variety of bottoms so ladies, your options are wide open with this one! It offers a classic fit with slits on the side for added maneuverability and of course the embroidered croc on the chest. The Classic Fit Pique Polo is available in sizes 0-14 and in 13 colors. Retail price is $89.

If you were to combine a skirt that flatters a woman's shape with a pair of stylish and practical shorts, you would have Lacoste's Sport Skirt in Technical Gabardine with Striped Belt. This classic fitting garment has slits on the side and three pockets to carry all kinds of necessary stuff. It's made from an ultra-dry technical gabardine material that stretches with you and features built-in shorts and an embroidered green crocodile. The contrasting belt adds character to this sports-minded skirt. It's only available in a dark navy blue color with white accents and in sizes XXS-XXXL. Retail price is $110.

It seems to me that Lacoste has an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it mentality." There classic polos for men and women have been around forever and still sell very well. They continue to put out new products with very technical fabrics and always seem to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to fashion. They are definitely a player in the golf fashion world.

The Lacoste brand can be purchased at many high-end retailers as well as online shops. For more information or to buy some new Lacoste golf apparel, visit their website at www.lacoste.com.