Ashley DerringtonLacoste vs. Polo Ralph Lauren has been an ongoing debate in fashion, especially when it comes to polo shirts. The “better” brand will depend largely on personal preference. Lacoste polos may be more expensive and elusive than Polo Ralph Lauren polos, but both brands come from higher-end clothing collections that offer a wide range of products.
Lacoste was established in 1933 as a French-influenced tennis clothing brand, while Polo Ralph Lauren launched in 1967 as a designer of men’s ties. In this article, we take a deeper look into each company — prices, products, quality, return policies, and more.
Table of Contents
Lacoste vs. Polo Ralph Lauren: Products
Both fashion companies sell a variety of home decor products, clothing items, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children. Lacoste features Lacoste Live and Sport, in addition to its overall clothing brand. Polo Ralph Lauren is one of many different brands under the company Ralph Lauren. Some other Ralph Lauren brands include Double RL, Collection, Purple Label, and Lauren Ralph Lauren.
Lacoste
- Accessories
- Caps and hats
- Fragrance
- Scarves and gloves
- Socks
- Sunglasses
- Underwear
- Watches
- Big & Tall
- Polo shirts
- Sweatshirts
- T-shirts
- Bottoms
- Jeans
- Pants and chinos
- Shorts
- Swimwear
- Underwear
- Clothing
- Jackets and coats
- Knitwear
- Polo shirts
- Dress shirts
- Sport clothing
- Sweatshirts
- Swimwear
- Trousers and shorts
- T-shirts
- Home Goods
- Bath towels
- Leather Goods
- Bags
- Belts
- Small leather goods
- Wallets
- Polo shirts
- Classic fit
- Custom
- Paris polo
- Pima cotton
- Regular fit
- Slim fit
- Sport
- Shoes
- Boots and chukkas
- Dress shoes
- Flip-flops and sandals
- Loafers and boat shoes
- Sneakers
- Trainers
Ralph Lauren
- Accessories
- Bags
- Belts and braces
- Cufflinks and jewelry
- Fragrance
- Hats, scarves, and gloves
- Socks
- Sunglasses and eyewear
- Ties, bow ties, and pocket squares
- Wallets and accessories
- Watches
- Big & Tall
- Coats and jackets
- Jeans
- Polo shirts
- Sweaters
- T-shirts
- Bottoms
- Jeans
- Pants and chinos
- Pajamas and loungewear
- Shorts
- Swimwear
- Underwear and undershirts
- Featured Items
- Team USA Collection
- Polo shirts
- Classic fit
- Custom slim fit
- Customize
- Golf
- Original cotton mesh
- Â Shoes
- Boots
- Casual shoes
- Dress shoes
- Sneakers
- Tops
- Casual shirts
- Dress shirts
- Hoodies and sweatshirts
- Jackets and coats
- Sport coats and blazers
- Suits
- Sweaters
- T-Shirts
Lacoste vs. Polo Ralph Lauren: Prices
Many people would argue that Lacoste is more expensive than Ralph Lauren. Keep in mind that outside of Polo, Ralph Lauren has some brands that consider high end and, therefore, cost a lot more than Polo Ralph Lauren products. Polo Ralph Lauren is usually, in the United States, easier to come by and cheaper than Lacoste because its products can be found at discount stores like Marshall’s and Kohl’s. Here’s a brief price rundown of similar products from both companies (across all brands) as listed online:
Lacoste
- Men and women polo shirts: $100-$150
- Men’s pants: $70-$150
- Women’s pants: $110-$190
- Men’s shirts: $100-$150
- Women’s shirts: $100-$200
Ralph Lauren
- Men and women polos: $85-$125
- Men’s pants: $50-$400
- Women’s pants/shorts: $60-170
- Men’s shirts: $85-$145
- Women’s shirts: $85-$200
Lacoste vs. Polo Ralph Lauren: Quality
Some shoppers argue that Lacoste clothing irons better than Polo Ralph Lauren. Others say Polo Ralph Lauren polos fit a little slimmer and are longer in length as compared to Lacoste’s wider and shorter make. In both cases, the argument about quality is dependent on your preferences and body type. As previously mentioned, Ralph Lauren has a few brands (i.e. Purple Label) that are notably more expensive because of their higher quality, luxurious fabrics.
Lacoste
Lacoste prides itself on using a variety of stitch patterns (considering itself a specialist of the stitch) in its clothes across a multitude of fabrics. The company claims its fibers, including the cotton used in its most popular product, the polo, are selected to respond to high demands that must be in accordance with sustainable development, as well as quality standards.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren products are made domestically and abroad. Ralph Lauren reveals manufacturing details on its websites, so you can assure the quality meets your standards.
Suggested Article: The 10 Most Popular Men’s Suits Stores Put Head-to-Head
Lacoste vs. Polo Ralph Lauren: Return Policies
Return policies are always something to consider when purchasing clothes, especially if they’re on the pricier side
Lacoste
The return policy is as follows:
- Products must be returned to their original location. In other words, if you purchase from Lacoste online, it must be returned to the warehouse it shipped from. If you purchase from a boutique or retail store, the items must be returned to the store where you bought them.
- You aren’t allowed to return underwear or customized products unless the products are not delivered as ordered.
- If you purchase from the Lacoste website, you can enjoy free and easy returns by logging into your account or using the link in your order confirmation and following the steps for return. Please note that returns must be made within 30 days of receipt of your order.
- Returns on Lacoste purchases from stores or other websites have their own protocols on return policies, so be sure to confirm those details before buying your select items.
Ralph Lauren
The return policy is as follows:
- Ralph Lauren online will accept your return provided that it:
- Has not been washed, worn, or altered; in other words, it should be in perfectly new condition
- Meets the below schedule of return:
- Within 60 days:
- Full-price items
- Gifts you received
- Within 30 days:
- Sale items
- Watches and jewelry
- Cannot return:
- Customized items
- Gift boxes
- Within 60 days:
- You will be refunded the full amount of your purchase less the return shipping cost ($5) should you meet the above requirements.
- If you purchase something from a Ralph Lauren store, you will need to return it to a Ralph Lauren store with the original receipt.
- Returns on Ralph Lauren products from retail stores (i.e. Macy’s or Marshall’s) or other websites have their own protocols on return policies, so be sure to confirm those details before buying your select items.
In Summary
Lacoste vs Polo… on the surface, are very similar. The styles of both companies are inspired by sport, but the intricacies of each company are quite different. Polo Ralph Lauren is a staple in the preppy fashion of the United States, while Lacoste is more often associated with European class. Polo Ralph Lauren is commonplace in everyday stores, but Lacoste is more limited in its physical retail presence. There’s no doubt that both companies pride themselves on high quality and attire that can be dressed up or for casual wear. Ultimately, the debate over which is “better” is a personal choice based on budget, accessibility, values, and, of course, what type of product you’re looking for.
For more on men’s clothing brands, see our article on brands like Chubbies.
Lindsey Desmet
Loren Eaton
Kait Scirri
Sonya Bateman
Erika Crawford
Cathy Desmet
William Lipovsky
Joseph Cho
Maria R. Riegger, Esq.
I wear both brands of polo shirts. Currently, I own six Lacoste and three Polo Ralph Lauren shirts. I prefer the Lacoste fit over the Ralph Lauren due to the length of the shirts. I feel the Ralph Lauren polos are a little too long. Anyway, both shirts are great, fine quality, look good, and typically last a long time.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, David!