Lacoste Review South Africa — Polo Heritage Deals
A straight look at Lacoste in South Africa — what the crocodile brand does well, where it costs more, and when a deal is worth it.
Lacoste
The trade-off is simple. You pay more than a generic polo, and in return you get a cut, a fabric weight and a logo that most people read instantly.
Whether that swap is worth it depends on how much the crocodile matters to you, and how often you’ll actually wear the thing. For some shoppers it’s an easy yes. For others it’s a want, not a need.
What they do
Lacoste is a single French brand, not a shop that stocks other labels. Founded by tennis player René Lacoste, it built its name on the pique polo shirt and still leans on that heritage today.
The range now runs wider than polos — knitwear, tracksuits, trainers, bags, watches and fragrance all carry the crocodile. But the core is still clean, sporty clothing with a recognisable badge.
It sits in the mid-to-upper tier of everyday clothing rather than true luxury, which is a useful thing to know before you shop the rest of our Fashion listings.
What to look at first
Classic polo shirts
The L.12.12 pique polo is the reason the brand exists, and it’s still the piece most worth its price.
Best for: a smart-casual shirt that works at the office, a braai or a golf course.
Trainers and shoes
Court-style sneakers with a clean, low-key look rather than loud hype design.
Best for: everyday white trainers that don’t shout for attention.
Tracksuits and knitwear
Zip-throughs, sweatshirts and jumpers in solid colours with subtle branding.
Best for: layering that reads sporty without going full gym kit.
Bags and accessories
Belts, caps, backpacks and small leather goods that carry the logo at a lower entry price.
Best for: a cheaper way into the brand, or a gift.
Simple way to think about it
Start with what you’ll wear on repeat. A polo or a plain pair of trainers earns its keep in a way that a novelty piece won’t.
Buy the classics at close to full price if you must, but the flashier or seasonal items are the ones to hold out on. Colours and sizes come and go, so timing matters.
Before you commit, it’s worth checking the current Lacoste deals on The Real Deal to see whether the piece you want has dropped.
What makes Lacoste different
The real difference is legibility. The crocodile is one of the few clothing logos people recognise across ages and countries, and that carries a certain weight whether you like it or not.
The other is the pique polo itself — a specific knit and fit the brand has made for decades. Plenty of labels copy it, but Lacoste owns the reference.
What it isn’t is trend-driven fashion. The look is steady and familiar, which is the point for its buyers and a limit for anyone chasing trends.
The practical bit
Shipping: Available in South Africa through lacoste.com, with rates shown at checkout.
Delivery: Times vary by location and item — check the product page and checkout before ordering.
Returns: Confirm the current returns window and conditions on the website before buying.
Support: Help is available through lacoste.com and its customer service channels.
Who it’s for
This is for you if:
- You want a smart-casual staple that lasts more than one season.
- The recognisable logo is a plus, not a turn-off.
- You’d rather own a few solid pieces than a pile of cheap ones.
- You’re buying a gift that reads as a known name.
Probably not for you if:
- You want the lowest price above all and the badge means nothing to you.
- You chase fast-moving trends and loud design.
- You’d only ever wear it once or twice.
Final word
Lacoste makes the most sense when you buy the classics and wear them hard — the polo, the plain trainers, the everyday knit. Pay full price on those with a clear conscience.
Everything else is worth comparing before you buy. Check the live Lacoste specials on The Real Deal first, then decide.
FAQ
Is Lacoste worth it?
Lacoste suits shoppers who want a recognisable polo and casualwear brand with consistent quality, not the cheapest option on the rack. Pay full price and it is a stretch for most budgets — the value case only holds up when you catch a genuine discount.
Where can I find Lacoste deals in South Africa?
Check current Lacoste on The Real Deal for RealRank verified price drops as they're spotted.
Does Lacoste have physical stores in South Africa?
Yes. Lacoste runs boutiques in South Africa including Mall of Africa and Eastgate in Johannesburg, Menlyn in Pretoria, and Canal Walk in Cape Town.