How to Spot a Fake Lacoste Polo: The Ultimate Authentication Guide

Lacoste polo shirts are a timeless classic, known for their quality, style, and iconic crocodile logo. Unfortunately, their popularity also makes them a prime target for counterfeiters. Buying a fake Lacoste polo can be disappointing, both in terms of quality and value. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to identify a fake Lacoste polo and ensure you’re getting the real deal. We’ll cover everything from examining the logo and buttons to scrutinizing the stitching and tags. Get ready to become a Lacoste authentication expert!

## Why Does Authenticating a Lacoste Polo Matter?

Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand why authenticating a Lacoste polo is crucial:

* **Quality:** Authentic Lacoste polos are made with high-quality materials and construction techniques, ensuring durability and comfort. Fakes often use inferior materials that can shrink, fade, or fall apart quickly.
* **Value:** A genuine Lacoste polo holds its value better than a fake. If you ever decide to sell it, you’ll get a significantly higher return on your investment.
* **Ethical Concerns:** Buying counterfeit goods supports illegal activities and undermines legitimate businesses. Authenticating your purchase helps ensure you’re supporting ethical manufacturing practices.
* **Personal Satisfaction:** There’s a certain satisfaction in owning an authentic piece of clothing that you know is well-made and represents a brand with a rich history.

## Key Areas to Examine When Authenticating a Lacoste Polo

We’ll break down the authentication process into several key areas, each focusing on specific details of the polo shirt:

1. **The Crocodile Logo:** This is arguably the most critical element to examine. It’s the most recognizable feature and often the first thing counterfeiters try to replicate.
2. **The Buttons:** The buttons on a genuine Lacoste polo are carefully selected and attached. Counterfeiters often use cheap, generic buttons.
3. **The Stitching:** High-quality stitching is a hallmark of authentic Lacoste polos. Look for consistent, clean, and durable stitching throughout the garment.
4. **The Tags:** The tags on a Lacoste polo provide valuable information about the garment, including the fabric content, country of origin, and care instructions. Pay close attention to the details of the tags.
5. **The Fabric and Construction:** The feel and drape of the fabric, as well as the overall construction of the polo, can reveal a lot about its authenticity.
6. **The Packaging (If Applicable):** If you’re buying a new Lacoste polo, the packaging can also provide clues about its authenticity.
7. **The Price:** While not a foolproof indicator, a price that seems too good to be true is often a red flag.

## 1. Examining the Crocodile Logo: The Heart of Authentication

The crocodile logo is the most iconic and recognizable feature of a Lacoste polo shirt. It’s also the most frequently counterfeited. Here’s how to scrutinize it:

* **Color and Appearance:**
* **Authentic:** The crocodile should be a deep, vibrant green. The color should be consistent throughout the logo, with no fading or discoloration. The crocodile’s scales and teeth should be clearly defined and not blurry.
* **Fake:** The crocodile may be a dull or washed-out green, or even a different shade of green altogether. The details may be poorly defined, blurry, or smudged. The color might appear uneven or faded.
* **Placement and Orientation:**
* **Authentic:** The crocodile should be positioned on the left chest, slightly below the second button. It should be facing to the right. The crocodile’s tail should point towards the button placket.
* **Fake:** The crocodile may be placed too high or too low on the chest, or it may be positioned too far to the left or right. It might even be facing the wrong direction (to the left). The tail might be pointing away from the button placket.
* **Stitching:**
* **Authentic:** The crocodile is usually heat-sealed to the fabric, and the stitching around the perimeter should be clean, tight, and consistent. The stitching should be the same color as the shirt.
* **Fake:** The stitching may be loose, uneven, or messy. The stitching color may not match the shirt color. There might be loose threads or gaps in the stitching.
* **Detail:**
* **Authentic:** The crocodile’s teeth and claws should be clearly defined and visible. The eye should be a small, round black dot.
* **Fake:** The teeth and claws may be poorly defined or missing altogether. The eye may be too large, oddly shaped, or the wrong color.
* **Shape and Proportions:**
* **Authentic:** The crocodile should have a realistic shape and proportions. It shouldn’t appear too long, too short, too fat, or too thin.
* **Fake:** The crocodile may have an unrealistic or distorted shape. It might look cartoonish or disproportionate.

**Specific Indicators of a Fake Crocodile Logo:**

* **A noticeably yellow or orange eye.** Authentic logos have a black eye.
* **Poorly defined scales or teeth.** Authentic logos have crisp, clear details.
* **Messy or uneven stitching around the logo’s perimeter.** Authentic logos have clean, tight stitching.
* **A crocodile that appears to be glued on rather than stitched.** Authentic logos are usually heat-sealed and then stitched.
* **Disproportionate features, such as a head that’s too large or a tail that’s too short.** Authentic logos have realistic proportions.

## 2. Inspecting the Buttons: A Subtle But Telling Detail

The buttons on a Lacoste polo shirt are another important detail to examine. Authentic Lacoste polos use high-quality buttons that are carefully attached.

* **Material:**
* **Authentic:** Lacoste polo shirts typically use mother-of-pearl buttons. These buttons have a subtle sheen and a slightly iridescent quality. They feel smooth and substantial.
* **Fake:** Fake Lacoste polos often use plastic buttons that are cheap and lack the subtle sheen of mother-of-pearl. They may feel rough or lightweight.
* **Appearance:**
* **Authentic:** The buttons should be a consistent color and size. They should have a smooth, even surface. The buttonholes should be clean and precisely cut.
* **Fake:** The buttons may be different colors or sizes. They may have imperfections, such as scratches, dents, or bubbles. The buttonholes may be frayed or uneven.
* **Attachment:**
* **Authentic:** The buttons should be securely attached to the shirt with strong, durable thread. The thread color should match the shirt color.
* **Fake:** The buttons may be loosely attached or even falling off. The thread color may not match the shirt color. The stitching may be sloppy or uneven.
* **Number of Holes:**
* **Authentic:** Lacoste polo shirts generally have two-hole buttons. However, vintage models could have four-hole buttons. Verify against known styles and production years.
* **Fake:** Pay attention if you see something inconsistent with known standards. Though not definitive alone, it’s a point to note.

**Specific Indicators of Fake Buttons:**

* **Buttons that are clearly plastic and lack the sheen of mother-of-pearl.**
* **Buttons that are different colors or sizes.**
* **Loose or poorly attached buttons.**
* **Mismatched thread color.**
* **Buttons with visible imperfections, such as scratches or dents.**

## 3. Analyzing the Stitching: A Sign of Quality (or Lack Thereof)

The stitching on a Lacoste polo shirt is a crucial indicator of its quality. Authentic Lacoste polos are known for their impeccable stitching.

* **Consistency:**
* **Authentic:** The stitching should be consistent throughout the garment, with even stitches and no visible gaps or overlaps.
* **Fake:** The stitching may be uneven, with varying stitch lengths and gaps. There may be loose threads or overlaps in the stitching.
* **Cleanliness:**
* **Authentic:** The stitching should be clean and precise, with no stray threads or knots. The stitching should follow the lines of the garment accurately.
* **Fake:** The stitching may be messy and imprecise, with stray threads and knots. The stitching may deviate from the lines of the garment.
* **Strength:**
* **Authentic:** The stitching should be strong and durable, able to withstand wear and tear. The seams should be reinforced to prevent them from unraveling.
* **Fake:** The stitching may be weak and flimsy, prone to unraveling. The seams may not be reinforced.
* **Areas to Focus On:** Pay close attention to the stitching around the collar, the button placket, the sleeves, and the hem. These are areas where counterfeiters often cut corners.

**Specific Indicators of Fake Stitching:**

* **Uneven stitch lengths.**
* **Visible gaps in the stitching.**
* **Loose threads or knots.**
* **Stitching that deviates from the lines of the garment.**
* **Weak or flimsy stitching.**
* **Unreinforced seams.**

## 4. Decoding the Tags: Unveiling the Truth

The tags on a Lacoste polo shirt provide valuable information about the garment, including its fabric content, country of origin, and care instructions. Inspecting the tags carefully can help you identify a fake.

* **Neck Tag:**
* **Authentic:** The neck tag should be securely attached to the shirt and made of a high-quality material. The tag should be clean and legible, with no misspellings or grammatical errors. It usually displays the Lacoste logo and the size of the garment. Some tags also display the fabric content and care instructions. The font should be clear and consistent with Lacoste’s branding. The tag is often a single piece of fabric folded over and sewn.
* **Fake:** The neck tag may be poorly attached, made of cheap material, or contain misspellings or grammatical errors. The font may be inconsistent with Lacoste’s branding. The tag might be multiple pieces sewn together haphazardly.
* **Care Tag:**
* **Authentic:** The care tag should be sewn into the side seam of the shirt. It should provide detailed instructions on how to care for the garment, including washing, drying, and ironing instructions. The care tag should be written in multiple languages, typically including English, French, and Spanish. The symbols used on the care tag should be clear and easily understood.
* **Fake:** The care tag may be missing, poorly attached, or contain inaccurate or incomplete information. The care instructions may be vague or nonsensical. The care tag may be written in only one language, or the languages may be poorly translated. The symbols used on the care tag may be unclear or incorrect.
* **Fabric Content Tag:**
* **Authentic:** This tag lists the exact fabric composition of the garment, for example, 100% cotton, or a blend of cotton and polyester. Ensure the fabric content matches the expected content for the particular Lacoste style you are examining.
* **Fake:** This tag may be missing, inaccurate, or list a fabric content inconsistent with the actual feel and appearance of the material.
* **Country of Origin Tag:**
* **Authentic:** This tag indicates where the polo shirt was manufactured. Lacoste polos are produced in various countries, including France, Peru, and several others. The country of origin should be clearly stated on the tag.
* **Fake:** The country of origin tag may be missing or may list a country that is not typically associated with Lacoste production.
* **RN Number:**
* **Authentic:** Look for an RN (Registered Number) on the tag. You can search this number online to confirm it is registered to Lacoste. This is a US requirement, so garments sold elsewhere may not have this.
* **Fake:** A missing or incorrect RN number is a strong indicator of a counterfeit.

**Specific Indicators of Fake Tags:**

* **Misspellings or grammatical errors on the tags.**
* **Inaccurate or incomplete information on the tags.**
* **Poorly attached or cheaply made tags.**
* **Missing tags.**
* **Inconsistent font or branding on the tags.**
* **Care instructions that are vague or nonsensical.**

## 5. Feeling the Fabric and Assessing Construction: Beyond the Visuals

While visual inspection is crucial, the feel of the fabric and the overall construction of the polo can also reveal its authenticity.

* **Fabric Quality:**
* **Authentic:** Lacoste polos are typically made from high-quality cotton, often a pique knit. The fabric should feel soft, breathable, and durable. It should have a slight texture due to the pique knit. Authentic Lacoste polos maintain their shape well and resist shrinking or fading.
* **Fake:** Fake Lacoste polos may be made from cheaper, lower-quality cotton or synthetic materials. The fabric may feel rough, stiff, or flimsy. It may shrink easily or fade after washing. The pique knit might be poorly executed or missing altogether.
* **Construction Quality:**
* **Authentic:** Authentic Lacoste polos are well-constructed, with attention to detail. The seams should be straight and even. The collar should be properly shaped and reinforced. The buttons should be securely attached. The overall construction should feel solid and durable.
* **Fake:** Fake Lacoste polos may be poorly constructed, with uneven seams, a misshapen collar, and loosely attached buttons. The overall construction may feel flimsy and prone to falling apart.
* **Fit and Drape:**
* **Authentic:** A genuine Lacoste polo drapes well and has a tailored fit that is neither too tight nor too loose. It allows for comfortable movement while maintaining a stylish silhouette. The weight of the fabric contributes to its overall drape.
* **Fake:** A counterfeit polo might have an awkward or ill-fitting cut, feeling restrictive or baggy in certain areas. The fabric’s lighter weight can also cause it to hang poorly.

**Specific Indicators of Fake Fabric and Construction:**

* **Fabric that feels rough, stiff, or flimsy.**
* **Poorly constructed seams.**
* **A misshapen collar.**
* **Loosely attached buttons.**
* **Overall flimsy construction.**
* **An unusual smell (often a chemical odor) emanating from the fabric.**

## 6. Examining the Packaging (If Applicable): The First Impression Matters

If you’re buying a new Lacoste polo shirt, the packaging can also provide clues about its authenticity. However, keep in mind that packaging can be easily counterfeited, so don’t rely on it as the sole indicator of authenticity.

* **Quality of Packaging:**
* **Authentic:** Lacoste polo shirts are typically packaged in high-quality bags or boxes with the Lacoste logo prominently displayed. The packaging should be clean, undamaged, and professionally printed.
* **Fake:** Fake Lacoste polos may be packaged in cheap, flimsy bags or boxes with blurry or poorly printed logos. The packaging may be damaged or dirty.
* **Details on Packaging:**
* **Authentic:** The packaging should include details such as the style number, size, and color of the polo shirt. This information should match the information on the tags inside the shirt.
* **Fake:** The packaging may lack these details, or the details may be inaccurate or inconsistent with the information on the tags.
* **Presence of Barcodes and Security Features:**
* **Authentic:** Authentic Lacoste products often include barcodes and other security features on the packaging to prevent counterfeiting.
* **Fake:** Fake Lacoste products may lack these features or may have fake or poorly printed barcodes.

**Specific Indicators of Fake Packaging:**

* **Cheap or flimsy packaging.**
* **Blurry or poorly printed logos.**
* **Missing details, such as the style number or size.**
* **Inaccurate or inconsistent information on the packaging.**
* **Lack of barcodes or security features.**

## 7. Considering the Price: Too Good to Be True?

The price of a Lacoste polo shirt can be a clue to its authenticity. While sales and discounts are common, a price that seems significantly lower than the average retail price should raise suspicion.

* **Research the Average Retail Price:** Before making a purchase, research the average retail price of the Lacoste polo shirt you’re interested in. This will give you a baseline for comparison.
* **Be Wary of Deep Discounts:** If you find a Lacoste polo shirt being sold for a fraction of the average retail price, it’s likely a fake. Counterfeiters often lure buyers in with incredibly low prices.
* **Consider the Source:** Be cautious when buying Lacoste polo shirts from unauthorized retailers or online marketplaces. These sources are more likely to sell counterfeit goods.
* **Factor in Shipping Costs:** Sometimes counterfeiters will offer a low price but then inflate the shipping costs to compensate. Be sure to factor in the shipping costs when evaluating the overall price of the polo shirt.

**Important Note:** While price can be an indicator, it’s not foolproof. Some counterfeiters may charge a price that is close to the authentic retail price to make their products seem more legitimate. Always examine the other details mentioned in this guide, regardless of the price.

## Where to Buy Authentic Lacoste Polos

To avoid buying a fake Lacoste polo shirt, it’s best to purchase from reputable sources:

* **Official Lacoste Stores:** These stores are the most reliable source for authentic Lacoste products.
* **Authorized Retailers:** Department stores and specialty clothing stores that are authorized to sell Lacoste products are also good options. Check Lacoste’s website for a list of authorized retailers in your area.
* **Lacoste’s Online Store:** Lacoste’s official website is another safe place to buy authentic polos.

**Be Cautious When Buying Online:**

* **Read Reviews:** Before buying from an online retailer, read reviews from other customers to get an idea of their reputation.
* **Check the Seller’s Rating:** Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay have seller rating systems. Check the seller’s rating before making a purchase.
* **Look for Guarantees and Return Policies:** Make sure the online retailer offers a guarantee of authenticity and a generous return policy in case you’re not satisfied with your purchase.
* **Examine Product Images Carefully:** Look for high-resolution images of the polo shirt that show all the details mentioned in this guide. If the images are blurry or missing, it’s a red flag.

## What to Do If You Suspect You’ve Bought a Fake Lacoste Polo

If you suspect you’ve bought a fake Lacoste polo, here are some steps you can take:

* **Contact the Seller:** Contact the seller and explain why you believe the polo is fake. Ask for a refund or exchange.
* **Report the Seller:** If the seller refuses to cooperate, report them to the online marketplace or payment processor you used to make the purchase.
* **Contact Lacoste:** Contact Lacoste’s customer service department and report the counterfeit product. They may be able to take legal action against the seller.
* **Leave a Review:** Leave a review of the seller on the online marketplace or retailer’s website to warn other potential buyers.

## Conclusion: Empowering You to Authenticate with Confidence

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to identify a fake Lacoste polo shirt and ensure you’re getting the genuine article. Remember to pay close attention to the crocodile logo, the buttons, the stitching, the tags, the fabric, and the price. With a little practice and attention to detail, you can become a Lacoste authentication expert and avoid the disappointment of buying a counterfeit product. Happy shopping!