In the past, tennis was mainly played by wealthy and middle-class people. Players were expected to dress formally and look elegant. However, in 1926, a French tennis player named René Lacoste changed the game by wearing a shirt that he designed himself. This shirt had short sleeves and a collar that could be turned up to protect the neck from the sun. It became very popular among tennis players and created a lot of excitement.

Lacoste was known as “The Crocodile” by his fans because of his determination on the court. His friend, Robert George, drew a picture of a crocodile with its mouth open, which became the logo for Lacoste’s shirts. Lacoste then partnered with André Gillier, who owned a clothing factory in France, to manufacture these shirts with the crocodile logo.

Initially, tennis clothes were only made in white, but Lacoste decided to expand his range in 1951 by introducing shirts in different colors. He marketed these polo shirts as a symbol of competence for sportsmen. The Lacoste polo shirts were sold exclusively in high-end shops and department stores, establishing the brand as a luxury global brand with a prestigious image.

Today, the polo shirt is considered a classic item of “smart casual” attire. It is more formal than a T-shirt but less formal than a long-sleeved shirt.