When you’re devoted to the enduring preppy label however need to department out, there are many manufacturers like Lacoste on the market. In lieu of their ninetieth anniversary, it couldn’t be a greater time to pay homage to the heritage model whereas additionally testing options that will provide one thing barely completely different at various worth factors.
The model acquired placed on the map within the late Seventies and ’80s, however its origins attain all the best way again to the ’30s when tennis legend and genius inventor Rene Lacoste turned his nickname into Lacoste. He was the primary one to place a brand on a garment, giving us the notorious crocodile tennis polo, beginning a journey that even immediately combines developments in tech sports activities gear with trendy vogue.
There are different manufacturers that boast related roots. Some make gear for particular sports activities that double as vogue developments; others have gone on to outline what it means to be a prep, a wasp, and outline a significant side of American and British vogue.
Let’s take a peek on the 10 Lacoste-like manufacturers beneath.
Key Takeaways
For this quest, I started by poring over tons of of name and buyer critiques and sifted by means of the best-selling vogue and sportswear manufacturers till I whittled it all the way down to the ten finalists you see on this record. General, the very best model like Lacoste is FILA as a result of it’s fashionable, well-made sportswear with a significant emphasis on tech. For a much less sporty, nonetheless very preppy providing, take a look at US Polo Assn.
Why this model is nice: Very similar to Lacoste, FILA can also be wealthy in sports activities historical past. Established in 1911, FILA additionally grew to become common within the ’80s, having its second within the fashionable highlight and now discovering itself a strong, established model within the sportswear/athleisure division famend worldwide for its high quality.
They at all times concentrate on tech first, so regardless of how enticing a pair of sweatpants, golf shorts, or tennis shirts might seem, you’re going to like the best way it feels once you put on it.
Why I highlighted this product: Combining a timeless classic look with the very best expertise of immediately, this efficiency polo is ideal for the tennis prepster. Coming in 4 basic colours, this iconic 1975 tee is ideal for the courtroom. It’s sweat-wicking, presents UV solar safety, and is manufactured with antimicrobial properties to maintain undesirable odors at bay.
Flaws however not deal-breakers: Though it’s definitely a stylish sports activities model, it won’t carry the identical ‘high-end’ really feel as Lacoste.
Why this model is nice: A very trendy model, Wahts presents preppy mainstays with a younger and stylish enchantment. Fifteen years in the past, the Dutch founder, a Silicon Valley innovator, observed the informal nature of tech enterprise put on and needed to capitalize on the change in vogue.
At present, the model combines technical materials with luxurious supplies in basic silhouettes and sustainable practices to provide the ‘new classic,’ combining vogue with performance and flexibility.
Why I highlighted this product: A clear and informal but elevated pair of shorts is what each prepster wants. You’ll be able to even gown this pair up with some loafers if want be. With a relaxed, modern match, they’re constituted of a classy cotton pique material that makes them really easy to slip on within the morning with out feeling too slouchy or informal. I like the elastic waist and hidden zip aspect pockets for a lean silhouette.
Flaws however not deal-breakers: Lacoste is a reasonably logo-heavy model, whereas Wahts is fairly clear and easy.
Why this model is nice: Polished but snug, Collars & Co. has discovered a option to make dressing in a collared shirt for work truly bearable. The model prides itself on high-quality supplies, glorious match, and people small particulars that actually make its polo shirt higher than the remainder.
Born out of the battle of 1 working skilled to mix fashion and luxury, it was first noticed (and funded) on Shark Tank. Now, you should buy their basic males’s preppy fashion or peruse their options in the entire main males’s magazines.
Why I highlighted this product: Based mostly on the Italian quiet luxurious development (vital for a real wasp), the Portofino Pique Cotton Polo is simply as technically savvy as it’s cozy. It’s acquired a beautiful form with simply the precise match on the arms and the proper quantity of drape all through the physique.
The elegant cotton pique is a luxurious textured sample that mixes fashion with sturdiness. It’s tremendous comfortable, breathable, hypoallergenic, and feels superb on the pores and skin.
Flaws however not deal-breakers: The fabric on a few of their polos seems shiny in sure lights.
Why this model is nice: When you sometimes flip to Lacoste for equipment, then you may also like Roderer. Launched in Dubai in 2016 below the ‘less is more’ idea, the model is all about having fewer gadgets however investing in high-quality, well-made items with a clear, timeless aesthetic.
Related in product vary, measurement, form, and look to Lacoste, these luggage are true luxurious necessities, specializing in that understated, minimalist sophistication that’s all the fashion today.
Why I highlighted this product: Very similar to Lacoste’s messenger luggage, the Award bag is trendy, compact, and extremely versatile. It’s constituted of beautiful handmade, soft-grain Italian leather-based and is clear save for the silver {hardware} and silver metal brand discreetly positioned on its entrance. Matches each an iPad and a laptop computer and in addition is available in a mini measurement for shorter, playful excursions.
Flaws however not deal-breakers: The worth level is a bit increased than Lacoste right here, however it offers you a similar really feel and one thing barely completely different than the lots.
Why this model is nice: When you love turning to Lacoste in your kicks, then you may also like Tropicfeel. These sneakers carry the identical preppy profile and trend-worthy silhouettes. As a lot as Lacoste is a heritage model and banks on custom, they’re additionally no stranger to innovation and undergoes fixed updates to really feel contemporary.
Enter Tropicfeel. The model is fairly new however locations a excessive emphasis on extremely purposeful journey and sports activities gear with a pleasant, timeless aptitude in addition. Plus, I like their large concentrate on sustainability and transparency as an authorized B-Corp.
Why I highlighted this product: The proper Americana shoe for the informal prep, the Sundown AC75 sneaker, which is a part of their Sundown America’s Cup version, is available in a number of colours, however I adore it in navy with white and pink shoelace holes.
Boasting hundreds of stellar critiques and a very good worth level, it rapidly transforms into a cosy slipper for severe seashore vibes. I like that it’s tremendous light-weight, water-friendly, and slip-resistant, plus it’s anti-bacterial for odor management.
Flaws however not deal-breakers: Though you will get footwear and a few journey gear right here, the big selection of clothes out there at Lacoste isn’t discovered right here.
Why this model is nice: Because the official fashion of the Kentucky Derby, the Premier Lacrosse League, and head of the Charles Regatta, Winery Vines, it’s protected to say, has preppy down pat. It’s been seen on the likes of Barack Obama and Prince Harry, simply in case you want one other stamp of approval. Household-owned and operated since 1998, this model presents good-quality efficiency gear, comfortable layers, preppy fundamentals, and swimwear for the entire household.
Why I highlighted this product: I actually like their T-shirts, particularly the short-sleeved classic tee with a whale pocket. It is available in a number of colours and is constituted of 100% soft-washed cotton for that lived-in, tremendous snug feeling. Excellent if you wish to rock a tee from a model like Lacoste.
Flaws however not deal-breakers: Though definitely good high quality, some really feel that it’s considerably overpriced.
Why this model is nice: With a historical past reaching again to the Eighties, even farther than Lacoste, US Polo Assn will get its sporty begin within the sport of polo (actually, all of their merchandise are sanctioned by the USA Polo Affiliation, the governing physique for the game of polo since 1890). Very similar to Lacoste, this model offers you that prep faculty, waspy search for much less, providing pants, polos, tees, and even swimwear.
Why I highlighted this product: They’ve loads of nice polos for the prepsters, however I like this striped pique shirt due to the high quality high quality of its cotton and the printed chest stripes which have a sporty really feel. It’s enticing, it’s simple to put on with khakis, shorts, or denims, and it even is available in pink.
Flaws however not deal-breakers: This model is extra inexpensive than Lacoste, however I want that they had been clear concerning the supplies they used.
Why this model is nice: I most likely don’t must let you know that Ralph Lauren is without doubt one of the most iconic manufacturers on the planet. A real arbiter of American vogue and preppy stylish fashion, it’s a world chief with over 50 years of distinction.
They provide a number of completely different strains, from designer ready-to-wear straight from the runway to the extra informal choices of the Polo line, which bears a excessive resemblance to Lacoste of their skill to remodel sports activities garments into vogue developments.
Why I highlighted this product: I simply needed to showcase their US Open Ball Crew Polo Shirt due to its emphasis on sport. With a slim match and stylish colour blocking, it’s part of the ‘24 US Open Tennis Championship Collection, so it has that slightly exclusive feel.
It’s acquired all the precise preppy particulars, from an official match brand, a signature Large Pony brand on the again, and enormous ribbed cuffs for scrunching and styling. Fabricated from recycled poly, it’s acquired an eco aptitude and is nice for sport due to stretch mesh and moisture-wicking properties.
Flaws however not deal-breakers: You actually can’t go unsuitable with the fashionable, elegant Ralph Lauren, however the worth level could also be too steep for some.
Why this model is nice: Ah, one other true heritage model. Based in 1914 in Chicago, Wilson is the producer of high-performance sports activities tools, attire, footwear, and equipment. (I at all times consider their tennis balls). Plus, they’ve maintained one of many longest-standing model partnerships in sports activities—with the NFL.
So though sport involves thoughts earlier than vogue in the case of Wilson, the model truly sits at that good intersection of development and performance, due to the foremost uptick in streetwear and athleisure.
Why I highlighted this product: Irrespective of how fashionable or cool, Wilson by no means crafts a bit of clothes only for seems to be. The parkside half-zip pullover is simply as useful for sport as it’s for vogue, due to anti-odor, quick-drying, and breathable expertise.
Each mild and comfortable, it’s constituted of a combo of cotton, poly, and viscose, which helps it preserve form retention. This sweatshirt is in it for the lengthy haul.
Flaws however not deal-breakers: They could not have the development energy of Lacoste or carry the identical high-end really feel, however they do make loads of trendy athleisure outfits and many sports activities garments you possibly can rely on.
Why this model is nice: Although considerably costly, Peter Millar is a really high-quality model that provides well-tailored garments for the prepster and Southern gentleman. The corporate started in 2001 with a single cashmere sweater—the final word image of the wasp. Since then, they’ve provided luxurious, class, and superior craftsmanship of their ready-to-wear, efficiency sportswear, and resort attire. As a result of their garments will final you for years, I take into account them an funding model.
Why I highlighted this product: When you want one thing to put on on the golf course, then take into account the Shackleford Efficiency Hybrid Quick. They arrive in 5 colours for straightforward styling and boast a basic match and many versatility. This comes all the way down to the four-way stretch mobility and water resistance, which helps you are taking this brief from the inexperienced to having a scotch on the membership to a leap within the pool (sure, they double as swim trunks).
Flaws however not deal-breakers: Though Lacoste maintains a youthful really feel, Peter Millar feels considerably extra mature and never as fashionable.
Shopping for Concerns for Manufacturers Like Lacoste
Heritage
Not all manufacturers like Lacoste should be a heritage model with dozens of years of historical past, however it definitely helps. Having the ability to hint again a model’s roots to its origins in sport offers us context, informs the model’s dedication to efficiency, a giant facet of athleisure corporations like Lacoste, and lets us know that the garments will likely be snug and are worthy of damage.
A few of the manufacturers on this record are new, which is completely high quality, however all of them place an emphasis on high-quality supplies, sustainability, and timeless preppy kinds you possibly can rely on.
Efficiency
Though the style polo is one among Lacoste’s shining merchandise, what actually retains prospects coming again for extra is their efficiency gear. Even the garments which might be meant for vogue include components of enhanced wearability, whether or not it’s high-quality, breathable materials and even water and anti-microbial components. All the manufacturers like Lacoste that I thought-about are exceptionally snug and sturdy, combining fashion with performance.
Worth
Lacoste is on the low finish of luxurious, sitting comfortably at a center worth level, although it carries an unique really feel. I attempted to concentrate on a variety of worth factors, so fortunately, you possibly can just about decide from any of the manufacturers like Lacoste on this record. Some are extra inexpensive than others, with Ralph Lauren sitting on the high—however not too out of attain.
How We Selected
A lot of Lacoste-like manufacturers declare to make trendy, preppy garments with efficiency and performance at their coronary heart, however generally, these claims simply don’t maintain up. So, wherever attainable, I selected manufacturers which might be extremely respected, carry some component of sport or efficiency of their model id, and pleasure themselves on high quality and performance.
I additionally sifted by means of tons of of buyer critiques and combed by means of the very best vogue boards, touchdown on my high 10 by deciding on manufacturers that individuals fee extremely and would doubtless purchase once more.
Worth: Does the model promise plenty of clean-cut, preppy kinds, however the worth is thru the roof? I take note of the worth a product brings and determine if its worth measures up.
Selection: If a model presents preppy kinds and efficiency put on, then it makes the record. I must see a combo of each vogue and performance to deem a model like Lacoste.
Model Fame: How do individuals really feel a couple of model over time? If it’s not beloved, with glorious customer support and a optimistic picture in society’s consciousness, then it’s not making the lower.
Why Belief Us?
In-house author Rachel Cascella is really obsessive about vogue. This is smart, as she’s spent 16 years as a mannequin in New York within the vogue business, working with high designers, manufacturers, and inventive specialists.
She combines that data with a love of analysis to provide you well-informed articles on the newest developments, just like the finest sq. watches you need to be sporting and footwear like Vans, simply in case you’re in search of one thing completely different. Belief Rachel to convey you every part vogue, together with the very best sporty-preppy manufacturers on the market.
Ultimate Verdict
Manufacturers like Lacoste ought to carry the identical preppy, basic waspy fashion with a sporty twist. My high decide is FILA as a result of it’s additionally a heritage model steeped in sports activities custom, locations emphasis on tech in addition to fashion, and could be very on-trend.
FAQ
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Manufacturers like FILA, Polo Ralph Lauren, Winery Vines, Brooks Brothers, and Tommy Hilfiger compete with Lacoste.
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Whereas pricier than many excessive avenue manufacturers, Lacoste is just not a luxurious model. Their items are pricey as a result of they’re made with high-quality supplies and include an iconic standing.
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