The Greatest "Invention" Was the Piqué Fabric

The Lacoste "L1212," released in 1933. Let us first note that this shirt, created by René Lacoste, a three-time French Open champion and professional tennis player, is the prototype for all polo shirts that exist today. Next, we must write about why this "L1212" was produced.

René Lacoste was not only a great tennis player but also an excellent businessman and inventor. While details will be left for the next installment, "Its History as Sportswear," he was a man who brought many ideas to fruition, including the development of a ball machine and improvements to rackets and strings. The "L1212," a new sports shirt for tennis, was one of these ideas.

Until the 1920s, tennis courts were graced by what in Japan would be called "dress shirts." These were made of stiff fabric, had buttons all the way down the placket, and were long-sleeved. What did René Lacoste improve?—The biggest point was the fabric.





To ensure "stretchability" and "breathability," René Lacoste used "piqué" cotton fabric. This is a type of knit weaving known for its excellent fit and a characteristic honeycomb-like raised texture on the surface. Its breathability and reduced contact area with the skin create a smooth, comfortable feel.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that this fabric is the "L1212's" identity. It is also René Lacoste's answer to his own desire to "play comfortably."

Next, let's touch upon the material of the fabric, cotton. First, regarding cultivation: carefully selected cotton, known for its strength and suppleness, is sourced from Egypt, the United States, and Peru. Particularly, cotton from the fertile lands of La Piura in northern Peru has a fiber length of approximately 40mm and possesses a luster and texture similar to silk.

Products That Clear Strict Standards

The "L1212" (click the top image to see its beautiful colors) is now available in 30 color variations. Strict standards are also applied to dyeing. It undergoes repeated testing for resistance to washing, sweat, bleach, and sunlight, as well as for harmlessness. The dye is then fully permeated to the core of the fibers.

Finally, after drying, a final treatment is performed with a chemical solution using resin. It is through these processes that Lacoste polo shirts maintain their color fastness. For reference, avoiding washing at temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius and air-drying should help the colors last longer.





The final stage in the manufacturing of the "L1212" is sewing. This is the process of carefully joining all parts, such as the collar, placket, and body. Specialized sewing machines are used for assembling the collar, knitting the sleeve ribs, and for the tubular tape that covers the collar seams. The placket, one of the "L1212's" distinctive features, is particularly carefully finished. Meticulous attention is paid to ensure that the interlining does not protrude and that the seams are not crooked.

Incidentally, although Lacoste has factories worldwide, products sewn in Japanese factories are said to be evaluated as having the highest quality within the company.





The new Lacoste polo shirt, "PH051E," is generating buzz among fashion enthusiasts. As seen in the photos, its defining characteristic is a slimmer silhouette compared to the "L1212." The collar is smaller, the length is shorter, and in simple terms, it's a "more fashion-conscious" piece. Yet, it retains classic details such as the crocodile logo, placket design, and hem slit treatment. This is a polo shirt that respects the history cultivated by Lacoste while evolving to match the spirit of the times.—that is the "PH051E."

The undisputed origin of the polo shirt, the "L1212," and the new classic reflecting the times, the "PH051E." We will conclude the first report by focusing again on these two models, which symbolize Lacoste of the past and Lacoste of the future. The second installment, scheduled for release soon, will delve further into Lacoste's history. Please continue to look forward to it.