It's becoming increasingly common to find Lacoste clothing in vintage shops or on secondhand platforms. The problem is that counterfeits have also increased. And while some imitations are very well made, there are details on the labels that can help you determine if a garment is authentic or not .
As a supplier of vintage clothing , we'll teach you how to identify an original Lacoste label so you don't get ripped off .
If you've ever hesitated to buy a garment because you weren't sure if it was genuine, this article is for you.
Why is it important to know if a Lacoste label is genuine?
At first glance, many counterfeit items look good. But when it comes to brands like Lacoste, the label can reveal the truth . Spotting a fake label early can save you money and headaches , especially if you resell clothes or run a vintage shop.
Furthermore, knowing how to distinguish an original garment from a copy helps you build trust with your customers and maintain your reputation if you sell online or through Instagram, Vinted, or Wallapop.
Here are the most important elements you should check.
Quality of the embroidery and shape of the crocodile
One of the most striking features is the logo. The original Lacoste crocodile has clean embroidery, with defined lines and no loose threads . The teeth, eye, and tongue are all well detailed .
In contrast, on many fake labels the crocodile looks like a poorly made cartoon: badly proportioned, without details and with obvious errors .
Typography and brand lettering
The word "LACOSTE" usually appears in capital letters on the label. On genuine garments, the typography is clear, without distorted edges or crooked letters .
In counterfeits, the letters are often misaligned or use a different font , even if it looks similar.
Label material and finishes
The original labels are made with durable, pleasant-to-the-touch materials and have well-finished edges . They don't wrinkle easily and retain their shape.
Counterfeit labels, on the other hand, often use cheaper, very thin or plastic fabrics , with poorly finished or frayed edges .
Position and shape of the inner label
In authentic garments, the label is sewn symmetrically and well centered , usually on the neck.
Counterfeit products often have crooked, misplaced, or poorly sewn labels , something that can be noticed at a glance.
Signs that a Lacoste label may be fake
While some copies are very good, counterfeits often fall short in the details . Here are several signs that can help you spot a fake garment.
Strange or poorly printed colors
Original Lacoste labels use consistent colors , without smudges or poorly printed areas. The green crocodile, the red tongue, and the white background have a specific shade and do not change.
In many counterfeit products, the colors are too bright, washed out, or have an odd contrast . If the logo looks garish or dull, be suspicious .
Poorly defined logo or embroidered with errors
One of the most common mistakes is that the crocodile doesn't have a clear shape or looks disproportionate . In some copies, it even looks like a different animal.
Loose threads, uneven edges, or a poorly centered logo are clear signs of counterfeiting. Cheap copies don't pay attention to these details.
Sizes, composition, or country misspelled
On the original Lacoste label, the size, country of manufacture and the composition of the garment are written correctly, without spelling mistakes or strange letters .
Counterfeit clothing often uses incorrect words, strange abbreviations, or even symbols that don't belong . For example: "Cotton 100%" without a dot, or "Made in France" (instead of France).
Presence of several labels that are inconsistent with each other
An original garment usually has one or two labels well placed and related to each other : the brand, the size, and sometimes the country of manufacture.
Counterfeit items, on the other hand, sometimes combine labels from different garments or models , creating inconsistencies in design, material, and information . If you see labels that don't match or are stuck on top of each other, it's probably not genuine.
Visual comparison: original vs. false
Sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words , especially when it comes to details like embroidery, colors, or finishes. If you have Lacoste garments in your store (or in your wardrobe), I recommend physically comparing an authentic piece with a suspected fake. But in the meantime, here are the key points to look at carefully:
Crocodile embroidery
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Original: crisp embroidery, smooth lines, clearly defined eye, tongue and teeth.
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Fake: rough, disproportionate embroidery or with loose threads. The crocodile may appear longer, fatter, or simply odd.
Typography
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Original: straight letters, well spaced, without errors or variations.
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Fake: irregular, slanted letters or letters with a different font. Sometimes they look like handwritten letters.
Label material
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Original: firm fabric, good resistance to washing, clean finish.
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Fake: soft or very stiff fabric, frays easily or wrinkles too quickly.
Position and form
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Original: centered label, sewn precisely and cleanly.
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Fake: label is misaligned, poorly sewn, or crooked. Sometimes it's even heat-sealed.
Tip: If possible, take real photos with good lighting and create your own comparisons. This will set you apart from the competition and position you as a reliable store that helps its customers shop with confidence.
Tips for buying second-hand Lacoste safely
If you buy Lacoste clothing for personal use or to resell in your vintage shop, it's essential to learn how to recognize an authentic garment . Here are some practical tips you can start using today.
Buy only from sellers with a good reputation.
Whether on Wallapop, Vinted, or any other platform, always check the seller's ratings . If they have many positive sales, that's a good sign. Be wary of profiles with no reviews or newly created ones offering "bargains."
Request detailed photos of the labels
Before finalizing a purchase, ask for clear photos of the neck label, the side label (if there is one), and any other visible information . If the seller makes excuses or only sends blurry photos, they're probably trying to hide something.
Compare to an original garment you already own
If you already own a 100% authentic Lacoste garment, use it as a reference to compare the labels, embroidery, fabric type, and stitching . Sometimes the flaws are obvious when viewed side-by-side.
Learn to identify models and eras
Lacoste has changed the design of its labels over the years. Knowing the old, vintage, and current designs helps you determine if a garment is relevant to the era the seller claims . For example, there are labels with a red background that were used in a limited collection, and if they're selling it to you as something "new from the store," something doesn't add up.
If you have any doubts, consult with other experts.
You can upload photos to forums, Facebook groups, ask specialist shops like yours, or contact us . Sharing knowledge within the community can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Conclusion
1. The label is key to identifying whether a Lacoste garment is original or fake.
2. The crocodile embroidery, the typography, the materials, and the label position are visual cues that never fail.
3. Counterfeits make obvious mistakes in colors, texts, or stitching.
4. Buying second-hand is safe if you ask for photos, check reputations, and compare with authentic garments.
5. If you have any doubts, it's best to avoid the purchase or consult with someone who knows the brand.
Learning to recognize these details not only protects you as a buyer, but also helps you offer better service if you sell vintage clothing.
And if you found this post helpful, share it with other resellers or second-hand clothing stores to help prevent scams.