The short answer: Choose Fred Perry if you want British subculture heritage, the signature twin-tipped collar and a slimmer, true-to-size fit. Choose Lacoste if you prefer a lighter, more breathable petit piqué and the classic preppy crocodile — just note the Classic Fit runs large, so many size down or pick the Slim Fit.

Fred Perry vs Lacoste at a glance

Brand heritage: British mod vs French tennis

Fred Perry was founded in 1952 by Fred Perry, the British tennis player who was the first man to win all four Grand Slam singles titles. The laurel-wreath logo — borrowed from the original Wimbledon emblem — became a badge of British youth culture, worn through the mod, skinhead, Two-Tone and Britpop eras. Its M12 Twin Tipped polo, with contrast tipping on the collar and cuffs, is one of the most recognisable polos ever made.

Lacoste goes back further, to 1933, when French tennis champion René Lacoste — nicknamed “le Crocodile” for his tenacity on court — launched the L.12.12, widely credited as the first branded polo shirt. The crocodile on the chest was one of the earliest examples of a visible logo on clothing. Where Fred Perry reads as British heritage and subculture, Lacoste reads as French sporting elegance and preppy style.

Fabric & build: heavy piqué vs petit piqué

Both polos are cotton piqué, but they feel different on. Fred Perry uses a heavier, more structured piqué that holds its shape and gives the collar a crisp, stand-up quality — part of why the twin-tipped collar looks so sharp. Lacoste’s signature petit piqué is a finer, lighter knit that breathes well and drapes softly, which is why it’s often the pick for warm weather. Neither is “better” — it comes down to whether you want structure (Fred Perry) or lightness (Lacoste).

Fit & sizing: which runs true to size?

Fred Perry polos are generally true to size with a slim-to-regular modern cut — take your usual size. Lacoste’s Classic Fit (the L.12.12) runs large and boxy; if you’re between sizes or prefer a closer fit, size down or choose the Lacoste Slim Fit. One quirk to know: Lacoste traditionally uses numeric sizing (2–9) rather than letters, so a size 5 is roughly a medium and a size 6 a large — check the conversion before you buy.

For exact measurements, see our Fred Perry Sizing & Fit Guide and Lacoste Sizing & Fit Guide.

Price & value in the UK

The icon polos from both brands sit in a similar bracket — the Fred Perry Twin Tipped and the Lacoste L.12.12 typically retail around £75–£95 in the UK. At Spiral Seven we’re an official stockist of both, with new-season ranges plus regular sale lines, and free next-day UK delivery on orders over £70. That makes it easy to compare the two side by side at fair prices.

Which should you buy?

• Buy Fred Perry if you want British heritage, the contrast twin-tipped collar, a structured piqué and a slimmer, true-to-size fit.
• Buy Lacoste if you want a lighter, breathable petit piqué, the classic crocodile, and a roomier Classic Fit (or the Slim Fit for something closer).
• Still deciding? Honestly, most men end up owning both — Fred Perry for a sharper, dressed-up look and Lacoste for easy warm-weather wear.

Shop the polos at Spiral Seven

Browse the full ranges — Shop Men’s Fred Perry and Shop Men’s Lacoste. For more options across every brand, see our Best Designer Polo Shirts for Men buying guide.

FAQs

Is Fred Perry or Lacoste better quality?

Both are premium cotton piqué polos built to last. Fred Perry’s piqué is heavier and more structured; Lacoste’s petit piqué is finer and lighter. It’s a difference of feel, not quality.

Does Lacoste run big or small?

Lacoste’s Classic Fit (L.12.12) runs large and boxy — size down or choose the Slim Fit for a closer cut. Lacoste also uses numeric sizing (2–9), so a 5 is roughly a medium.

Do Fred Perry polos run true to size?

Yes. Fred Perry polos are generally true to size with a slim-to-regular modern fit, so your usual size is the right starting point.

What’s the difference between the M12 and the L.12.12?

The M12 is Fred Perry’s original twin-tipped polo, defined by the contrast tipping on the collar and cuffs. The L.12.12 is Lacoste’s original 1933 polo — the name codes its fabric, sleeve length and prototype number.

Which is more formal, Fred Perry or Lacoste?

Both are smart-casual. Lacoste leans slightly more preppy and dressed-up, while Fred Perry leans heritage and subculture — either works tucked or untucked with chinos or jeans.

Last updated: 29 June 2026 · Spiral Seven is an official UK stockist of Fred Perry and Lacoste.