Lacoste

The Reddit community has a generally positive but historically-qualified view of Lacoste. Polo shirts, sheets, and towels from the brand are frequently cited as lasting decades when bought at the right time, though a recurring concern is that modern Lacoste quality has declined significantly from earlier eras. The strongest consensus is around vintage or older Lacoste items — particularly 100% cotton polos and percale sheets — rather than current production.

Older and vintage Lacoste — particularly 100% cotton polos, percale sheets, and towels — genuinely earns BIFL status with decades of documented durability, but consistent reports of declining modern production quality mean buyers should seek out 100% cotton versions, avoid the dryer, and consider discount retailers or secondhand sources for the best value.

Lacoste's core cotton products — especially polos, percale sheets, and towels — earn consistent praise for exceptional longevity, often lasting 10–20+ years. The brand is widely recognized as one of the better quality options at its price point, particularly when purchased on sale at discount retailers.

• Polo shirts frequently reported lasting 15–45 years with regular wear
• 100% cotton percale sheets praised for durability and comfort over many years
• Towels noted as staying plush and holding up after years of washing
• Leather wallets reported lasting 10+ years with daily use looking brand new
• Piqué-pattern bags described as still looking new after years of regular use
• Pima cotton t-shirts cited as soft, non-fraying, and long-lasting when air-dried

A notable and recurring criticism is that Lacoste's quality has declined in recent years, with newer polos described as thin and prone to early holes compared to the thick, durable fabric of older items. Shrinkage in the dryer is a frequently mentioned practical caveat across multiple product types.

• Modern polos described as thin and developing holes within months
• Significant shrinkage reported in dryer across polos, t-shirts, and sweatshirts
• Some users report t-shirts and sweatshirts shrinking from the bottom after light use
• Uncomfortable neck tags mentioned as a persistent design flaw
• Amazon Lacoste purchases suspected to be counterfeit and fell apart quickly
• Outlet store products may be lower quality than mainline retail items

One commenter described owning a Lacoste polo from 1987 that is still wearable today, and noted that newer shirts develop small holes within months — a stark contrast that illustrates the brand's quality decline over time.

A former Lacoste employee said they haven't needed to buy a single shirt since working there over a decade ago, calling the durability 'wild' compared to cheaper brands that lasted only a year or two.

Multiple commenters independently noted that at TJ Maxx, Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger shirts stand out from the rack by feel alone — the weave quality and fabric thickness are noticeably superior to surrounding brands.

One user specifically recommended only Lacoste bags with the Piqué pattern, describing them as still looking brand new after years of regular use, while cautioning that the brand's non-Piqué leather goods are not on the same level.