In A While, Crocodile

As far as controversial decisions go, my purchase of two Lacoste polo shirts a couple weeks ago probably doesn't rank above my decision not to attend Caltech, but it was still an agonizing struggle for me. I received an excellent coupon (I would never pay full price for those shirts), but it still wasn't an easy decision.

I've long been anti-Lacoste, consciously deciding not to join my fellow yuppies in their adherence to this classic (uninteresting?) French brand. There were a number of reasons - first, in college, lots of hate-worthy people wore Lacoste shirts, and I (unfairly, because a lot of my friends wear Lacoste) associated the shirts and the logo to what scientists might call "being a douche". But mainly, I was under the impression that people bought them simply because they were more expensive. At least at first blush, I couldn't discern any meaningful quality difference between Lacoste polos and Ralph Lauren polos priced for $25 less. The proliferation of fake Lacoste shirts from Asia (and everyone's inability to tell the difference) only served to confirm this in my head. It wasn't that I was trying to be cheap - I just didn't feel like I would be getting premium quality for the premium price.

Nonetheless, the coupon eliminated my whole price gripe, so I decided to explore the possibility of breaking my Lacoste ban. A quick look at the website was not heartening: the models all look like complete idiots. A quick sampling:

http://shopapparel.lacoste.com/p/Short-Sleeve-Classic-Pique-Polo/B000PYBWY4
http://shopapparel.lacoste.com/p/MultiStripe-Pique-Polo/B000W19HYM


I asked some friends if I should buy a couple shirts. Interestingly, they were all completely sure that I should, which resonated strongly. Amanda and Stephanie even reached "adamant" territory that these shirts were legitimately $25 better than those of rival brands. They were "high-quality", "slightly retro", "better fabric", "more breathable". In particular, I was intrigued by the argument that Lacoste shirts are more durable, and hold their shape better over time.

So I bought a couple and with the coupon, I really didn't pay very much. When they came in the mail, I examined the products. The fabric and texture both appear and feel identical to this Ralph Lauren polo shirt I have. I tried one on, and can report that I started to feel like a more durable person immediately.

I wore both shirts this weekend. Hopefully nobody saw me both days, because then they would think that's all I wear. As far as being more breathable, it's tough for me to say. I'm not a very sweaty guy, and I didn't really push myself to the physical limit in these shirts. So I'm most intrigued by my friends' assessment of durability and shape-holding over time. I'm not going to take any better care of these shirts than any of my other clothes. I will be able to report the results of this controlled scientific experiment later on. You will all have to wait until then.