Lacoste is a French apparel company that sells high-end clothing, including polo shirts. The company can be recognized by its green crocodile logo. Because of the popularity of Lacoste polo shirts, there are many fake ones available to consumers. A fake Lacoste polo doesn't fit and feel like an authentic one. Sometimes it can be easy to spot a fake, but other times the differences are rather subtle. Knowing how to spot a fake Lacoste polo shirt can be helpful in making sure the one you purchase is authentic.

Look at the crocodile symbol. Lacoste's trademark symbol is its crocodile patch and makes it one of the easiest ways to differentiate between an authentic and fake Lacoste polo. The Lacoste crocodile should display scales, teeth and claws. The crocodile is embroidered on a patch and then sewn onto a men's polo shirt. For a women's polo, it's printed onto the shirt. There should be no obvious white stitch marks attaching the crocodile patch to the shirt.

Observe the buttons. Authentic Lacoste polo shirts have pearl buttons that contain unique patterns. In contrast, fake Lacoste polo's usually have mass produced white plastic buttons. Authentic Lacoste buttons don't contain any print on them, while fake polo's normally have the word "Lacoste" written on the buttons.

Pay attention to the size and information on the neck label. Lacoste polo shirts use numbers for sizes rather than the typical words or letters. For example, the polo will be sold in sizes 4, 5 or 6 rather than a "small," "medium" or "large." The tag of the polo shirt will also read "Designed in France and "Made in Peru," and contain a number that reads RN 87651-CA 16998.

Check the shirt's material. Authentic Lacoste polo shirts are neatly threaded and made of 100 percent soft cotton. Loose threading is often found on fake Lacoste polos and stitching should not come lose after washing it a few times.

Purchase your Lacoste polo shirt at a reliable retail store. Lacoste products can be purchased at an actual Lacoste store or from a major department retail store such as Nordstrom's, Macy's, Bloomingdale's or Neiman Marcus. Fake Lacoste polos are often found on eBay, Craigslist or from a street vendor.