In fashion there are some brands that seem to have sprung up just last week and some that seem to have been a part of fashion since the dawn of time. Ironically, even for those staples of the fashion industry, few people known much about the history of their favorite brands. Izod is a classic example of classic clothing that even fashionistas probably are clueless about.

Yet Izod seems to have been there since anyone can recall. Mention the original IZOD and many shoppers at least remember that it was once Izod Lacoste, at least from 1952 – 1993. Yet even that history is still not common knowledge to the average shopper. Many people think of the Izod emblem of the crocodile, yet don’t realize this wasn’t actually Izod’s logo. But classic it is. In fact, a number of vintage clothing collectors specialize in the Izod brand name. So in order to get a better understanding of this American fashion classic, it is a good idea to know a little bit more about it.

Izod – the Beginning to Current Day

Started in 1938, it is no wonder Izod seems to have been around since the beginning of time, at least in the fashion world. It was David Crystal Co. that hired American businessman Vincent De Paul Draddy to help with a quality line of menswear. It was Draddy who, while vacationing in London, came across Jack Izod’s boutique for tailoring.

Izod had already enjoyed a lengthy career in fashion, including accomplishments such as creating the Windsor tie-knot for King George V. However at this point in time, he was ready to retire from the industry. Draddy made him an offer he could not refuse, and he sold the Izod name. And so it was that the A.J. Izod of London was developed for the American fashion market.

In 1952, however, the company paired up with the Lacoste shirt company. While the Lacoste and Izod combination shirt was meant to be a hit, the $8 price tag was too much for the time. The industry savvy Draddy began to give these shirts to friends who just happened to be famous people such as John F. Kennedy and Bing Crosby.

Once spotted on the famous, department stores wanted them and could hardly keep them in stock.

At this point Izod of London became known as Izod Lacoste, which still became shortened to simply IZOD. In fact, the trademark crocodile logo Izod was linked to and known for was actually Lacostse’s and not Izod’s. During the ‘60s Bernard Lacoste took over the reigns of the company, and it grew even more as a result.

The ‘70s the brand hit its height of popularity, and part of the preppy movement of the ‘80s included Izod polos and other merchandise as must haves. During this time the product line branched out to include merchandise such as:

Sunglasses
Deck shoes
Tennis shoes
Walking shoes
Watches
Perfumes
Shorts
Various leather goods
And more

Many shoppers may also recall the direct competitive fashion response to Izod with the launch of LeTigre with its similar looking tiger logo, which started in 1977.

It was in the early ‘90s that, in a response to dropping sales, the company divided Izod and Lacoste once again. Izod was reintroduced solo into the marketplace as moderate price point merchandise. Since then it has seen sales increase partly due to the company’s sports sponsorships, which helped increase visibility.

There are and have been several essential and luxury brands as part of the Izod brand such as:

Izod Jeans
Izod Luxury Sports
Izod Classix
Izod PerformX

Your Izod Shopping Experience

While there are plenty of categories to choose from and products within those categories, here are some examples of popular choices from the Izod label.

Men’s Graph Check Long Sleeve Button-down -- Made of 100% gentle and soft cotton, this shirt offers a clean and classic look. The design is a tight graph check, which you dress down or up so you can wear it to work, class or even out on the town. Features the newer IZ logo.

Izod Varsity Jacket -- Love the look of the varsity letter jacket but don’t happen to be playing on a high school football team? Then this is the perfect look and solution for you. The look is the same including color block sleeves, hem, cuff and collar stripes and other little details. Stay warm, look cool and sport the Izod prep look.

Slim Fit Striped Jersey Polo -- You know the classic polo look, but you may not yet have seen these great designs, prints and color choices. Made of a cool and comfortable jersey fabric, this style of Izod polo has a modern, slim fit.

There are plenty of products for men to choose from when shopping for modern day Izod at full retail or factory outlet stores. Choose from:

Denim
Casual Shirts
Watches
Underwear
Flip Flops
Outerwear
Neckties
Polos
Pants
Sweaters
And more

Now it’s time to think about where the best place to shop for this famous, time honored name brand is. While the new image of Izod is geared towards moderate pricing, you could still always get a better deal. This is where shopping for Izod at factory outlet stores becomes your best option.

There are numerous outlet locations across the U.S. for Izod with as many as 10 in California, 12 in Florida and seven in Texas. So whether you live near a factory outlet center or are planning a trip to one, you may find Izod on the directory listing. Here are just a few of the popular outlet shopping center locations that include Izod for shoppers:

Folsom Premium Outlets in Folsom, CA
Tanger Five Oaks Severiville, TN
Las Americas Premium Outlets in San Diego, CA
Tanger Myrtle Beach Outlets West in Myrtle Beach, SC
Osage Beach Premium Outlets in Osage Beach, MO
Plus many more

Do a little research and find out if an Izod outlet shopping trip is in your near future.