Izod: From 1980s Preppy Staple to a Modern Polo Player

Izod rose to fame as a preppy American label known for polo and golf shirts. A split from Lacoste removed the crocodile logo and affected its image; later ownership changes and wide retail distribution made the brand more accessible but less exclusive. Today Izod continues to sell polos, golf apparel and casualwear through traditional and online channels while adapting to contemporary style and competition.

A short history

Izod built its reputation over decades as an American preppy brand best known for polos, golf shirts and casual dress shirts. The label traces its name back to origins in London and an early partnership with a European maker that helped popularize the look in the United States. In the late 20th century the brand reached peak visibility as part of the "preppy" wardrobe that dominated American department stores and malls.

The Lacoste connection

Izod's association with Lacoste - the maker of the green crocodile - was central to the brand's image for years. That licensing relationship ended in the late 20th century, after which the crocodile logo remained with Lacoste and Izod continued under its own mark. The split reduced Izod's visual connection to a widely recognized logo and is often cited as one moment that changed the brand's market position.

Ownership, distribution and how Izod is sold today

In the 1990s Izod became part of a larger American apparel group and since then its distribution has broadened. The brand appears in department stores, factory outlets, value retailers and online marketplaces, making it widely accessible but also competing in a crowded market. ¹

Izod's best-known items remain its polos and golf shirts. The company still produces a range of men's and women's apparel - from casual shirts and sweaters to sportswear - marketed toward consumers who prefer a classic, slightly preppy look.

What changed and where Izod stands now

Mass retailing and the rise of many mid-priced labels reduced Izod's exclusivity. In response, the brand has continued to lean on its heritage while updating fits, colors and product assortments to match contemporary tastes. It remains popular among buyers seeking affordable, classic polos and everyday casualwear.

Izod's future depends on balancing its heritage preppy identity with current consumer demand for performance fabrics, slimmer fits and direct-to-consumer channels. The brand still has traction in golf apparel and casualwear, but it must navigate stronger competition from both legacy and newer lifestyle labels.

Bottom line

Izod is no longer the singular symbol of 1980s preppy fashion, but it persists as an approachable, widely available brand for polos, golf shirts and casual clothing. Its legacy endures in the styles it helped popularize, even as the marketplace has grown more diverse and competitive. ²

1. Confirm the year when the Izod-Lacoste licensing agreement ended and any key public details about that split.
2. Verify the company that acquired Izod in the 1990s (often cited as Van Heusen/Phillips-Van Heusen) and whether that ownership remains current.
3. List current major retailers and online platforms that carry Izod as of 2025.
4. Confirm recent product-line changes (performance fabrics, modern fits) or brand repositioning announcements since 2010.