Izod

Izod is an American midrange clothing company that has been a significant name in the fashion industry for decades. The brand was originally introduced to the United States in 1938 under the name A.J. Izod of London. It was founded by Vincent dePaul Draddy, an American businessman who needed a strong name to associate with his quality menswear merchandise. During a family vacation in London, Draddy encountered Arthur James ""Jack"" Izod's tailoring boutique, which was known for producing bespoke shirts and creating the Windsor tie-knot for King George V. Recognizing the value of the name, Draddy purchased the rights to it as Izod was ready to retire.

The brand gained prominence through its association with the Lacoste shirt company, which began in 1952 and lasted until 1993. This partnership was instrumental in popularizing the polo shirt, which became an iconic item of the brand. The collaboration was so successful that the shirts, which featured the famous Lacoste crocodile logo, were often referred to as ""Izod shirts,"" leading to a common misconception that the crocodile was Izod's trademark.

Over the years, Izod has expanded its product line beyond the signature polo shirts to include a wide range of dressy-casual clothing, sportswear for men, and various accessories and footwear. The brand is known for its classic American style that combines comfort and functionality with a preppy aesthetic. Izod's offerings have often been associated with the preppy look and lifestyle, particularly popular among students who made the polo part of their everyday uniform.

In recent developments, Izod was sold to Authentic Brands Group on June 23, 2021, alongside other notable brands like Van Heusen, Arrow, and Geoffrey Beene. The sale was completed on August 2, 2021. Under the new ownership, Centric Brands was granted the license to market and manufacture Izod men's sportswear. Today, Izod continues to be a division of Authentic Brands Group and maintains its presence in the market through a long-term licensing agreement with Centric Brands. The brand competes with other midrange apparel companies such as the Chaps brand owned by Ralph Lauren Corporation and the U.S. Polo Assn. brand.

Izod remains a relevant player in the fashion industry, offering timeless pieces that cater to a demographic looking for quality and style. Its legacy as a purveyor of classic American sportswear endures, and the brand continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.