Ah, Izod—a name synonymous with timeless American fashion that continues to stand the test of time. Whether you’re a prep enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a quality polo, chances are you’ve come across this iconic brand in your wardrobe quest. Born from a serendipitous partnership between an ambitious American businessman and a retiring London tailor in the late 1930s, Izod has since carved a niche in fashion, seamlessly blending classic style with the relaxed sophistication that defines sportswear.

From its early days in the tailoring boutiques of London to dominating American wardrobes with its distinctive collaboration with Lacoste, Izod has consistently found ways to innovate and adapt. When Vincent dePaul Draddy acquired the rights to the Izod name, little did he know he was about to spearhead a revolution in preppy menswear that would dominate the market for decades. And that collaboration with Lacoste? It gave rise to the famed Izod Lacoste shirts, whose crocodile emblem became a status symbol across college campuses, boardrooms, and tennis courts alike.

As fashion cycles ebbed and flowed, so did the brand, expanding and reinventing itself through innovative sub-brands like Izod Jeans and the Saltwater Collection, while revisiting its classics such as the Advantage Polo. Even after separating from Lacoste in the 1990s and changing hands through various parent companies, Izod remained resilient and maintained its reputation for delivering quality, accessible fashion. The brand’s integration into Authentic Brands Group marks yet another chapter of transformation, seeing the company lean further into sustainability and quality.

Today, whether you’re browsing department store aisles or scrolling through your favorite online retailer, Izod’s presence remains unmistakable. Its wide array of sportswear continues to blend the line between smart and casual, with pieces that are equally at home on the golf course as they are in the office. In the spirit of nostalgia and exploration, we’re diving into the storied past of Izod’s logos and tags, helping you uncover the vintage gems and charting the brand’s evolution through the decades.

80s Izod Christmas Commercial

How to tell if Izod is vintage from the logo

Izod, a renowned name in American fashion, has a rich history of providing quality sportswear. Known for its blend of classic and casual aesthetics, Izod has garnered popularity through the decades with timeless designs. Its logo evolution reflects the brand’s journey, adapting to changing tastes while maintaining its core identity.

Over the years, the Izod logo has undergone changes to stay relevant in the competitive fashion market. From its early days to the present, the emblematic typography remains distinct, embodying Izod’s iconic appeal. Here’s a detailed look at the significant logo designs throughout the brand’s history.

1938 to 2004 Izod logo

• The logo features bold, serifed letters in black, with distinctive shapes for each character.
• The ‘Z’ is particularly prominent with a slant and serifs, adding to the logo’s vintage charm.
• This design became synonymous with Izod’s clothing lines during the mid to late 20th century.
• Its classic, somewhat blocky appearance reinforced the brand’s robust and durable appeal.

1938 to 2004 Izod logo

2004 to now Izod logo

• The logo uses a more refined and modernized font while retaining the all-uppercase lettering.
• The ‘Z’ now has a more subtle slant, and the serifs are less pronounced, giving the logo a contemporary look.
• The overall design is thinner and streamlined compared to its predecessor.
• This updated version reflects Izod’s shift toward a sleeker, more versatile brand image in the 21st century.

2004 to now Izod logo

How to tell if Izod is vintage from the tags

Izod is known for its timeless and sporty aesthetic, often associated with preppy fashion. Over the years, its tags have evolved to reflect changes in branding, collaborations, and market trends. These shifts offer clues to identify the era a particular garment originates from, making tag identification a key part of vintage fashion collecting.

Through the decades, Izod’s tags have ranged from colorful, sporty designs to more minimalist approaches, with several incorporating the iconic crocodile emblem during its partnership with Lacoste. This guide provides insights into tags from various periods, helping enthusiasts and collectors accurately date their garments.

Can’t identify your vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll assist you!

1980s vintage Izod tags

• Tags often include the “IZOD LACOSTE” branding, reflecting the collaboration between the two brands.
• Typically rectangular tags featuring the crocodile logo within an oval frame.
• Additional styles include simple rectangular tags with “IZOD” in bold sans-serif lettering.

1980s Izod tags

1990s vintage Izod tags

• Continues the “IZOD LACOSTE” branding with slight variations in color and design.
• Tags often feature “IZOD” in a more prominent, bold font, sometimes with additional descriptors like “JEANS.”
• The crocodile logo remains a staple, though sometimes placed alongside “IZOD” instead of within the oval frame.

1990s Izod tags

2000s vintage Izod tags

• Tags generally adopt a minimalist design, with “IZOD” in bold, simple fonts.
• Greater variation in fabric tags, including loop and woven styles.
• Newer labels include sub-brands like “PERFORMX,” emphasizing sports performance.

2000s Izod tags

2010s vintage Izod tags

• Tags feature cleaner, modern designs with “IZOD” often centered and paired with sub-brand information.
• Brighter, more distinct colors are used, including red, blue, and white.
• Tags sometimes include descriptors like “EST. 1937” or product lines like “ADVANTAGE FLEECE.”

2010s Izod tags