Izod

Izod originated in London as the tailor shop of Jack Izod. The rights to the Izod name were acquired by the American firm David Crystal, a sportswear maker. By the early 1940s Crystal was manufacturing sporty dresses and tailored suits under the Izod label.

But the item most associated with the label is the “crocodile” or “alligator” shirt. This shirt was developed in France by tennis star Rene Lacoste. In 1952 Lacoste signed an agreement with the David Crystal Company to import, and in 1966 to make, Lacoste shirts in the United States. Because David Crystal was also the owner of the Izod and Haymaker labels, the crocodile is seen on garments with quite a few different labels.

This makes the label very confusing. Just remember that between 1952 and 1992 these shirts and dresses were made with a large variety of labels including Lacoste, Haymaker, Izod and David Crystal, and with different combinations of the names on the label.

Izod is still in business today, but there is no connection between Izod and Lacoste, their agreement being terminated in 1992. Izod was bought by Van Heusen in 1995.

See also: David Crystal

See vintage Izod from VFG members on Etsy (paid link)

Written by fuzzylizzie

from a 1930s blouse

Courtesy of jluthye

from a mid 1940s shirt

Courtesy of vivavintageclothing

from a 1960s sweater

Courtesy of vintagetreasuresgalore

from a 1960s sweater

Courtesy of vintagetreasuresgalore

from a late 1960s jacket

Courtesy of pinky-a-gogo

from a late 1970s ladies’ cardigan sweater

Courtesy of catseyevintage

from 1980s shorts

Courtesy of claireshaeffer