Izod vs. Lacoste: Which brand should you buy?

Izod is best known for its affordable, classic American casualwear, making it the go-to for reliable basics and preppy wardrobe staples. In contrast, Lacoste exists in a more premium space, positioning itself as a French luxury brand with a focus on high-quality materials, sporty elegance, and a significantly higher price tag.

Let's look at the key differences to help you decide which brand best fits your closet and your budget.

Izod: The Classic American Casual

Izod provides quintessential American sportswear with a reputation for comfort, reliability, and accessibility. The brand is a popular choice for those wanting a timeless, preppy look without breaking the bank. Widely available in department stores and outlets, Izod delivers consistent style and quality for everyday situations, from a casual Friday at the office to a weekend barbecue.

• Product mix: The collection is focused on core casualwear, including polo shirts, T-shirts, chinos, shorts, and simple activewear.
• Price point: Very accessible. Polo shirts typically range from $20 to $50, with other apparel items falling between $15 and $60. Frequent sales and promotions offer even better value.
• Style/Aesthetic: The look is classic American prep - casual, sporty, and straightforward. Think clean lines and comfortable fabrics for a relaxed, everyday style.
• Fit & Sizing: Generally offers a true-to-size, more traditional American fit. Sizing is consistent and caters to a broad audience, typically ranging from small to XXL.
• Where to buy: Easily found at major department stores like Kohl’s and Macy’s, as well as on Amazon and its own website.

Izod is the ideal choice for budget-conscious shoppers who need reliable and comfortable casual clothing that sticks to a traditional American aesthetic.

Shop Izod: izod.com

Lacoste: A Legacy of Sporty Elegance

Lacoste is a premium French lifestyle brand famous for its iconic crocodile logo and a rich heritage rooted in tennis. It blends sporty influences with refined, modern fashion, creating a look that’s both athletic and chic. The brand caters to a discerning customer who values high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and the prestige associated with its name and history.

• Product mix: While famous for its polos, Lacoste offers a full range of apparel, footwear, accessories, and fragrances that reflects its upscale positioning.
• Price point: Definitely in the premium category. Its signature polo shirts are priced between $80 and $150, with other items priced accordingly.
• Quality & Materials: The brand is committed to quality, frequently using superior materials like Pima cotton. This results in products that are soft, durable, and hold their shape and color well over time.
• Style/Aesthetic: Lacoste’s style is best described as sporty-chic. The designs are minimalist, clean, and sophisticated, making them versatile for both casual outings and more polished, smart-casual settings.
• Fit & Sizing: Tends to offer a more modern, tailored fit for a sleek silhouette. While generally true to size, some styles can feel slightly fitted, so you may consider sizing up for a more relaxed feel.
• Where to buy: Available at Lacoste boutiques, luxury department stores, and a smaller selection of authorized online retailers.

Lacoste is a great fit for shoppers willing to invest in a brand known for its iconic status, superior materials, and a refined, modern athletic sensibility.

Shop Lacoste: lacoste.com

Izod vs. Lacoste Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a major price difference between the two brands. Izod's accessible pricing, with polos often sold for under $50, makes it a highly attractive choice for everyday wear and for shoppers on a budget. The brand frequently runs sales, offering excellent value on its already affordable items.

Lacoste operates in a premium market. With polo shirts starting around $80 and going up to $150 or more, it’s an investment in brand prestige and higher-end construction. The price reflects not just the garment but the brand's luxury positioning and historic legacy.

Quality & Materials

Izod products deliver solid quality for their price point, typically using durable cotton blends that are well-suited for regular wear. They are built to be dependable daily garments but are not made with the luxury-level materials or finishing touches of a premium brand.

Lacoste's primary advantage is its use of superior fabrics like Pima cotton, known for its softness and durability. The stitching, buttons, and overall construction are more meticulous, creating a polo that often lasts longer and maintains its appearance better through repeated washes compared to more budget-friendly options.

Style & Aesthetic

Dressing in Izod means embracing a classic, casual American preppy look. The brand's styles are conservative, reliable, and functional - perfect for those who prefer timeless comfort over fleeting trends.

Lacoste offers a more sophisticated, European take on sportswear. Its look is clean, modern, and subtly athletic. The iconic crocodile logo signals a sporty heritage, but the slim cuts and high-quality fabrics give it a polished feel that works just as well in a nice restaurant as it does at a tennis club.

Fit & Sizing

Izod clothing typically offers a more generous, traditional fit. You can expect their sizes to run true to familiar American standards, providing a comfortable and relaxed silhouette that isn't too tight or restrictive.

A Lacoste polo is designed with a more tailored, European fit in mind. It sits closer to the body for a sharper outline. If you are on the border between sizes or prefer a looser feel, it is often a good idea to size up with Lacoste.

Sustainability & Ethics

Lacoste has made more significant and public commitments to sustainability. The brand has introduced eco-friendly fabrics, aims to reduce its energy and water usage, and follows ethical manufacturing guidelines throughout its supply chain. These efforts position Lacoste as a more environmentally conscious choice.

Izod’s sustainability practices align more with standard mass-market apparel brands. While they follow industry regulations, there are fewer standout green initiatives highlighted by the company.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer excellent products in their respective categories, but they appeal to very different consumers.

Choose Izod if:

• You're shopping on a budget and love finding a good deal.
• You want comfortable, reliable, and classic American-style clothing for everyday wear.
• A relaxed, traditional fit is what you find most comfortable.
• You need easy-to-find products that you can pick up at your local department store.

Choose Lacoste if:

• You prioritize high-quality craftsmanship and premium materials in your clothing.
• You are willing to invest more in wardrobe pieces that will last for years.
• You prefer a refined, sporty aesthetic and a modern, tailored fit.
• Brand heritage and the status of an iconic logo are important to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lacoste or Izod cheaper?

Izod is significantly cheaper. An Izod polo shirt usually costs between $20-$50, while a Lacoste polo is priced between $80-$150. This price disparity applies across their entire product ranges.

Which company has better quality, Izod or Lacoste?

Lacoste is known for its superior quality. The brand uses premium materials like Pima cotton and has a higher standard of craftsmanship, resulting in products that tend to be softer, more durable, and retain their shape longer.

Do Izod and Lacoste polos fit the same?

No. Izod generally has a classic, more relaxed American fit across the shoulders and chest. Lacoste, by contrast, offers a modern, slimmer "European fit" that sits closer to the body. Sizing up in Lacoste is a common practice for those who prefer a looser feel.

Were Izod and Lacoste ever related?

Yes, historically. From the 1950s until the early 1990s, Izod had the license to produce and sell Lacoste-branded clothing in the U.S. under the "Izod Lacoste" label. This long-standing partnership is why many people mistakenly think they are the same company. They have been entirely separate and independent brands for several decades.

Which brand is better for a preppy style?

Both brands touch on the preppy look. Izod aligns with a classic, accessible, and casual American preppy style. Lacoste embodies a more upscale, refined, and minimalist version of preppy, rooted in sporty French elegance.

Are both brands sold in the same stores?

No, they have different retail strategies. Izod is widely available in mid-range department stores, outlets, and major online retailers. Lacoste is sold in its own boutiques and higher-end department stores to maintain its premium brand image.

Which is more sustainable, Izod or Lacoste?

Lacoste has stronger and more visible sustainability efforts, including launching eco-friendly collections and committing to reducing its environmental impact. Izod's public focus on sustainability is less pronounced.

Is a Lacoste polo worth the money?

For many, yes. The price reflects excellent materials, fine craftsmanship, a superior fit, and the brand prestige of the iconic crocodile logo. It is an investment in a durable, stylish wardrobe staple rather than a simple t-shirt purchase.