Izod Polo Shirts

Everything You Need to Know Before You Shop

As one of the most iconic and beloved brands in menswear, Izod polo shirts need no introduction. With its heritage dating back to the 1930s and its distinctive embroidered logo, Izod has become synonymous with preppy, yet versatile style.

But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which Izod polo is right for you? This buying guide covers everything you need to consider, from fit and fabric to quality and cost, to help you shop with confidence.

The Many Styles of Izod Polo Shirts

Izod polos come in a wide range of styles to suit any personal taste:

• Classic polo: The iconic design with a ribbed collar and 2-3 button placket. It has short sleeves and is made from cotton, polyester or a blend.
• Slim fit polo: A more tailored and modern slim cut. Great for athletic builds.
• Big & tall polo: Crafted specifically for bigger, taller men.
• Long sleeve polo: Offers the same preppy style but with longer sleeves.
• Pique polo: Has a textured knit fabric rather than smooth jersey.
• Performance polo: Features technical fabrics that wick moisture and offer stretch.
• Overdyed polo: Made using a special dyeing process for a unique faded look.

With everything from classic solids and stripes to unique prints and patterns, like gingham and floral, there’s an Izod polo to fit any taste.

Which Fabric is Best for Izod Polos?

Izod uses a range of high-quality fabrics to craft their iconic polos:

• Cotton: Breathable and soft, 100% cotton provides casual comfort and authentic American style.
• Polyester: This synthetic fabric resists fading and wrinkles. It’s also quick-drying.
• Cotton-polyester blends: Combining the best of both fabrics, cotton-poly blends offer comfort, easy care, and shape retention.
• Pique cotton: Woven to create a textured waffle knit, pique cotton is lightweight and breathable.
• Interlock cotton: With its ultra-soft handfeel, interlock has a smooth knit surface for a luxurious polo.

Consider factors like stretch, breathability, and wrinkle-resistance when choosing a fabric. Performance blends work well for active lifestyles, while 100% cotton offers timeless quality.

Fit and Sizing Matters

One of the key factors that makes Izod polos so popular is the range of tailored fits available:

• Classic fit: A looser, traditional fit through the body and sleeves.
• Slim fit: Designed to skim the body for a contemporary look.
• Custom fit: An athletic cut with extra room in the shoulders and chest but tapered at the waist.
• Big & tall: Crafted for taller, bigger men with extended sizing.

Be sure to consult the size chart and measure yourself for best results. Izod polos are designed to keep their shape, so you may want to size down for a trimmer look. The shirts tend to run large, especially around the waist.

For a tailored feel, consider sizing down or choosing a slimmer cut. But for a roomy, casual style, stick with your normal size in a Classic or Custom fit. Proper polo shirt fit should allow full mobility without pulling or straining.

Izod Polo Shirt Features

Beyond fit and fabric, Izod polos include many special features that enhance both comfort and style:

• Distinctive embroidered logo: The famous Izod crocodile logo, inspired by René Lacoste’s nickname, is sewn onto every authentic Izod polo.
• Ribbed collar: Adding structure, the rib knit collar highlights the polo silhouette.
• Reinforced placket: This specially stitched button placket prevents twisting and curling for a neater appearance.
• Side vents: Vents at the hem offer enhanced ease of movement.
• Contrast stitching: Exposed stitching provides visual interest with color-coordinated thread.
• Moisture-wicking: Performance Izod polos feature technical fabrics to keep you cool and dry.

These thoughtful details contribute to the premium quality and comfort that distinguish Izod as a leading polo shirt brand.

The Pros and Cons of Izod Polo Shirts

As with any popular product, Izod polos have both advantages and drawbacks:

Pros:

• Iconic heritage brand with instant name recognition
• Wide selection of colors, patterns, and prints
• Flattering, tailored fits for any body type
• Quality fabrics with good wrinkle-resistance
• Great attention to detail and craftsmanship
• Both casual and dressy style options

Cons:

• Priced at a premium compared to basic polos
• Limited size range, especially in big & tall
• Some consumers report issues with shrinkage
• Not all fabrics offer stretch for mobility
• Dry clean only for some styles

Overall, if quality craftsmanship is important to you, Izod is one of the best polo shirt brands available and worth investing in.

Comparing Izod to Other Polo Shirt Brands

How do Izod polos stack up against other popular polo shirt manufacturers? Here’s an overview:

Lacoste: Similar elite pedigree to Izod as the originator of the tennis polo. Lacoste offers a comparable variety of premium fabrics and fits. The iconic crocodile logo vs. Izod’s version is the main distinction.

Ralph Lauren: With its preppy pedigree, Ralph Lauren provides stiff competition for Izod. The Polo Bear logo carries similar brand cachet. Quality and selection is on par with Izod but at a higher price point.

Calvin Klein: Known for classic American style with quality fabrics. Calvin Klein polos offer minimalist designs without logos or embellishments. Pricing is competitive with Izod.

Nike: As a sportswear brand, Nike powers ahead with performance technology polos featuring moisture-wicking fabric. Appeal to athletic men rather than Izod’s heritage aesthetic.

Banana Republic: A mid-range retailer, Banana Republic polos emulate the Izod look for less. Fine for budget buyers but fabrics and construction tend to be lower quality.

While personal taste rules, Izod remains the standard bearer for timeless preppy polo style with versatile designs to pair perfectly with jeans, chinos or shorts.

Where to Find Izod Polo Shirt Deals

As a premium brand, Izod polos almost never go on sale at full price. But savvy shoppers can score them at a discount by shopping at the right retailers:

• Amazon: Look for Izod polo shirt deals with free shipping through Amazon Fashion.
• Macy’s: Macy’s regularly stocks Izod and offers special sale prices both online and in-store.
• JCPenney: Search for money-saving coupons and seasonal sales at JCPenney a leading Izod retailer.
• Kohl’s: Sign up for Kohl’s emails to get notified about Izod sales and markdowns.
• Zappos: Filter for Izod polos that are discounted or on clearance at Zappos.
• eBay: Search for new and pre-owned Izod polos marked down on eBay.

The best deals can be found during holiday sales events, like Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day weekends. Be ready to pounce when that coveted Izod polo gets reduced in price!

Izod Polo Shirt Buying Tips

Follow this expert advice when purchasing your new favorite Izod polo:

• Track sales and set up alerts for price drops on select styles.
• Browse the clearance sections both online and in stores.
• Check for online coupon codes that can be applied at checkout.
• Buy multiple colors/patterns at once to maximize savings.
• Shop off-season when summer polos go on sale in winter.
• Stick to classic over trendy prints for the most versatility.
• Try polos on in store if possible to ensure best fit and feel.

With some strategic shopping, you can land that coveted Izod polo you’ve had your eye on for less.

Caring for Your Izod Polo Shirts

To get the most wear out of your Izod polos, follow these care instructions:

• Always check garment tags for specific washing directions.
• Turn shirts inside out before washing to prevent fading.
• Wash in cold water using a gentle cycle and mild detergent.
• Never use bleach which can damage cotton and polyester fabrics.
• Lay flat or hang to dry instead of putting in dryer.
• Lightly steam or iron when needed to remove wrinkles.
• Have stubborn stains professionally cleaned.
• Fold and store properly between wears to maintain shape.

With some basic care, your high-quality Izod polos will maintain their color, fit and appearance season after season.

Style Your Izod Polo Like a Pro

The beauty of Izod polos lies in their versatility. Dress them up or down seamlessly:

For a dressier look try:

• A blazer or sports coat
• Chino pants or dark denim
• Leather dress shoes or loafers
• A shirt tie or knit tie
• A vest or sweater layered over the top

For casualwear go with:

• Khaki shorts or jeans
• Canvas sneakers or boat shoes
• A baseball cap for a sporty finish
• Sunglasses and a canvas belt
• Unbutton the collar and roll up the sleeves

Crisp and classic or cool and casual, the Izod polo shirts fits right in.

Mix and match patterns and colors but keep the rest simple. The iconic Izod logo polo deserves to take center stage in any outfit.

Find Your Perfect Izod Polo Fit

With its wide range of sizes and cuts, Izod has a polo to flatter and fit just about any man’s shape and style:

Big & Tall

• Extended sizes up to 4XL
• Tall length options up to LT
• Roomy through chest and shoulders

Athletic

• Stretch fabrics allow free movement
• Slimmer cut through torso
• Shoulders and arms cut larger

Slim Fit

• Tapered through torso and sleeves
• Non-stretch fabrics maintain structure
• Ideal for slender builds

Classic Fit

• Relaxed cut with room to move
• Sits squarely on shoulders
• Accommodates fuller midsections

Try different sizes and cuts to see which flatters your physique best. An Izod polo that fits well makes all the difference.

The Last Word on Izod Polo Shirts

With iconic style, premium quality and ageless appeal, you can’t go wrong with the Izod polo shirt. Hopefully this comprehensive buying guide gave you all the knowledge you need to pick the perfect Izod polos to elevate your warm weather wardrobe.

Choose thoughtfully based on your personal style, fit, fabric, color preferences and budget. Then wear your Izod polos with pride as a timeless symbol of preppy American fashion.