Lyle & Scott

Lyle and Scott is an iconic British menswear brand, globally recognised for its premium knitwear, polo shirts, retro clothing and Mod Casuals style. Founded in 1874 in the Scottish Borders, Lyle and Scott boasts over 150 years of heritage, making it one of the oldest clothing brands in the world still operating today.

The brand began life producing high-quality knitted undergarments, crafted with exceptional attention to detail. This early focus on knitwear laid the foundation for Lyle and Scott's reputation for luxurious yarns, precise construction and timeless silhouettes. As demand grew, the brand expanded into jumpers, cardigans, polo shirts and outerwear, many of which remain core styles today.

Central to the brand's identity is the unmistakable Lyle and Scott Golden Eagle, introduced in the 1960s. This emblem has since become a global symbol of authentic British style, heritage craftsmanship and cultural credibility.

Golf Heritage and Sporting Legacy

Lyle and Scott has a notable affinity with the sport of golf. Its technical knitwear and lightweight polos have become synonymous with elite golfers, thanks to their comfort, durability and clean aesthetic. The Lyle and Scott golfing legacy goes right back to the 1960s.

Throughout the 20th century, Lyle and Scott became synonymous with golf excellence and was worn by legendary figures including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Bob Hope. The brand's close association with golf cemented its reputation for refined sportswear, influencing the smart-casual menswear category long before it became mainstream.

This deep-rooted golf heritage continues to inform modern collections, where performance, elegance and tradition remain central to the brand's DNA.

Mod, Casuals and Subcultural Influence

Beyond sport, Lyle and Scott's sharp silhouettes and minimalist design made it a natural fit for the Mod movement. Clean lines, fine-gauge knitwear and tailored polos aligned perfectly with Mod values of precision, quality and style consciousness.

In the 1980s, the brand was adopted by the Football Casuals scene, particularly across the UK and Europe. Lyle and Scott knitwear, polos and lightweight jackets became terrace staples, valued for their understated luxury and unmistakable branding. This association firmly positioned Lyle and Scott within Casuals culture, where it remains a respected and authentic name to this day.

The brand's appeal extended into 90s Britpop and Indie culture, worn by musicians and fans alike, further reinforcing its crossover between sport, music and street style.

Retro Clothing That Stands the Test of Time

Lyle and Scott has consistently proven its ability to evolve without losing its identity. Its designs balance retro clothing aesthetics with modern fits, ensuring relevance across generations. The brand's enduring popularity among Mods, Casuals and football fans highlights its rare ability to transcend trends while remaining culturally current.

The Lyle and Scott Vintage range, launched in 2003, played a pivotal role in revitalising the brand. Drawing directly from archive designs, it reintroduced classic silhouettes, heritage colour palettes and the iconic Golden Eagle to a new audience. Alongside the Lyle and Scott Archive collection, these ranges deliver timeless menswear rooted in retro heritage, designed for today's style-conscious consumer.

Iconic Knitwear and Cultural Endorsement

At the heart of Lyle and Scott remains its iconic knitwear. From fine merino crew necks to classic cardigans and lambswool jumpers, the brand's knitwear continues to define smart-casual style across golf courses, terraces and city streets.

Over the decades, Lyle and Scott has been worn by a wide range of cultural icons and celebrities, including:

• Telly Savalas
• Sean Connery
• Ronnie Corbett
• Idris Elba
• The Arctic Monkeys
• Alex Turner

A Timeless British Menswear Brand

Today, Lyle and Scott stands as a benchmark for heritage British menswear, seamlessly blending golf tradition, Mod style, Casuals culture and retro clothing design. With over a century of history behind it, the brand continues to resonate with those who value authenticity, quality and enduring style.

From premium knitwear to terrace-ready polos, Lyle and Scott remains a brand that has truly stood the test of time.