From Sporty to Stylish - Brands That Have Made the Leap
By Claire L Andrews

Sport may not be the most obvious source for new looks, but a number of names that started out as sportswear labels have evolved into fully-fledge fashion brands, and continue to be at the forefront of men's style.

Fred Perry is a perfect example - the British heritage label is today popular across the world, and has earned loyalty from everyone from skinheads and mods to actors and musicians, but originally it was launched as an eponymous sportswear label in the early 50s by Fred Perry, the hugely talented tennis player. Its laurel logo which is still uses today is actually based on that of the Wimbledon tournament.

Back then, the label only really offered polo shirts and although these remain an important part of its signature style, the brand now also offers a huge range of men's designer clothing and accessories, including items such as jackets, trainers, bags and jumpers, as well as ranges for women and children too. As testament to the label's status as an iconic British fashion brand, it now also has a host of celebrity fans often seen wearing the label, including Paul Weller, Norman Cook, Ewan McGregor and Rankin.

Another famous brand with its origins in tennis, is Lacoste, which was founded in the 1930s by Rene Lacoste. The label initially produced tennis shirts, and then clothing for golf and sailing too, and marketed itself as the must-have brand for competent sportsmen. Today Lacoste is an internationally recognisable brand, with boutiques across the world stocking its many collections that feature its famous crocodile motif. While it still produces some sportswear, it now also produces collections for men, women and children including everything from dresses and handbags to boots, sunglasses and trench coats. It also creates lines of fragrances for both men and women too - a far cry from its early days of crisp white tennis shirts.

Henri Lloyd is another well known label that started out as a sports brand - it was originally created by its founder to offer high quality sailing clothing, using the latest technical fabrics. In fact, Sir Francis Chichester wore Henri Lloyd when he became the first man to circumnavigate the globe single-handed on a boat in 1966. Since them the brand has become popular as a casual label, even winning the title of Fashion Brand of the Year in 1997, and today it offers menswear, women's wear and footwear.

Author Claire Andrews recommends choosing Fred Perry Authentic [http://www.uniquemenswear.co.uk/fred-perry-authentic-m95] to add sport style to your look.

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