Next time you put on a button-down shirt, take a look at the back—you’ll likely spot a small loop near the collar. This unassuming feature, called a “locker loop,” has a surprisingly rich history.
It all began with the Navy, where sailors used the loop to hang their uniforms in tight spaces. But in the 1960s, the loop found a new audience: Ivy League students. Clothing brands like GANT included it in their designs, and soon, it became a preppy fashion staple.
The loop even became a social cue. Some students would cut it off to show they were in a relationship, while others left it intact as a playful signal. Over time, the loop’s practicality faded, but its style endured. Brands like Ralph Lauren kept it as a nod to classic menswear.
Today, the locker loop is more than just a leftover detail—it’s a small piece of fashion history, reminding us how function can evolve into style.
