Button-down shirts have long been a wardrobe staple, and many may not notice the subtle “locker loop” on the back. This feature has a fascinating history rooted in naval practicality, where sailors added loops to hang their uniforms in tight spaces. The loop made its way into civilian fashion in the 1960s, popularized by GANT to keep Ivy League students’ shirts wrinkle-free in lockers.
Over time, the locker loop became a social symbol. Male students sometimes removed the loop to signal their relationship status, while women wore their partner’s scarf in return. The loop also became a playful target for those interested in others. As Ivy League style spread, the locker loop became associated with quality and good taste, embraced by brands like GANT and Sero and even adopted by student-athletes.
