We often overlook the design features of everyday items, but some have fascinating backstories—such as the “locker loops” found on the back of shirts.

First introduced by menswear brand GANT in the 1960s, locker loops were initially a practical feature. They allowed Ivy League students to hang their shirts in locker rooms, keeping them wrinkle-free. Over time, these loops evolved beyond function and became a cultural symbol.

In Ivy League circles, locker loops came to represent relationships. Young men would remove their loops to show they were “taken,” while women often exchanged scarves with their partners as a sign of affection. This gesture sometimes led to chaotic moments, with women ripping off the loops from the shirts of boys they admired. Unfortunately, these tightly sewn loops often left the shirts damaged or unusable.

While campus traditions have changed, the locker loop still serves as a nostalgic reminder of this unique chapter in American fashion history.