The idea is often linked to U.S. Navy uniforms, where sailors had limited storage aboard ships. The loop later became popular in civilian fashion during the mid-20th century.
In the 1960s, GANT helped make locker loops a signature part of Ivy League style. On some college campuses, removing the loop could even symbolize that someone was in a relationship.
Today, the loop is mostly a traditional design detail rather than a necessity. Many brands still include it as a subtle reference to classic American and collegiate fashion history.
