Why Button-Down Shirts Feature a Loop on the Back

There’s even a quirky college legend: a student would cut the loop off his shirt to signal he was “taken.” Meanwhile, his girlfriend would wear his college pin. Romantic? Maybe. Possessive? Definitely.

A Small Piece of History

Today, not every shirt has a loop. Some brands include it; others don’t. But if your shirt has one, it’s not random. It carries a legacy—from Navy ships to Ivy League campuses, to modern travel hacks and fashion statements.

Next time your shirt brushes lightly against your neck, remember: that little loop is a small piece of history. And you might just find it useful the next time you’re packing for a trip.