Why Button-Down Shirts Have Loops On the Back

Have you ever noticed a small loop on the back, just below the collar of your button-down shirt?

This seemingly insignificant detail has puzzled many, but in fact, it serves a purpose deeply rooted in history and tradition. Let’s explore the reason for the loop on the back of your button-down shirt and how it came to be.

To unravel the mystery, we must travel back to the early 20th century when the loop found its place on the shirts of sailors in the United States Navy. Sailors have always faced unpredictable and challenging conditions at sea, and their uniforms needed to be practical and functional. The loop, often called a “locker loop” or “backstay loop,” had a specific purpose on the naval uniforms.