Snoopy Style

From Comic Strip to Cultural Icon

How a Lovable Beagle Became a Symbol of Americana, Ivy Style, and Timeless Cool.

When I think of Snoopy, I don’t just see a lovable beagle lounging atop his doghouse or battling the Red Baron in his vivid imagination. To me, Snoopy is synonymous with classic Americana—a timeless icon that transcends his comic strip origins. He represents an era, a mood, and a style.

Created by Charles M. Schulz, Snoopy made his debut in Peanuts on 4 October 1950. Originally a silent, four-legged dog, he gradually evolved into the imaginative, quick-witted beagle we recognise today.

By the 1960s, Snoopy had taken on a life of his own, with a rich fantasy world that included alter egos like the World War I Flying Ace, Joe Cool, and a struggling writer. His charm, humour, and quiet confidence made him one of the most beloved characters in American pop culture.

Nowhere is the birth of his “style legacy” more evident than in those images of Snoopy adorning the backs of soldiers’ jackets during the Vietnam War

Above: a reproduction US military jungle jacket by Buzz Rickson.

It’s fascinating how a small cartoon character could become a symbol of hope, humour, and connection for people so far from home. Snoopy, in his quiet yet confident way, became a mascot for an era of American life—playful yet resilient, stylish yet unpretentious.

Above: one of TSPTR’s many official Peanuts licensed reproduction tees.

This connection didn’t stop with the soldiers. As American culture travelled abroad, so did Snoopy. In Japan, a nation that embraced and reinterpreted the essence of classic American style—what some call Ametora—Snoopy found a new home. The Japanese love for mascots and Americana meant Snoopy was a perfect fit, effortlessly bridging two worlds with his charm and versatility.

It’s this unique blend of symbolism, style, and cultural resonance that cements Snoopy’s place not just as a comic strip character, but as an enduring emblem of Ivy style, classic fashion, and timeless cool.

I’ve always loved the accessories that come with Snoopy and Peanuts merchandise. They’re an easy way to add a bit of character to an outfit and often make for great conversation starters.

Watches, in particular, stand out. There are so many unique designs, from classic vintage pieces to playful modern takes. Some even use Snoopy’s arms as the watch hands, blending fun and function in a way that perfectly captures his charm.

This one is a particular favourite of mine: the Snoopy baseball watch by Timex. As I mentioned before, I love how cleverly it uses his arms to tell the time. The only question is, why haven’t I bought it yet?

I can’t write this blog without mentioning a brand I’ve loved for years—TSPTR.

Here, you can see me wearing one of their sweatshirts, a Snoopy college football design.

The moment I saw it, I knew I had to buy it. It blends so many things I love: vintage sweatshirts, American football, and Snoopy. What’s not to love?

TSPTR stands for Truth, Symmetry, Pleasure, Taste, and Recognition, a design philosophy inspired by American modernist architect Louis Sullivan. The brand is all about storytelling through clothing, drawing from subcultures, politics, music, and countercultural movements.

For me, TSPTR represents everything I love about vintage-inspired clothing—thoughtful design, cultural references, and a deep respect for the past. Their Snoopy/Peanuts pieces, in particular, feel like the perfect fusion of nostalgia and style.

Back in the 1960s, Snoopy sweatshirts weren’t just cool—they were a full-on movement. In 1965, San Francisco-based Determined Productions released the first official Peanuts sweatshirts, and they quickly became a hit.

These weren’t just basic prints; they had bold lettering, bright colours, and playful slogans pulled straight from the comic strips. They felt fresh, fun, and completely different from anything else at the time.

What made them so popular? Well, Peanuts had this rare ability to tap into both humour and deeper emotions, and the sweatshirts let people wear a bit of that philosophy on their sleeves—literally. They weren’t just for kids either. The designs resonated with the countercultural movement of the ’60s, where self-expression was everything. Wearing a Snoopy sweatshirt was an easy way to show off a sense of individuality while still being part of something bigger.

It’s no surprise that these pieces have remained so iconic. Vintage ones are still highly sought after, and the same relaxed, nostalgic charm keeps influencing brands today. Whether it’s an original 1960s piece or a modern take, a Snoopy sweatshirt still carries that effortless cool that made it such a hit in the first place.

Snoopy sweatshirts weren’t just popular with students and creatives in the ’60s—they even caught the eye of some influential figures from the time.

One of the best examples? French singer and actor Jacques Dutronc.

There’s a famous photo of him rocking a Snoopy sweatshirt, looking effortlessly cool in that laid-back way that defined the era.

It wasn’t just a random fashion choice either. Dutronc, like many in the ’60s, embraced the playful yet stylish vibe of Peanuts. The sweatshirt was a perfect reflection of the era’s blend of pop culture and rebellion.

At the time, these sweatshirts were everywhere—college campuses, art scenes, and countercultural movements—but seeing someone like Dutronc in one gave them even more street cred. It was proof that Snoopy wasn’t just a kids’ character; he was a legitimate symbol of style. And it’s that blend of casual cool and iconic appeal that still makes Peanuts gear so timeless today.

I’m not usually one for wearing graphic tees or sweatshirts, but if it’s Snoopy, that’s a different story. There’s something about him that makes it feel okay—and almost necessary—to wear his image. He’s got this special place in my wardrobe, and honestly, he’s earned it.