I think this makes sense from a British person's perspective; the institutions are removed enough from your context.
I'd probably assume someone here in the states who's wearing a piece of Ivy league clothing actually attended that school (perhaps if the wearer is still in high school, it's aspirational or a parent attended).
But if someone stateside is wearing a Cambridge or Oxford shirt, I'd just as likely assume it's in a commercial rather than representational context.
I didn't attend an Ivy, but I did attend St Andrews--I'm much more inclined to incorporate that iconography (even if it's not Americana) into my wardrobe than pick up a Yale sweatshirt.
I think you’re spot on—context really does change how these things are perceived. In the UK, Ivy League pieces are definitely seen as more of a style choice than a statement about personal affiliation. But I can imagine in the States, where those institutions are much more ingrained in the cultural fabric, the assumption might lean towards representation rather than appreciation.
It’s interesting that the reverse holds true for something like a Cambridge or Oxford shirt, where the connection feels more commercial than personal to many outside the UK.
We could get into semiotics but, as my partner’s nan used to say: if it suits the wearer, b***** the starer.
I understand the point of the question, but it’s bit like sportswear - plenty people like Yankees merch without knowing who they play at shortstop.
Or to put it another way, who wants to be one of those people who says you can’t wear a Motörhead t-shirt without being able to recite the track listing from their debut album?
I completely agree with your sportswear comparison—there’s definitely a parallel there. The Yankees cap has transcended baseball, and in the same way, plenty of iconic pieces carry meaning far beyond their original purpose.
And yes, who wants to be that person gatekeeping style? Whether it’s a band tee or Ivy-inspired piece, it’s all about the story you make it tell for yourself, not proving your allegiance to anyone else.
I tend to agree with you. Personally I went to one university for undergraduate, another university for grad school, and moved to California in my thirties and am a season ticket holder for third. Do have apparel from all three. Yes. And others too. You don’t have to have an affiliation with the school to buy the gear.
Anyway I think you should check out HomefieldApparel.com. They are not your Ivy Style but they are was seems “Tom” adjacent and vintage designed college schools and logos for t-shirts and sweatshirts. The are worth checking out
I think you’re absolutely right; you don’t need a direct affiliation to appreciate and wear something. It sounds like you’ve got a great collection tied to your own journey and experiences, which makes it all the more meaningful.
I’ll definitely check out Homefield Apparel—sounds like they’ve got some great vintage-inspired designs that are right up my alley. Thanks for the recommendation!
Great article Tom. In the US, many people support college football teams, and wear their logos when they did not even attend college (or finish and graduate)! For my style, I love to wear an Ebbets Field Harvard hat for a touch of Ivy style with my denim kits. So, I think your points are well formulated. I love to wear what looks good with denim, whether it’s Ivy style, Military surplus, and vintage military shirts with my Dad’s real USMC dog tags from the Korean War. I always have to be prepared for that one person who is going to criticize the fact the I didn’t serve in the military and ask why I’m wearing USMC gear. It’s all about respect and a nod to those who did serve, like my father. Anyhow, yes, it’s also about style and celebrating fashion!
I completely agree; the way people incorporate these pieces into their style is so much more about appreciation and storytelling than direct affiliation. I love that you bring in elements like the Harvard hat or your dad’s USMC tags—it adds such a personal touch to your outfits.
Interesting piece Tom. I think, as you say, wearing these pieces in the UK just shows an appreciation of the style of these garments. But I think I’d be less comfortable wearing these pieces with the affiliations whilst in the US, as I guess it might suggest having graduated/attended on of the institutions?
Thanks for the comment—it’s a really interesting point. I think you’re right; there’s definitely a different weight to wearing these pieces in the US compared to here in the UK. Over there, it could easily be seen as more of a direct claim to affiliation, whereas here, it feels more like an appreciation for the style and history.
That said, I think the beauty of these garments is in how they’ve transcended their origins. But I get it—there’s always that line to navigate between admiration and assumption!
Appreciate you sharing your thoughts—always great to hear different perspectives.
I’m a reader since the first post but finally felt the need to comment.
A great article that I think applies to lots of other pieces—regimental ties and baseball caps come to mind instantly. Let’s be honest, how many of us have been in the RAF or watched a New York Yankees game?
I think this is where the beauty of style and fashion is, no matter which circles we find ourselves in. The conserving and reappropriating of pieces adds so many strings to our bows.
Herein lies an opportunity, too, to subvert and add humour. I had a ‘collegiate sweatshirt’ made by stitching red chenille letters, in a condensed slab-serif style, into a well-made plain grey jumper. The letters emblazoned on the sweatshirt are ‘UCLAN’, where I graduated.
I thought there was something funny in taking something I associate with ivy-league schools and creating something new in a way that they would have done, but making the focus one of the UK’s old polytechnics. It’s miles apart from what was sold in our University shop, too. This sweatshirt is consistently my most commented on piece of clothing, and I put that down to twisting expectations.
Thanks for taking the time to comment—it’s brilliant to hear from someone who’s been reading since the start!
You’ve hit the nail on the head about reinterpreting pieces like ties and caps—it’s what keeps style so fun and interesting. Your sweatshirt sounds incredible!
I think this makes sense from a British person's perspective; the institutions are removed enough from your context.
I'd probably assume someone here in the states who's wearing a piece of Ivy league clothing actually attended that school (perhaps if the wearer is still in high school, it's aspirational or a parent attended).
But if someone stateside is wearing a Cambridge or Oxford shirt, I'd just as likely assume it's in a commercial rather than representational context.
I didn't attend an Ivy, but I did attend St Andrews--I'm much more inclined to incorporate that iconography (even if it's not Americana) into my wardrobe than pick up a Yale sweatshirt.
I think you’re spot on—context really does change how these things are perceived. In the UK, Ivy League pieces are definitely seen as more of a style choice than a statement about personal affiliation. But I can imagine in the States, where those institutions are much more ingrained in the cultural fabric, the assumption might lean towards representation rather than appreciation.
It’s interesting that the reverse holds true for something like a Cambridge or Oxford shirt, where the connection feels more commercial than personal to many outside the UK.
We could get into semiotics but, as my partner’s nan used to say: if it suits the wearer, b***** the starer.
I understand the point of the question, but it’s bit like sportswear - plenty people like Yankees merch without knowing who they play at shortstop.
Or to put it another way, who wants to be one of those people who says you can’t wear a Motörhead t-shirt without being able to recite the track listing from their debut album?
I completely agree with your sportswear comparison—there’s definitely a parallel there. The Yankees cap has transcended baseball, and in the same way, plenty of iconic pieces carry meaning far beyond their original purpose.
And yes, who wants to be that person gatekeeping style? Whether it’s a band tee or Ivy-inspired piece, it’s all about the story you make it tell for yourself, not proving your allegiance to anyone else.
I tend to agree with you. Personally I went to one university for undergraduate, another university for grad school, and moved to California in my thirties and am a season ticket holder for third. Do have apparel from all three. Yes. And others too. You don’t have to have an affiliation with the school to buy the gear.
Anyway I think you should check out HomefieldApparel.com. They are not your Ivy Style but they are was seems “Tom” adjacent and vintage designed college schools and logos for t-shirts and sweatshirts. The are worth checking out
I think you’re absolutely right; you don’t need a direct affiliation to appreciate and wear something. It sounds like you’ve got a great collection tied to your own journey and experiences, which makes it all the more meaningful.
I’ll definitely check out Homefield Apparel—sounds like they’ve got some great vintage-inspired designs that are right up my alley. Thanks for the recommendation!
Great article Tom. In the US, many people support college football teams, and wear their logos when they did not even attend college (or finish and graduate)! For my style, I love to wear an Ebbets Field Harvard hat for a touch of Ivy style with my denim kits. So, I think your points are well formulated. I love to wear what looks good with denim, whether it’s Ivy style, Military surplus, and vintage military shirts with my Dad’s real USMC dog tags from the Korean War. I always have to be prepared for that one person who is going to criticize the fact the I didn’t serve in the military and ask why I’m wearing USMC gear. It’s all about respect and a nod to those who did serve, like my father. Anyhow, yes, it’s also about style and celebrating fashion!
I completely agree; the way people incorporate these pieces into their style is so much more about appreciation and storytelling than direct affiliation. I love that you bring in elements like the Harvard hat or your dad’s USMC tags—it adds such a personal touch to your outfits.
Interesting piece Tom. I think, as you say, wearing these pieces in the UK just shows an appreciation of the style of these garments. But I think I’d be less comfortable wearing these pieces with the affiliations whilst in the US, as I guess it might suggest having graduated/attended on of the institutions?
Thanks for the comment—it’s a really interesting point. I think you’re right; there’s definitely a different weight to wearing these pieces in the US compared to here in the UK. Over there, it could easily be seen as more of a direct claim to affiliation, whereas here, it feels more like an appreciation for the style and history.
That said, I think the beauty of these garments is in how they’ve transcended their origins. But I get it—there’s always that line to navigate between admiration and assumption!
Appreciate you sharing your thoughts—always great to hear different perspectives.
Hi Tom,
I’m a reader since the first post but finally felt the need to comment.
A great article that I think applies to lots of other pieces—regimental ties and baseball caps come to mind instantly. Let’s be honest, how many of us have been in the RAF or watched a New York Yankees game?
I think this is where the beauty of style and fashion is, no matter which circles we find ourselves in. The conserving and reappropriating of pieces adds so many strings to our bows.
Herein lies an opportunity, too, to subvert and add humour. I had a ‘collegiate sweatshirt’ made by stitching red chenille letters, in a condensed slab-serif style, into a well-made plain grey jumper. The letters emblazoned on the sweatshirt are ‘UCLAN’, where I graduated.
I thought there was something funny in taking something I associate with ivy-league schools and creating something new in a way that they would have done, but making the focus one of the UK’s old polytechnics. It’s miles apart from what was sold in our University shop, too. This sweatshirt is consistently my most commented on piece of clothing, and I put that down to twisting expectations.
Thanks for taking the time to comment—it’s brilliant to hear from someone who’s been reading since the start!
You’ve hit the nail on the head about reinterpreting pieces like ties and caps—it’s what keeps style so fun and interesting. Your sweatshirt sounds incredible!