Why Did Men Start Wearing Logos?

About this video

The Gazette team explores the historical origins and evolution of logos in men’s fashion, tracing their development from medieval heraldry and maker’s marks through school emblems, athletic wear, graphic tees, and hip-hop culture to modern conspicuous consumption. They argue that logos serve three primary functions in menswear: promoting community and belonging, representing brand cachet and wealth, and conveying personal ideals and values.

Key takeaways

• The Gazette team traces logos in menswear back to school and university crests in the early 20th century, with major influence from collegiate athletics and René Lacoste’s iconic crocodile polo shirt
• The Gazette team identifies graphic tees from the 1960s onward and hip-hop culture from the 1970s-90s as pivotal moments that normalized and popularized visible branding on men’s clothing
• The Gazette team argues that logos function in three ways: fostering community and group identity, enabling conspicuous consumption through brand display rather than expensive materials alone, and allowing men to express personal values and ideals through brand association

Episode details: published May 9, 2022 · 38K views · 13:30 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The style guidance summarized here is the Gentleman’s Gazette team’s own teaching and opinion, presented for education; product recommendations are theirs, not ours. Summaries are written by Self Growth Videos from each video itself.

← Previous: Why Are Crocodile & Alligator Leather Goods So Expensive? · Next: 9 Essential Pocket Squares Every Stylish Man Needs →

All Gentleman’s Gazette videos · Gentleman’s Gazette profile · Gentleman’s Gazette (official site)