You wear these brands every day, but do you really know the history of them? Read on to find out how your favorite preppy brands got their start and find out some cool facts about them along the way.
Southern Tide
Founder Allen Stephenson first got the idea for the famous Skipjack polo after visiting Italy and seeing how well clothes could be crafted and sewn. After coming home he decided to make better quality polos. He started making designs in his kitchen while his mom sewed them together. Now, Southern Tide can be found in over 750 retailers.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren started his company making men’s ties, much like Vineyard Vines founders Shep and Ian did. He took out a $50,000 loan and created the company that we know today. Ralph Lauren is also under contract to make Team USA’s uniforms from 2008 through 2020.
Vineyard Vines
Vineyard Vines was started by two brothers, Shep and Ian, who showed the whole world that the American Dream was alive and well. After quitting their Manhattan office jobs within 10 minutes of each other, the two started selling ties so they’d never have to wear them again. They sold out their first 800 ties in one week and Vineyard Vines was born soon after.
Sperry
Did you know that during World War II, the U.S. War Department named Sperry Top-Siders as the official shoe of the US Navy? Paul Sperry got the idea for his infamous boat shoe after watching his dog run across ice on a cold winter day. He was inspired to create grooves in the rubber soles of his shoes just like his dog had on his paws. After a lot of failed attempts, the Sperry Boat Shoe we know today was created--all thanks to a dog.
Patagonia
One of your favorite clothing companies didn’t even start out by selling clothes. Patagonia’s founder, Yvon Chouinard, got his start by selling pitons (basically a metal spike) for rock climbers, along with various other climbing equipment. During the late 60’s, men wore only neutral colors while outside. While climbing one day, Yvon wore a bright red rugby shirt. The color became incredibly popular and Patagonia’s famous fabric, Synchilla, was born.
Jack Rogers
Your favorite summer sandals were created by none other than First Lady Jackie Kennedy. While on vacation in Italy, Jackie fell in love with the cork sandals the local women were wearing. When she returned to Palm Beach, she asked her cobbler to make her a few pairs, and the rest is history-- Jacks are now an essential for women everywhere.
Rowdy Gentleman
It’s probably no surprise that your favorite “Regan Bush ‘84” bro-tank came from none other than the founders of Total Frat Move and Total Sorority Move. The Grandex co-founders, Madison Wickham and Ryan Young, started the company not long after graduating from Texas State University as Kappa Alpha’s. Thank them for your favorite bro tank and your favorite catch phrase.
Lilly Pulitzer
Fashion icon, Lilly Pulitzer, owned several orange orchards with her husband. She found that when she squeezed oranges, it made a mess on her clothes. She created a sleeveless shift dress with bright colorful patterns on it--the first Lilly Shift Dress.
Lacoste
Before the 1920’s, tennis players played in uncomfortable, long sleeve shirts. Rene Lacoste designed the first short sleeve tennis shirt in 1926 and designed the first Lacoste polo later that year. Also, all Lacoste stores are shaped as a tennis racket.
Lululemon
Your favorite athletic company started in Vancouver. The "omega" logo is actually a stylized "A" that was originally made for the possibly brand logo "Athletically Hip", a name which was later voted off by a survey of people who chose Lululemon instead.
