Everything to Know About Preppy: The Origin, Values, Lifestyle

Preppy is a subculture that originated in the early 1900s in northeastern American preparatory schools and universities attended by upper-class students.

‘Preppy’ derives from ‘preparatory’ and refers to the schools’ curriculum and activities preparing students for Ivy League colleges and university life.

The early movement revolved around the students’ dressing choices, as between the 1920s and 1930s, preppy pupils started to infuse sportswear into their formal school uniforms.

Over time, ‘Preppy’ extended beyond school attire and dressing styles to include the American upper class’s values, mannerisms, and activities.

As such, culturally, ‘Preppy’ signifies well-educated, well-connected, affluent people with high socioeconomic status.

What’s the Origin of Preppy?

‘Preppy’ — in its American context — emerged from the ethos and dressing style of prep schools and Ivy League colleges.

However, early American education institutions followed the model of British preparatory schools and universities regarding education, uniform, and activities.

As such, the Preppy subculture has deep roots in British traditions.

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The Origin of Preppy — Early 20th Century English Preparatory Schools.[/caption]

The influence of British culture goes beyond school attire and dressing styles, playing a big part in shaping the Preppy subculture, traditions, values, and lifestyle.

Building on British influences, the Preppy subculture was shaped by the social and cultural practices of America’s upper class in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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The Origin of Preppy — Ivy League Colleges’ Life and Activities in the 1930s and 1940s.[/caption]

This is why, despite the role of British influence, the ‘origin of Preppy’ discussions revolve around American educational institutions.

There are three main educational areas credited with the creation and evolution of the Preppy subculture and lifestyle:

1. Ivy League Preppy (New England)

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The Origin of Preppy — New England, Northeast, or Ivy League Preppy.[/caption]

As a generalization, the Preppy subculture has roots in the Northeastern United States, particularly New England.