'LO LIFE

Before the streetwear invasion, people had to look to other brands to express themselves through clothing. People would rock Levi's, Hilfiger, Troop, etc. But there was one brand that changed the game (especially on the east coast), and that brand was Polo.
I never rocked Polo myself, but to many out east, Polo was an institution. Eventually a crew was formed, based strictly on the love of Polo. That crew was known as the "Lo Lifes".
"I remember before we became the Lo Lifes, we would see each other on the trains, we used to plot on robbing one another for the Lo item we were wearing..."
Vintage Gear Addicts ran a story on the Lo Lifes which you can read here. A documentary is being produced about the Lo Lifes as well. Check the preview out here.
"When we traveled, we would roll at least 50 or 60 deep and could be recognized by the rainbow of Ralph Lauren labels. By 1989, we grew and had members in the "90'z" (East Flatbush) and East New york. We would get all dressed up just to go out and commit crimes. Sometimes we would go to clubs wearing like 5 different polo shirts each. We would wear one on top of another and switch shirts. All night while walking around the nightclub, your prop status was rated on how much "Lo" you had and how big your heart was. "
You can bet these dudes didn't camp out in front of the mall for the newest Polo drop either... They just walked in and mobbed the place!
If only Bui was around in the '80's... You know he would have had 5 polos on deck with a complete matching fit! Haha...