Turtlenecks: How They Became A Staple Of The Fashion Industry
Love them or hate them, turtleneck shirts have carved themselves a major spot in the history of fashion. They've been around for centuries and have been worn by both men...
Love them or hate them, turtleneck shirts have carved themselves a major spot in the history of fashion. They've been around for centuries and have been worn by both men and women from all walks of life. They are well-known for their versatility and ability to go from casual to dressy simply by adding a few easy accessories. Let's explore the history of this iconic garment and how it's still a relevant fashion choice in today's world.
A Brief History
The turtleneck, also sometimes referred to as the "polo neck", has been around since the 15th century. It's popularity surged in the late 19th and early 20th century when everyone from athletes to scholars to blue collar workers sported this high-neck fashion choice.
A turtleneck is defined as a garment- typically a sweater- that has a close-fitting collar that folds over and covers the neck. A mock turtleneck has a shorter collar that is already folded over and sewn so that the collar does not come undone. Famous names like Audrey Hepburn, Steve Jobs, Barry Manilow, and Vladimir Putin have all donned this fashionable sweater on occasion.
The Female Movement
While at first turtlenecks were geared mainly towards men, women quickly caught on to the benefits of owning this garment and wanted in on the fashion trend. The turtleneck even became a symbol of the Women's Rights Movement, with feminists sporting the popular shirt to show that it can be a unisex item and look just as good on women as it does on men.
Over the years, the turtleneck trend has ebbed and flowed. It was associated in the 1950s with preppy or conservative dressers who attended high-class universities or worked high-power jobs in white collar industries. It's popularity peaked again in the late 1990s and early 2000s when teenage girls saw celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and the Spice Girls mixing the turtleneck with short skirts that showed off their slender figures.
Making It Work Today
Turtlenecks are still a great garment choice today as it can be worn with a variety of different outfits. Pair it with some jeans for a relaxed look or wear it underneath a sports jacket for something a bit more dressy.
Our website has dozens of stylish turtlenecks to choose from that are sure to have you on trend and looking your best wherever you go.
A Brief History
The turtleneck, also sometimes referred to as the "polo neck", has been around since the 15th century. It's popularity surged in the late 19th and early 20th century when everyone from athletes to scholars to blue collar workers sported this high-neck fashion choice.
A turtleneck is defined as a garment- typically a sweater- that has a close-fitting collar that folds over and covers the neck. A mock turtleneck has a shorter collar that is already folded over and sewn so that the collar does not come undone. Famous names like Audrey Hepburn, Steve Jobs, Barry Manilow, and Vladimir Putin have all donned this fashionable sweater on occasion.
The Female Movement
While at first turtlenecks were geared mainly towards men, women quickly caught on to the benefits of owning this garment and wanted in on the fashion trend. The turtleneck even became a symbol of the Women's Rights Movement, with feminists sporting the popular shirt to show that it can be a unisex item and look just as good on women as it does on men.
Over the years, the turtleneck trend has ebbed and flowed. It was associated in the 1950s with preppy or conservative dressers who attended high-class universities or worked high-power jobs in white collar industries. It's popularity peaked again in the late 1990s and early 2000s when teenage girls saw celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and the Spice Girls mixing the turtleneck with short skirts that showed off their slender figures.
Making It Work Today
Turtlenecks are still a great garment choice today as it can be worn with a variety of different outfits. Pair it with some jeans for a relaxed look or wear it underneath a sports jacket for something a bit more dressy.
Our website has dozens of stylish turtlenecks to choose from that are sure to have you on trend and looking your best wherever you go.