The turtleneck neckline is loose and covers below the clavicle, often found in sweaters made from wool, cashmere, angora, or synthetics. Hooded collars can be shaped in various ways and are flattering on small-chested figures. Cowl necklines are popular in cable-knit tunics, especially in maternity wear.
A turtleneck is a neckline that resembles a loose, unstructured turtleneck and covers below the clavicle. It most often occurs in short-sleeved and long-sleeved sweaters that have been knitted from fabrics like wool, cashmere, and angora, or synthetics like acrylic. This design will also suit certain types of formal wear, such as wedding dresses, as long as the fabric has the right draping qualities. The turtleneck style is said to have been inspired by early Greek fashions, which specialized in draped garments that did not conform to the contours of the body.
Modern hooded collars are usually featured on clothing in combination with fitted sections of the garment. Even sweaters with this type of neckline that feature heavy draping in certain areas, such as wide, bell-shaped sleeves, will usually also feature fitted sections, such as a tapered waist, to retain the wearer’s silhouette. Cowl necklines are especially flattering on small-chested figures, as the extra drape of the fabric can add volume to the bust area.
Hooded collars can be shaped in a variety of ways to transform the overall look of the garment. For example, it can be straightened into a boat neckline or “boat neck” by pulling the fabric over the clavicle and toward the shoulders. Some cowl collars can even be stretched over the back of the head to form a hood if there is enough fabric in the drape. Cowl collars are also sometimes sold separately, along with other wraps such as shawls, capes, ponchos, and shrugs. The collar may also fold to the side or feature zippers or buttons down the center of the garment or along the neck and shoulder.
In the new millennium, cowl necklines have become a popular feature on cable-knit tunics, particularly in gray wool and other natural fabrics. Tunics with this type of neckline have become an especially popular staple in maternity wear, as the pleats in the fabric hide bumps and allow ample room for growth in the stomach area.
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