Turtlenecks are shirts with a long collar that covers the neck, which can be elongated or stretched back. There are different styles of turtlenecks, including the polo-collared shirt, cable-knit material, and cowl neck. Turtlenecks were popularized by Noel Coward in the 1920s and became a unisex item of clothing during the feminist movements of the era. They were a beatnik fashion staple in the 1950s and 1960s and have become more feminine in recent years.
Turtlenecks are a style of shirt with a long collar that extends to cover the neck. The shirt gets its name from this collar, which can be elongated or stretched back, like a turtle’s neck. The collar of the more common turtleneck style is fitted and long enough that it usually folds over on itself, forming a double layer around the wearer’s neck. However, there are several similar styles of shirts with different collars that are also considered turtlenecks.
A variant of the stand-up collar is the polo-collared shirt. This style is common in sportswear, and is characterized by a collar that, similar to a true turtleneck, extends to closely cover the neck. However, the collars of polo collar shirts only cover part of the neck and are sewn at the base of the collar so that the collar cannot extend.
Other styles of turtlenecks may be made from a cable-knit material, in which case the collar is often rolled down, creating a unique look. Some turtlenecks are not worn folded over, but rather scrunched around the neck. The cowl neck is similar to a turtleneck in that it has a long extended neck. Turtleneck tops have collars that are too large and do not fit snugly around the neck, instead folding over the bodice of the shirt. However, a turtleneck is sometimes called a turtleneck top.
The most common style of turtleneck is a long-sleeved shirt in knit material. The turtleneck can also appear in the form of turtleneck dresses, turtleneck sweaters, and turtleneck tops with short sleeves. A particularly unique variation of the turtleneck is the turtleneck shrug. Like a normal shrug, this garment has sleeves and a bodice piece that covers the upper half of the back and shoulders. What gives the turtleneck its name is the addition of a turtleneck collar. High neck shrugs can be a great way to add warmth to an outfit without covering up the bodice of the shirt worn below.
Turtlenecks first came into fashion in the 1920s when a well-known British actor, Noel Coward, was seen wearing them. Women involved in the feminist movements of this era wore turtlenecks as a statement about equality, thus changing turtlenecks from a man’s item of clothing to a unisex item of clothing. Turtlenecks were perhaps the most popular in the 1950s and 1960s. They were a beatnik fashion staple, worn by both men and women during this time. Towards the end of the 20th century and into the 21st century, the turtleneck has become a more feminine fashion. However, it is still seen in men’s clothing, particularly men’s sweaters. Turtlenecks also have a bit of a reputation as a preppy piece of clothing, and one worn by intellectual types.
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