Turtleneck sweaters undertaking a way of calm, glossy class, and suave refinement, related to kings of traditional cool from the previous and the current. Hollywood stars and well-dressed gents have worn them for many years, and so they have turn into a staple piece in lots of wardrobes. However have you learnt model and make use of this versatile garment correctly?
On this information, you’ll be taught concerning the historical past of turtleneck sweaters, how they need to match, how one can model them, and what to look out for if you purchase them. We suspect this exceptional garment has way more functions in Traditional Model than you realized!
Considering sweaters extra typically?
Defining a Turtleneck and Related Clothes
Turtleneck (noun): a sort of full-length sweater with a excessive collar constituted of the garment’s tubular neck that’s folded over itself to create a double layer on the wearer’s neck. Historically, a turtleneck sweater has a slim match to the physique and is constructed in order that the folded neck portion is completed in a ribbed knit in distinction to the physique’s stable knit.
What does this must do with a
Turtle’s Neck?
The time period “turtleneck” to explain a garment that matches tightly across the neck was first employed in North America within the Eighteen Nineties. The identify is derived from the visible similarity to the folds of pores and skin that seem on the neck of an precise turtle. Such a collar is thought by different names in different localities.
Sweaters Just like the Turtleneck
A number of widespread sweater sorts visually resemble the turtleneck, however sure key particulars reveal that they’re, in reality, distinctive clothes.
The Mock Neck
Just like the turtleneck, a mock neck is a full-length sweater with a excessive tubular neck. Nevertheless, the neck on a mock neck is about half the size of a turtleneck’s. In consequence, a mock neck just isn’t designed to be folded over like a turtleneck.
The Zip Neck
A zipper neck is a zippered garment with a neck of an identical peak to that of a mock neck, however, clearly, with a zipper on the throat. This element signifies that a zipper neck just isn’t thought of a part of the turtleneck household, regardless of its visible similarity as soon as zipped up.
Different Names for Turtlenecks and Related Clothes
Whereas generally employed in North America, the time period “turtleneck” just isn’t globally acknowledged. As a substitute, different phrases are employed for this and comparable clothes.
1
Polo Neck
A polo neck is the English identify for a sweater with a excessive, tubular neck. Subsequently, both a turtleneck or a mock neck could possibly be thought of a polo neck on this definition.
2
Roll Neck
A roll neck is one other time period for a turtleneck, which describes the model of the folded over neck portion of the sweater fairly actually.
3
Skivvy
“Skivvy” is one different identify for a turtleneck usually utilized in Australia and New Zealand. The skivvy could have a barely looser neck, and be constituted of lighter weight fibers akin to cotton.
Turtleneck Historical past
Proto-Turtleneck Clothes
In some respects, the origins of the turtleneck within the Western Hemisphere will be traced again to the fifteenth century. As armor turned extra expansive in the course of the Center Ages, plate and chainmail on the neck could possibly be extremely uncomfortable for knights and troopers because it pressed towards the mushy flesh of their necks. Clothes worn underneath the armor for consolation had been, due to this fact, reduce longer within the neck to take off a few of this stress.
In illustrations displaying knights with their helmets eliminated, you may typically glimpse this garment peeking out on the neck and throat underneath armor sorts like a gorget. Nobles and royals, to emphasise their connection to chivalric valor, started to undertake comparable clothes that sat on and across the throat.
An Aristocratic Look
While not technically a real turtleneck by immediately’s requirements, having a garment that lined your neck and framed your face, such because the ruff collar, was extremely fascinating to exhibit wealth and fame.
The Fashionable Turtleneck Develops
Within the late 18th century, as enhancing industrial strategies made knit clothes extra accessible, a sweater resembling the trendy turtleneck took form, that includes an elongated neck that could possibly be folded across the neck each as a mode selection and to maintain the wearer heat. This distinctive garment was standard with all courses.
Nevertheless, issues modified dramatically within the nineteenth century when high-necked clothes had been changed with a lot taller shirt collars and elaborate neckwear. Across the 1840s, this model was worn most famously by the dandy, typically touted as “the daddy of contemporary model,” Beau Brummell. With this shift in perspective towards formal costume with tailor-made, not knitted clothes, the turtleneck returned to its utilitarian roots.
At this level, the turtleneck was primarily a garment for the working class. Specifically, sailors had been extraordinarily keen on turtleneck sweaters because of the simplicity of the garment, the benefit of sustaining it, and the heat they supplied when out in chilly and moist situations.
The Submariner Sweater
Due to its prevalence amongst staff at sea, turtleneck sweaters will also be seen as a part of the uniform for naval officers. As a consequence of this navy connection, heavyweight ivory or off-white turtlenecks can also be known as a “Submariner” Sweater.
The Turtleneck within the Early twentieth Century
The turtleneck maintained its reference to informal put on till the playwright Noel Coward wore it within the Twenties, at which level it turned more and more related to celebrities.
“[I wore turtlenecks] extra for consolation than impact”
Noel Coward
It was subsequently adopted by the preppy model motion that was additionally occurring at the moment as a result of folks needed one thing that was extra informal. Males discovered {that a} turtleneck could possibly be worn as an alternative of a shirt and a tie, however because of the excessive neck on the garment, their face was nonetheless framed in a pretty model.
The Turtleneck within the 60s and 70s
Since their popularization within the early twentieth century, turtlenecks have been going out and in of style. That they had flashes of recognition within the Sixties, 70s, and 80s. Specifically, the youth of the 60s and 70s loved sporting turtlenecks as a part of the counterculture motion. They needed to pair daring colours with extravagant fits, and a slim turtleneck allowed them to do that.
The Turtleneck within the 80s
The 80s had been fairly extravagant in their very own methods concerning menswear, as is mirrored within the businesswear proven in 1987’s Wall Avenue. Whereas there was a variety of casualization occurring within the 80s, the last decade additionally took a variety of inspiration from the Thirties by way of traditional menswear. Because of this turtleneck sweaters had been standard for males’s informal put on throughout this time, though they had been principally outsized turtlenecks in step with the tendencies of the last decade.
Timeless Model
What’s fascinating is that the general design of the turtleneck has hardly modified all through historical past, primarily attributable to the truth that it does its job of preserving the wearer heat and guarded in addition to being uniquely fashionable.
The Decline of the Turtleneck within the 90s and Early 2000s
Beginning within the Nineties, the turtleneck has suffered one thing of a fall from grace; in 2015, the New York Occasions even opined, “Can Turtlenecks Ever Be Cool Once more?”
This fall from grace will be attributed to evolving style tendencies, the turtleneck’s affiliation with previous eras, perceived lack of versatility, consolation considerations, and shifts in public notion influenced by celebrities.
Nevertheless, regardless of these components, turtlenecks nonetheless maintain a spot in lots of wardrobes for his or her traditional look and the delicate silhouette they supply. Their present standing in males’s style just isn’t a definitive judgment of their ‘coolness’ however a mirrored image of adjusting tastes and tendencies. Finally, the enchantment of turtlenecks, like all style selections, is dependent upon private model and choice.
The Turtleneck At this time
Inside Traditional Model, nevertheless, turtlenecks have remained a fixture, favored by figures as numerous as Gianni Agnelli and Kelsey Grammer on Frasier. As we are going to illustrate, not solely have turtlenecks been favored by numerous Gents of Model, however in addition they definitely have a spot in your wardrobe.
In recent times, there was a surge in recognition for not solely the turtleneck however for the mock neck in addition to zip necks. It’s attainable to see many elegant males incorporating one of these high-neck knitwear into their closets for each sensible and informal mixtures.
Well-known Faces in Turtleneck Sweaters
All through the years, many celebrities have taken to the turtleneck as a component of their model, whether or not as a private model assertion or as a part of a fictional character’s garb.
Celebrities
Clark Gable
One in all Hollywood’s most enduring legends of the silver display screen, Clark Gable was a well-documented fan of the turtleneck. All through his life, he could possibly be noticed in high-neck knitwear, bringing his personal private contact to the garment. A very distinctive look was when he wore a skinny turtleneck underneath a suede jacket. As a substitute of neatly folding the neck again on itself, Gable allowed the formation of sentimental ripples, including a contact of sprezzatura to his look.
Steve McQueen
Undoubtedly dwelling as much as his moniker of “the King of Cool,” Steve McQueen famously loved adopting informal clothes into his seems. The turtleneck made an iconic look within the 1968 movie; ‘Bullitt.’ Pairing a darkish turtleneck with mushy tailoring components, McQueen’s no-nonsense cop commanded an air of authority with out ever needing a tie.
Roger Moore
Whereas virtually each iteration of James Bond has worn turtleneck sweaters, the look is most related to probably the most prolific Bond, Roger Moore, each due to the period during which the movies had been made and Moore’s persoal affinity for the garment. Moore’s most iconic turtleneck seems in Reside and Let Die. Within the movie, he sports activities a glance just like McQueen’s Bullitt, consisting of darkish trousers and a turtleneck with a gun holster for that fringe of hazard we’ve come to anticipate from tremendous spies. This look was replicated by Daniel Graig within the poster for 2015’s Spectre.
The Beatles
Maybe contributing to the turtleneck’s surge in recognition within the Sixties, The Beatles had been typically seen sporting turtlenecks as a part of their efficiency and personal wardrobes. By pairing matching turtleneck sweaters, two-piece fits, and Cuban-heeled Chelsea boots, the band created an unforgettable outfit for his or her earlier band years.
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs is probably some of the well-known turtleneck aficionados within the twenty first Century. What’s significantly fascinating about Jobs is the truth that he selected to pair both a black mock neck or turtleneck sweater with a pair of blue denims and sneakers. This was a aware selection that happened as Jobs needed an easy-to-wear uniform that meant he didn’t must put a lot thought into the act of getting dressed. No matter whether or not you just like the outfit, there’s no denying the black turtleneck reached an identical stage of fame as Jobs himself.
See how superstar fashions have modified through the years!
Characters
Truman Burbank
Trying to flee his televised life, Jim Carrey’s Truman Burbank in The Truman Present dons a chunky cable knit turtleneck as a part of his ensemble. The charcoal sweater matches properly with the remainder of his historically impressed seaman’s outfit, so it’s simple to see that this explicit turtleneck was impressed by the thicker submariner sweaters worn at sea.
Ron Burgundy
Recognized for his deep dedication to an element, comic Will Ferrell portrays the usually controversial information anchor Ron Burgundy. Meant to be a satirical tackle the information stories of the Seventies that Ferrell would have grown up watching, turtleneck sweaters play a giant half within the character’s wardrobe. Whereas we might not be followers of the loud Seventies kinds that Ron Burgundy enjoys, we are able to definitely respect his love of the turtleneck.
Howard Wolowitz
An unlucky second in style historical past, the Dickey is just the neck, shoulders, and higher chest portion of a turtleneck sweater. It happened as folks needed to layer clothes with out overheating, and the Dickey allowed them to realize this. Portrayed by Simon Helberg, The Massive Bang Idea’s Howard Wolowitz is nearly all the time wearing a mode mimicking the 1960’s layered look with a Dickey on the middle of his ensemble.
Turtleneck Sweater FAQs
What’s the origin of the turtleneck sweater?
A: The turtleneck sweater dates again to the fifteenth century. It turned a staple for sailors and naval officers attributable to its heat and safety from the weather. Within the twentieth century, it gained recognition as part of the “no-collar” look amongst intellectuals, teachers, and artists.
How ought to a turtleneck sweater match?
A: A turtleneck sweater ought to match snugly across the neck with out being too tight or restrictive. The physique of the sweater ought to comply with your pure physique form with out being overly free. The sleeves ought to finish on the wrist, and the hem ought to sit on the waistband or simply beneath.
What are one of the best supplies for turtleneck sweaters?
A: Turtlenecks are generally constituted of wool, cashmere, cotton, or artificial blends. Wool provides heat and sturdiness, cashmere supplies luxurious and softness, cotton ensures breathability and luxury, whereas synthetics can add stretch and resistance to wrinkles.
Q: How do you model a turtleneck sweater for informal put on?
A: For an off-the-cuff look, pair a chunkier knit turtleneck with denims or chinos. Layer it underneath a denim jacket or leather-based bomber for added texture and curiosity.
Q: How do you maintain turtleneck sweaters?
A: Care directions differ relying on the fabric. Usually, it’s greatest at hand wash or use a mild machine cycle with chilly water and lay flat to dry. All the time verify the label for particular pointers.
Q: Can all physique sorts put on turtleneck sweaters?
A: Sure, anybody can put on a turtleneck sweater. It’s about discovering the precise match and elegance that enhances your physique kind and private aesthetics.
Q: When is one of the best time to put on a turtleneck sweater?
A: Turtleneck sweaters are perfect for fall and winter if you want additional heat. Lighter supplies like cotton will also be worn throughout cooler evenings in spring or summer season.
Are turtlenecks enticing?
A turtleneck will be a particularly enticing garment, because it’s designed to take a seat underneath your shin and body your face properly. Like with any clothes, how enticing a turtleneck seems all comes all the way down to the way you model it.
Is a turtleneck formal?
Sometimes talking, a turtleneck just isn’t thought of a proper garment, however it may look dressy relying on what you pair it with. For instance, a turtleneck paired with a sport coat or blazer will lend a relaxed class to your look.
Can I put on a turtleneck for enterprise informal?
Turtleneck sweaters could very properly be a suitable merchandise of clothes for a enterprise informal look, nevertheless it all is dependent upon the formality stage in your workplace. In case your colleagues put on a shirt and tie as a rule, then skip the turtleneck. If, nevertheless, you’re employed in an workplace the place extra informal clothes is appropriate, then a traditional turtleneck is usually a nice addition to your workday apparel.
Who is known for sporting turtlenecks?
Many notable figures have worn turtlenecks all through historical past, though they’ve turn into more and more standard because the Twenties. Yow will discover all types of well-known faces in turtlenecks together with Noel Coward, Clark Gable, and Ernest Hemmingway. Fictional characters that take pleasure in sporting turtlenecks embrace Truman Burbank, James Bond, and Ron Burgundy.
What’s a Dickey?
Successfully simply the neck and shoulder portion of a turtleneck, the Dickey (or “Dickie”) is considerably of a fad that was standard within the Sixties and 70s. It requires a multi-layered look with out having the majority or extra heat of an precise turtleneck sweater underneath your garments. The look may be very dated, which is performed on within the garments worn by the character Howard Wolowitz from the tv present ‘The Massive Bang Idea’.
Can I put on a turtleneck as a part of the black tie costume code?
Though black tie guidelines appear to be enjoyable, a turtleneck isn’t acceptable for conventional black tie ensembles. It’s because black tie requires that you simply put on a bow tie, which a turtleneck doesn’t permit for. It could be attainable to put on a finely knitted darkish turtleneck in both the “black tie optionally available” or “artistic black tie” costume codes, the place it seems greatest with a separate dinner jacket and pants.
Ought to I tuck in a turtleneck?
Whether or not you tuck a turtleneck sweater into your pants is topic to some issues: how nice the knit is, how formal your outfit is, and your individual preferences. You probably have a skinny, light-weight turtleneck, it’ll possible profit from being tucked in to create a neat look. If you wish to seem in a extra informal gentle, then a chunkier turtleneck will be left untucked for a relaxed edge.
Tips on how to Put on a Turtleneck Sweater
How A Turtleneck Sweater Ought to Match
Turtleneck Weight
Like most knitted sweaters, turtlenecks are available in a variety of various weights. Some are extraordinarily skinny, which makes an ideal relaxed but elegant substitute for an everyday costume shirt underneath a jacket. Whether or not you select to put on an undershirt with one of these turtleneck is as much as you, however keep in mind that though slim and really skinny turtlenecks will be nice to layer, sporting them on their very own will actually present each imperfection of your physique.
Getting The Proper Size
In case you go for a thinner turtleneck as an alternative choice to a costume shirt, then you definitely’ll wish to be certain that it has a great size. It might want to attain previous your waist so that you simply’re in a position to tuck the sweater into your trouser waistband, because the thinner model of turtleneck seems inelegant if it’s left to bunch up round your center.
On the opposite finish of the size, you’ll discover a lot thicker turtleneck sweaters meant to maintain you heat sufficient towards the weather, and also you usually wouldn’t be capable of put on them underneath an everyday swimsuit or sports activities jacket.
A great turtleneck sweater ought to be neither too massive nor too small in its match. So that you’ll wish to search for an in depth match via the physique and arms of your turtleneck with out it constricting your means to maneuver freely.
Off The Cuff
Like nearly all of different long-sleeved knitwear, a turtleneck’s cuffs will possible function a ribbed development. Typically, the cuffs will be worn turned again, so you’ll be able to get a greater sleeve size. Nevertheless, this can be a matter of private choice and never a vital a part of sporting a turtleneck.
In case you’re sporting a conventional, folded turtleneck, then pay shut consideration to how the neck matches you; too tight, and it’ll be uncomfortable all through the day; too free, and also you’ll lose the flattering impact {that a} turtleneck has. The free look was favorable within the Eighties, however this was a part of the outsized fad of the time.
See our Material archives for extra info!
How To Model A Turtleneck Sweater
Turtleneck sweaters are fairly distinctive on this planet of menswear, as they are often dressed up or down extra simply than different gadgets. Listed below are a few of our favourite options for sporting a turtleneck sweater with model:
Turtleneck Sweaters with Fits
Turtlenecks are a good way to decorate down fits. Right here, you may see how sporting a grey turtleneck with a navy swimsuit creates a really totally different look than when the identical swimsuit is worn with a white shirt and a tie.
A turtleneck makes every little thing look so much softer, but you’re nonetheless well-dressed. Nevertheless, some mixtures ought to be prevented for those who want to cleave to the conventions of Traditional Model. For instance, don’t mix a turtleneck with striped fits and jackets as a result of it’ll come throughout as fairly excessive because of the striped swimsuit’s larger stage of ritual, and it may conflict.
A very debonair method to put on a turtleneck is with a double-breasted jacket. This has a very fascinating impact, the place not solely does the turtleneck turn into somewhat dressier, however the jacket can even appear extra relaxed.
Are you able to put on a turtleneck with
Night Put on?
As a part of Up to date Model, turtleneck sweaters are typically worn with a tuxedo or dinner jacket. You want a variety of confidence to tug off this look as a result of black tie is a costume code with a extra inflexible stage of ritual. Suffice it to say, this look just isn’t typical of Traditional Model, and for those who want to try it, we advise that you simply reserve this selection for artistic black tie or black tie optionally available costume code.
Carrying Turtleneck Sweaters Casually
In case you’re seeking to costume down an outfit with a turtleneck sweater, you need to use a thinner knit underneath a layering piece akin to a denim shirt or maybe even an overshirt. Naturally, one of these outfit will be completed with a pair of denims and boots. It’s equally attainable to raise an off-the-cuff turtleneck sweater with a pair of corduroy or flannel trousers and a pea coat.
Selecting the Proper Shade for Your Turtleneck
One of many greatest challenges for turtlenecks is to mix them along with your different clothes so they give the impression of being very properly put collectively. By way of shade, for those who comply with the idea of distinction and concord, you all the time look well-dressed.
By way of colours, each grey and tan are implausible selections, and people could be the primary to speculate your cash in as a result of, typically, they work properly with different traditional menswear colours. Different choices to look into could be issues akin to burgundy or darkish inexperienced.
Watch out for the Darkish Facet
As a result of black and navy turtleneck sweaters are so just like most swimsuit and jacket colours, you could watch out when styling them to make sure that your ensemble doesn’t seem muddy as the weather bleed into one another. Except you desire a monochromatic look, distinction is your good friend in these conditions.
A turtleneck will be regarded as a alternative for a white costume shirt. Nevertheless, reasonably than going with a stark white, go along with ivory or off-white as a result of these are softer and mix in higher with brown tones. You’ll nonetheless create distinction however in a approach that’s hotter and appears higher put-together than a plain stable white.
Use the colour wheel to craft your outfits!
Seeing Proper By means of You
Ivory and off-white are nice traditional shade selections for turtlenecks. Nevertheless, you could be aware that the fabric is thick sufficient to make sure that you don’t see any undershirt outlines, hair, or pores and skin beneath.
How To Purchase Turtlenecks?
First up, you’ll have to determine what kind of look you’re going for. If you wish to keep on the formal finish of the spectrum, then you definitely’ll have to search for a thinner turtleneck, as the general look shall be smarter, pairing higher with tailoring. If you wish to incorporate a turtleneck into extra informal ensembles, then you may search for one thing somewhat thicker, which harmonizes properly with dressed-down outfits.
Turtleneck Materials and Supplies
Cashmere
Typically touted because the premium wool for knitted clothes to be constituted of, cashmere is an excellent selection for a luxuriously mushy turtleneck. It may be woven to be fairly skinny for a smarter-looking turtleneck, however cashmere will also be present in a extra strong weave, too. Like all woolen clothes, pilling is to be anticipated with cashmere. For that reason, common care is required for a cashmere turtleneck.
Merino
Naturally nice and with a shocking elasticity, merino wool is a flexible selection for a turtleneck sweater. It’s typically woven to be slim and sensible, possessing a novel sheen that pairs very properly with tailor-made clothes. Merino wool can also be usually inexpensive than cashmere, with the additional advantage of being extra strong than delicate cashmere fibers.
Lambswoold
A sturdy, hardy selection for a turtleneck sweater, lambswool is an excellent selection for if you wish to really feel protected towards the weather. Robust, resilient fibers go into making a lambswool turtleneck that may insulate you from the chilly. Lambswool can even present a level of water resistance, making it the fiber of selection for sea-faring journey. The draw back of lambswool is that it’s not significantly nice by way of the knit. So, it’s good for informal events however greatest left at residence for if you wish to costume issues up.
Cotton
A real clothes staple, cotton will be spun into yarn prepared to be used as a turtleneck. Curiously, cotton will be offered as both a chunky or nice knit sweater, nevertheless it’s not the load of the yarn that places it on the informal finish of the spectrum. In contrast to the luster of both cashmere or merino wool, cotton can have considerably of a flat look when completed as a knit. Nevertheless, not like the opposite supplies listed right here, cotton is by far the simplest to take care of, as it may be machine-washed along with your common clothes.
What Ought to You Put on Beneath a Turtleneck?
After all, private choice will differ, however we strongly advocate sporting an undershirt underneath your turtleneck sweater. Having a layer between your pores and skin and the fibers of your turtleneck won’t solely improve your consolation but additionally lengthen the lifespan of your sweater, as it’ll require much less frequent laundering.
Must you show your
Collar Suggestions?
In recent times, there was a development of sporting a mushy collared shirt beneath the turtleneck with the collar suggestions seen on the jawline. Whereas not typical of Traditional Model, this look has gained some area of interest prominence as a part of a Dandy aesthetic. Simply pay attention to how daring this look is and that the material rubbing towards your neck all day might get uncomfortable!
Conclusion
The turtleneck sweater stays a timeless piece that deserves its celebrated spot in each man’s wardrobe. It supplies an easy mix of sophistication and luxury whereas providing sufficient versatility to swimsuit each informal and formal settings. Whether or not layering it underneath a blazer for a pointy look or pairing it along with your favourite denims for a relaxed weekend, the turtleneck is an simple staple that transcends seasons and tendencies. Its means to adapt to varied kinds solely confirms its standing as a menswear important. So embrace the class it brings, and let the turtleneck be a testomony to your private model assertion.
How do you wish to put on your turtleneck sweaters? Tell us within the feedback!