In America, they call it the turtleneck, while across the pond in England it is given the name of polo neck as well as turtleneck. Necklines in both cases are tubular, but a polo neck may have a high neck that is often folded down. Its name comes from the fact that there is a resemblance to a turtleneck that has come out of its shell. A turtleneck sweater makes for a very warm garment that gives full protection to the neck of the wearer. A great place to purchase gorgeous cashmere turtleneck sweaters is at Quinnshop.com.
The Origin
You can see in many illustrations made of the royalty and upper class gentry of the 15th century, mainly during the reign of Elizabeth I, the style favored was an elaborate one of the turtleneck with a heavily ruffled neckline. Actually, the size and volumes of ruffles were considered an indication of the status of the wearer in royal society. It was also used as a means to hide any neck condition like wrinkles and other skin problems. In the late 1800s, even the working class started using turtlenecks in their clothing patterns, mainly because it helped to deal with the cold. When polo players in England started using this style in the clothes they wore while playing that exotic game, it led to the term ‘polo neck’ becoming part of word usage.
Present day Turtleneck Sweaters
The fashionistas of the 1940s and 1950s started wearing turtlenecks with jeans that were part of everyday wear. They are considered very chic styles and it is now almost a given, that in colder climates, a turtleneck sweater is an essential part of your wardrobe. This roll neck, as turtleneck styles are often called, continues to be a part of fashion even in 2020.
Wearing Turtlenecks
Turtlenecks are excellent both for adaptability and comfort and can be used both in autumn and winter especially turtleneck sweaters. They pair easily with blazers, coats, or even suits, and can make an outfit stand out. It seems that this style of clothing, whether as a sweater or other, will never go out of style, having come to this present day from over 700 years, and still very much in vogue. They are also called skivvy or mock collar, besides the polo neck, a name more popular in England. It looks just as fashionable for men as it does for women. Turtlenecks have a high neck collar that covers the whole neck and adds to the warmth given by the sweater.
Types of Turtleneck Sweaters
The classic turtleneck will have a slim collar and can be used both in semi-formal or formal events. An extension of the turtleneck is a cowl neck sweater that has a droopy neckline that is unstructured. It gives the neckline a chunky appearance and can drape even below the collar bone. It appears more like a scarf that is part of the sweater. It appears voluminous and can overwhelm any figure.
Most sweaters in the turtleneck style reach right up to the ears, and some people do find this not easy to wear. They then can go in for a mock turtleneck or funnel neck sweater that goes only halfway up your neck. It is a style that is casual, allowing it to be paired easily with most styles of clothing.
Sweaters or turtleneck sweaters knitted with wool are often huge and bulky and also have long baggy sleeves. These sweaters are ideal winter wear, as they will keep you warm and cozy.
A Turtleneck Style is Not Restricted to Sweaters
This style, the turtleneck, is not restricted to sweaters or woolen garments and has made its presence felt in all sorts of clothing. You will find many people using the style in printed fabrics with animal prints, zebra, or leopard. Striped prints are also popular. They can be worn with jackets to provide the looks, while you also have the needed warmth in winter.
You will find the turtleneck style used in denim while some turtlenecks have cutouts that allow them to be worn easily in summer. For more stylish indoors wear, use lace for your turtleneck dress.
Does this Style Suit Everybody
A turtleneck sweater is not winter wear that suits everybody. People with short necks will find that a turtleneck makes the neck look even smaller, and such people are better off wearing V-neck sweaters. For people with long necks, this style of knitwear will cause this graceful feature to draw attention. It is better if you have smooth skin as a turtleneck can draw attention to any loose skin you have over the chin. This is because a turtleneck will tend to squeeze the skin on your neck upwards, thus making it more visible. A cowl style of turtleneck may not have this disadvantage. There is no beating the warmth that a turtleneck sweater can bring to its wearer.
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