The English playwright Noel Coward was responsible for popularizing the rollneck sweater in the 1920s, something for which he should be celebrated every winter. For the rollneck is a garment like no other, filling as it does the space between necktie and slovenliness. Wear it under a jacket, being careful to avoid the white rollneck under a navy blazer look lest one be mistaken for a character from central casting, or under a piece of outerwear a la Michael Douglas in the photograph.
In cotton or silk, the rollneck may act as a long sleeved undershirt with neck warming capabilities but the design comes into its own in merino wool or, better yet, cashmere. One or two ply versions may suffice with jackets, and the four ply versions are the best of them all when a man will be in and out of doors in cool weather. That makes rollnecks ideal for travel, for unlike a dress shirt they do not require laundry service after every wearing. And since one will not normally be seen twice by the same people while in transit, the same rollneck can be worn for travel during every segment of a trip.
Very handy indeed.
Photo: Getty Images
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6 comments:
But, isn't that a jacket Michael Douglas is wearing in the above photograph? Even if it's not, the outfit still looks fetching to my, admittedly, untrained eye.
I didn't know that Noel Coward popularized the turleneck/rollneck. Fascinating!
- Java
He certainly has his mono-chromes working well together, but wouldn't a pocket square of any combination of burgundy, blue, or gold have accented this perfectly.
Wonderful style that never goes out of style!
Love your blog!
Happy weekend
Jamie Herzlinger
He is wearing a topcoat and yes, it would look better with something in the breast pocket.
Only Michael Douglas can pull it off! The roll neck sweater has his name written all over it.
I love the rollneck, but unfortunately my neck is shortish, so I don't have very many.
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