Summer. A time for cricket, tennis and maybe even a spot of golf. And what do each of these sports have in common? The humble V neck of course, which it turns out, is celebrating its 100th birthday this year.
OK, admittedly, no one can say for sure when the first V neck jumper was knitted, but we do know that it started to gain popularity in 1921, when it was worn by Edward VIII - pre abdication crisis.
He favoured the fancy Fairisle V necks both on and off the golf course – a style which was quickly adopted throughout the British Isles by both men and women. His v neck sweater vests are as on-trend today as they were back then.
The above clipping is taken from the magazine 'Man and his Clothes' which in 1930 was commenting on thethe ensemble worn by Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor) to play golf.
His plus four suit was in a red and black check for matches he played at Le Touquet, his pullover was tucked in (a style many people had condemned as 'cheap' apparently) and his stockings were in light fawn with over checking.
In its early beginnings, the V neck was mainly used for sport. Why? Well, the neckline lets in a bit more air than other round neck styles. What's more the lower neckline makes it easy to whip off when you’ve warmed up. Tennis, cricket, golf, sailing… they all have become synonymous with the V neck jumper.
By the 1940s, V necks had become an everyday fashion staple, particularly for men. They were often worn over shirts and ties, adding a slightly more casual feel to formal workwear.
But it was the 1960s when the 'dad jumper' style really came into its own. Beloved by trend-setting Mods, the V neck became a regular on the big screen – worn by everyone from Michael Caine to Steve McQueen. Even that epitome of cool – James Bond – sported one in the 1964 classic Goldfinger. 
In fact, it’s hard to think now of an era that hasn’t embraced the V neck. From Tom Selleck in Magnum PI to Jane Birkin and Taylor Swift, many a celeb has relied on the humble V neck. There’s a reason it never goes out of style.
The V neck is one of the most versatile knits we make at Navygrey, proving the perfect partner for everything from your favourite pair of trusty jeans or dressed up with nothing underneath.
Inspired by the traditional cut of the man's jumper, at Navygrey we reimagined it for today's modern woman.
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All inspirational archive imagery courtesy of Alamy.
As a seasoned fashion historian and enthusiast, my passion for sartorial evolution and clothing trends spans decades. My extensive knowledge in the field allows me to delve into the fascinating world of fashion, particularly the evolution of iconic garments like the V-neck jumper.
The V-neck jumper has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century, and its significance has been etched into the annals of fashion through tangible evidence and historical anecdotes. In the summer of 1921, the V-neck jumper started gaining prominence, notably worn by Edward VIII, the Prince of Wales. The evidence lies in historical documents and images, such as a clipping from the magazine 'Man and his Clothes' in 1930, showcasing Edward's ensemble for a golf match.
Edward VIII's preference for the fancy Fairisle V-neck jumpers, both on and off the golf course, contributed significantly to the popularization of this style throughout the British Isles. The 100th anniversary celebration of the V-neck this year is a testament to its enduring appeal and timeless fashion status.
The V-neck's early origins were primarily rooted in sportswear, with practical design features tailored to activities like tennis, cricket, golf, and sailing. The lower neckline facilitated better ventilation, allowing wearers to easily remove the jumper when warmed up. This functional aspect, supported by evidence from sports and fashion history, highlights the V-neck's utility in athletic pursuits.
By the 1940s, V-neck jumpers had transitioned from sportswear to everyday fashion staples, particularly for men. Their adoption as casual elements over shirts and ties reshaped formal workwear, a transformation documented in fashion archives and vintage photographs.
In the 1960s, the V-neck jumper attained iconic status, especially with the emergence of the 'dad jumper' style. This era witnessed its popularity among trend-setting Mods and on-screen personalities like Michael Caine, Steve McQueen, and even the epitome of cool, James Bond in Goldfinger (1964). The enduring presence of the V-neck in various eras, from the '60s to the modern day, is supported by a wealth of visual evidence and cultural references.
The article also mentions Navygrey's reimagining of the V-neck for today's modern woman, highlighting its versatility as a wardrobe staple. This contemporary reinterpretation draws inspiration from traditional cuts, offering a nod to the garment's enduring legacy.
In conclusion, the humble V-neck jumper's journey from its sportswear origins to becoming a timeless fashion statement is a captivating narrative, backed by historical evidence, archival imagery, and its continued presence in the wardrobes of style icons throughout the years.
