Popped Collars (2024)

Popped Collars (1)Suuuuuure you were only popping your collar to keep your neck from getting sunburned. Whatever helps you sleep at night, pal. We know the truth.

Interestingly enough, popping your collar didn’t originate in the 80s; it can actually be traced back to the 19th century… and beyond (though we doubt guys like Thoreau referred to it as having a ‘popped’ collar). The 80s version that we know and love became all the rage during the ‘Preppy’ movement, starting at yacht clubs and country clubs in the Northeast. Didja have an Izod alligator shirt? Well, you better damn well have popped the collar, my friend.

In the old days, and then in the early 20th century when Mr. Lacoste created his famed polo shirt, the popped collar actually served a purpose (the aforementioned redneck-prevention tactic), but really… who among us thought we might get a sunburn on the back of our neck during Miss Gibson’s 5th grade math class?

No, once the 80s rolled around, the popped collar was one of those fashion statements that made as much sense as most of the other 80s fads. Leg warmers in the summer, pegged jeans (yes, we love those, too), and neon all served no purpose… other than making you look cool.

…and, yes, we did look cool.

We ♥ the Popped Collar.

‘Like’ us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

~ by weheart80s on May 7, 2010.

Posted in Fashion
Tags: 80s, eighties, Fashion

Popped Collars (2024)

FAQs

When were popped collars a thing? ›

Many believe that circa 1929, French tennis champion René Lacoste was among the first to flip his polo's collar on the court to avoid sunburn.

Why do people pop their collars? ›

Growing up in a sailing town in New England, popped collars were very functional. When your typical day in a polo shirt involves either sailing or tennis, you end up popping the collar to avoid a getting a sunburn on the back of your neck.

Did people pop their collars in the 80s? ›

Where Did The Popped Collar Come From? Many associate the popped collar trend with the 1980s. This trend creates mental images of preppy blazers, polos, and sometimes even layered collars. Match these outfits with crimped hair, hairspray, and some bold make-up, and you have a perfect 80s night look.

Are popped collars back in style? ›

Though the upturned collar had its origins in sport, it soon became a fashion trend. And the style could be making a comeback. Some men have a way of making otherwise odd wardrobe choices look sharp. Some men have always worn an upturned collar because it feels right for them.

Why do cowboys have their collars up? ›

Western Collar

Cowboys and cowgirls used these collars in rough weather. Rolling a collar up could keep a cowgirl warmer in winter and help a cowboy keep the rain from rolling down onto his clothes.

What was a 1970s collar called? ›

Barrymore collar

A turnover shirt collar with long points, as worn by the actor John Barrymore. The style reappeared in the 1970s; particularly during that time it was often known as a "tapered collar," and could accompany fashionable wide four-in-hand neckties on dress shirts.

Where did popping your collar come from? ›

Unbeknownst to many today, the popped collar originated with Rene Lacoste, who, in 1929, wore his newly-invented short-sleeve polo shirt with the collar popped to protect against the sun while playing tennis.

Did people pop collars in the 90s? ›

1980s and 1990s: French soccer star Eric Cantona became a famous collar-popping icon. 2000s: Hip-hop heads, drawing from preppy fashion and making it their own, embraced the popped collar in the aughts.

How do you get a popped collar to stay? ›

Good old-fashioned spray starch like this works wonders at stiffening your collar, which it needs to be to stay up. Lay the collar flat on your ironing board. Spray the top of the yoke and collar with spray starch and press. Flip and repeat.

Is a popped collar 80s or 90s? ›

popped collar | 80s fashion, Fashion, Popped collar.

Why did men wear high collars? ›

The ruff collar was a pleated frill that was in style in Europe from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century. It was a sign of aristocracy. The bigger your frill, the higher your status was perceived to be. It was the equivalent of wearing a Rolex today.

Did people wear V necks in the 80s? ›

Early 1980s (1980–1982)

Velour, velvet, and polyester were popular fabrics used in clothes, especially button-up and v-neck shirts. Looser pants remained popular during this time, being fairly wide but straight, and tighter shirts were especially popular, sometimes in a cropped athletic style.

Is it OK to pop the collar of a polo shirt? ›

Popped-up collar

The collar of the polo shirt is there because it makes the garment more like a shirt than a T-shirt, in some ways it represents the spirit of the garment – popping it up makes no sense except perhaps to prove that you wanted to be original at any cost without really succeeding.

Are oversized collars still in? ›

Whether it be part of the shirt or a detachable iteration, a funky collar adds a touch of playfulness to any ensemble. On the runways, oversized collars have been gaining momentum over the past few seasons. For Spring/Summer 2021, brands like Patou, Rokh, and Tibi, all displayed their own variations of the silhouettes.

Should you pop collar when washing? ›

With the collar unbuttoned, the collar tips and button holes won't get stretched out in the wash. Less collar stretching means snug buttons, a collar that lies flat, and crisper, cleaner edges all the way around.

What is a smile pocket? ›

Smile pockets are a type of embroidery that's 100% unique to the Western-style shirt. They are what they sound like-- stitched openings on the front of your shirt. These openings lead into a pocket and are shaped like-- you guessed it-- a smile.

Why do cowboys wear pearl snap shirts? ›

Snap buttons were a practical breakaway feature, where snaps release if the shirt gets caught on a fence, saddle horn, etc. Another practical element was no need for cowboys to be particularly adept with a needle and thread to sew on lost buttons.

Why do cowboys wear long sleeve shirts? ›

“All cowboys know the Western shirt was born out of necessity,” says Phyllis. “You need long sleeves to protect you from the burning sun and a collar that can be turned up in the heat, or the cold.” And if you're riding, cotton is crucial.

What is a Johnny collar? ›

: a small round or pointed dress collar that has a front split and that fits close to the neck.

What is a Prussian collar? ›

A Prussian collar allows for a neat neckline that fastens high up near to the face. This example shows a stunning flash of luxurious black velvet trim added to the top collar. This velvet can be selected, and even paired with a braid or piping for extra impact.

What is a penny collar? ›

The rounded club collar (also known as the penny collar) is regarded as a casual option because of its youthful and relaxed look.

What does grabbing someone's collar mean? ›

The emphasis is on the fact you grabbed him. The collar is a metaphor for the fact you did so to control his actions.

When did detachable collars go out of fashion? ›

At the dawn of the thirties, shirts are finally made entirely from the same cloth, and in 1960, detachable collars completely disappeared with the emergence of washing machines.

Where did the Cuban collar come from? ›

The origins of the Cuban collar shirt are rooted in 19th century farm workers in Cuba and the Philippines.

What are the old fashioned collar called? ›

A ruff is an item of clothing worn in Western, Central, and Northern Europe and Spanish America from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century. The round and flat variation is often called a millstone collar after its resemblance to millstones for grinding grain.

What was a 17th century collar called? ›

ruff, in dresswear, crimped or pleated collar or frill, usually wide and full, worn in Europe, especially from the mid-16th century into the 17th century, by both men and women.

Did people wear tube tops in the 90s? ›

The tube top's precursor was a beachwear or informal summer garment worn by young girls in the 1950s that became more widely popular in the 1970s and returned to popularity in the 1990s and 2000s.

Should you button up your collar? ›

Leaving your collar buttons undone — with the collar flapping around and the buttons just sitting there, sad and unused — will make your outfit look undone, or as if you hurried out of the house before you could finish dressing.

What did people wear in the 90s? ›

Scrunchies, acid-wash jeans, tube tops, and capri pants reigned supreme among '90s style trends, along with crimped hair, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and punk rock.

Did they wear crop tops in the 90s? ›

Crop tops and belly shirts were staples of the era. Pop sensations like Britney Spears, Destiny's Child, and Christina Aguilera rocked them on stage and the red carpet, while the rest of us felt extremely cool wearing them to high school dances.

Were hoodies a thing in the 80s? ›

The hoodie found its place in high fashion during the eighties when Norma Kamali created her Sweatshirt Collection.

What does a red collar on a man mean? ›

Red collar workers are perhaps the easiest collar group to define: they're government workers of all types. The “red collar” moniker actually derives from previous government labor compensation methods. Government workers used to receive their pay from what was known as the red ink budget—and the nickname stuck.

When did men stop wearing detachable collars? ›

They rapidly lost their popularity. By the 1930s there were few shirtmakers left who considered detachable collars as daily wear. Most shirtmakers used the starched collar only for formal evening wear. That is, if they used them at all.

What is a Kent collar? ›

Kent is a standard business collar, found on many dress shirts. It has quite a narrow gap between collar points and looks great with a small tie knot. This collar is appropriate for rounder faces. CUTAWAY. Cutaway is somewhat wider than a kent collar.

What are the baggy pants called in the 80s? ›

Hammer pants are modified baggy pants, tapered at the ankle with a sagging rise, made suitable for hip hop dancing. They were popularized in the 1980s and 1990s by American rapper MC Hammer.

How to dress like an 80s guy? ›

Casual wear for men in the 80s is pretty much everything you see in the hallways of Ferris Bueller's Day Off: cuffed jeans or khakis, cardigans, plain t-shirts, denim or bomber jackets and loafers. Sweaters and leather jackets were also popular for men's outerwear…

Is it OK for guys to wear V-necks? ›

The neckline should never be lower than your armpits. Many men prefer wearing V-necks as undergarments because they're more hidden than classic T-shirts. Other men love V-necks as standalone pieces because they accentuate their physique so well, or because they look great just as they are!

What is a poppin collar? ›

An upturned collar (or popped collar) is an otherwise flat, protruding collar of either a shirt, Polo, jacket, or coat that has been turned upward.

Is it normal to wear a shirt under a polo? ›

Since polo shirts are popular for their breathability and comfort, you shouldn't wear shirts beneath them. Polos should be slim fit in the chest and arms, which would not allow enough room for another shirt to be worn. If you have room for an undershirt, it's probably a sign your polo is too big to begin with.

Should you tuck in a polo shirt with jeans? ›

Make sure your polo shirt isn't too long, it should fit nicely and sit no lower than your jean pockets. Depending on the occasion, wear a belt, so should you need to tuck your polo shirt in, you can tuck it in with ease. Depending on the denim colour of your jeans, make sure the colour matches according.

Why do sailors wear big collars? ›

Naval collars have a long past. Their original purpose is unclear. They may have originally helped protect the main uniform from staining. Back in the days when sailors had long hair worn in pigtails, they often covered their hair in tar or tallow (fat), which could rub off on their clothing.

Are wing collars out of fashion? ›

The winged collar enjoyed a fashionable period during the early 1900's — the golden era of men's formal wear. However, the collar slowly lost popularity due to the rise of a more comfortable turndown collar.

Are Peter Pan collars in style 2023? ›

YES, Peter Pan collars are still in style in 2023, and we believe it will always be a timeless classic!

How many times can you wear a collared shirt before washing? ›

T-shirts, tank tops and camisoles should be washed after each wearing. Outer clothes like dress shirts and khakis can be worn a few times before washing unless it is hot out and you are sweating or they are visibly dirty or stained. Jeans can typically be worn 3 times before washing.

Is it better to dry shirts buttoned or unbuttoned? ›

As stated earlier, it is always better to leave your shirts unbuttoned before turning them into the dryer. While some schools of thought argue that keeping your shirt buttoned retains its shape, it rarely works that way.

Who started the popped collar? ›

The popped collar was “invented” by René Lacoste in 1929 when he designed the tennis shirt (today known as the polo shirt). At that point, most tennis players wore stiff shirts with ties.

What era are ruffled collars from? ›

ruff, in dresswear, crimped or pleated collar or frill, usually wide and full, worn in Europe, especially from the mid-16th century into the 17th century, by both men and women. The beginnings of the ruff can be seen in the early years of the 16th century, when men allowed the top of the shirt to be exposed.

What collars were popular in the 1920s? ›

Early 1920s dress shirts had detachable white round collars called club collars. Detachable point collars and later spread and spearpoint collars came into fashion in the '20s, too. Casual men's 1920s shirts were often plaid prints with open collars while workwear was plain wool two pocket shirts.

When did men start wearing shirts with collars? ›

Collars emerge in the Western world by the mid-15th century. They are then richly adorned and they quickly took extreme proportions, following the example of the well-known ruff from the second part of the 16th century.

When did detachable collars go out of style? ›

The height of the popularity of the celluloid collar in the beginning of the 20th century also marked the beginning of the end of detachable collars. They rapidly lost their popularity. By the 1930s there were few shirtmakers left who considered detachable collars as daily wear.

Why did royalty wear collars? ›

Ruffs served as changeable pieces of cloth that could themselves be laundered separately while keeping the wearer's doublet or gown from becoming soiled at the neckline. The stiffness of the garment forced upright posture, and their impracticality led them to become a symbol of wealth and status.

How do you make a popped collar stay up? ›

Good old-fashioned spray starch like this works wonders at stiffening your collar, which it needs to be to stay up. Lay the collar flat on your ironing board. Spray the top of the yoke and collar with spray starch and press. Flip and repeat.

Who wore ruff collars? ›

The ruff is probably the item of clothing that is associated most with Elizabethan England. It is the white collar that was fashionable with men, women and children in all but the lowest social classes from the late Tudor era to the reigns of the Stuarts (approximately the 1560s to the 1630s).

What collar did Shakespeare wear? ›

A popular collar worn during Shakespeare's time was called a ruff. It was worn during the mid-1600s to the mid-1700s by both men and women. It is a large, white, frilly, pleated, or ruffled collar. In the bust of Shakespeare pictured to the left, he's shown wearing a plain collar.

What are Victorian collars called? ›

The ruff is defined in Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style simply as: “A detachable pleated collar in linen and/or lace starched into shape and sometimes supported underneath” (Brown 455).

What is an Edwardian collar called? ›

What is a Wing Collar? Most popular during the 1900s – and the everyday uniform of men during the Edwardian era – the wing collar is one of the most sophisticated dress shirts for men. Elegant and eye-catching, it boasts a stiff, short collar with “winged” tips that stand up and point horizontally.

What should a guy wear to a 1920s party? ›

BLACK TIE DONE THE JAZZ AGE WAY. Luckily parties, champagne towers, trombones and tuxes all go hand in hand. It means you can play it safe with a classic tux, finished with a dress shirt and a bow tie. Maybe nod to 1920s men's fashion with a pinstriped waistcoat.

What did rich people wear in the 1920s? ›

Wealthy women opted for shorter skirts, co*cktail dresses, and flapper dresses, the latter of which was first popularized in European fashion. Elite men still wore tailored suits as before, but there were several notable changes. For one thing, much of 1920s men's fashion was influenced by the rise of gangsters.

What are the 3 types of collars? ›

There are several types of collars. The three basic types are flat, standing, and rolled.

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