There’s a Good Reason Some T-Shirts Are Called ‘Crew Necks’

Some things cannot be explained. UFOs. The Godfather Part 3. The name “crew neck” can, even if its meaning is less obvious than its V-shaped cousin.

The origins of the crew neck

Like many fashion origins, the crew neck originates from the world of athletics — more specifically, rowing (commonly called “crew” in the United States).

The earliest known use of the term crew neck dates back to 1939, though the neck style had been in use well beforehand. Rowers in the early 1900s would wear collarless shirts with rounded necklines that allowed for ease of movement.

Library of Congress

Of course, the crew neck not to be confused with a boat neck, which is often seen on breton striped shirts and sweaters, originally donned by French seafarers.

The boat neck is also collarless, but it is distinguished by its wider opening which extends outward to the wearer’s shoulders.

Crew necks today

Today, the crew neck isn’t limited to the decks of an eight. You’ll find it everywhere from cashmere sweaters to plain undershirts and even puffer vests, thanks to adoption by the wider public since the 1940s and ’50s.

However, most crew necks today aren’t like the ones used 100 years ago by rowers. They feature an attached piece of ribbing in order to finish the neck and keep its shape when being pulled over the wearer’s head.

That said, they still look effortlessly cool.

Related Topics