A high, close-fitting collar on a sweater or shirt that covers the neck. A sweater or shirt featuring such a collar.
American English term from the 1930s, combining 'turtle' and 'neck,' referring to how the wearer's head emerges from the high collar like a turtle from its shell. The British equivalent is 'polo neck,' while other variants include 'skivvy' in Australia.
The turtleneck became an iconic symbol of intellectual sophistication largely due to Steve Jobs, who wore black turtlenecks almost exclusively after being inspired by Sony's Akio Morita. This simple garment choice became so associated with tech innovation that it spawned countless imitators in Silicon Valley.
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