Is the turtleneck back in vogue?

Turtleneck sales have increased by 30 percent on Shinsaegae's online mall in the past month compared to the same period a year earlier. / Courtesy of Shinsaegae

By Kim Bo-eun

Has the turtleneck always been a wardrobe staple, or has it become a hot fashion item this winter?

Some say the late Steve Jobs and his signature turtleneck and jeans sparked renewed interest in the garment with a tight-fitting high collar that folds over to cover the neck. Whether the “normcore” trend, characterized by stylized blandness, has had anything to do with it or not, data from a popular retailer shows sales are up.

Figures from Shinsaegae’s online shopping mall SSG.com shows sales were 30 percent higher for the past month than the same period a year earlier. Sales for men’s turtlenecks were up noticeably, a company spokesman said. Moreover, there has been increasing demand from men in their 30s and 40s.

Shinsaegae attributes this to companies adopting a more casual business dress code. With fewer office workers wearing suits, more employees are choosing outfits that do not incorporate the conventional shirt and tie. Turtle necks are being seen as fashionable business attire that is also appropriate for formal occasions.

“Turtlenecks give off a clean-cut, preppy look and make whatever outerwear you wear stand out,” said fashion merchandise division head Son Yung-sik.

That said, retailers are set to go all in on the turtleneck this season.