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.
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.
