The turtleneck was first popularized in the 1920s by news correspondent Noel Coward. In the 1960s, turtlenecks enjoyed a resurgence, first among beatniks and flower children, then among the mainstream. At its peak, it was being worn by celebrities such as Johnny Carson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Senator Robert Kennedy, Paul Newman and Steve McQueen.

While the turtleneck never faded into oblivion like many fads, it has never regained the popularity of the 1960s. Instead, it has become more popular in the 1990s amongst women than it is amongst men.