Updated: Aug. 3, 2016
Originally Published: Aug. 29, 2015
It is with a heavy heart that I must inform everyone of a troubling trend in women’s fashion: the resurgence of the cowl neck. Yes, you heard that right. Despite the warm July weather, clothing racks have been cleared for autumn styles, and lo and behold, the cowl neck is making its unwelcome return. A few years ago, this unflattering neckline briefly reappeared, only to fade away quickly, much to my relief. However, it seems we are now facing a new wave of cowl necks, leading me to suspect a coordinated effort within the fashion industry.
I acknowledge that not all cowl necks are created equal, and it would be unfair to lump them all together. Designers and retailers insist there’s a cowl for every woman, but my personal experience has been consistently negative. The voluminous, bulky cowl of a heavy knit is vastly different from the softer drapes of lighter fabrics, yet I have never found a cowl that I could appreciate.
As fashion-conscious women, we must join forces against this trend and work towards eradicating this style from our wardrobes. Who decided that the cowl neck is flattering for women of all shapes and sizes? Did fashion moguls like Calvin or Ralph ever consider, “Cowls look fantastic on monks; let’s market them to women”?
My disdain for cowl necks began in adolescence, a formative period where young women explore their identities and how they wish to present themselves. I distinctly remember rejecting the cowl neck as a viable option for my wardrobe. When peers sought my opinion on their outfits, I often resorted to the classic move of stuffing a cookie in my mouth to avoid any semblance of agreement on the cowl neck.
In high school, I faced the unfortunate reality of being small-chested during the cowl neck craze of the early ’80s. Stores like Foxmoor and Lerner were overflowing with cowl neck options, yet I couldn’t see the appeal. I felt constricted by the fabric, which never seemed to drape correctly, and I wanted to be able to see my toes without obstruction.
Moreover, my discomfort only escalated with turtlenecks that zipped up at the back of the neck. The memories of those garments are vivid, with their snaps in the crotch adding to my feeling of entrapment. I longed for the freedom of choice, yet societal expectations held me captive in a sea of cowls—an experience many women can relate to.
My mother, an enthusiastic supporter of cowl necks, often tried to persuade me to embrace them. She looked great in cowl necks, which led her to believe I would too. I recall her insisting I wear one for a family dinner, often resorting to gentle coercion to get me into the dreaded garment.
It’s not that I don’t recognize that cowl necks can be appealing on others; I do. Celebrities like Loni Anderson and Valerie Bertinelli certainly made them look good. But perhaps it comes down to specific body types and styling that I simply do not possess. I’ve often wondered if my aversion to cowl necks is rooted in my own insecurities rather than the style itself. However, I refuse to accept that as a personal flaw.
Fortunately, I have discovered many other necklines that suit me far better, such as halters and strapless designs. The array of options available today should provide ample alternatives to the cowl neck. Yet, the overwhelming presence of cowls in stores suggests a deeper issue within the fashion industry. During a recent visit to Marshalls, every single sweater seemed to feature a cowl neck. Is it just New Hampshire, or are we facing a nationwide epidemic of cowls?
Together, we can resist this trend. I cannot return to a time when cowl necks dominated my wardrobe. The thought of my colleagues and students adopting the cowl neck as a fashion statement is too much to bear. Not to mention the possibility of my mother digging out her old cowl neck sweaters from storage.
In summary, the cowl neck’s resurgence is a cause for concern among women who value diverse and flattering necklines. Let’s unite and advocate for a future free of this particular fashion faux pas.
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