According to the all knowing and all powerful Wikipedia, the popped collar has a long and rich tradition in the history of fashion. However, since the early eighties, the popped collar has been a staple of the preppy, frat, and “That Guy” wardrobe. Turn on any eighties movie and as soon as you spot a popped collar you know who the rich, snob jerk is who will be taught a lesson by the scrawny, uncool, nerdy protagonist. Ah the memories…
Putting it mildly, Wiki asserts that “some Americans regard the trend as having worn out, and thus the wearer of an upturned collar can be the object of mockery and scorn.” Really? You think?
Although almost exclusively limited to polo shirts, “That Guy” has expanded to virtually any button-up shirt with a collar. Look no further than any college campus, frat house, or 80s night at a local bar and you will see a popped collar. Most likely accessorized with aviator sunglasses, he wears the popped collar with pride like a child who got a participant ribbon after finishing in ninth place.
Keep an eye out for the uber-rare double popped collar – the “double douche canoe.” As rare as a four leaf clover, if you are out and close your eyes and believe, really believe, you may just see one – “That Guy” wearing two polo shirts at once with BOTH collars popped.
Yeah… I’ve never really understood this one either. And you’re correct; every single guy I’ve ever seen doing this has been a douchebag.
ahhh i hate popped collars. i agree with Mike, such a douche move.
[...] the local sports bar. You are confident enough in your sexuality as you wear a pink polo with a popped collar to order a Loose Caboose on half price pitcher night. And nothing says I’m a man’s man and [...]
[...] It’s almost a loaded question because you already know the types – the douchey frat guys with popped collars on their polo shirts, New York / New Jersey guidos, guys with matching spray-on or fake tans, and guys who wear Ed [...]
[...] Let’s not even TALK about your popped collar… [...]
i love the popped collar look, i think it’s cool and i know a couple of my closests friends that still popp their collar, i’m thinking about buying a solid color ralph lauren polo and popping the collar, i don’t care what anyone thinks, i love the look
That’s good Kenzie, because everyone thinks you and your “closests” friends are morons. That this is premeditated is even more pathetic. Just know that when earth is about to be obliterated by a meteor, and the scientists of the world develop a ship to start over on a new planet, there will be no popped collars aboard.