Shirts, polos, and jackets have driven the preppy-forward look for decades. Now, it's back and more prominent than ever.

For decades, it seems like society continues to explore its intricate&nbsp;relationship with one key look: Popped collars. Whether you jammed out to Three 6 Mafia's 2005 track "Poppin' My Collar" or have seen style icons like Colman Domingo rock the flaired look while out and about, it's clear that the historic fashion choice is back on the roster this season.
Sometime in the 19th century, upturned collars were prominent as they were meant to protect the wearer from the weather and sunburn. Usually on coats and shirts, the starched section of said article of clothing was detachable, seen as a status symbol in the world of menswear, and was eventually adopted by sailors.
However, it wasn't until 1929 that French 7-time Grand Slam champion René Lacoste created a loose-knit piqué cotton shirt that featured a longer shirt-tail and prominent collar that was meant to be turned up for sun protection. Thus, the tennis shirt was born and eventually was introduced in golf, polo, and other non-athletic activities.
In the 1950s, stars like Marlon Brando and James Dean flipped their collars up while sporting leather jackets. The rebellion icons made the traditionally formal look into a key look of the anti-establishment movement, which massively contributed to a defiant version of masculinity. But the popped collar would take on a different meaning just a few years later.

Lousi Vuitton Fall/Winter 2026. Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

Dior Fall/Winter 2026. Courtesy of Dior.

Hermés Fall/Winter 2026. Courtesy of Hermés

When author Lisa Birnbach published The Official Preppy Handbook in 1980, she noted that the fashion statement was not just a sports innovation, but a key distinguisher for someone who is "preppy." By noting that wealthy individuals wear the flaired collar, it became a sensation that had people from all over rocking the look. Joan Jett and Tiffany were some stars who wore the look before grunge style took over in the '90s.
As the 2000s approached, what once was the uniform of Ivy League students and suburban elites was transformed into an over-the-top revival. Brands like Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, and Brooks Brothers became the go-to look of frat guys, celebrities, and reality TV stars that defined the club-centric era.
Whether it was "Pop your collar Thursday" that took over some schools, Kanye West's ever-growing love for the look, or the double and triple popped collars created by layered polo shirts, the look was something of the time. Rushing into the 2010s, upturned collars were mainly seen on older generations and subject to mockery by anyone who deemed the look not en vogue.
Naturally, the ways that we have seen flaired collars in recent years are less bold as its Y2K counterparts. Stars like Sharon Stone, Jane Fonda, Diane Sawyer, and Michelle Obama have put their own twist on the popped collar trend. Needless to say, the look has experienced some changes recently, and Fall/Winter 2026 was no different.

Dunhill Fall/Winter 2026. Courtesy of Dunhill.

Sacai Fall/Winter 2026. Courtesy of Sacai.

Although we tend to think of popped collars solely on polo shirts, houses like Louis Vuitton, Hermés, and Dunhill remind us that as long as a piece has a collar, it can be turned up too. Not to say that polos are tired—because they aren't—but expanding the universe of the look is essential to how wearers can approach it.
As the Yuppie look made its return on the runway via shows like Dior and Sacai, the element of a not-so-perfect collar made key ensembles interesting. Also known as "Young Urban Professional," Yuppies were ambitious, college-educated Baby Boomers that succeed in areas like law and finance during the economic boom of the Reagan era.
Can't seem to put your finger on it? Think BMWs, Rolex watches, and expensive tailored suits as a result of financial success. Once again, it was a status of the time that can be imitated through clothing, but not as much through the finances that many are currently dealing with in today's world.
How you can stun in a popped collar is limitless, especially if you want to tap into nostalgic eras that you look fondly on. Allowing a crisp white shirt to sneak its way out of a leather jacket, pairing a bowler button-up with a fine blazer, and even rocking button-ups with varied collar lengths are great ways to dabble in the long-lived trend. Yuppie or not, the popped collar is sure to bring a dash of commotion.&nbsp;

Pop! Goes The Collar For Fall/Winter 2026

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