An iconic Australian wardrobe staple is making a major comeback! The skivvy, a long-sleeved top with a polo neck often made of stretch cotton, is gaining renewed popularity. Beloved by many, including The Wiggles, the skivvy has always been a favorite piece of clothing, but it’s now experiencing a surge in fashion circles.
Despite its popularity, the term “skivvy” can evoke memories of embarrassing outfits and school uniforms. As a Brit living in Australia for 13 years, I only recently discovered the word while attending Australian Fashion Week 2024. Naturally, I took to TikTok to share my newfound vocabulary, referring to what I knew as a turtleneck, and it sparked a lively discussion.
In the video, I wore a sequined high-neck top from Australian designer Carla Zampatti, described on the brand’s website as a “skivvy.” This sparked a debate among viewers:
- “It’s not a skivvy…a skivvy is practically an undergarment,” one person commented.
- “We call them turtlenecks too, but skivvy is a very old word. It’s usually a thinner material worn under something,” another explained.
- “A skivvy is what I wore to school in winter,” an Aussie shared.
- “A skivvy is a long-sleeved, high-neck top made of singlet-type material, while a turtleneck is the same style but in nicer fabric,” agreed someone else.
To clear up the confusion, I consulted Ashleigh Vallis, creator of the cult label Summi Summi. She explained, “To me, a skivvy is made from a thinner fabric and rises up the neck, while a turtleneck is thicker and folds back over itself on your neck. A skivvy is easy to layer and is tight-fitting. I’d take a skivvy over a turtleneck any day.”
With its shorter neckline and thinner fabric, the skivvy has been unfairly labeled as “daggy” compared to the “chic and alluring” turtleneck, as once described by Vogue. However, with the resurgence of 90s fashion, Aussie designers are giving the skivvy a fresh appreciation.
“We bloody love a skivvy. It’s so versatile in how you can style it. Who wants a cold neck in winter?” said Vallis. “High necklines are making a comeback because they are so chic and elevate a simple outfit. It’s also the perfect layering piece and can be worn under a knit vest, oversized jumper, or trench.”
Summi Summi’s latest collection, “Don’t Eat The Sunflowers,” features multiple skivvies in various colors, made with “the softest ribbed fabric.” Vallis added, “It feels like butter, and I couldn’t resist turning it into a skivvy. I love designing simple pieces that make you feel comfortable and confident. The classic skivvy epitomizes that. It’s great worn on its own or underneath other items to avoid freezing in winter. Everyone needs a good skivvy in their winter wardrobes.”