‘Daggy’ Aussie item that’s suddenly so hot, it is everywhere
Once deemed the most “embarrassing” part of an outfit, a forgotten Aussie treasure is now back, and more popular than ever.
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A “daggy” Australian wardrobe staple is making a major comeback - but not everyone can agree on what it is called.
The skivvy, a top with long sleeves and a polo neck often made of stretch cotton, is beloved by everyone but perhaps most famously by The Wiggles.
Despite being an extremely popular piece of clothing, just uttering the word skivvy has an unparralled ability to conjure up long forgotten memories of “embarrassing” outfits and stale school uniforms.
As a Brit who has lived Down Under for 13 years, I only recently discovered the word while attending Australian Fashion Week 2024 last month. Naturally, I took to TikTok to marvel over the vocabulary find, explaining that I’d always referred to it as a turtleneck, and boy did I open a can of worms.
In the clip, I was wearing a sequined high-neck top from the Australian designer Carla Zampatti, which is described on the brand’s website as a “skivvy”.
“It’s not a skivvy…a skivvy is practically an under garment,” one person quickly told me.
“We call them turtle necks too, but skivvy is a very old word for them. It’s usually a thinner material that you wear under something,” another explained.
As one Aussie shuddered: “Skivvy is what I wore to school in winter.”
“A skivvy is usually a long sleeved, high neck top made of singlet type material. A Turtleneck is basically the same style but nicer fabric,” agreed someone else.
Confused, I decided to seek answers from an expert, with Ashleigh Vallis, creator of cult label Summi Summi, agreeing many confuse an iconic skivvy with the timeless turtleneck.
“To me, a skivvy is made from a thinner fabric and rises up the neck,” she told news.com.au.
“While a turtle neck is thicker and folds back over itself on your neck.
“A skivvy is really easy to layer and is tight fitting. I’d take a skivvy over a turtleneck any day.”
As well as featuring a shorter neckline than the classic turtleneck, skivvies also cop the another injustice - it’s cruel association as being a “daggy” wardrobe item.
In contrast, turtlenecks are perceived as “chic and alluring”, a compliment once bestowed upon it by Vogue.
Now with rising popularity of 90s fashion, the fond affection for turtlenecks is stronger than ever - and as a result, Aussie designers have decided it’s time to give the skivvy that same level of appreciation.
“We bloody love a skivvy. It’s so versatile in how you can style it. Who wants a cold neck in winter?” Ms Vallis said.
“I think the high necklines are making a comeback because they are so chic and so easily elevate a simple outfit.
“It’s also the perfect layering piece and can be worn so easily under a cool knit vest or oversized jumper, or trench.”
Summi Summi’s latest collection “Don’t Eat The Sunflowers” features multiple skivvies in various colours, which Ms Vallis explained were made with “the softest ribbed fabric”.
“It feels like butter and I couldn’t resist turning it into a skivvy,” she said.
“I also love designing really simple pieces that you feel comfortable and confident in wearing and the classic skivvy epitomises that.
“The garment is so great worn on its own, or underneath other items, to avoid freezing your tits off in winter.
“Everyone needs a good skivvy in their winter wardrobes.”
Originally published as ‘Daggy’ Aussie item that’s suddenly so hot, it is everywhere
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