What is badlon?

Badlon, according to Yandex statistics, is the most popular request in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. The explanation for this should be sought in the increased popularity of this item of clothing, as well as in the regional characteristics of the vocabulary of St. Petersburg residents. What they call a “badlon” is called a turtleneck in other parts of the country.

Where did these names come from?

There are several theories about this. According to one, the word was borrowed from America. There, in the middle of the last century, there was a factory specializing in the production of Ban-Lon fabric. It was invented by Joseph Bancroft in 1939. Turtlenecks were made from this nylon material, which all advanced people of the 60-70s sported. For the first time, a wardrobe item was included in a fashion collection in 1959. The founder of the increased interest in the turtleneck was Pierre Cardin.

The fashion for sweaters with a neckline reached the Union. And here, as often happens with borrowed words, bonlon eventually turned into badlon. This version of it has become entrenched in the vocabulary of St. Petersburg residents.

Another theory assigns the main role to the Indians: the word came from their language, and the fabric itself was created by representatives of this nation. This material was used exclusively in the production of two items: turtlenecks and socks. The version according to which the name is tied to sports also has the right to life. The theory is based on the fact that a specialized hockey uniform is partially sewn from fabric that sounds like the word “badlon”.

The origin of the word “turtleneck” is simpler. It is reliably known that since the 19th century, the wardrobe item has been included in the mandatory equipment of a number of military structures. For example, divers (this is the word that became the starting point for the formation of the name of the jacket). In their case, the high elastic neck of the jacket had a practical application: it protected the skin from contact with the spacesuit.

Important! Badlon and turtleneck are equally colloquial names. The correct and competent name for this type of sweater is a golf sweater. In some St. Petersburg circles, they believe that the word “turtleneck” was invented in St. Petersburg.

Professional wrestlers and pilots also used the item (try wearing the badlon with an aviator jacket). It was used by sports racers and simply lovers of fast driving, in which oncoming air currents hit the face and neck hard.

Character traits

The wardrobe item is characterized by thinness and elasticity. There must be a neck (non-voluminous). Its length can be any. There are models with a very small collar, and with one that reaches the middle of the face when turned around. Wear golf on a naked body (the silhouette of a T-shirt will appear). They complement it with jackets, jackets, sleeveless vests and blazers. It can also act as an independent top (no need to wear anything else).

What models are there?

1. Classic. This “version” has long sleeves and a neckline that turns up 2 or even 3 times.
2. Turtleneck for pregnant women. Like other clothes for expectant mothers, this one has a special silhouette (there is a “pocket” for the belly in the front). Models are also available with special inserts in the chest area, allowing for comfortable feeding without taking off the jacket.
3. Turtleneck dress. An elongated badlon with or without slits at the edges. Can reach the floor. At the peak of popularity this season (just take things in bright colors).
4. Seamless turtleneck. The sleeve length can be almost any. Additionally, this product is made in a seamless manner.
5. Turtleneck bodysuit. An option for those who strive for maximum fit on the top. It doesn’t get confused due to the fact that the “bodice” is connected to the “panties”.
6. Thermal turtleneck. It differs from other variations in the composition of the fabric. The material is breathable, absorbs and removes moisture well. As an additional element, sometimes there is a special slot for the hands: it secures clothes between the thumb and index finger.

Important! Thermal turtlenecks are ideal for sports and tourism. However, poor quality fabric can ruin everything. Remember that cheap synthetics begin to smell strongly and specifically from sweat, so do not buy products in non-specialized stores.

Noodles should be included in a separate category. This is the look that was presented at fashion week in '59. However, modern fashionistas rarely turn to him. Reason: difficulty of care. Incorrect handling leads to immediate, irreparable deformation of the jacket..

What shades does it come in?

Anything imaginable. Moreover, this season, large fashion houses decided to rely on models of bright colors and military shades. There are also bows with black (mostly noodle) and gray turtlenecks. But the usual solutions of pastel and delicate colors are less in demand. Exception: thin blue-gray.

What style does it suit?

Win-win options for directions:

• preppy;
• bohemian (the one that comes from the 70s);
• classic;
• casual;
• military;
• sport;
• aviator style;
• jockey;
• androgynous.

Which badlon should a woman wear and with what?

To begin with, it’s worth talking about models that, with rare exceptions, don’t suit anyone. These are turtlenecks with thin multi-colored horizontal stripes. This pattern looks bad on clothes for adults and on children's sweaters (it is especially terrible on badlon noodles).

Important! A transverse colored stripe looks appropriate only when it is wide. Even better if it is placed on a jumper with a round or v-neck. There is definitely no place for multi-colored lines on a turtleneck. And the longer and narrower the model, the worse.

Not every girl will suit a bright yellow turtleneck. The color will come too close to the face. A painful effect will be created. As for combinations, you should avoid black fabric skinnies. This combination is not bad in itself, but it looks boring. Even if the turtleneck is a rich color, there will be an effect of inexpressiveness and a touch of a school uniform (moreover, the Russian version, which in no way correlates with preppy).

Important! Do not buy cheap tight-fitting badlons in dark or rich shades. At home and in the store, you may not even be able to see the fact that they are see-through when worn (you can see your underwear through them).But on the street or in a room with bright lighting it will be very noticeable.

If you are interested in high fashion, then take as a basis the looks from the Calvin Klein collection (which was demonstrated in July). It is dedicated to students and active young people. Every first or second look goes with a turtleneck. For example, the couturier recommends combining this wardrobe item:

• with bomber jackets (models typical of American football players look great on women);
• with elongated jackets, over which a very short coat is worn (layering is the main trend of the season);
• with men's suits in bright colors (blue was presented, with a red turtleneck underneath, and yellow shoes on his feet);
• with bag dresses;
• with pleated skirts;
• with straight, plain, floor-length skirts (must be a flashy shade);
• with very short flowing skirts;
• with puffy sleeveless vests (long models, never short ones);
• with jacket dresses.

On their feet, the models wore high-heeled sandals, pumps and variations of patent leather boots: country-style and Chelsea-style shoes. The toe is predominantly sharp.

If you do not meet the model parameters or have a massive torso, then a “clean” golf sweater is contraindicated for you. You definitely need to throw a jacket over it, or a long sleeveless vest (they are also very popular this year). The last option, provided the correct length, will also significantly elongate the figure.

Five ideal looks with women's golf

1. Black fur hat (molded or earflaps with raised ears), dark floor-length bell skirt (made of thick fabric), black turtleneck (tucked in), massive gold earrings (possibly with stones), gold belt (wide, preferably with a pattern) .On top you can wear a short fitted sheepskin coat or sheepskin coat. The finishing touch: red lipstick.
2. Gray badlon, white shawl with sparse black stripes (long, should reach at least the wrist on one side and the buttocks on the other), blue jeans, gray-brown timberlakes. Let your hair down. You can create a slight wave on them.
3. Corduroy flared trousers. Thin belt. Badlon (plain or with slight ripples, it depends on the shade of the bottom). On your feet, let them wear shoes or boots with high square heels and a massive round toe. A long pendant (with a pendant) is suitable as a decoration, but the image looks complete without it.
4. Burgundy fitted turtleneck (tucked in). Black mini (can be with an openwork edging at the bottom or with a very wide hem). Brown boots. Thick black tights (with an openwork skirt it is better to wear nylon). Hat. Bag with a long strap.
5. Military skirt (length: 3/4). Red turtleneck (can be gray). Black pointed-toe shoes with flat soles or suede boots with square heels and a slightly tapered toe. Let your hair down. It is better to refrain from makeup altogether or apply only the base tone and a little mascara to the eyelashes.

Men's badlon - what to combine with?

A win-win option - a suit. Moreover, looks look very interesting in which the badlon is either darker or lighter than the jacket and trousers, but is in the same color scheme with them. A game of contrasts is also acceptable. Try layering it under a light gray blazer (not plain, with slight ruffles or checks) and an impenetrable black golf sweater.

Five best combinations with a men's badon

1. Gray fitted turtleneck, dark gray dress pants (without creases). The top should be much lighter than the bottom. On her feet are black lace-up boots. For example, Oxfords.The focus of this look is on the shoes, so they need to be expensive.
2. A gray suit (the trouser leg may be a little short), white socks, white sneakers, a gray turtleneck, a blue long coat (possibly with a turn-down fur collar), round glasses.
3. Checkered trousers, white bodlon, suspenders (a belt will do instead), cap. This is a basic ensemble, colors can be changed. For example, take pants in a blue-green check (the blue should be dark and deep, otherwise you will become a parrot). An emerald turtleneck, a mustard or dark blue model will suit them. Sometimes a jacket is worn on top. This option is no longer bohemian, but rather preppy. Instead of a jacket, you can wear a long woolen coat (gray).
4. Straight-cut trousers, a blue or burgundy turtleneck, a brown leather jacket, boots with a slightly narrowed toe. Additionally, wear aviator glasses.
5. Slightly tapered trousers, patent leather shoes, turtleneck (all of the above items are in a rich dark color). Long (knee-length and below) coat with a turn-down collar. Color of outerwear: white-gray, white with black ripples, milky, gray-blue.