Five ways to incorporate this versatile and flattering piece into your wardrobe – for smart dress, casual and every occasion in between .

The rollneck or polo neck (the terms are interchangeable) sweater has a high, close-fitting neck that is worn folded over – a high neck that doesn’t fold is called a turtleneck – and dates back to the Middle Ages. Traditionally it has been worn casually, though the likes of Sir Noël Coward started the trend of wearing them as a more formal piece in the 1930s.

The style was initially considered as an act of defiance against traditional dress codes – and caused maître d’s in top restaurants around the world to have heart attacks (or to keep shirts and ties in their cloakrooms). The US Esquire columnist and author Mr John Berendt described it “as the boldest of all the affronts to the status quo”, even claiming it was redolent of U-boat commanders. Today, however, it is largely seen as an acceptable and less fussy alternative to the shirt and tie in all but the most formal of occasions, acceptable when worn with suits or as a twist on the traditional black tie. A great advantage of the rollneck is that it is both comfortable and flattering, elongating the face and helping to hide incipient double chins. But a secondary benefit is that there is a plethora of ways you can wear it. Scroll down for our favourites.