Chinese-made turtlenecks popular in Europe thanks to Macron

After the French president and minister of economy both wore turtleneck jumpers, the turtleneck trend has become a winter hit second only to electric blankets in Europe, and winter clothing exporters in China are working overtime to catch up with European orders.

“Searches for men’s turtlenecks have increased 13 times in the last 30 days in our company’s online shop,” said

Luo Jun, head of Xiamen-based Juze Import & Export Co.

“Winter clothes such as coats and turtleneck jumpers are being shipped, and will soon arrive in Europe,” he added.

Data from Chinese international e-commerce platform AliExpress showed that the search volume for “sweater/ pullover” on AliExpress has risen to the first place in the menswear category in the past month.

It is believed that French President Emmanuel Macron was behind the fever.

Macron appeared sporting what is fast becoming the hottest autumn fashion trend in the French government, the polo neck jumper, which has become a symbol of efforts to save on heating, according to AFP on October 3.

The previous week, the Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire started the turtleneck trend by swapping his shirt and tie for one, AFP reported.

In addition to the turtleneck sweater, other clothes which Chinese like to wear for the winter, such as thermal underwear and down jackets, are also popular in Europe.

Sales of thermal underwear in Europe have increased by 246 percent from the previous month, AliExpress said on Friday, adding that France witnessed the top growth of 372 percent, followed by Italy at 365 percent and 362 percent for Germany.

In addition, sales of Chinese-style flannel pajamas have also grown in Europe, with sales of flannel pajamas across Europe increasing by 95 percent month-on-month since October, while sales of hot water bottles have increased by 300 percent month-on-month since October.