One of the things that has always gotten me has been Rowen's ridiculous awesome
popped collar. Even when the dub first came out, I thought it was
different. Albeit, by then, popped collars had drifted out of fashion.
Still, the idea that he was the only one of five that had done it
always made me wonder why. It wasn't something to do with being
fashionable. It couldn't have been, otherwise I would expect it out of
Sage or Cye.
A quick google search over the term will let you know that it's not so well received. In fact, although the popped collar is making a comeback in some circles, its met with scorn. I won't bore you with the derogatory comments. Instead, I want to focus on the idea that I doubt Rowen was trying to be cool at all. I even bet that half the time, he pulled on clothes and that was that. He did his "adult" things for the day. He wore pants, he wore a shirt, he got out of bed, and he might even eat - it's a good day. In my quest to understand the popped collar, I came across two things. The first was the depressing stuff about "dude bros" and "posers".
The second was that apparently popped collars are making a
comeback. In fashion last year (2013) popped collars were seen in a
number of fashion shows. Although I still think they look ridiculous
the idea was that the idea was originally based in simply getting up.
One did not simply pop the collar, rather one dressed and the collar
stayed in place. Nothing was done to it due to lack of time, you were
running late. It wasn't intentional. The original polo, however was
created to have a collar that could be popped up to prevent sunburns on the neck. In Rowen's case, I can definitely see him running late. In
which case the idea would fit more to his having gotten up quickly,
dressed, and rushing out the door. At least, with Rowen's personality,
I can see it being much more about a rush than functionality or
protecting his neck. Though I would argue he'd probably need that too
granted he sat outside (not in trees) for more than ten minutes at a
time.
Here's the thing though, Rowen's popped collar has become a bit of an inside joke for my sister, Cherri, and I. She simply refuses to approve of a guy unless his collar is adequately popped. I don't know if she's serious, I think it's best not to ask. I still think that in general, the popped collar looks ridiculous. Couldn't you take two seconds to straighten it out. I'll do it for you! Is it a fashion statement? We're inside? You don't need it up - you're not going to get sunburned inside. In a rush? You've been idle for more than two minutes. I never thought Rowen's was intentional, as in later OAV and episodes he lacks a collar. However, I can see the functionality of it given circumstances. On that note, Rowen caring too much about fashion and making impressions is a completely foreign idea. Yes, his collar is popped but I think it has more to do with the fact that he's rushing to get dressed and just doesn't realize (or care) that it looks ridiculous.
Sources: Return of the Popped Collar
