It is arguably the most recognizable outfit in the history of professional wrestling, if not modern pop culture. We’ve all seen it. You know the one. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, fresh-faced and significantly less bulky than he is today, leaning against a banister. He’s wearing a fitted black turtleneck. A silver chain drapes over the fabric. His hair is a crisp, high-top fade. And, of course, the piece de resistance: the leather fanny pack.
The image was taken in 1994. At the time, Johnson was a struggling football player turned aspiring wrestler, years away from becoming the highest-paid actor in the world. He wasn't trying to be a fashion icon. He was just a guy trying to look "cool" for a headshot. Instead, he created a visual legacy that has outlasted most of his actual movies.
The Anatomy of the Rock Black Turtleneck
Why does this specific photo work so well as a meme? It’s the contrast. Today, we see Dwayne Johnson as this polished, multi-billion dollar brand—a man who basically lives in under-armor or custom-tailored Italian suits. Seeing him with a napkin under his elbow to protect his turtleneck from getting dirty is objectively hilarious. He actually admitted to that detail on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He put a piece of tissue under his elbow because he didn't want the sweater to pill or get stained by the railing. That is the kind of relatability you can't fake.
The turtleneck itself is a classic 90s staple. During that era, the black turtleneck was the "serious" garment. It was meant to convey sophistication. When you pair it with a fanny pack—a utility item that has been the subject of mockery for decades—the outfit becomes a walking contradiction. It’s the ultimate "pre-fame" blunder.
Why the Internet Won't Let It Go
The internet loves a glow-up. The Rock black turtleneck represents the ultimate "before" photo.
In 2014, Johnson decided to lean into the joke. He posted the photo on his Instagram, and it immediately went nuclear. Most celebrities try to hide their embarrassing 90s phases. They want you to think they were born with a stylist and a six-pack. Johnson did the opposite. By roasting himself, he humanized his massive "Final Boss" persona.
We saw this peak during his hosting gig on Saturday Night Live in 2017. He recreated the photo for the promotional materials. He wore the exact same outfit—or a very close replica—complete with the chain and the fanny pack. The difference in his physical size between 1994 and 2017 made the turtleneck look like it was fighting for its life.
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The Costume Effect
Every Halloween, you see it. Thousands of people buy a cheap black turtleneck, a fake silver chain, and a leather waist bag. Even other celebrities have jumped in. Kevin Hart famously recreated the look to troll his friend and co-star. Seth Rogen did it. It’s become a shorthand for "I’m dressing up as a celebrity, but I’m doing the funny version."
It works because the "costume" is accessible. You don’t need a specialized mask or a $500 prop. You just need a trip to a thrift store and a certain level of confidence.
Beyond the Meme: The Cultural Impact
Actually, there is a weird bit of fashion history here. The 90s revival in current street style has made some of these items unironically popular again. Fanny packs (now called "crossbody bags" by hypebeasts) are back. Turtlenecks never really left.
But for Johnson, that photo is a reminder of his roots. In 1994, he had seven bucks in his pocket. He was living in a world of "Rocky Maivia," a character the fans eventually hated because he was too clean-cut. The turtleneck represents that transition period. It’s the bridge between the kid trying to fit in and the man who eventually decided to just be himself.
Real Talk: Is it Actually a Good Look?
Honestly? No.
The proportions are all wrong. The chain over the sweater is a bold choice that rarely works outside of a music video. And the fanny pack... well, let’s be real. Unless you are actively hiking or selling snacks at a festival, a fanny pack is a tough sell.
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However, fashion is about confidence. The Rock looked like he thought he was the man. That’s why it’s iconic. It wasn't a mistake; it was a choice. A very specific, very 1994 choice.
How to Lean Into the Aesthetic Without Looking Ridiculous
If you actually want to wear a black turtleneck today without looking like a walking meme, you have to change the styling.
- Skip the fanny pack. Seriously. Unless you're doing it for the bit, just don't.
- Watch the jewelry. If you’re going to wear a chain, keep it thin. Layering a massive silver link over a turtleneck is a one-way ticket to 1994.
- Texture matters. The Rock’s sweater was a fine-gauge knit. Today, a slightly heavier ribbed turtleneck looks more modern and less like a costume.
- Fit is king. His was tight. Very tight. A modern look usually involves a bit more drape or a structured overcoat to break up the silhouette.
The legacy of the Rock black turtleneck isn't about fashion advice. It’s about the fact that even the biggest stars in the world started somewhere. Usually, they started somewhere embarrassing.
Actionable Steps for the "Rock" Look
If you are planning to recreate this for a party or just want to understand the components for a laugh, here is exactly what you need.
Find a cotton-blend black turtleneck. It needs to be form-fitting. If it’s baggy, the joke doesn't land.
Grab a silver-colored chain. It should be about 20-24 inches long so it sits right in the middle of the chest.
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Leather or faux-leather fanny pack. Wear it slightly to the side, not perfectly centered.
This is the secret. If you are posing for a photo, you need a railing. Lean one elbow on it. Remember the tissue trick—tuck a white napkin under your elbow. It’s the deep-cut detail that proves you’re a true fan.
Blue jeans, slightly faded. Tucked in. You need a black leather belt too.
The Rock black turtleneck is more than just a piece of clothing. It is a symbol of self-deprecation in an era of manufactured perfection. It proves that if you can laugh at yourself, the rest of the world will usually laugh with you, not at you.
Start by sourcing a mid-weight pima cotton turtleneck if you want the look to be wearable in 2026. Avoid the "shiny" synthetic fabrics of the 90s unless you are strictly aiming for a costume. Pair it with a dark charcoal overcoat to bring the look into the modern era while keeping the "turtleneck energy" intact.