Wondering how to wear a turtleneck? Here’s everything you need to know about styling this comfortable men’s classic.
Some garments can’t be pigeonholed into one specific vibe or style. That’s especially true for the turtleneck, an item of clothing that evokes everything from fishing in turbulent waters to attending an elite social gathering in the 1970s.
As versatile as it is, the turtleneck sweater (also called a roll neck or polo neck) can be confusing to style if it’s not already part of your wardrobe.
It spans all kinds of styles, from prep to workwear, so it can be easy to get too many of the wrong vibes. Moreover, the type of turtleneck is crucial — not paying attention to the fit or material could result in a fashion faux pas.
All of that said, wearing a turtleneck well is easier than it seems. Here’s a closer look at this classic item.
The History of the Turtleneck
Before we get into how to wear a turtleneck sweater, it’s important to know the history of this versatile basic.
Garments like the turtleneck date as far back as the late Middle Ages, but the turtleneck as we know it today didn’t emerge until the late 19th century.
It was originally designed as a thick woolen sweater that provided extra warmth and protection for working-class people like fishermen and manual laborers. In the late 1800s, the garment was picked up by athletes — specifically, by polo players, which is why the item is sometimes called a polo neck.
Later, the turtleneck became a favorite of World War II sailors serving in the frigid northern reaches of the Atlantic Ocean.
The turtleneck remained closely associated with workwear until the mid-1920s when playwright Noël Coward started wearing the garment with a more middle-class style that went against the status quo of the time.
This eventually led to the turtleneck becoming synonymous with intellectuality and creativity, which made it a wardrobe staple for academic style in the mid-20th century. Since then, influential figures like Andy Warhol and Steve Jobs have famously kept turtlenecks in the public eye.
Today, the turtleneck is a bit of a chameleon. It’s a dressier but still casual knitwear option that can look academic, nautical, or even edgy, depending on how it’s worn.
You can never have too much knitwear. For more cozy goodness, check out our sweater-buying guide.
Ways To Wear a Turtleneck
When creating turtleneck outfits, consider the style you’re going for. Typically, the thinner the turtleneck, the more formal it can be.
With that in mind, if you’re going for the sleeker, preppier look, opt for a light turtleneck made out of a silky cashmere or cotton yarn. If you’re after a more rugged naval vibe, your best bet is a chunkier navy turtleneck.
If you’re planning to mix styles, make sure that the result doesn’t clash. For example, you wouldn’t want to wear a turtleneck if you’re going for Americana style, but it would fit right into an Ivy League–inspired outfit.
As a general rule, turtlenecks look great under other garments like overshirts, jackets, blazers, and vests. This emphasizes the actual neck of the sweater and provides a more unified look all around.
Similarly, the turtleneck also makes for a classy T-shirt replacement. Swapping out a tee for a turtleneck is an easy way to elevate any outfit, and it works best if you’re going for a classier look.
How To Wear a Black Turtleneck
Black turtlenecks are sleek and refined, ideal for more formal situations. Here are a few ways to style this classic sweater.
Monochromatic
A black turtleneck looks fantastic as part of a monochromatic outfit. Here, the turtleneck is paired with a grey overcoat or topcoat for a contrasting result that’s minimal yet dressy.
Go for black pants if you want the most contrast, or opt for dark navy pants if you want more of a tonal look.
Tucked In
Since a black turtleneck has a clean look, why not make it even cleaner by tucking it in?
It’s a small change that makes a big impact by creating a more tailored look that’s great for when you need to bring the formality level up a notch or two.
How To Wear a Turtleneck With a Suit
If you often wear suits, try replacing your dress shirt with a turtleneck. This gives you the laid-back feeling of the suit and T-shirt look but stays fairly formal, making it a good choice for most workplaces.
Classic Elegance
When pairing a turtleneck with a suit, simplicity is key (if you’re going for a more polished look, that is).
Wearing a fitted charcoal or navy turtleneck underneath a slightly contrasting suit is simple but undeniably stylish.
Contrasting Colors
The turtleneck under suit look is a classic smart casual outfit (and some might even consider it business casual).
Wearing a turtleneck that contrasts with your suit is a stylish way of adding a pop of color without being too loud or distracting. If you want to stay more formal, stick to blacks, greys, and dark blues.
Modern & Suave
This white turtleneck under a light blue suit is a more contemporary take on the turtleneck-with-suit look.
The colors aren’t too bright or flashy, but they’re much more vibrant than your typical black or grey suits. Top it off with a contrasting pocket square for an added bit of flair.
How To Wear a Fisherman Turtleneck
Thicker, more structured turtlenecks like the ones worn by fishermen are comfortable and practical, but they necessitate a different sort of styling. Here are a few ways to effortlessly pull off the naval look.
Workwear Textures
To lean into the turtleneck’s workwear pedigree, pair it with thick, sturdy fabrics like cotton drill, waxed canvas, and even denim.
(In fact, a turtleneck with jeans makes for a cool yet functional combination for many cool-to-cold climates.) Sticking to a more muted color palette that relies on neutrals and earth tones is always a safe bet for a classic, rugged look.
Capped Off
Turtlenecks make for excellent base layers, so you can easily layer one underneath an overshirt or jacket (or, in this case, a smock).
For a satisfying finishing touch, grab a thick ribbed beanie that resembles your turtleneck’s neck — and bonus points if they’re the same color.
Unconventional Layers
An interesting way to bridge the gap between workwear and prep is to mix and match garments from both styles.
For example, wearing a denim shirt over a fisherman-style turtleneck is a creative way to blend casual and formal elements. Round out the look with some corduroys for an extra touch of workwear.
How To Wear Light-Colored Turtlenecks
Lightly colored turtlenecks are a little harder to work with, but the results speak for themselves. These kinds of sweaters lend themselves to more upscale autumnal outfits that are sharp but still casual.
Cold Weather Comfort
Lighter-colored turtlenecks look amazing when combined with contrasting garments.
It’s hard to go wrong with layering a darker, textured coat over a grey or cream turtleneck. If you want to add a splash of color, choose a bolder color for your pants.
Texture on Texture
This is the perfect look for chilly fall days when you need to ward off the cold while staying comfortable.
Double up on your knitwear by layering a beige turtleneck under a darker woolen coat to get what just might be the ultimate fall outfit.
How To Wear a Turtleneck FAQ
Here are questions guys are asking on the web about wearing turtleneck sweaters:
Should short men wear turtlenecks?
Short men can absolutely wear turtlenecks! That said, your best bet is to go with lightweight turtlenecks that don’t have too much neck fabric. If you’re under 5’ 5” or so, try double- or triple-folding the neck fabric. (If all else fails, you might prefer a mock neck instead).
How should a turtleneck fit?
Knowing how to wear a men’s turtleneck isn’t just about styling, fit is part of the equation too.
The fit of a turtleneck depends on how you plan to wear it, but generally, a turtleneck should have a fairly slim fit. You can get away with a more relaxed fit if your style leans more toward workwear than prep.
Are you supposed to fold a turtleneck?
You can fold or scrunch a turtleneck, depending on the look you want. For a sleek look, fold the neck fabric inward and smooth it out. For a more relaxed look, go for a single fold or a scrunched look (no fold). For chunky turtlenecks, use a single or double fold.
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