It’s fair to say the best turtlenecks for men have been worn by some questionably-dressed characters over the years. To name but a few, Velma Dinkley, Ron Burgundy, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (you know the picture). Yet they’re still considered ridiculously cool. Pretty impressive, right?
Just as popular with the late Steve Jobs as they were with style icons Paul Newman and Steve McQueen, the trusty turtleneck is the sartorial equivalent of peanut M&M’s (everybody loves them, but there’s always going to be a few who don’t).
Available in a range of materials and heaps of different styles, they’re the winter wardrobe essential no guy should be without—keeping you cozy and warm while refusing to look anything but awesome.
To help you wade your way through the endless options out there, we’ve pulled together this definitive list of the very best designs. From formal favorites to weekend must-haves, we’re pretty confident you’ll find something to get your sartorial tails wagging. You’ll also find some handy advice on how to wear them too.
The best turtlenecks for men are functional, versatile, and warm. They’re also somewhat reserved while remaining undeniably stylish. This version from Mr Porter ticks all the boxes and more—proving a suitable choice for tech entrepreneurs and streetwear stars alike. You can wear it to the office, bar, or brunch with friends. The opportunities are endless.
It’s been knitted from a delightful 12-gauge merino wool, so it’ll keep you toasty. But it’s still slim enough to slip underneath your favorite jacket without feeling restrictive. We think it looks great worn alone with cropped trousers or layered with a bomber jacket and some classic chinos.
Material: 100% Merino Wool | Colors available: Navy, Gray, Black, + | Sizes Available: XS-XXL | Fit: Slim
Coming in at just under $20, this stretch-cotton turtleneck from Poriff is an absolute steal. Sure, it won’t keep you as warm as some of its wool counterparts, but that’s nothing a few extra layers won’t sort out.
Easy to wear all year round, it’s breathable, soft, and available in over 30 different colors—plus some short-sleeved versions that come in handy during that notoriously tricky time between summer and fall. If you’re looking for something luxurious, this may not be for you. But as far as a quality budget pick goes, you’ll struggle to find better.
Material: 95% Cotton, 5% Spandex | Colors available: Brown, Gray, Green, + | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Fit: Slim
One of the turtlenecks’ many advantages is its ability to flatter as well as offer unrivaled comfort. Not only does it help elongate the face, but it can also hide those unavoidable double chins that form as you look down and flick through social media on your morning commute (c’mon, we all get them). Pretty handy, right?
Coming through with one of the best turtlenecks for men is
Material: 100% Merino Wool | Colors available: Green, Brown Black + | Sizes Available: XS-XL | Fit: Regular
We didn’t think it was possible to fit this much luxury into a turtleneck, but Luca Faloni has proved it’s entirely possible (albeit hard to replicate). The unmatched elegance is achieved with 100% two-ply pure cashmere, made in Italy from the label’s prestigious Cariaggi fine yarns.
You’ll probably want to keep yours for fancy occasions, so we’re suggesting wearing it with your favorite tailoring—including smart pants and double-breasted jackets. For something a little different, why not take inspiration from the stylish gentlemen of Pitti Uomo? You’ll often find them wearing theirs over a formal shirt, with the collar just poking out from the top.
Material: 100% Cashmere | Colors available: Beige, Gray, Burgundy, + | Sizes Available: XS-XXXL | Fit: Slim
If you need any more evidence as to how versatile the turtleneck is, look no further. This cotton-jersey version is comfortable enough to wear around the house and smart enough to accompany you to a backyard party. In fact, we can’t think of many places we wouldn’t wear it…
The fresh lavender shade provides a pop of color for dull days, while the slim fit shape ensures it can be layered under a wide range of jackets, shirts, and jumpers. We think it looks best with your favorite flannel, some loose-fitting jeans, and box-fresh sneakers.
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors available: Purple, Blue, Black | Sizes Available: XS-XXL | Fit: Slim
Thanks to its relaxed regular fit, this piece deserves its place among the best turtlenecks for men. A Day’s March perfectly treads the line between office-ready smart and weekend casual.
This means it’ll look just as good with a pair of dad jeans as it would with some suit pants. Is it one of the best turtlenecks for men? We think so.
It’s made from 12-gauge merino wool, which offers the kind of coziness that’s comforting but not too stuffy. Not content with simply producing an awesome garment, the brand has taken animal welfare into consideration by using yarn originating from non-mulesed merino sheep. Kudos to you guys.
Material: 100% Merino Wool | Colors available: Black, Green | Sizes Available: S-XL | Fit: Regular
Wait a minute, what’s a mock turtleneck? Well, we’re glad you asked. It turns out the best turtlenecks for men come in more than one style. The mock version features a lower collar (almost resembling a T-shirt) and isn’t turned over like the classic styles you’ve likely become accustomed to.
This is one of the best turtlenecks for men from John Smedley and it is a thing of beauty. But seeing as the British brand has been manufacturing luxury knitwear for over 200 years, is it any surprise?
We think it’s the ideal partner for a blazer and tailored pants, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear it with some chinos for something a little more relaxed.
Material: 100% Merino Wool | Colors available: Dark Gray | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Fit: Slim
You get the gist by now. Turtlenecks are great for layering. And while we’re sticking to our guns on their ability to work well with other garments, JW Anderson’s design is the kind that really excels on its own. After all, why would you want to hide that striking pink pocket?
Chunky and classic with a slight in-your-face twist, it’s cut to a relaxed fit with slouchy sleeves that will graze your knuckles and help keep your digits warm. You could wear yours with baggy joggers for days spent roaming the city or with pants and Derby shoes when you hit your local bar.
Material: 47% Acrylic, 35% Alpaca Wool, 18% Merino Wool | Colors available: Gray | Sizes Available: S-XL | Fit: Relaxed
If you’re the kind of guy who can’t eat a meal without leaving a bunch of evidence down the front of your new shirt, the best turtlenecks for men (especially white ones) probably sounds like your idea of a nightmare. But we urge you to be more careful or at least start wearing a bib, so you don’t miss out on this work of art.
Crafted from rich merino wool, it offers moisture-wicking and thermo-regulating performance that makes it equally suitable for mild fall days as well as the sub-zero temperatures of winter.
It can be layered under a button-down shirt or worn alone with some slim-fitting jeans. We think it’ll feel most at home with a double-breasted suit—whether you’re heading to a family wedding or a fancy soirée.
Material: 70% Merino Wool, 30% Acrylic | Colors available: White | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Fit: Slim
Wouldn’t it be awesome if it was socially acceptable to leave the house in nothing but your favorite pajamas and a duvet? Unfortunately, it’s not. But wearing this Polo Ralph Lauren cable-knit turtleneck is almost as comfortable.
Knitted from a soft wool and cashmere blend, it offers up just the right amount of warmth for cold days, but not so much you’ll be sweating buckets.
It can be teamed with some timeless cords at the weekend or with pants and formal shoes for trips to the office.
Material: 80% Wool, 20% Cashmere | Colors available: Gray | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Fit: Regular
Have we just found one of the best turtlenecks for men? Quite possibly. Perfect for trips to the movies and romantic restaurants, this Aurelien men’s turtleneck is guaranteed to get you a second date.
It’s crafted from extra fine merino wool that’s (you guessed it) perfect for layering but warm enough to wear alone (so you can offer up your jacket like the true gentleman you are).
We think it’s quite the statement worn alone with some tapered pants, but it can also pack a punch when paired underneath a blazer or shirt. Just be careful not to order the red wine. We wouldn’t want any spillages ruining that second date…
Material: 100% Merino Wool | Colors available: Ivory | Sizes Available: S-XXXL | Fit: Slim
Looking good doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, and that is especially true for some of the best turtlenecks for men. And let’s face it, we could all do with a little less expenditure right now. Good news is, there are plenty of budget options out there for those being careful with the cash.
H&M’s slim-fit turtleneck is yours for under $20, but it feels like it would cost a helluva lot more. Made from super soft cotton jersey, it’s the kind of top you could wear all day and still not want to take it off. Team it with everything from chinos to selvedge denim and even sweatpants.
Material: 95% Cotton, 5% Rayon | Colors available: Brown, Gray | Sizes Available: XS-XXL | Fit: Slim
Yeah, our eyes watered at the price too. But hear us out… It might cost around the same amount you hand over for your monthly rent, but at least you’ll feel like a million dollars every time you slip on this luxury number from the hall of fame of the best turtlenecks for men.
Expertly made from cashmere and silk-blend yarns, it feels expensive even if there’s no designer logo to fight your cause. Whether you team yours with cords or dark denim, we’re picturing you sitting beside a roaring fireplace with a glass of bourbon in hand.
Material: 70% Cashmere, 30% Silk | Colors available: Navy, Black | Sizes Available: S-XXXL | Fit: Regular
Trust us, it doesn’t get much cozier than this chunky piece of awesomeness. Cut to a relaxed fit from an alpaca wool-rich fabric, it’s quite literally your beloved blanket in the form of a super stylish sweater.
Featuring subtle ribbed detailing and a small metal logo tab, it’s a fine choice for the weekend (especially as the temperature starts to drop). It’ll look great with a pair of jeans, but you may want to dress it up with some smart pants.
Material: 50% Alpaca, 33% Nylon, 15% Wool, 2% Elastane | Colors available: Khaki, Orange, Gray | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Fit: Relaxed
Where do we start with this one? It’s not just the ribbed detailing and cool color that help the sweater stand out; it also features a high stand collar that’s part mock, part classic turtleneck. We think it’s the perfect blend of two contrasting styles.
It’s cut for a slightly loose fit and made from virgin wool that’s weighty enough to warm you up without being uncomfortable. It’s a fine companion for chinos and white sneakers—whether you’re hitting your go-to lunch spot or catching up with friends.
Material: 100% Virgin Wool | Colors available: Blue, Navy, Brown | Sizes Available: XS-XXL | Fit: Loose
Cable knit sweaters were originally crafted for seafaring. Nowadays, they look just as good in the office as they do by the ocean. This version from ASOS looks like an old favorite but still feels modern enough to wear with your denim.
Soft, warm, and super stylish, it’s a brilliant budget option that far exceeds its modest price tag, especially when considering the best turtlenecks for men. We imagine wearing it at the weekend with jeans and boots although it’ll work just as well with men’s pants and loafers if you’re heading somewhere important.
Material: 100% Acrylic | Colors available: Light Tan | Sizes Available: XXS-XXL | Fit: Regular
Inspired by 1960s mod style (google Paul Weller, or check out Franc Roddam’s Quadrophenia for reference), this classic men’s turtleneck is fuss-free and rightly proud of it. It’s the kind of garment that doesn’t need any striking details to show just how great it is. Hence why it made the list of best turtlenecks for men.
Made from merino wool and ribbed for texture, it will layer perfectly underneath a blazer. Plus, you can wear it alone as the ideal alternative for a shirt or crewneck sweater. If you would prefer another color, there are five others to choose from.
Material: 100% Merino Wool | Colors available: Navy, Taupe, Black, + | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Fit: Slim
Seeing as United Colours of Benetton are renowned for their knitwear expertise, it’ll come as no surprise to see their name on this list of the best turtlenecks for men. Our pick of the bunch is this extra fine merino wool version.
It’s soft and lightweight, but don’t be fooled into thinking it won’t keep you cozy (as it certainly will). The cut is roomy enough to put it into the smart-casual category, while the ribbed trims ensure it’s fitted where you would want it to be.
We’ll be wearing ours with a tweed blazer and brogues as we head out into the country for afternoon walks and beers by an open fire.
Material: 100% Merino Wool | Colors available: Gray, Black, Blue + | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Fit: Regular
What To Look For When Searching For The Best Turtlenecks For Men
Material
The best turtlenecks for men can be found in a number of different materials. Cotton styles are perfect for casual outfits. They can be worn throughout the year as they tend to be the most breathable.
Cashmere turtlenecks are often the most luxurious, while wool versions are the most popular and best equipped to keep you warm during the cold months.
Style
The best turtlenecks for men tend to be quite reserved in terms of style. However, there are still a number of designs suitable for those who like their garments with a bit more character.
When choosing the right style for you, it’s important to pick something suitable for the occasion. Keep it simple if you want to look refined, or opt for the bolder choice (think geometric patterns such as fair isle) if you want your outfit to be on the casual side.
Fit
The fit of the best turtlenecks for men should be determined by how smart you wish your outfit to be. As a rule of thumb, the more fitted the garment is, the smarter it will appear. If you’re after a casual look, we suggest a relaxed fit.
Otherwise, stick to slim or regular-fit shapes. Above all else, make sure you choose a fit that is comfortable and suitable for your body shape.
FAQ
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There are many things to love about the men’s turtleneck, but one of its best qualities is its versatility. You can use it as your centerpiece with a pair of jeans or smart trousers, or team it with your favorite blazer. For something with a little more depth, wear a fine-gauge fitted style under a dress shirt as an alternative to a T-shirt or tie.
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The best turtlenecks for men come in a variety of colors and styles, so how you style them can depend on which one you choose. For example, chunky versions look great paired casually with jeans and boots, whereas smarter styles are the perfect companion for a tailored suit. If you’re wearing yours solo with jeans, you can roll the sleeves for a laidback look that still remains in the smart-casual category.
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The turtleneck is the ideal layering piece—not only keeping you warm but adding extra interest to your formal and smart-casual outfits. They can help you transition that summer shirt into fall or add some much-needed warmth when winter starts to hit. Wear your best men’s turtleneck underneath a suit at your next wedding or with a cardigan over the cold-weather season.
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