How to Wear a Men's Turtleneck

Co-authored by Susan Kim and Eric McClure

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 References

The turtleneck is a surprisingly versatile piece of clothing. It can be worn in formal and informal settings alike. It can also be worn on its own or as the base layer for the rest of your outfit. Generally speaking, turtlenecks should extend past your waistline. They should also be tucked in for formal events and untucked when worn casually. By choosing the right accessories, pants, and shoes, a turtleneck can be worked into practically any outfit and for any occasion!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Turtleneck

1
Wear a standard turtleneck with a pleated or smooth neck for a simple look. Traditionally, turtlenecks have one layer of fabric that extend up the neck. The neck can be tight and form-fitting, or have some slack in the fabric to create some pleats in the neck. Standard turtlenecks are the obvious choice if you have an average neck and want the freedom to dress the turtleneck up or play it down in a casual outfit.^{[1]
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- Turtlenecks with a smoother layer of fabric on the neck are considered more modern than the looser varieties with pleats in them.
2
Opt for a taller turtleneck if you have a thin neck. Often referred to as skivvies, these turtlenecks have higher, thicker fabric in the neck area. Sometimes, a longer piece of fabric is folded over itself to give the neck an additional layer. These turtlenecks are a smart choice if you think you have a skinnier neck or are a little taller than most people.^{[2]
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- When trying on these items, make sure that the neck fabric isn’t extending past the corners of your cheekbones. If they’re took thick, they can make your neck look too big for your head.
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3
Choose a mock turtleneck if you have a shorter neck. Mock turtlenecks refer to turtlenecks with shorter pieces of fabric running up the neck. Mock turtlenecks are a great choice if you’re a little on the shorter side or don’t want to make too big of a statement with your outfit.^{[3]
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- Many mock turtleneck sweaters come with a small zipper. These are great because you can unzip the sweater and fold the neck fabric down to create a collar. Some people find zippers unstylish, though.
4
Get a tighter-fitting turtleneck if you’re layering clothing on top. Layering jackets, shirts, or sweaters over a turtleneck is a great way to create a unique look. However, bulkier or loose-fitting turtlenecks will create a large cushion for your additional layers and make your upper body look bigger than it actually is.^{[4]
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Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 4 May 2021.} Pick a turtleneck that fits comfortably against your skin without much slack in the fabric if you’re layering additional clothing on top of it.^{[5]
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- A thinner turtleneck will also keep you cooler when you’re wearing multiple layers as well.
5
Choose a looser-fitting turtleneck if you’re wearing it on its own. If you’re not wearing anything on top of the turtleneck, avoid tight-fitting turtlenecks. Looser turtlenecks will fit more comfortably and create a more natural look. Get a turtleneck that hangs comfortably on your body and extends a little past your waistline.^{[6]
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Tip: This is especially important if you’re wearing a sweater turtleneck. A tight sweater turtleneck will look especially odd. Turtleneck sweaters should be a little bulky and hang loose on your body.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Creating a Casual Look

1
Wear a solid-colored turtleneck with jeans for a versatile look. If you don’t want the slick, dark look of a black turtleneck, choose a more colorful option. Darker, warmer colors like burgundy, tan, and navy blue are great options. On their own, these turtlenecks feel a little softer than the traditional black, and are a great choice for when you’re heading out on the town during the cooler months without a light jacket.^{[7]
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- While blue, black, or white jeans are ideal for a solid-colored turtleneck.
- You can wear any kind of shoes with a colorful turtleneck. It really depends on the temperature outside and where you’re going. Athletic shoes will work well if you’re just hanging out on the weekend. Choose some chic boots if you’re heading outside during cooler months.
2
Wear khakis with a turtleneck sweater over a T-shirt for a preppy style. If you have a zipper on your turtleneck sweater, throw on a solid white or black T-shirt. Over it, pick a solid-colored turtleneck sweater that will contrast with your shirt and zip the sweater as needed. For sweaters without zippers, choose turtlenecks with elegant patterns. Plaid sweaters, sweaters with horizontal bands, and polka dot sweaters can all work well on their own.^{[8]
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- Use simple knit caps and contemporary boots to compliment your turtleneck sweater. If it’s a little warmer out, feel free to trade the boots in for some boat shoes or loafers.
- Turtleneck sweaters already look a little preppy to begin with, so khakis compliment the look well.
3
Put on a bomber jacket over your turtleneck for a retro vibe. A bomber jacket refers to a style of flight jacket with an upturned piece of fabric on the neck. Because the neckline of a bomber jacket runs up, it will match the high neckline of the turtleneck. This is a classic look reminiscent of old school fighter pilots. While it’s a retro look, it’s also quite warm.^{[9]
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- Bomber jackets are traditionally green, gray, or brown. These colors will clash with brightly-colored pants, so keep the bottom half of your outfit muted.
- For your shoes, stylish boots, canvas sneakers, and athletic shoes will all work depending on where you’re going.
Tip: Some bomber jackets are lined with fur and can be folded up around the neck. These are great options as well, and will actually emphasize the turtleneck by opening the collar up.
4
Button up a flannel over your turtleneck for a cool look. Choose a comfortable flannel and button it up over the turtleneck. Leave the top 1-2 buttons undone to expose a solid-colored turtleneck underneath. This is a warm outfit that looks relaxed, contemporary and current.^{[10]
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- This is a pretty modern look, so pull out your trendiest pair of jeans. Ripped skinny jeans or distressed slim fits will work well.
- Instead of jeans, you can wear some athletic pants with tighter hems at the bottom if you prefer.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Styling a Turtleneck for Work or Formal Events

1
Throw on a black turtleneck with dark dress pants for a sleek look. Wear grey chinos or jeans with your black turtleneck. For an even edgier look, throw on solid black jeans or chinos. Stick with simple hats and scarves in muted colors. A plain black turtleneck is a great way to create a simple look that isn’t making too much of a statement.^{[11]
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- This is a great choice for work if you don’t have a strict dress code that requires a suit or tie.
- Tennis shoes and canvas sneakers will work well if you’re wearing jeans with the turtleneck. If you’re wearing dressier slacks, pick some modern boots, Oxfords, or boat shoes.
- Throw a grey suit jacket over the black turtleneck for a look that is instantly appropriate for business meetings.
2
Wear a turtleneck under a suit jacket to mix it up at the office. Choose a solid black, white, or grey turtleneck. Put a pinstripe or tweed jacket on over the turtleneck.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 4 May 2021.} Use dress pants or slacks that are either khaki, black, grey, or match the jacket you’re wearing.^{[13]
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- If it’s cold out, throw on a simple overcoat or peacoat.
Tip: This is a great way to change it up and get away from the standard collared shirt when you’re going to work.
3
Choose a classy cardigan with a turtleneck and dress slacks for a warm look. Use a turtleneck to dress up a beautiful cardigan sweater. If you’re wearing a solid-colored cardigan, choose a patterned turtleneck to give your outfit some variation. Alternatively, if your cardigan has some chevron or argyle patterns in it, stick with a solid-colored turtleneck.^{[14]
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- Any kind of dress pants will work with a cardigan. Just make sure your colors don’t clash!
- For shoes, some simple loafers or monk shoes will work well.
4
Put a turtleneck on under a collared shirt and fancy suit for a snazzy option. Put on a solid-colored turtleneck with a high neck. Then, choose a collared shirt that is a different color than your turtleneck and put it on. Find your snazziest suit jacket and put it on top. This is a powerful vintage look that’s perfect the opera, public speaking, or steak-dinner business meetings.^{[15]
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- For an added touch of flair, throw a brightly-colored pocket square in the suit jacket.

Expert Q&A

Question

What should men wear on top of turtlenecks?

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

Susan Kim

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

You can either choose a nice crewneck sweater or a slim-fit blazer jacket to spruce up your look.
Question

How do I style a black turtleneck?

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

Susan Kim

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

A black turtleneck looks great with a pair of black slacks and loafers if you want a monochromatic look.