The turtleneck is a very contested article of clothing. It often does not invoke fond memories. It’s the thing your parents forced you to wear on holidays, causing you to spend the entirety of Thanksgiving dinner scratching your neck. I have learned through many passionate turtleneck debates that it’s tough to convince people who don’t like things touching their neck to sport one. Yet here I am, trying.
Turtlenecks are not created equally. You can have your choice in a variety of fabrics and styles for various occasions. You have your thinner, slimmer turtlenecks — good for layering and atypical October weather, and then your thicker cable-knit turtlenecks for November and December (your carving sweater, if you will.)
The Best Fisherman Sweaters Are on Sale
Everyone loves a chunky knitBut most importantly, the turtleneck is sexy, which I’m sure sounds like an oxymoron.
Typically, I’m encouraging you to bare more: More thigh, more chest hair, more emotion. I’ve even pinpointed the sexiest accessory you, a man, can adorn because it draws attention to your most attractive assets — neck, collarbone and chest — three body parts blatantly concealed by the turtleneck.
This specific garment is less what’s under that cashmere and more let’s discuss Proust while we walk through a courtyard as the crisp, colorful autumn leaves fall around us (preferably without all the mansplaining, but that’s a choice unto you). The turtleneck invokes a sophisticated, smart style and transforms pretty much any outfit without much work on your part. Its elongated silhouette is flattering to all body types, it accentuates another attractive component of your face (the jawline) and just about every cool guy in history has been spotted wearing (and looking utterly divine) in one. All you really have to do now is get over your fear of fabric hugging your neck. Oh, and shop some of my favorite styles below.
Not sure how to rock the turtleneck this fall and winter? Consult our turtleneck sweater-wearing guide for tips on how to wear this super versatile garment with jeans, blazers, formalwear and more.
If you can only indulge in one style of turtleneck, make it a black one. And constructed from cashmere.
Herd my sheep in this 5-gauge wool sweater, amirite?
A rugged option from Filson. Made from 100% breathable wool and available in this delicious dark blue color.
If you really can’t deal with the neck-hugging, try J.Crew’s iconic cotton roll-neck sweater. While it’s only half a turtleneck, it’s still got full turtleneck vibes.
I’m not saying you’ll look like Colin Firth in this, but you might look like Colin Firth in this.
Another chunky knit — now on sale!
Your lighter, layering turtleneck, now at an insane price.
Paul Stuart may or may not have yanked this virgin wool regimental stripe turtleneck straight from a vintage winter formal.
Pair with a denim or suede jacket and you’ve got yourself a slightly relaxed, sexy look.
It’s the season’s hottest color after all.
This article was featured in the InsideHook newsletter. Sign up now.
