{"id":9196,"date":"2026-10-23T04:34:22","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T11:34:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.menswearhouse.com\/blog\/?p=9196"},"modified":"2026-10-23T04:34:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T11:34:23","slug":"how-to-style-turtleneck-men","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.menswearhouse.com\/blog\/guidelines\/how-to-style-turtleneck-men\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Style a Turtleneck for Men: Outfits for Every Occasion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
A turtleneck is a cold-weather staple. The right one adds warmth and a bit of polish to your outfit. This guide explains how to style a turtleneck for men, whether you\u2019re wearing it under a sport coat or pairing it with casual layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The History of the Turtleneck<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The turtleneck has an interesting background for such an unassuming garment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It first appeared in the 15th century, when knights wore high-rise chainmail under armor to protect their necks. The high-neck silhouette quickly became fashionable among the noble and royal classes. In Elizabethan England, higher-class people often wore shirts with large starched ruffles around their necks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the turtleneck sweater as we know it today \u2014 sometimes called a polo neck or skivvy in other parts of the world \u2014 was popularized in the 19th century. Fishermen wore them in heavy knits to stay warm on the open seas. Toward the middle of the century, British polo players started wearing them as part of their sport kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The turtleneck\u2019s popularity bloomed in the 20th century. French philosopher Michel Foucault made them fashionable among the intelligentsia, and to this day, many people associate a black turtleneck with artistry and sophistication. By the late 1950s, everyone from blue collar workers to Hollywood movie stars might have a turtleneck in their closet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What To Look for When Buying a Turtleneck<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A turtleneck can work for multiple dress codes, depending on the fit and fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s how a turtleneck should fit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Body:<\/strong> The fabric should skim your chest and stomach, and the hem should land around your hip bone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Shoulders:<\/strong> The seams should sit right along the edge of your shoulders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Collar:<\/strong> The collar of a turtleneck should ideally fold over once and provide two to three inches of coverage. You should be able to slip two fingers comfortably between the collar and your neck.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sleeves:<\/strong> A turtleneck\u2019s sleeves should end at the wrist bone. If you wear one underneath a jacket, opt for slightly shorter sleeves to avoid bunching at the cuffs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Fabric<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A turtleneck\u2019s fabric determines how formal the outfit appears. Fine-gauge merino wool works well for the office, as does light, soft cashmere. Merino helps regulate body temperature and absorb moisture vapor, which comes in handy when you have a cold commute or a conference room with the heat turned up. A cotton turtleneck is a breathable option for a more mild fall day. And a fine-gauge knit creates a thin, smooth layer that sits flat underneath tailoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Wear a Turtleneck at the Office <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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