Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Fashion & Style

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The 7 best turtlenecks for men: Be effortlessly stylish with this classic look

Discover the perfect mix of casual and class with these turtlenecks

Mark McKee
By
Man in turtleneck outside
Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your closet this winter, nothing beats a good turtleneck when it comes to looking stylish and staying warm. What’s more versatile and more remarkable than a turtleneck? Not much at all. What served as a uniform for 19th-century polo players back in the day has become a modern menswear staple today.

Whether you’re planning on layering a lightweight version or rocking a sturdier knit on its own, turtlenecks add an element of sophistication no matter the outfit.

Man in turtleneck and jacket
Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels

How to style a turtleneck

The idea behind a turtleneck is to elevate an outfit more than a simple sweater will do. Since it has a high collar, it will stick above everything else and add depth to the look. But be careful; it won’t be that hard to end up looking like Ron Burgundy. The trick is to keep the turtlenecks under sport coats and suits thin and elegant and save the thick, knitted turtleneck sweaters for more casual looks.

Recommended Videos

If you wear it under a suit or sport coat, keep the pattern solid and the color dark. Elegance is in the simplicity of dress. Once you have it down, the turtleneck is going to be your best friend. These winter tops from our favorite men’s clothing brands are versatile enough to style with any of your favorite jeans or suits, keeping you protected from the elements. Moreover, they’re a sleek and easy look to throw on during your video conference calls. We’ve made it easy by carefully handpicking the best of turtlenecks in prints, stripes, solids, merinos, and cashmere to get you through this season.

Buck Mason Herdsman
Buck Mason

Buck Mason Herdsman turtleneck

While some turtlenecks look fabulous under a suit with their sleek silhouette, the Herdsman at Buck Mason is the kind of sweater that makes you want to travel. While this turtleneck will look great in your backyard, it is designed to overlook the cliffs of Ireland, protecting you from the rain and the wind. The 95% merino wool and the 5% cashmere come together for one of the softest and most comfortable garments you’ll have in the closet.

Suit Supply Navy Mock Turtleneck
Suit Supply

Suit Supply turtleneck

Wearing a sweater under your suit can be tricky, mainly because they are thicker than your dress shirts. But that changes with this slim and sleek turtleneck designed to be worn under your jackets. The dark color makes it perfect for virtually any color suit. The soft 100% Australian wool is slim, breathable, and luxurious, setting up a time when you look forward to wearing your suits again.

Ralph Lauren navy turtleneck
Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren navy turtleneck

If you are surprised that Ralph Lauren is on this list then you aren’t paying very close attention. Ralph Lauren is one of our favorite brands because of its storied history and the constant adherence to classic style with a flare of trendiness. This turtleneck is the perfect way to elevate your style. And of course, every Ralph Lauren garment has the quintessential pony, and this one is on the left chest.

Man wearing Aran Fisherman's Merino Ribbed Turtleneck
Aran Sweater Market

Aran Fisherman’s merino ribbed turtleneck

Named for the islands off the coast of Ireland and resisting the relentless Atlantic Ocean, the Aran Islands are the origin story for these classic ribbed turtlenecks. Made for the many fishermen on the islands, this turtleneck sweater is perfect for protection from the elements. This turtleneck is best worn as a casual garment with jeans and boots instead of dressier looks.

Banana Republic Bariloche Cable Wool Turtleneck
Banana Republic

Banana Republic Bariloche cable wool turtleneck

Banana Republic is one of the top brands in fashion; almost every mall is graced with one of its stores. Because of that, it is a name that tends to drive the trends that we buy into year after year. This unique piece is warm and luxurious, with honeycomb stitching and marble color that will keep the wind off you and the eyes on you.

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Donegal
Johnstons of Elgin

Johnstons of Elgin cashmere donegal

Much like the Aran sweater, this cashmere donegal hails from the rough seas of the British Isles and holds a special place in our hearts for two reasons. The first is the striking colorway, with the speckled black with white. And second, the soft cashmere. You owe it to yourself to get the best cashmere you can, and the cashmere donegal from Johnstons of Elgin is the best on the market.

Man wearing a Weavers of Ireland Turtleneck
Weavers of Ireland

Weavers of Ireland turtleneck

Remember that turtleneck designed to protect you against the wind and rain on the cliffs of Ireland? This one is made to protect the fishermen on the seas themselves. Weavers of Ireland believes that the turtleneck is a staple in every man’s wardrobe, and it doubled down on that belief by weaving that heritage into this piece. The cable design of this turtleneck sweater represents the ropes the fishermen use, and the honeycomb design represents the fruits of an honest day’s labor.

Related

We agree with Weavers of Ireland — the turtleneck should absolutely be a staple in your wardrobe. Whether you need something sleek and luxurious to add a new and fresh layer to your suit wardrobe or to protect yourself from the elements, there is something here for you.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mark McKee
Mark McKee
Contributor
Mark is a full-time freelance writer and men's coach. He spent time as a style consultant and bespoke suit salesman before…
5 date night looks for men that are guaranteed to make a great impression
Men's fashion: What to wear on date night
A couple on a romantic date outside with candles surrounding them.

Since we were young, society tried to teach us one rule that goes against everything we are. And yet, still today, we choose to do the one thing that rule attempts to end. We judge books by their cover. We know in the first few moments whether we will like someone. Whether we find them attractive. Whether we can respect them. Hell, sometimes we decide then and there if we want to be friends. Ever heard of love at first sight? Completely based on the cover of the book. That is why what we wear on a date night is so important. When we meet our intended, we want to put forth our best selves. That doesn't mean you have to wear a suit. But it often means you should resort to a T-shirt and jeans.

The process of dressing for a date can get a little overwhelming if you let it. There is a lot to think about. Where are you going? Time of day? Indoor vs. outdoor? First date or anniversary? You want to look like you care. But you don't want to look desperate. Here is a tip: Stop overthinking it. The trick is effort. If you are going on a date, it shows this person means something to you, and you can show that by dressing appropriately. Now, as far as the first date vs. the anniversary, your dress should be the same. If you're not showing the same effort deep into the relationship as you were at the beginning (or at least, if you're showing less), then we have other conversations outside the clothing.

Read more
The 25 wardrobe essentials every man needs: Your ultimate men’s fashion checklist
Men's essentials: Start with these building blocks to create the perfect wardrobe
menswear essentials you need men s clothing

Your outward appearance is a reflection of your inner self-image. It may sound shallow, but our society judges books by their cover. When you first meet someone, either on the street or in a professional setting, they make up their mind about you in the first few minutes. That means you need to build a wardrobe that expresses all you are and all you can bring to the table. With that in mind, men's fashion has some must-haves to help you make a great first impression.

Here are the 25 items that every man needs in their closet.

Read more
The 10 best eyeglasses for men to buy this year
Look your best in these glasses this year
Man in glasses and sweater

If you’re in the market for an accessory that instantly makes you appear more intelligent, more sophisticated, and even stylish, look no further than a solid pair of eyeglasses. Whether you’re channeling an unsuspectingly dashing Clark Kent or a more eccentric Harry Styles, optical lenses have the sartorial power to affect the way you see the world and the way the world sees you. While most of us who wear prescription glasses every day limit ourselves to whatever is carried in the office of our optometrist, there are dozens of places you can go to update your style and see as well as you are seen. We’ve seen eyeglasses from eyewear institutions like Ray-Ban, Persol, and Moscot all the way to fashion’s top tastemakers like Tom Ford and Gucci take the lead in men's glasses.

Blue Light vs. eyeglasses
No need for traditional optical frames? As our day-to-day shifts to a primarily digital interface, blue-light-blocking glasses are rising. More screen time and more strain on your eyes can cause eye strain, headaches, and even disrupt sleep patterns. Your optometrist may suggest investing in a pair to improve eye comfort and achieve better sleep. The truth is our favorite devices can cause migraines, dry eyes, and eye strain and lower the hormone production that makes it easier to sleep. While eyeglasses help you see better and will avoid eye strain, blue light glasses filter out harmful rays. So, even if you have 20/20 vision, this list is for you.

Read more