Types of Turtlenecks for Men
It's a new year, a new you, right? But you have to figure out what that means for you.
Does that mean you are working out more? Or maybe you're trying to eat clean for as long as possible. Or maybe...you're upping your style game this year.
Lucky for you, you've come to the right place to get tips for the style you've always wanted. And not only advice for the clothes you need to do it but also how to pull it off wherever you head in 2022.
In this guide, you'll learn all about the different types of turtlenecks for men and how to wear and style each one of them! It's a classic style that's been around for years and needs to be in your closet.
Keep reading to get a new, fresh look this year.
Classic Turtleneck
Turtlenecks have been around for years, and you can give thanks to the classic turtleneck look that came about first in the early 1940's and 1950's.
Classic turtlenecks tend to be more tight-fitting both throughout the body of the shirt and in the neckline. The neck is thin and slim. Since this is the original type of turtleneck, the fashion of the time was to be simple yet elegant - and it does exactly that.
Nowadays, it is easy to pair a classic turtleneck with seasonal fashion trends from shoes, to pants, and everything in between. In the winter, consider adding a sweater over the turtleneck to stay warm. Or maybe even adding a peacoat for a classier look.
During the fall season, adding a light jacket or blazer over the turtleneck can give you a chic look, especially if you get the color combos just right.
If you're looking to dress the entire outfit up, consider adding a fun fedora or a sleek pair of shoes.
Mock Turtleneck
A mock turtleneck is exactly what it sounds like - it's not quite a turtleneck, although it looks like one. While it looks similar to a turtleneck, the neckline doesn't go up as high as a classic one, usually ending about halfway up your neck.
Mock turtlenecks are perfect for warmer days when you may not need something around your neck! This style typically comes in many colors and even some fun patterns but is usually knit.
Cable Knit Turtleneck
We're sure you've seen them around. A cable knit turtleneck is a turtleneck that takes after cable-knit sweaters. They have a knitted pattern and tend to be thicker than the classic turtleneck style.
These turtlenecks are great for more casual outfits like jeans or corduroys. However, you can always dress it up with a fashionable coat or a blazer over top of it.
Oversized Turtleneck Sweater
While these were not popular back when turtlenecks first came out in the 1900s, oversized turtleneck sweaters are an up-and-coming men's fashion trend. They are worn best on really cold days with a heavier winter jacket over them.
Typically, you wouldn't want to wear this style turtleneck to the office since it's more casual. Think of it like this: This style is more of the type of clothing that you would want to bring on your ski trip to Colorado this winter rather than wear to a fancy dinner with your coworkers.
Zip Turtlenecks
Much like a quarter zip, zip turtlenecks have a small zipper that goes from the chest area to the top of the neck. Because of the zip, this "jacket" of sorts does not fold or bend over, so it reaches the top of the neck like a classic turtleneck would.
To wear this type of turtleneck, you only need to wear an undershirt or a more tight-fitting shirt underneath. It should be worn on its own on a chilly summer day or warmer fall day. Pairing this turtleneck with a pair of cool sneakers always looks good.
Cowl Neck Sweater
This type may be closer to a sweater than a turtleneck, but the style resembles that of a turtleneck. The neck on these sweaters is looser and often falls over (or bunches over) toward the front. It doesn't sit tight around your neck, so if it's chilly you may want to think twice about adding a scarf or switching up the style of turtleneck you wear out.
Whatever you decide, the cowl neck sweater is part of the turtleneck fashion industry that often goes overlooked. It's a great addition to add to your wardrobe that will set itself apart from the rest of your closet's items.
Men's Fashion Trends For Wearing Turtlenecks
So buying the turtleneck is the first step that you need to take in order to upgrade your entire wardrobe. Getting a few different styles is worth it.
But how do you know exactly how to wear it then? What colors are best? What coat can be worn over the cowl neck?
All great questions!
Colors
The colors that you choose for the turtlenecks you buy should incorporate seasonal fashion.
White and off-white are great turtleneck colors for winter since they contrast the otherwise dark colors of the typical wintertime outfit.
For summer, lighter colors are the way to go. Light blues, off-white, tans, beige, and gray are good colors to wear for your tighter, thinner turtlenecks during this time of the year. The same goes for spring, although you can always add in a few other pops of color to make your outfit fun and inviting to match the season.
For fall, darker tans, browns, navy, oranges, and deep yellows like a mustard color are great options. Pairing these turtlenecks with a lighter brown or gray peacoat will create a layering look that you'll want to recreate every day during autumn.
Fit
While this is more of a personal preference for what makes you feel the most comfortable, turtlenecks are made to mostly be tighter on your body because the neckline is meant to sit tight around your neck for warmth. Because of this, they are made to be layered especially because tight shirts are going to show everything to the world. Maybe you want that, maybe you don't!
However, with the variations of the turtlenecks for men, it depends on the style of each for how they are made. Where cowl necks should be looser on you, a zip turtleneck is probably going to fit a bit snugger. Though again, it is completely up to you!
With all of that said, there are also different 'weight classes' of turtlenecks. Some are created with thicker material (like the sweater styles), while others are thinner and meant to be layered. The thinner ones will be the ones made the tightest.
Layering
Layering a turtleneck is a men's fashion trend that you need to get behind. Honestly, they tend to look better with layers depending on the type you get. Here are a few tips.
Undershirts
Using turtlenecks as undershirts is a great idea! They are tight-fitting and also provide warmth.
For most turtleneck shirts, it's not ideal to wear an undershirt underneath them. However, with the larger sweater turtlenecks, you may want an undershirt under them that is not a turtleneck.
Coats
Knowing what coat can go over which turtleneck style is crucial to looking good and not ruining the turtleneck fashion trend for yourself.
Wearing peacoats or long blazers are great coat choices for tighter turtlenecks. However, if you are wearing a baggier sweater turtleneck or a cowl neck, you may either need to forego the coat or wear a heavier winter jacket.
Blazers and Suits
Wearing a turtleneck under a fancy blazer or a nice suit will make a statement. And it also looks good.
Be sure to choose the color of the turtleneck that you are wearing according to the color of the suit. They should complement each other to create a classy look. Darker colors usually do the trick for this style since most suits tend to be darker.
Try These Turtlenecks For Men
With all of these turtleneck fashion options, you're probably a bit overwhelmed. Do you want to buy the cowl neck or the classic? Do you want them to be looser or tighter?
The best part is that you can try them all out to see which one works best for you! Or, try them on at the store first and choose the ones you want to take home!!
You could even try walking down the street in each one of these, going out to a restaurant, or showing up to a hot date to see which one gets the most compliments. Either way, we assure you that the compliments will be rolling in with whichever you decide to go with.
And before you hit the streets with your newfound love for turtleneck fashion, be sure to add the right layers, lace-up the best-looking shoes, and put a smile on your face. You're about to look smashing.
If you're interested in more of the men's fashion trends this year, consider checking out a fashion show or reading more tips!