The roll neck (or turtleneck) is one of the sharpest things a man can wear in winter. It does the job of a shirt and tie in half the effort, and it looks better the colder it gets. The trick is getting the fit, the fabric and the layers right. Here is our guide to wearing one well.
Roll neck, turtleneck or mock neck?
- Roll neck / turtleneck: a tall collar that folds over on itself. In the UK the two names are used for the same thing.
- Mock neck: a shorter, unfolded collar that sits a few centimetres up the neck. It is a good starting point if a full roll neck feels too much. Try the Chiswick mock neck.
How should a roll neck fit?
A fine-knit roll neck should sit close to the body without clinging. The collar should fold once and sit neatly against the neck, not flop over. Sleeves should end at the wrist bone so they don't bunch under a coat. Our Marylebone roll neck is a fine ribbed knit designed to sit smoothly under tailoring and outerwear.
5 ways to wear a roll neck
1. Under an overcoat
The classic. A black or navy roll neck under a camel overcoat, with grey trousers and Chelsea boots. It works for dinner, the theatre and most winter offices.
2. Instead of a shirt under a blazer
Swap the shirt and tie for a roll neck under a blazer or a corduroy jacket. Keep the colours close together, such as a brown roll neck under a taupe cord jacket.
3. With jeans and boots
For weekends, pair a roll neck with dark straight leg jeans and suede-look boots. Add a quilted gilet or puffer on top when it is cold.
4. Tonal and minimal
Wear a roll neck, trousers and coat in the same colour family, for example charcoal roll neck, grey pleated trousers and a black coat. It is the easiest way to look expensive.
5. Under an overshirt
A roll neck under an open overshirt or shacket is a relaxed, practical outfit for autumn weekends.
Which colours work best?
Black and navy are the most versatile. Charcoal and grey are softer. Earthy shades such as tobacco and chocolate look great with camel, olive and cream. Cream and ecru roll necks look sharp under dark coats, but show marks more easily.
Roll neck mistakes to avoid
- Chunky roll necks under slim coats. Save heavy knits for wearing on their own.
- A collar that is too loose, which folds over unevenly.
- Wearing a necklace or scarf over the top. Let the collar do the work.
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