Turtleneck sweaters have various connotations around the world: in the USA, they are often (still) perceived as "stuffy" items, while in other parts of the world they are more relaxed and even cool. And indeed, turtleneck sweaters can be cool things to wear, as they can make you look stylish and keep you warm at the same time. Fortunately, turtlenecks are simple pieces and don't require much explanation and guiding, but there are a few things you can consider before wearing a turtleneck. As any item of clothing, turtlenecks come in all colors these days. However, if you are not very sure about what colors to wear, you should start out with dark colors, which will most likely be a safe bet. Black, brown or charcoal are very likely to look good on anyone, while a strong yellow or pale green may make some people look a bit "off". The reason why color is important is that turtlenecks cover a lot of your body, including your neck and its color will thus have a strong effect in relation to your skin tone. The effect can be complimentary or contrasting, which can result in different outcomes.
The neck of turtleneck sweaters is usually designed to frame your neck well and to cover it in a way that is comfortable, yet well-fitting. This rule should apply to the entirety of the sweater. If you can find a comfortable turtleneck that has a good structure and fits well, it can frame your body well and give you a dynamic and strong look.
An advantage of turtleneck sweaters is that they are very versatile. Something made from wool for example (meaning not a sporty turtleneck) can go a long way and can be worn from day to evening. You can wear it with chinos and sneakers or you can wear it with a dressy blazer, dress pants and a nice pair of loafers. Of course, on a cool day, you can go for the classic turtleneck - topcoat - boots look, which is a nice go-to combination.
Turtleneck are often overlooked in the world of menswear, but they can be really cool and stylish items that can be worn at any age and by pretty much everyone. A turtleneck sweater can help you out sartorially in many situations, which is why it can turn out to be very practical to have one or more turtlenecks in your wardrobe.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
A beginner's guide to men's sweaters How to wear sporty men's sweaters: 10 tipsP.S. We want to hear from you! Do you wear turtleneck sweaters? When and how do you wear them? How are turtleneck sweaters viewed where you live? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
