Men's Fashion: Clothing

Most of the sartorial staples that we know today have practical origins that trace far back in history. Jeans, leather jackets, and t-shirts, for example, were worn by the working class, aviators, and the military in the mid-20th century. Turtlenecks, on the other hand, originated as a form of protective wear during medieval times when knights wore chainmail. The armor was extremely uncomfortable and restricting. They had a problem turning their heads swiftly in battle and worse, they also suffered from severe chafing. As a garment that could protect their skin from the rough, heavy chainmail, turtlenecks were heaven-sent. Over the years, men’s turtlenecks have evolved into a fashionable garment and taken off as a classic staple we know today. While it has been reimagined a million times over, its element of practicality and sense of edge and ruggedness remain. What is a Turtleneck? A turtleneck, as we know it today, is usually a sweater distinguished by the extra layer of fabric for a collar. It measures about 4 to 6 inches and is always folded or rolled over to provide substantial neck coverage. A less constricting variation of the turtleneck is what you call a mock neck. It is shorter and doesn’t have to be folded over, but it is high enough to create the illusion of a full turtleneck. While they have been going in and out of the mainstream, turtlenecks are enjoying a resurgence these days and are more likely here to stay for good. That’s because they look flattering for all body shapes and are versatile. They are equally stylish when layered under a blazer or suit, and can be dressed casually with a pair of chinos or jeans. This humble garment is the ultimate layering piece that you can wear on several occasions and through every season — the bright spring days, icy winter mornings, and crisp fall evenings. The ways of wearing a turtleneck today run the gamut of its history, yet some men are still intimated about it. Doesn’t it feel constricting and will it not make you look thicker? Source: Unsplash Modern Men’s Guide: How to Wear A Turtleneck What’s great about turtlenecks is that they are reassuringly classic, making them relatively easy to pull off. However, there is quite a list of things you have to keep in mind on how to wear a turtleneck to make sure that you always look handsome and well put together. How to Style A Turtleneck 1. Casual Although a classic staple, turtlenecks can also be intimidating to some. If you’re not sure whether or not it looks flattering on you, you can test the look by wearing a turtleneck as a standalone top. Don’t worry about what to layer with it just yet. Opt for one with a loose fit, roll up the sleeves, then tuck it in your everyday pants. A bomber jacket can be a nice touch, too — and so can a denim jacket. When paired with a black turtleneck, they make a casual ensemble that integrates the ruggedness turtlenecks are known for with their cool, laidback appeal. Complete your outfit with a pair of white sneakers or Chelsea boots for an overall sense of stylish effortlessness. 2. Smart Casual Turtlenecks are also at ease in the realm of smart casual alongside blazers, which form the foundation of this dress code. To nail the look, opt for a plain and monochromatic turtleneck that would look subtle underneath the layer. A black turtleneck looks effortless yet handsome and is universally flattering. Meanwhile, your blazer should be well-fitting and flattering for your body shape. Plus points if its color, style, fabric, and texture complement most, if not all of the clothes in your wardrobe. You may also want to select a blazer that is season-appropriate — lighter fabrics for the summer and warmer materials like wool and cashmere during the cooler months. 3. Formal A turtleneck is a great way to dress down suits — it tones down everything yet you are still well-dressed. You will be surprised by how a single garment can create a completely different look when wearing the same suit without the usual button-down shirt and a tie. When wearing a turtleneck under a suit or blazer, keep your colors muted to maintain a formal aesthetic. You may also want to wear a lightweight turtleneck so it doesn’t look bulky underneath. 9 Turtleneck Outfit Ideas The dress codes above show how changing even a tiny detail can either elevate or tone down an outfit. For example, switching white sneakers with leather boots can turn your casual outfit into business attire. Similarly, layering a shearling denim jacket over your turtleneck is a great way to tone down a smart casual get-up. 1. Turtleneck + Suit We have seen gentlemen wearing tuxedos or dinner jackets with a turtleneck, and while some may initially think the pairings are odd, they do actually look good — sometimes, even better than the traditional button-down shirt. The possibilities with turtlenecks are endless. You can also use it to dress down a double-breasted jacket or wear it all together with a button-down dress shirt and a suit. Source: Unsplash Recreate this look with this knit mock turtleneck and two-piece dress suit for men on Amazon. Image from Amazon Image from Amazon 2. Turtleneck + Blazer As mentioned above, a turtleneck makes a less-formal substitute for a button-down shirt, but it doesn’t make you look any less well put together. Ivory is a versatile color that can easily complement other neutral colors and, at the same time, contrast with the darker tones that you would usually incorporate into your formal outfit. Pair it with a gray suit so you will look like a proper gent — elegant and sharp. Source: Unsplash Get your slim-fit ivory turtleneck long-sleeve and wool blend blazer jacket on Amazon to steal the look. Image from Amazon Image from Amazon 3. Turtleneck + Trousers The past two years saw us spending more time in loungewear than ever before. But, today, turtleneck sweaters are no longer reserved for the couch. You can upgrade this rather cozy garment by pairing it with trousers. Yes, sometimes, these tiny details are all it takes to elevate your look. Wear your turtleneck as it is — just make sure that it is thick enough that your skin and the outline of your pants don’t show through. While you can play with colors, we think a gray turtleneck looks as elegant as it is versatile, and pairs great with either a lighter or darker pair of trousers. Source: Pexels Shop for a gray turtleneck sweater on Amazon. Image from Amazon 4. Turtleneck + Denim Jacket The classic pairing of a denim jacket and turtleneck creates a fashionable statement with a cool, relaxed vibe. But, if you’re unimpressed, you can also layer a knitted sweater over the turtleneck. Avoid a bulky one or risk looking shabby. Another option is to forgo the sweater and wear an overcoat instead. Button up the denim jacket so it’s snug and doesn’t look bulky underneath the coat. Complete your outfit by adding a pair of leather loafers or your trusty sneakers to the mix — it’s all a matter of preference. Image from Pexels Steal the look with this gray twist-patterned long-sleeve turtleneck and retro-wash distressed slim-fit denim jacket from Amazon. Image from Amazon Image from Amazon 5. Turtleneck + Jeans The laidback combination of a turtleneck and denim jeans is a fail-safe option when you want to look good in a flash. You can wear a turtleneck as a standalone or with a jacket, then match your shoes with the color of your outerwear. You can button up the jacket for a more formal look or keep it unbuttoned if you prefer things casual and comfortable. Source: Pexels Achieve this casual look with this orange slim-fit turtleneck knitted sweater from Amazon. Image from Amazon 6. Turtleneck + Button-down Sometimes, elevating your turtleneck is only a layer away — or in this case, a few buttons away. Wearing a button-down shirt over your turtleneck gives your look a completely new level of sharpness. Go for a neutral color button-up or if you like to play with patterns and proportions, opt for a vertically pinstriped button-down. Polish your look with a pair of neutral color jeans and brown leather shoes. Source: Pexels Love the style? Recreate the look with this bamboo solid dress shirt and ribbed turtleneck sweater from Amazon. Image from Amazon Image from Amazon 7. Turtleneck + Overcoat An overcoat is a type of coat that usually extends below the knee. It’s a great way to cover up and stay warm during the colder months without compromising your refined taste. Going to work? Go smart casual with a turtleneck, trousers, and an overcoat. The key to keeping things looking statement-like is to go neutral. A black turtleneck, caramel-color overcoat, and charcoal gray pants render a more elegant appeal to an otherwise casual look. Source: Pexels Get the look with these wardrobe staples: a wool blend overcoat and lightweight turtleneck pullover from Amazon. Image from Amazon Image from Amazon 8. Turtleneck + Leather Jacket With the right pieces, a turtleneck and leather jacket pairing can look more like a coordinated ensemble than an effort to stay warm. It’s also a great option when you don’t feel like wearing a suit to the office — you can look workplace smart, while also feeling a lot more casual. Throw a pair of brown leather boots into the mix and everything should come together effortlessly. Source: Unsplash Dress up with a black turtleneck and leather biker jacket from Amazon. Image from Amazon Image from Amazon 9. Turtleneck + Plaid A turtleneck can look so elegant when paired with a plaid overcoat. If it’s an everyday look, throw a pair of ripped jeans and sneakers into the casual ensemble. Switch them up with trousers and ankle boots if you’re trying to nail a more formal look. The turtleneck and plaid overcoat pairing is so versatile that you can create as many layers as you want without looking overdressed. Source: Pexels Get stylish and recreate the look with this plaid wool overcoat from Amazon. Image from Amazon Finding the Right Turtleneck For You • By Type You can roughly categorize turtlenecks for men by their weight and fit -- either thin and slim or chunky and looser. Slim and thin turtlenecks are the more formal-looking of the two and are usually layered under suits and blazers as a substitute for a shirt. Meanwhile, thicker sweaters are usually made out of wool and are meant as standalone outerwear. You can also wear them with an undershirt to keep you warm. • By Body Type The type of turtlenecks you should wear largely depends on your body shape. Men with a fit to average physique can get away with anything -- a thin, fitted turtleneck alone or underneath a jacket, or a chunkier turtleneck. If you are skinny, you would want to top off a thin, fitted turtleneck with a blazer or jacket to fill out your figure. You can recreate the same illusion with just a chunky turtleneck. Big guys can also make the turtleneck look work. However, you should avoid ones that run too high on the neck as they can make your neck disappear or ones that are too chunky as they can make you look thicker than you really are. Wearing thinner turtlenecks can help you avoid these issues, but that also means wearing a form-fitting garment that highlights your belly and other areas you don’t want to emphasize. The key here is to layer for balance. Match your turtleneck with a similarly thin suit. If you insist on wearing a chunky turtleneck, this visual trickery should work too, helping you look sharper and slimmer. • By Color Colored turtlenecks are fine but for your first pieces, you should start with solid neutral colors that match almost anything in your wardrobe. Cream is a particularly great option and may just be the one turtleneck color you need. It contrasts with darker colors and looks just as elegant with other neutral colors like olive, chocolate, gray, and black. • By Style Turtlenecks are a versatile piece that you can wear nearly however you please, and there’s hardly a place where they would look inappropriate. Again, the key here is layering. You can wear a turtleneck as it is or with a suit for a business look, a blazer for a smart-casual event, or a denim jacket for street-style — the list just goes on. A single turtleneck can look as casual or as formal as you want it to as long as you style it the right way. It can serve as a cozy alternative to your usual t-shirts and button-downs. Frequently Asked Questions How do you fold a turtleneck? Turtlenecks frame the face nicely, emphasize the jawline, and create the illusion of a longer neck. Maximize these potentials by going for full neck coverage. Let your turtleneck reach to your chin then fold it over. Fold the neck down once for a more traditional look, or twice if you want it shorter. Some also suggest scrunching the neck instead for a soft, loose appeal. What can I wear on top of a turtleneck? You can practically layer everything over a turtleneck — a suit, blazer, jacket, or even a sweater. It’s an equally-elegant substitute for the usual button-down and tie, so don’t worry about it looking inappropriate under a topcoat or your sharpest suit. If anything, it can even make you look smart and in fashion. How is a turtleneck supposed to fit? A turtleneck is traditionally a slim-fitting garment. It should gently hug your neck to keep the collar up, but not too tight that you feel like you are choking. The shoulder seams should hit where your shoulder ends. Meanwhile, chunky turtlenecks are on the bulkier side. Although they are usually loose on the neck, they should be sturdy enough to stay up and maintain their shape. Should you tuck in a turtleneck? Turtlenecks have lengths that usually extend past your waistline. Whether you tuck it in or not largely depends on how you wear it. Generally, they should be tucked in for formal occasions and tucked out for a casual look. Final Tips There is hardly any other garment that is as cozy, classy, and versatile as a turtleneck. It’s an essential piece for a minimalist wardrobe. As such, you would want to have at least one turtleneck in a color that you can piece together with most of your clothes — most likely, it’s a neutral color that would complement everything. Although some save their turtlenecks for fall, a few style changes can put together an outfit that is just as appropriate for any other season. These outfit formulas would work great with a wide variety of colors and styles. You’ll love how it’s so easy to dress up and look great for various occasions with just a single type of garment.