What Is A Turtleneck Jumper – How To Wear Them & Everything You Need To Know

There’s one fashionable choice of jumper which I have embraced over the last several years. It’s the turtleneck jumper, also called a roll neck.

Here’s everything you need to know about this style of jumper, including what they’re made from and the different types you should be wearing.

A turtleneck jumper is a type of sweater that has a high neckline, which covers your neck. While a standard sweater is a round or V-neck, a turtleneck goes all the way up your neck.

The neckline is often folded over once or a number of times, depending on how large the neckline is, and you’re desired style.

Types Of Turtleneck Jumpers

First of all, it’s important to understand that there’s different types of turtleneck jumpers. They’re slightly different styles and takes on this piece of knitwear, and they include:

• Classic Roll neck
• Funnel Neck
• Mock Neck

Here’s the differences between the three most common types you’re likely to encounter.

Classic

The classic turtleneck is the best style to have. It’s traditional, and the most known of all the types of roll necks.

As the name suggests, there’s a long, funnel type of neckline to the jumper, which you style by rolling it back onto itself. You usually roll back the fabric once, hence the name roll neck.

This is by far my favourite style, and what I recommend. You can wear it this season, and know that the timeless piece will last for a long time.

When it comes to how to wear a turtleneck, the classic style is really easy to pull off, and is always stylish and fashionable.

Funnel Neck

A funnel neck differs from the classic roll or turtle neck, as you don’t need to fold this one over. The jumper has a high neckline by design, which can be a fitted or more loose style.

This is still a stylish choice, and offers something different to the classic roll neck.

Mock Neck

A mock differs once again, but has the look of a roll neck.

It has a high neck line, but usually slightly lower than the classic roll neck. The biggest difference it that the neckline is not rolled over, and just has the look of it being rolled.

This is usually done with stitching, so it appears to be rolled.

Types Of Materials In A Turtleneck

When it comes to the materials of a turtleneck, they’re similar to that of any old sweater.

You can get wool, cotton and man made fibres such as acrylic and mixes of polyester. If you’ve read my best mens jumpers guide, then you’ll know what they are already.

The materials you’ll find for roll necks include:

• Fine Merino Wool
• Lambswool
• Heavy Knits
• Polyester, Mix Material & Man Made
• Cotton

Fine Merino Wool

Fine merino wool is a really nice fabric for a knitted jumper. As the name suggests, it’s very fine, tightly knit and can be light weight.

It’s the perfect wool for when you want to layer.

Since you won’t see what’s under your roll neck, you can wear a T-shirt as a first layer, if you’re feeling the cold.

Lambswool

Lambswool is usually thicker than merino, and once again is a really nice wool. If you want something a little thicker than merino, this would be the choice to go for.

It’s usually more affordable, and tends to be more robust.

Cashmere

When money is not an object, cashmere is the choice of wool. You’ll have to decide yourself if cashmere is worth it, but I think it is.

Whether that’s in a roll neck or other sweater will depend on how much you intend on wearing them.

Chunky Heavy Knits

If you prefer your knitwear chunky and cosy, a heavy knit might be something you are looking for.

There’s plenty of roll necks in a chunky style, usually made from wool and other fabrics. Cable knit is a popular choice which really adds dimension to a look.

Polyester, Acrylic & Mixes

For more affordable options, acrylic, polyester and other mixes are the fabrics you’ll come across. Not as good as wool or natural fibres, but usually cheaper alternatives.

If you want to join the roll neck trend without spending a lot, this is usually the material.

Cotton

I have a cotton roll neck, and I love it. It’s a thick cotton, which is really soft to touch. Think of this like a long sleeve T Shirt with roll neck.

They are really nice, but in terms of style, are more of a long sleeve tee than a sweater.

If you want the roll neck style without the wool feel, this is the way to go.

Verdict

That’s everything you need to know about Turtleneck jumpers. I’ve grown to love this style of jumper over the years, and now own several in different colours and fabrics.

It’s a great piece of menswear to have in your wardrobe. When you want something alternative to a standard sweater, the turtleneck or roll neck is a great choice.