A turtleneck comes with a high rolled collar that is turned down and covers some parts or most parts of your neck. A traditional polo neck or turtleneck is always folded over and it is usually very slim fitting. Typically, the turtleneck part itself is made out of a ribbed knit while the body is generally made up of a solid knit.
It was a utilitarian garment and it didn’t become fashion able until the playwright, Noel Coward, wore it in the 1920s. It became so popular that it was subsequently adopted by the preppy style movement because people wanted something that was more casual and they wore it instead of a shirt and a tie especially during the cooler days of the year. Ever since, turtlenecks have been going in and out of fashion.
Buhari felicitates with Asiwaju at 80
That said, in recent years,there has been a surge in popularity especially with elegant men because it is a garment that helps you casualise the rest of your somewhat formal wardrobe.
Obviously, it keeps your neck warm and it also means you don’t need to have a necktie or a bow tie, which makes it an ideal cold season companion.
The turtleneck is a rather slim fitting garment that is snug and reaches below your waist. Most turtle necks are quite long so you can tuck them with ease.
Turtlenecks usually come in different weight classes. There are some that are extremely thin and it’s a great substitute for a shirt. On the other hand, you have thicker sweaters typically made out of wool which are meant to keep you a lot warmer and you might be able to wear them with an undershirt.
How to style a turtleneck
Turtlenecks are a great way to dress down suits. A turtle neck makes everything look a lot softer yet you are still well-dressed. You could use your turtleneck to tone down your suit and convert it into a smart casual without looking out of place. To achieve a classic look, you would want to go for slim turtlenecks and also ensure that the colour is dark enough. If you can, a turtleneck works best with double-breasted suits.
Off-white is a really nice colour for turtlenecks sweaters because it contrasts with the darker colours that are otherwise usually incorporated in the outfit. Ensure you get a very thick white or off-white turtle neck because otherwise, you can see your nipples, the hair pokes through, and you can see the outline of your pants which just looks really bad.
Turtlenecks generally tend to look better with shorter haircuts. So, if you like your longer hairstyle, simply don’t wear turtlenecks.
If you are into turtlenecks, you can also pair them maybe with some jeans and boots. You should be mindful of the footwear you pair with your turtleneck to achieve your smart casual feel.