Unlike its name would suggest, turtlenecks are fast coming back into style. With the high neck, it is one of the most recognizable pieces of knitwear. Also known as mock neck, polo neck, roll neck or skippy, it has earned itself quite a few nicknames.
The turtle does not have a reputation of being the most flashy and hip item around, and has been suffering from a more or less dull image. Now, times have changed and this sure isn’t the case anymore. Nowadays the turtleneck is a versatile, iconic garment which can easily lift your overall look and complement many styles.
What is a turtleneck?
As you probably know, a turtleneck is actually just like a normal sweater. The only big difference is it has a higher knitted collar attached to it. This covers at least a portion of the neck, if not entirely. The turtleneck is folded back over so it doubles up onto the neck, creating the look of a turtleneck.
Slightly different, but closely linked, is the mock neck which simply stands on its own against the neck without being folded back.
The neck construction of the turtle is usually made of a ribbed knit. This gives it the much needed stretch capability to be pulled over the head. It also provides the power to remain standing around the neck whilst being worn.
Turtles come in many patterns, including cables, fine knitted and roughly knitted versions in many colours and stripes.
Just like any regular sweater, the turtleneck is a slim fitted garment, often made of wool, cashmere or a combination of the two.
Where did the turtleneck come from?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In the old days, the turtleneck wasn’t exactly seen as a luxurious garment. Instead, it was mainly worn by the working class – in particular sailors. Many years went by before this garment actually became accepted as a fashion item. Especially in the 90’s, the turtle was highly popular.In the years that followed, the turtle lost popularity and went out of fashion. With other items replacing it, the turtle disappeared from the stage.
Today, having had a makeover, the turtleneck is regarded as sophisticated. Where it used to be a lot wider, giving it a more ”baggy” look, now it is generally slim fit.
In my personal opinion, I prefer fashion being more slim than too wide because it makes for a more sportive look. Plus it also makes you appear a bit younger!
Make it formal
The turtleneck is a typical winter garment which you will see a lot during the colder days. The collar keeps your neck warm and, therefore, is a convenient replacement for a scarf. You won’t see it much during the summer days.
With trends in the office shifting to a more relaxed look, the turtle is a perfect choice to wear to work. If you do choose to wear it, make sure you go for a thinner woven fabric. A thickly knitted turtleneck will appear too informal so better to keep those for your weekends and days off.
Being the perfect replacement for the shirt, a turtleneck can dress down your formal attire to a more casual appearance. Thus, the wearing of a tie becomes superfluous! The turtle is one of the items that goes well under a jacket or blazer yet is formal enough to give your colleagues something to think about.
Unless you are going for a more formal appearance, the garment is usually not tucked into your trousers. You should never tuck it into your jeans or a casual pair of trousers. Just leave it out. The corduroy trouser is also a great option to combine it with especially if you want to make your look a little more playful.
If you get a lighter coloured turtleneck, make sure to select a slightly thicker material, otherwise, your chest hair may show through and give a very unpleasant look.
To create harmony, make sure the colour chosen compliments the colour of your jacket or your pants. An additional benefit of the turtleneck is that it makes you stand up straight. It elongates your body making you look taller, thinner and gives you an overall better posture.
Occasionally, you can mix up your daily look with a turtleneck instead of shirt or regular sweater. It shouldn’t be something you wear every day, but rather something you should only grab now and then to give your style a bit of a twist.
An additional benefit of the turtleneck is that it makes you stand up straighter and it elongates your body making you look taller, thinner and it gives you an overall better posture
Mix up your daily look with a turtleneck instead of shirt or regular sweater, only now and then. It shouldn’t be something you wear every day, but rather something you should only grab now and then to give your style a bit of a twist.
Whilst shopping for your turtleneck, make sure you get one that is easy to clean. Indoor and outdoor temperatures can vary widely in winter so your turtleneck will require washing after each wear.
A machine-washable turtleneck will be far easier to own than one which needs dry cleaning.
The ideal materials to wash are cotton or merinos wool. If you opt-in for something like cashmere, try to wear something under it as this might ensure you don’t need to wash it as often.
