Whether known as a roll neck (UK), turtle neck (US) or skivvy (Australia), fashion’s latest hero piece has finally shaken off its Geography teacher connotations to become a sophisticated modern must-own.
Despite going through a rough patch in recent years, men have at last learned, when worn right, the roll neck can be the perfect way to dress up denim or act as a relaxed substitute for a shirt and tie.
Soft, comfortable and with a touch of the seventies about it, the roll neck is a menswear classic that almost every gent should try at least once in his life. Need a hand picking one out? We’ve got you covered.
1. Reiss Observatory Merino Wool Neck Jumper
Keep it simple with this sold navy blue option from British premium retailer Reiss.
Its soft merino wool form puts it ahead of cheaper high street options, while the deep blue colour will ensure it blends seamlessly with a range of other autumnal shades. Slip on with dark denim at the weekend or with tailored trousers for a business meeting.
Available at Reiss, priced £85.
2. ASOS Roll Neck Jumper In Twisted Yarn
This wallet-friendly option from ASOS is a little lighter than the average knit, making it a go-to transitional piece.
The mottled effect helps tone down the bold red shade, transforming it into a sophisticated, premium-looking piece. The only thing it doesn’t have is the high-end price tag.
Available at ASOS, priced £20.
3. Suitsupply Green Turtleneck
Embrace one of the season’s key colours with this military green option from Amsterdam-based Suitsupply.
The delicate wool-cashmere blend means this jumper feels soft on the skin, while the cable knit front will help introduce some much-needed texture to your cold-weather looks.
Available at Suitsupply, priced £129.
4. Zara Plain High Neck Sweater
Winter knitwear needn’t always be deep and dark, as shown by this light and airy number from Spanish fast-fashion retailer Zara.
Made from wool and acrylic, it comes with plenty of fabric around the neck – ready to be worn up for extra coverage or folded down for a neat and tidy finish.
Available at Zara, priced £25.99.
5. Belstaff Littlehurst Jumper
British label Belstaff has managed to work its motorcycling heritage into a roll neck, with the use of ribbed panels influenced by the padding on biking leathers.
Despite the rugged construction, there is also a touch of refinement, thanks to its cashmere blend. Keep the theme going with dark denim, hard-wearing boots and chunky outerwear.
Available at Belstaff, priced £390.
6. Selected Homme Turtle Neck Jumper With Fleck
Give your neck some breathing space with this funnel neck version from Selected Homme.
The mid-weight wool-mix knit features dark flecks for a textured finish that makes for a subtle point of difference.
Available at ASOS, priced £45.
7. John Smedley Judson In Camel
Achieve an authentic seventies look with British label John Smedley, purveyor of “the world’s finest knitwear”.
This luxurious cashmere-silk blend camel roll neck delivers a throwback feel thanks to its lightweight construction and classic shade.
Team with slim-cut brown tailoring, rather than flares and a beard, for a contemporary twist.
Available at John Smedley, priced £399.
8. Mango Stand Collar Merino Wool Sweater
The black roll neck makes a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Slip it under a grey suit for the office, alongside tailored trousers for dinner with friends or with bold-coloured chinos for those casual days.
Spanish retailer Mango’s version fits the bill perfectly, crafted from merino wool for a soft and comfortable wear, without venturing into beatnik territory.
Available at Mango, priced £45.99.
9. Sunspel Jacquard Knit Roll Neck Jumper
As one of the official clothiers to Daniel Craig’s James Bond, British label Sunspel knows a few things about dressing the modern, refined gent.
This jacquard roll neck is a simple yet sophisticated option for cold winter days. The combination of angora and superfine wool means it is guaranteed to keep stylish spies warm while also allowing for breathability.
Available at Sunspel, priced £300.
10. Uniqlo Extra Fine Merino Polo Neck Sweater
Uniqlo’s rule over the world of basics doesn’t end at T-shirts, and its 100 percent wool roll necks are a force to be reckoned with.
The Japanese retailer makes the knit available in no less than nine colourways, including off white, red and dark brown. Priced at just £24.90, you can afford to snap up a few.
Available at Uniqlo, priced £24.90.
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