Shopping for winter clothes is the best, but it’s not always easy! Turtlenecks (also known as polo necks or mock necks) are essential winter knitwear. The key to finding one that suits you is to find a sweater with the right amount of stretch and softness.
Madewell’s version, for instance, is light-as-air and fits like a second skin. It’s ribbed for added texture and comes in various striped colors.
Body Type A
This turtleneck’s slim, fine knit looks excellent under a tailored blazer or sweater—plus, it’s super soft. Plus, the elbow-length sleeves are a nice change from the usual long sleeve, which can be a pain in the winter when you must keep rolling up your sleeves every time you move. Plus, the ribbed turtleneck will never show up with any unsightly lines or creases, no matter how much you stretch it.
This cotton-blend turtleneck hugs your curves and won’t show any unwanted seams. It’s made from a fabric that manufacturers call “the cashmere of cotton,” so it will keep you cozy season after season. Plus, the wide ribbing of this pick gives it a unique look that you won’t find on just any old sweater.
If you’re looking for a thicker turtleneck in cold climates, this oversized ribbed turtleneck sweater has been a favorite since 2007. It’s warm and comfortable yet thin enough to layer under a shirt or jacket. Plus, it comes in a wide range of colors and patterns.
This pick’s ribbed neck and wide ribbing give it a unique, retro style that can dress up a T-shirt or tuck into your favorite jeans. It’s also an excellent choice for winter workouts since it offers warmth without bulk. And it stretches to fit you just right, which can be hard to find in an oversized turtleneck.
Body Type B
If you’re a B in the Kibbe Body Types, you’re “fuller up top.” Luckily, turtlenecks come in various shapes and sizes to fit your profile. To find one that suits you, look for a cotton sweater with some stretch. Cotton has a soft-to-the-touch feel and can easily be worn independently or under a blazer or vest for a more polished look.
Whether you’re looking for a looser knit or a more narrow silhouette that hugs the body, there’s a women’s ribbed turtleneck. If you choose the former, opt for a cotton-blend fabric with spandex, like this one from Universal Standard: the snug fit and finely ribbed knit offer extra comfort.
Narrower necklines that cling to the body are an excellent option for this figure, as they help draw attention upward to your face and shoulders. To balance your figure, try column dressing by pairing your outside pieces (pants & jacket/sweater) in a matching color or hue.
Body Type C
The slim, thin style of ribbed turtlenecks is excellent for layering. They’re especially effective if made from a soft, stretchy material like cotton. That allows you to wear them underneath a blazer or sweater and hide any undershirt outlines or hair. If you want a more flexible, form-fitting version, look for one with some spandex or elastane.
Another option is cashmere, often referred to as the “cashmere of wool,” and can be woven to be super thin for a sleeker-looking turtleneck. However, it can pill easily and requires regular care.
There’s also the option of a mock neck, which sits at your chest but doesn’t extend down to your throat. It’s less structured than a turtleneck and doesn’t require a collar, so it’s ideal for women who want a classic style without the extra warmth.
For example, style blogger-slash-coach Kim Hancher says she loves her mock neck because of its stretchy Supima cotton blend and fine-ribbed construction. It has a body-skimming fit perfect for daily wear and feels like a second skin. Other top picks are turtlenecks, which have garnered high reviewer marks. They’re both incredibly soft, breathable, and warm, so you can count on them to keep you cozy all winter.
Body Type D
A staple for everyone, the turtleneck is a must-have that always stays in style. Finding one that suits your style is easy, thanks to various online options. But the key is to keep an eye on the material composition, which will determine the softness, stretchiness, and how often you’ll have to clean it.
While most turtlenecks are knitted in a thicker yarn, some are incredibly thin and can even look like a regular dress shirt under a jacket or a blazer. Light sweaters can be great to layer, but they may show every ounce of fat and skin underneath (and highlight the lines of your bra straps). For the best fit, consider choosing a lightweight sweater that has a percentage of spandex or elastane in its composition.
For a classic, affordable option that will be a wardrobe essential for years to come, consider this women’s ribbed turtleneck from Old Navy. It’s soft to the touch and has a little extra stretch, which helps make it feel closer to a tee than a sweater. The ribbed fabric camouflages tummy flaws, making it perfect for anyone searching for a comfortable long-sleeved turtleneck. It also comes in several colors and styles to pair with jeans, leggings, or suit pants.