The Best Turtleneck For Women

Buying Guide

When you dress for chilly weather, you want to make sure every part of you is warm. You can pull on a coat, hat, gloves, well-insulated shoes and even your warmest outfit, but any part of your skin that remains uncovered can let the cold in. A scarf can help, but is of limited use—particularly if you’re playing in the snow.

A turtleneck is a classic winter staple. It can help keep you even warmer by covering your neck without leaving skin exposed between your neckline and your scarf. But that isn’t the only benefit of a turtleneck. Turtlenecks are pretty much made for layering, and layering has been shown to create an insulating effect.

With a turtleneck, the type of material makes a difference. You’ll find turtlenecks in varying material types and thicknesses for versatile uses. For chillier environments, you might want something thicker, with a sweater-like material. Lighter-weight fabrics work for warmer climates or year-round use. Also consider how the material changes up the style. A more casual turtleneck is great for layering, for example. If you plan to wear it outdoors or in active situations, look for something that wicks moisture from the body to help keep you dry while you’re wearing it.

Even indoors, though, you can enjoy benefits from that extra coverage. You might simply want to keep your neck covered for personal reasons, for instance. If you’ve had surgery or suffered an injury that’s still healing, a turtleneck can conceal that area until you’re ready to show it again.

And for many people, a turtleneck simply makes a great fashion statement. You can wear it alone or cover it with just the right jacket, vest, or sweater to create a stylish look. You can also add the perfect piece of statement jewelry.

One of the biggest downsides of turtlenecks (also called polo necks) is that a snug collar can sometimes feel a little stifling when folded over, especially if it has a longer length. The good news is, there are options that provide the look without covering your entire neck. Some turtlenecks slouch or droop low, while others just have a shorter profile. Then there is the mock turtleneck, which simply brings the neckline up a little in a great imitation of real turtlenecks. It isn’t designed to fold over and is generally a bit looser.

You can track down turtlenecks in a variety of colors and prints to find the look that matches your style. Make sure to take note of your torso length and look for petite or plus sizes if those will fit you better.

• When choosing a turtleneck, it’s important to pay close attention to the potential transparency of the fabric. A see-through shirt might not be as useful.
• Most turtlenecks are long-sleeved, but you can find sleeveless and short-sleeved options in a variety of fabric types and thicknesses. These are great for warmer weather, but you might also prefer them for layering.
• If you choose the type of turtleneck that folds over at the neck, you’ll want to make sure you create an even fold all the way around to avoid looking sloppy. The top of the collar should not extend above the top of the neck, keeping your jawline free.
• Some turtlenecks scrunch rather than folding over. This type generally has a more casual appearance, although you can find some dressy turtleneck sweaters featuring the scrunched neck design.
• With some turtlenecks, the manufacturer recommends hand washing on cold and line drying or laying flat to dry. If you prefer machine-washable garments, pay attention to the care instructions while you’re shopping.
• For a little extra stretch, you’ll want to look for a turtleneck with spandex built in. This can also help ensure the turtleneck retains its shape over many uses.