The Best Men’s Turtlenecks Face Down All Winter Storms
The best turtleneck sweaters for men are a serious bit of knitwear business. No other sweater keeps your neck quite as warm—or eliminates the need for a scarf entirely. But warmth is only half the story. The real power of a turtleneck lies in how it transforms your whole presence.
In fine-gauge merino or cashmere, it channels the polish and sex appeal of Alain Delon or Mick Jagger. In hardy wool, it carries the quiet authority of an old fisherman or a submarine captain who’s seen some things. Every version comes loaded with character, and wearing one means you get to borrow some of that energy—use it wisely.
Sure, some guys still fear the turtleneck (or roll neck, if you’re across the pond). It feels risky, maybe too statement-making. But the return on investment is undeniable: layer it under a sport coat, a work jacket, or a topcoat, and you’re suddenly dressed up without making a big show of it.
And since just about every brand under the sun makes one these days, we’ve done the legwork for you. Below, our favorites of the bunch, from budget buys to heirloom-level investments.
The Best Turtleneck Sweaters for Men, According to GQ
Best Overall Turtleneck Sweater: J Crew 1988 Rollneck Sweater
So our pick for the best turtleneck sweater is actually a roll neck. First, because the terms are largely interchangeable in terms of their function. Second, because the roll neck’s resurgence makes perfect sense right now. The roll neck sits squarely between ease and polish — durable, slightly rugged, but still refined. As everything gets a little looser and more relaxed, this style hits that sweet spot. You still get most of the neck coverage you crave, just with a looser, less constricting fit that looks great on its own or layered over an Oxford shirt. It also taps into the broader wave of nostalgia — ‘90s prep, Ivy style, those old J.Crew catalogues — sweeping fashion right now. And know that while the striped versions add a little something extra, it comes in plenty of great solid colors, too, like the navy above.
Warmest Turtleneck Sweater: Drake’s Heavyweight Mock Neck
Drake’s took a page from British Royal Navy submarine crews for its mock-neck sweater — a sharp, modern riff on the classic submariner style, made from exceptionally warm virgin wool. It gives you all the coverage of a turtleneck without the fold-over, landing in that sweet spot between sturdy and refined. As always with Drake’s, the materials are top-notch — in this case, Italian-knit virgin wool — and the cut is impeccable, offering a clean, masculine silhouette that flatters without trying too hard.
Best Budget Turtleneck Sweater: L.L. Bean Carefree Unshrinkable Turtleneck
Everybody in turtlenecks? Why not, the world could use a little more style. And at L.L. Bean’s price point, it’s actually possible. Designed to be “unshrinkable,” this popular style is also incredibly soft for cotton, and has kept Bean customers coming back for decades. (I’ve had mine since 2022.) And just don’t take it from me: 2,949 ratings, averaging out to 4.6 stars out of 5, really can’t be wrong.
Best Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater: J.Crew Cashmere Turtleneck
From a pure value-for-money standpoint, J.Crew’s cashmere sweaters are hard to beat. Sharp cuts, a wide range of colours, and a price tag under two hundred makes makes dipping a toe into turtleneck territory a pretty safe gamble here. The hand-feel is unmistakably cashmere: soft, warm, and smooth to the touch — though at this price, don’t expect Loro Piana levels of plush. The yarn is a touch coarser, but if you know what you’re getting and treat it right, it’ll hold up admirably.
