How to Roll a Turtleneck

Co-authored by Sahra Brandt and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: November 1, 2024 References

Whether you call it a turtleneck, roll neck, or polo neck, this classic top belongs in your wardrobe. Just as there are different types of turtlenecks, there are lots of ways to wear them, so play around with accessories and styling options to create looks that you love. This makes it great for a capsule wardrobe! You'll find that your turtleneck can be a great option for any event or time of day.

Method 1

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Fold Options

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Fold the neck down once if you're going for a classic style.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Sahra Brandt
Personal Stylist

Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.} This is most likely the look you think of when you consider turtlenecks. When you put it on, the neck will probably extend up to your chin or even over your mouth. Take the top of the neck and fold it down toward your chest so the top edge of the neck meets the collar.^{[2]
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- Folding the neck gives your turtleneck a crisp, defined outline that makes it look more polished than if you scrunch the neck.
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Roll the neck over twice to make a shorter neckline. If you feel like your turtleneck is strangling you or it feels like it's too high on your neck, fold the neck down twice so the top folded edge meets your collar. It also makes a short neckline that exposes more of your neck.^{[3]
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- This is a great option if you're wearing a light turtleneck during warmer seasons, especially if it's also sleeveless.
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Scrunch the neck instead of rolling it down if you want a soft, loose look. Some people argue that you should always fold your turtleneck down, but you might prefer leaving the neck extended. Bunch the fabric around your neck so it doesn't reach above your jawline.^{[4]
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- This works best with lightweight turtlenecks or cowl turtlenecks that have a lot of loose, flowing fabric around the neck. Bunching heavy turtlenecks can add too much weight to your neck.
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Get a mock or cowl turtleneck to shorten the neckline without rolling the neck. Do you like the look of a turtleneck, but hate the feeling of it wrapping around your neck? Try a mock turtleneck that has a neckline that sits just above your collarbone or wear a cowl turtleneck, which has a looser, draped collar.^{[5]
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- Mock turtlenecks come in a variety of weights so you can choose a lightweight one if you'd like to layer it or a heavy material if you want to wear it as a standalone sweater.

Method 2

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Outfit Ideas

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Tuck in a turtleneck and wear a button-down shirt for a casual look. Play around with layering your rolled turtleneck to create lots of outfit options. Wear a lightweight turtleneck and put on a button-down shirt, but don't button it to the top. Leave the collar open so you can see the rolled turtleneck underneath.^{[6]
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- Don't match the color of the turtleneck with the button-down shirt since you want the turtleneck to be visible. Try a dark olive turtleneck with a lighter green button-down shirt or vice versa, for instance.
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Wear a thick, chunky turtleneck with corduroy pants for a warm style. Soft, bulky turtlenecks are perfect for cold temperatures since they really trap heat. However, since they are so big, plan on wearing them without other layers.
- It's totally fine to toss on a winter coat, but go for a peacoat or wool coat instead of a puffy coat, which could make you look too bulky.
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Style a knit turtleneck with pants or a skirt for a comfy look. To make a casual but comfortable outfit, wear your rolled turtleneck with stylish trousers or tuck the top into a skirt. Go for a lightweight or medium-weight ribbed turtleneck since it's easy to dress up or down. This way, you can create lots of outfits from a basic wardrobe.^{[7]
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- For example, wear an oatmeal-colored rolled turtleneck with tweed or plaid pants. Then, finish the look with loafers and a cardigan.
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Dress up a turtleneck to make it formal or evening appropriate. Instead of wearing casual shoes, put on leather shoes, boots, or heels. Pair your turtleneck with a tailored blazer and trousers, a skirt, or dressy slacks. Don't forget to accessorize your look with stylish jewelry like a simple chain, earrings, or a stylish watch.^{[8]
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- For instance, pair a pale pink turtleneck with a dark blue or gray blazer. Wear your favorite necklace or watch and you're all set!
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Choose monochromatic layers for a slimming effect. Most turtlenecks are form-fitting, so it's easy to feel self-conscious when you wear them. Fortunately, a few layers in monochromatic colors can actually streamline and elongate your shape. A classic example is pairing black trousers or a skirt with a black turtleneck and a black jacket.^{[9]
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- You don't have to limit yourself to black! Colors like pale pink, light gray, or pale green also work well together and they're great for daytime or nighttime looks.
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Pair a turtleneck with a blazer or suit jacket for a professional look. If you're going for an easy everyday look or something you can wear to the office, put on a soft turtleneck and roll the neck. Tuck the turtleneck into the waistband of your pants and put on a fitted blazer, tailored jacket, or suit jacket to make your outfit look polished and put-together.^{[10]
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- For example, wear a lilac-colored turtleneck with black trousers and a camel-colored blazer for a relaxed look, or wear a charcoal-gray turtleneck under a navy suit if you'd like something more professional.
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Wear a lightweight sweater or vest over a turtleneck for a warm style. Instantly change the look of your turtleneck by putting another sweater or vest over it. Pick a piece that has a scoop collar so you don't hide the rolled turtleneck.^{[11]
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- This is a really easy way to add your own unique style to the turtleneck. Going for a fun, boho vibe? Pick an oversized fuzzy vest. Want a studious, academic look? Wear a plain, crew-neck sweater with a pair of jeans.
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Toss a leather jacket over a turtleneck for an edgy, youthful vibe. Who says turtlenecks have to be stuffy? Create an effortlessly cool style by pairing a rolled turtleneck with dark pants or jeans, and throw on a rich brown or black leather jacket. To finish your casual look, wear sneakers, or go for leather shoes or boots for a more polished outfit.^{[12]
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- Try a black turtleneck with jeans and a black leather jacket if you're going for a rebellious vintage style, or dress up the look by wearing an ivory turtleneck with a dark brown leather jacket, and brown trousers.

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How many times should you fold a turtleneck?

Sahra Brandt
Personal Stylist
Sahra Brandt is a Personal Stylist and the Founder of Shop the City, a company dedicated to helping others attain their style goals. With over ten years of fashion industry experience, Sahra specializes in wardrobe audits, personal shopping, and remote styling. She also runs Que Sera Sahra, a lifestyle blog. Sahra holds a BBA in Fashion Merchandising and Visual Merchandising from LIM College.

Sahra Brandt

Personal Stylist

Expert Answer

That's really up to you. You can either go all the way up and complement it with a choker necklace or just roll it down and leave your hair tucked in a bit. A turtleneck usually works really well with layered necklaces!

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Question

What goes with a turtleneck?

Sahra Brandt
Personal Stylist
Sahra Brandt is a Personal Stylist and the Founder of Shop the City, a company dedicated to helping others attain their style goals. With over ten years of fashion industry experience, Sahra specializes in wardrobe audits, personal shopping, and remote styling. She also runs Que Sera Sahra, a lifestyle blog. Sahra holds a BBA in Fashion Merchandising and Visual Merchandising from LIM College.

Sahra Brandt

Personal Stylist

Expert Answer

You can literally wear a turtleneck with everything! For example, you can even wear it with a more revealing jumpsuit you usually wouldn't wear outside of the beach. Throw a contrasting turtleneck underneath a jumpsuit or a tank dress to make your outfit more winter appropriate.

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You don't have to pay a lot for a great turtleneck—check your favorite clothing outlets, thrift stores, or discount clothing stores for bargains on this wardrobe staple.

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Found a turtleneck that you love? Consider buying it in multiple colors so you can easily pair them with other pieces in your wardrobe.

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