Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks.

Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks.

      From Steve Jobs’s memorable Issey Miyake variations to Audrey Hepburn’s chic Greenwich Village look in Funny Face, the timeless charm of a turtleneck is undeniable. This winter essential is far from dull, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits in a curated wardrobe. With its sleek design and warmth, a turtleneck adds a practical and sophisticated touch to any outfit. Its sculpted bodice hugs the midsection, while a high neckline extends elegantly from the collarbone to the chin, resulting in a modern and polished appearance.

      While some may hesitate about a top that inadvertently highlights the jawline, the many stylish individuals who have adopted this trend show there’s nothing to fear. If it suited Sharon Tate in the swinging ‘60s and Claudia Schiffer, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, and Nadja Auermann in the iconic Versace campaign shot by Richard Avedon in the early ‘90s, as well as in Gap's holiday collections from the 2000s, then it surely works for us too.

      (Insert Image: Everett Collection) I admit a slight bias, being a long-time fan of turtlenecks. In my teenage years, my personal style consisted of an American Apparel burgundy turtleneck paired with a black pleated skirt, which starkly contrasted the frayed hem Billabong shorts and Ripcurl tank tops sported by my peers in Sydney’s coastal suburbs. Although out of place in that environment, it resonated with me as someone influenced by Old Céline, Lorde's Pure Heroine, and the imagery of Tumblr circa 2014. Phoebe Philo’s designer off-duty wardrobe truly popularized this look with her artistic approach to normcore fashion.

      (Insert Image: Getty Images) Casual yet functional, these endorsements revealed the limitless styling capabilities of the turtleneck. Layered under a button-up shirt and blazer, they evoke a powerful and sleek aesthetic reminiscent of Lydia Tár’s sharp tailoring in Todd Field’s 2022 psychological thriller. Worn beneath a graphic t-shirt, as Alexa Chung recently did, they shift into a more relaxed and effortlessly cool vibe. When worn alone, they come off as more preppy and refined yet maintain their charm due to the trend's origins. Ultimately, purchasing a turtleneck is a wise investment.

      Turtlenecks have secured a place in the wardrobes of several Who What Wear UK editors, whether you're adding to your collection or making your first purchase. We’ve curated a list of the best styles currently available. Tried, tested, and recommended by us, take a look at the best turtlenecks that will carry you through this season and beyond.

      **The 8 Best Turtleneck Tops to Shop this Winter**

      1. **Theory Turtleneck Sweater**

       *Style Notes:* Who What Wear UK's managing director and former editor-in-chief, Hannah Almassi, a prominent voice in fashion for nearly two decades, says, “I have many beloved turtlenecks for winter, but the one I trust the most is from Theory. It makes sense that this jumper has lasted so long—the brand is known for its high-quality basics.”

       *Shop the Look:*

       Theory

       Turtleneck Sweater in Regal Wool

       *Material:* 100% wool.

       *Color:* Three; deep navy, camel, and black.

       *Size:* XXS - XXL.

       *Pros:* The fabric is sourced entirely from a certified responsibly-managed farm in New South Wales, spun in a fourth-generation mill in Biella.

       *Cons:* This fine-gauge merino wool requires delicate care—dry clean only.

      2. **Massimo Dutti Wool Blend Knit Sweater with High Neck**

       *Style Notes:* As a writer for Who What Wear, I often cover high street fashion. I must confess I was somewhat unfamiliar with Massimo Dutti before this discovery. From the warm wooden accents to the luxurious pieces on display, I was captivated by this lovely cream sweater. It reminded me of Cameron Diaz’s costume in The Holiday, a perfect nod to the upcoming festive season. The cashmere and wool blend feels sumptuous against the skin. Although the turtleneck has a bit of bulk to adjust, I found it manageable. The material is slightly stretchy, so nude underwear is advisable, but it's not too sheer for formal wear; consider sizing up for extra modesty.

       *Shop the Look:*

       Massimo Dutti

       Wool Blend Knit Sweater With High Neck

       *Material:* 95% Wool, 5% Cashmere

       *Color:* Four; cream, mink, maroon, and black.

       *Size:* UK 8 - 16.

       *Pros:* A price point that reflects the luxury fabric and brand, giving it an expensive high-street feel.

       *Cons:* The bulk

Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks. Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks.

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Forget about basic thermals—keep warm and fashionable this winter with these exceptionally stylish turtlenecks.

Styles to seamlessly adopt.