Are J.Crew's Rollneck Sweaters Worth The Hype? We Put Them to the Test

A few weeks ago, nearly every single post on my Instagram feed was about the new-and-improved J.Crew Rollneck Sweater, thanks to a buzzy campaign starring Benito Skinner, Maggie Rogers, Molly Gordon, and more Internet faves. My interest was piqued— and, like any good shopping editor, I immediately turned to the savviest fashion girls I know (i.e., my very own team here at Marie Claire) and asked: "Would you buy this sweater?"

The answer was a resounding "YES."

Before long, nearly every editor in our Manhattan office was wearing their own variation of the style, which was first introduced in the '80s and has been given a more relaxed, slouchy makeover for 2025. It proved what my budget's bottom line was hoping wasn't true: The new J.Crew Rollnecks are 100 percent worth investing in.

Forty years after they first graced J.Crew's shelves, the iconic Rollneck sweaters remain a must-have for chilly girls everywhere. They also feel more current than ever: They tap into the ongoing preppy revival, and, like rugby shirts before them, they offer a cooler, vintage-inspired take on the look that doesn't feel overwrought. Plus, because they're now available in a whopping 27 color and pattern variations, there's one for every fall mood and style—as evidenced by all the different ways Team MC wore theirs. (We were basically a walking J.Crew catalog.)

Keep scrolling to see what our editors think about the fall's most talked-about drop. Spoiler: We're obsessed.

Julia Marzovilla, Fashion Shopping Editor

I didn't need to put on this sweater to know I was going to love it. It's the perfect blend of all my favorite things: a slightly oversized, menswear-inspired fit; a high neck,; a neutral color; available in a neutral colorway that I wear all the time.

What did surprise was how much I loved it. I put it on as soon as I got home from the store, and wore it to the office the very next day. I'm five-foot-two, so oversized fits can overwhelm me if I'm not careful; however, the size small gave me enough room without making me feel like I was wearing a sack. (The vibe was "I just stole this from my cute preppy boyfriend," not "I don't know what size to buy.")

Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Shopping Editor

"There’s nothing I love more than an oversized sweater in the fall, and J.Crew's Rollneck is everything I want in a big knit—and then some. It's thick and warm, yet still breathable enough so I'm not sweating on my afternoon commute. It's also baggy without looking frumpy, but I recommend sizing down for your perfect fit. I plan on wearing this knit with all of my denim and leggings for casual days."

Christina DAmbrosio, Deputy Director, Social

"I'm obsessed with how cozy this sweater is, and can definitely see myself reaching for it throughout the colder months. I like that it’s not as restricting as a turtleneck, but still offers up protection from the elements. Need it in every color, for real!"

Ashlyn Delaney, Associate Social Media Editor

"My first-ever J.Crew item didn't disappoint. This sweater is soft, comfy, and perfect for those chilly fall days. You can truly dress it up or down, making it a staple piece. Since I purchased mine oversized, I used a belt to snatch my waist and add a bit of dimension to my fall outfit. This sweater is one of my favorites."

Halie LeSavage, Senior Fashion News Editor

"When it's time to switch over my closet from summer dresses to fall sweaters, I always look forward to pulling my J.Crew Rollnecks out of storage. This year, I decided to branch out from my usual plain navy into a striped version. This pattern is like if Brigette Bardot moved to Cape Cod—a little French, a little New England. Already, I love wearing it with a maxi skirt and knee-high boots. I'll also style it under straight-leg jeans and a barn jacket."

Meguire Hennes, Staff Writer, Fashion

"It may not be sweater season in my neck of the woods (hello, 80° heat waves), but nothing will stop me from taking my J.Crew Rollneck for a spin. I styled my pink-and-brown colorway with dark denim capri pants, inspired by Bella Hadid, of course. My chestnut Raboesy Tabis matched the brown stripes of my sweater to a T. Once I finally feel a chill in the air, I'll swap my capris for a barrel-leg jean."

Andrea Stanley, Executive Editor

"My days consist of running from work to my son's sporting events to drinks with friends, so I love that this sweater works for all of the above. It will be in my weekly rotation, since I can wear it with jeans, trousers, and skirts."