The 12 Best, Editor-Approved Turtlenecks for Masterful Layering
They're fashion insiders' secret weapon.
A glimmer of warm weather can entice you to move all of your outerwear into storage and squish your cold-weather staples, like your well-worn sweaters and turtlenecks, into the back of your closet, but hold tight. If spring's history with unpredictable weather is any indication, temperatures will ebb and flow over the next several weeks—or months. That means layering (an editor-approved strategy that has reached new heights, thanks to the wearing versus styling debate) will be your best defense against a chill in the air.
Having a stack of the best turtlenecks to style with is one of the sleekest ways fashion insiders create spring outfits that evoke Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's nonchalance. A turtleneck in a black or white hue, tucked into your favorite denim skirt or tailored trousers, will never go out of favor.
Looking to Proenza Schouler, Jil Sander, and Fendi's fall 2024 runways, lightweight sheer turtlenecks continually popped up as a base layer for blazers, peeking out underneath button-downs, and styled as a foundational piece alongside lightweight sweaters.
But the best turtlenecks aren't all business and no play. Designers like Ganni, Dries Van Noten, Paco Rabanne, and Loewe have been putting a printed spin on the season's offerings with embellishments, florals, and psychedelic '60s patterns. They offer a fresh way to incorporate a turtleneck into your daytime attire and alongside eveningwear.
Ahead, find Marie Claire's picks for the best turtlenecks for women across twelve different categories because, like most things, there's no one-turtleneck-fits-all approach to personal style and preference.
Best Turtlenecks for Women
- Best Everyday Turtleneck: COS Merino Wool Turtleneck Top
- Best Black Turtleneck: Everlane The Supima Micro-Rib Turtleneck
- Best Trendy Turtleneck: &Daughter Glenn Wool Turtleneck Sweater
- Best Cashmere Turtleneck: Reiss Atelier Cashmere Roll Neck Top
- Best Turtleneck Bodysuit: Wolford Colorado Thong Bodysuit:
- Best Turtleneck for Layering: GANNI Printed Mesh Turtleneck Top
With a natural roll neck and slim fit, this everyday COS turtleneck is the top you automatically reach for when styling jeans, slip skirts, trousers, and beyond. Made from super-soft Merino wool and certified by the Responsible Wool Standard, it feels and does good for the environment.
Sizes: XS–L
Colors: Navy, black, white
Fabrication: Merino wool
A classic black turtleneck is the ultimate layering piece. According to several rave reviewers, this Everlane option is one of the best base layers to have in your wardrobe. Consider styling this black turtleneck under a crisp white button-down, then tuck both layers into a pair of dark-wash jeans and slip on strappy Mary Jane shoes. Finish with an oversized wool blazer to complete the look for a casually sophisticated (and warm!) turtleneck outfit.
Sizes: XXS–XL
Colors: Black, white, gray, dark gray, blue, green
Fabrication: SUPIMA cotton, elastane
Customer Review: "I love this turtle neck! It’s soft, comfortable, casual yet classy. Will be looking to get more colors!"
The red color trend spiked during the Fall/Winter 2023 season, but it shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. Tap the red-hot hue with this highly saturated wool sweater by &Daughter. The United Kingdom-based brand makes each piece in a slow and sustainable production line, working directly with a small team of five makers and using naturally sourced materials.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colors: Red, black
Fabrication: Wool
Who doesn't swoon over a cashmere sweater? Reiss does it best with timeless staples spun from super-soft fibers, like this fitted turtleneck. It's an investment piece made of 100 percent pure cashmere with trend-resistant, timeless appeal. Try styling it for the office with easy pull-on silk trousers and your favorite pair of work sneakers.
Sizes: XS–L
Colors: Cream, black
Fabrication: Cashmere
If you see a well-dressed person in New York City clutching an oat milk latte, toggling back and forth between their email and Uber app, and wearing a neutral, form-fitting turtleneck, congratulations: You've spotted a style editor in the wild. As for the specific turtleneck top they're wearing, the odds are it's Wolford's Colorado Thong Bodysuit. It's a fashion insider favorite because it's a warm yet seamless base layer for any outfit. The soft stretch fabric and thong silhouette keep lines hidden every time.
Sizes: XS–L
Color: White
Fabrication: Cotton, nylon, elastane
This Ganni printed turtleneck is the perfect season-to-season transitional piece. You can style it underneath your heavy-duty winter layers on chillier days, then keep it in your rotation during spring and wear it as-is. The daytime outfit options are endless, but if you're down for more of a challenge, wear it under your favorite slip dress for a nighttime look. Then, finish it off with trendy combat boots and a floor-sweeping duster coat.
Sizes: 0–20
Colors: Multicolored (pink)
Fabrication: Nylon, polyamide, spandex
ALSO RECOMMENDED
Reformation's slouchy wool turtleneck is a perfect example of an oversized fit that still offers shape, so your figure won't be wholly shrouded. Plus, it's a sustainable option you can add to your collection guilt-free: This sweater is fabricated from 90 percent recycled cashmere and 10 percent virgin wool, which, in total, has 87 percent less of a carbon impact than traditional cashmere in its production. One fool-proof outfit formula? A pair of front-pleat trousers, leather penny loafers, and this turtleneck knit.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colors: Black, brown, beige
Fabrication: Recycled cashmere, cashmere
Last summer was the season of the Loewe white tank top, and this spring is the season of Loewe's sleeveless turtleneck. Showcasing the signature anagram logo front and center, this option by the Spanish design house is an if you know, you know, turtleneck. Style the stretchy ribbed knit piece with a floor-length black maxi skirt and your best ballet flats, and you'll feel like you're on the Riviera.
Sizes: XS–L
Colors: White
Fabrication: Cotton, polyester, elastane
A mariner striped turtleneck—particularly one in the classic Breton white and navy stripe—is a timeless choice, even for those who don't consider themselves preppy. It's simple spring perfection underneath a trench coat, with khaki pants.
Sizes: M-XL
Colors: Black/white
Fabrication: Cotton
Customer Review: "Love everything about this sweater. Loose, comfortable fabric, washes well and lots of style. This is my third one!"
Some sweaters are too heavy to wear past April, but this Veronica Beard knit will last all season long (and maybe even into summer). The pointelle fabric and three-quarter sleeves are light and breezy; the mockneck cut has coverage, but won't feel suffocating when temperatures rise. Try it with everything from a white cotton poplin maxi skirt and fisherman sandals to a '70s denim trouser and ankle boots.
Sizes: S-L
Color: Sand
Fabrication: Wool, nylon, polyamide, merino wool
Everything is getting cropped in 2024, from short puffers to cardigans to navel-grazing turtlenecks. Éterne's cropped and fitted top is by far the best turtleneck version. Founded by stylist Chloe Bartoli, who has worked with many of your favorite celebrities (Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber, to name only a few), Éterne makes closet essentials in extra-soft fabrics and eternally wearable colors—this top is no exception.
Sizes: XS–L
Color: Black
Fabrication: Cotton, rayon, spandex
How about a peekaboo moment? This joyful knit by Farm Rio, with its asymmetrical front cut-out, hits just below the ribbed high neckline. Its swirling, intarsia floral design creates the mood-boosting effect the Brazilian brand is known for, and the shoulder-baring detail offers a flirty flash of skin. Wear it on a date night or an evening out to dinner with friends, styled with form-fitting leather trousers and pointed-toe pumps.
Sizes: XXS–XL
Colors: Multicolored (pink)
Fabrication: Acrylic, polyamide, wool
