Transitional dressing calls for one thing - the humble roll neck (also known as a turtle neck or a polo neck, depending on who’s talking).
At once adding a layer of sophistication and warmth, it’s a top that makes you look smart in an instant without compromising on comfort - which has been proven over the years by countless stylish chaps in the limelight.
Whether you’re looking at the unlikely fashion icon Steve Jobs, Tom Holland who seems to own one in every shade or Jake Gyllenhaal who’s regularly spotted in high-neck attire, you don’t have to look very far to spot a sharp-looking celeb proudly following the trend.
With the temperatures slowly but surely rising, it’s thin knitted styles that sit beneath overshirts and light jackets that should be on your wishlist. A wardrobe stable, you should invest in quality styles that will stand the test of time, because they’re likely to live in your collection for years to come.
Our top tip? Treat yourself to a few colours for optimum wardrobe versatility. Every discerning gent needs at least a white and a black, and then go for hues that compliment your other clothes - if you like to wear fresh colours, opt for a blue, or if you’re into more earthy tones, it’s greens and burgundy that you should be on the lookout for.
You can choose from a soft merino wool, a warm, insulating cashmere, a classic cotton or even a more heavyweight wool blend. Whichever you go for, you’ll be extending the life of your summer pieces beyond the sunny months with a nifty, neck-insulating layer.
Keep scrolling for the best
Marks & Spencer Pure Cashmere Roll Neck Jumper
Marks & Spencer’s range of cashmere is unparalleled on the high street. A luxurious feel at a great price point, this light camel is the perfect colour to pair with neutrals.
Buy now £125.00, Marks & Spencer
Topman essential knitted roll neck jumper in black
Topman is a go-to for quality basics - and this rollneck is no exception. Made using 100 per cent cotton, it’s a super soft, fine knit that will add a dash of refinement to your wardrobe.
Buy now £25.00, ASOS
Asket The Merino Roll Neck
Responsible fashion label Asket produces timeless classics that will never go out of fashion with full transparency of the manufacturing process. Crafted using traceable extra-fine merino wool, it’s a sweater that’s great for the conscious shopper.
Buy now £90.00, Asket
Arket Merino Roll-Neck Jumper
Well known for its mastery of the basics, high street hero Arket is the label that should be on your radar for wardrobe staples - turtlenecks included. A touch more substantial than other styles in this edit, this pullover is great for days when there’s a chill in the air.
Buy now £89.00, Arket
Officine Générale Nina Cashmere Rollneck Sweater
A black roll neck is an essential in every man’s wardrobe - and Officine Generale’s pure cashmere jumper with ribbed seams and side slits has all of the elevated design details you could ask for.
Buy now £217.50, Mr. Porter
Uniqlo 100% Cashmere Turtleneck Jumper
Wearing a pop of colour beneath an overshirt or blazer is a simple way to add an extra layer of interest to your winter wardrobe. The good news? Uniqlo has you covered.
Buy now £99.90, Uniqlo
Reiss Caine Merino Wool Roll Neck Jumper
If you’re in the market for formal casualwear, Reiss should be at the top of your list. Originally a brand dedicated to suiting and occasionwear, now they offer a range of smart-casual pieces that will work for the office and party season alike - and this navy number is a case in point.
Buy now £110.00, Reiss
Gant Classic Cotton Turtleneck Sweater
Inject a touch of preppy appeal into your transitional ensembles with Gant's cotton turtleneck which is embroidered with the label's varsity crest.
Buy now £125.00, Gant
Begg x Co Cashmere Rollneck Sweater
Knitwear label Begg x Co creates some of the best cashmere pieces on the market - all of which are sustainably sourced and crafted on the west coast of Scotland.
True to the brand’s signature style, this polo balances age-old techniques with contemporary design for an impeccably made jumper you’ll wear every time the cold season sets in.
Buy now £550.00, Begg x Co
Basic Cashmere Turtle Neck Sweater
Luxuriously soft, fully traceable and the perfect relaxed silhouette, Gobi Cashmere's knit ticks all the boxes. The hardest part? Choosing between the twelve colours on offer.
Buy now £179.00, Gobi Cashmere
Sunspel Extra‑Fine Merino Roll Neck
For wardrobe classics, Sunspel's the family-run heritage label you need on your radar. They work with specialists across Britain and Europe to manufacture collections of the utmost quality - and it shows. You'll know what we're talking about the moment you slip into this silky-smooth jumper.
Buy now £205.00, Sunspel
