How to Wear a Turtleneck with a Suit

By Style Girlfriend | Last Updated: Jan 28 2022

Over the weekend, I went to a party here in New York and saw no less than four guys wearing turtlenecks! Granted, the theme was Après Ski but still! I took it as vindication that 1) they were all Style Girlfriend readers (though I didn’t ask), and 2) our team has finally convinced the men of the world that it’s time to wear turtlenecks. We’ve already covered how to wear a turtleneck with more outfits in your winter wardrobe. But what about the epitome of menswear elegance? That’s right, we’re talking about how to wear a turtleneck with a suit.

Not convinced? Seems like a look reserved for a professionally styled actor gracing the January cover of GQ? Well then here’s what ought to really seal the deal…it’s actually so f*cking easy. You literally don’t even need to know how to tie a tie. Onboard yet?!

Below, how to wear a turtleneck with a suit five ways:

Monday

Wear a turtleneck and suit in similar colors

SG Says:  Our pal Brian Sacawa over at HeSpokeStyle knows the power of a turtleneck and suit combo. The gold accessories pair really nicely with the dark brown suit and dark turtleneck. The overall effect is subtle without feeling even a little bit boring.

• The thinner the knit is, the easier it will be to add as a sleek layer with a blazer, a leather jacket, or a wool topcoat.

• Stick to dark colors like black, blue, gray, or burgundy, which will suit fall and winter looks.

• The one (and subjectively only) pitfall of a turtleneck is the task of actually putting it on, so remember style your hair only after you have put on your sweater.

• Take it to the next level of refinement by opting for a double breasted jacket. Mind you, if you’re dressing up this style it’s important that the neck is folded evenly and falls flat.

Tuesday

Wear a turtleneck with a double-breasted suit

SG Says:  Leave it to David Beckham to swerve into a more fashion forward turtleneck and suit pairing. Here, he’s got on a double-breasted suit and a turtleneck in a rich holiday party-friendly burnished orange hue. And that’s really it. As Esquire‘s Jonathan Evans puts it, “No pocket square. No tie (obviously). No extraneous accessories of any kind, actually. Because the sweater and suit are all you need to make a statement.”

Wednesday

Wear a turtleneck in an earth tone with a blue suit

SG Says: Taking things up a notch, Donald Glover wears a turtleneck in a hue similar to Beckham’s, but pairs his with a brighter blue suit. (Want to know how to match colors like a pro? Check out our color primer) (he’s even worn a turtleneck with shorts in July!). Oh, and if you want to know how far the artist formerly known as Childish Gambino loves turtlenecks? He even wears them in the middle of July.

Thursday

Wear a grey turtleneck with a charcoal suit

SG Says: Diego from Dandy in the Bronx shows another monochromatic option when it comes to turtleneck and suit combos. In this case, shades of grey make for a look that’s all business with a dash of personality (just check out those two-tone dub monks and snazzy lapel pin).

Friday

Wear a turtleneck with a patterned sport coat

SG Says:  Back to where we started! In this look from Brian from HeSpokeStyle, the suit gets swapped for a sport coat and trousers in contrasting patterns. Anchored by a camel-colored turtleneck, the whole look feels cohesive, not busy.

// Shop #SGapproved turtlenecks //

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Still feeling overwhelmed? SG can help

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