The roll neck, polo neck, turtle neck jumper sometimes gets a bad press. Don't let that put you off. As can be seen from this surprisingly contemporary-looking image of Michael Caine, it's a classic that has never really gone away. Here are ten images to inspire you to wear one this winter. For suppliers see the end of the post.
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| Michael Caine - a shot that could have been taken in 2015 |
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| How a roll neck can look good |
From soft, fine cashmere to thick, chunky knit, the roll neck can be worn with everything from formal evening wear, through blazers, tweed jackets, bombers and suits to waxed jackets and anoraks for windblown walks across the moor. Best of all, they save ironing shirts, as a luxurious cashmere or merino roll neck can be worn with or without a simple base layer in place of a shirt in colder weather.
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| Grey Fox wears an N. Peal cashmere roll neck, as worn in the Bond film, Spectre. Image Nick Maroudias |
You get what you pay for in terms of quality and durability with knitwear. Here are a few suppliers of roll neck jumpers of varying styles and materials and at various price points (if the link doesn't take you direct to a polo neck, search the site for what you want):
Johnstons of Elgin
N Peal
John Smedley [Thanks to a reader for prompting me to include this great maker of knitwear]
N Peal
John Smedley [Thanks to a reader for prompting me to include this great maker of knitwear]
Hi Grey Fox,
ReplyDeleteI purchased a polo neck jumper when I was in my mid twenties, some 35 years ago. I remember buying it from John Collier’s, I wore it twice then binned it. I didn’t like it.
Some months ago, I watched an Italian film called the Consequence of Love. The lead character in the film played by the Italian actor Toni Servillo wears polo neck jumpers under a jacket/blazer, he looked very good. In fact throughout the film, Servillo’s character is well dressed.
So, a couple of weeks ago, I bought another polo neck merino wool jumper in charcoal grey from John Smedley. I now wear it under a navy blazer and I think its a great look. Well, my taste has obviously changed over the years.
Regards
David
Yes! Have always loved (and worn) black and navy turtlenecks. They look super under a navy blazer or tweed sports jacket.
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Hein-Ulrich von B.
Thank you, Robert. This wasn't meant to be a comprehensive guide, but you're right that I should include John Smedley with whom I've only had fleeting contact since I started the blog. I've edited the feature to include them/
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely to hear from you, as ever, Heinz-Ulrich. I hope all is well and I agree.
Thanks also David for mentioning John Smedley too. There seems to be broad agreement so far that this is a good garment!
GF
David; I've just remembered the TV advert for John Collier -
ReplyDelete🎶'John Collier, John Collier, the window to watch' 🎼
Remember that?
GF
Hi Greyfox,
ReplyDeleteGood grief, I'd gotten that. It's going back some.
Regards
David
I really want to wear one and look like James Bond in Spectre.
ReplyDeleteHowever I always end up looking like Louis Balfour from Jazz Club - "Smoooth"
Good luck if it works for you fellas
I never really felt comfortable in a rollneck/turtleneck - crewneck's yes - they always felt right.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think we've lost the habit of wearing them (if we ever had it) but I find them more comfortable than a shirt with tie for example.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts all.
GF
That is a luxurious and elegant version. It looks comfortable yet avoids the billowing waist of traditional knitwear. I think NPeal are the only cashmere knitwear manufacturers I haven't tried in the UK and perhaps the only one who has modernised the fit. They certainly charge a premium for this but I'm slowly coming to terms with the price :)
ReplyDeleteI was similarly knitwear inspired by something I watched last night. Kenneth Branagh in Shackleton (on catch up) and a number of his pipe smoking, pea coat wearing crew all sported natty roll necks amidst the pack ice, basking seals and coiled ropes. And very fine they looked too. I'm now on a slightly more modest journey of exploration of my own to discover a similar roll neck sweater that delivers the look, without bringing me out in a nasty prickly rash. Memories of wearing similar neck flagellating sweaters as a child in the seventies come rushing back.
ReplyDelete