When you think about closet staples, what normally comes to mind? A trustworthy pair of jeans? A basic white tee? A go-to pair of sneakers? For me, it's an item that easily pairs with garments I already own — like a black turtleneck.
Speaking of, I recently went on a journey to find the best black turtlenecks out there. In order to do so, I wore black turtlenecks for one month (to the office, the gym, family Christmases and more) from brands like Lululemon, Madewell, Amazon and others.
These turtlenecks were fairly easy to weave into my winter wardrobe that's already full of cardigans and oversized sweaters.
I scored the black turtlenecks based on three features, all of which I rated on a scale of 1 though 5:
- Quality, fabric: How did they feel first coming out of the package, and how did they feel while being worn? How well did they last in the wash?
- Fit, shape: Were the turtlenecks restrictive or breathable? How did they fit? Were they too thin or too thick?
- Layering: Were the turtlenecks easy to layer or were they better worn solo? What kind of garment did they fit the best underneath?
Then, I tapped style experts to talk even more about turtlenecks. They discussed the best ways to layer a black turtleneck and explained what materials make for a good layering piece.
I was the sole tester for this article, so all of the findings and ratings are based off my own experiences. See below for my findings as well as my number one pick for a black turtleneck.
Hint: You'll also be able to wear it while working out!
Best for wearing solo$23.97$35.00
Best for colder days$8.88$12.90
Best materials for a black turtleneck
The best materials for a black turtleneck (or any turtleneck, really) will depend on how you're planning on styling it. Do you like to layer your clothes, or would you rather wear it solo?
If you want to make "layering a breeze without the bulk," New York-based stylist and style expert, Liz Teich, recommends going for a thinner fabric made with cotton or elastane.
When wearing a turtleneck as a standalone piece, Teich recommends choosing options that have a thick, sweater-like material. The Amazon Essentials and Madewell options I tried below fit the bill, and they're crafted with polyester (which adds to their warmth).
On the other hand, personal stylist, Karis Battle, says that cotton, modal or fine merino wool are “soft, breathable and perfect for solo styling."
The fabrics I favored when testing were made primarily out of a modal or cotton and elastane fabric blend.
Editor's Note: While most of the black turtlenecks we picked are no longer available, we also found some others that are worth checking out.
Best overall black turtleneck
Quality, fabric: 5/5 | Fit, shape: 4/5 | Layering: 5/5 | Overall rating: 4.67/5
Quality, fabric: This turtleneck has the feel of a workout top without appearing as such. It’s made with buttery-soft and stretchy fabric that you’re able to move around easily in, whether you’re going on a run or commuting to the office.
Fit, shape: I’ve been humbled by Lululemon’s sizing metrics in the past, so I made sure to order a size larger than what I normally wear in other brands clothes.
Layering: It layered really well underneath sweaters, but I also wore it solo on a run.
Although there are other turtlenecks on this list that scored just as high as this one, the Lululemon turtleneck quickly became my personal favorite, all thanks to its versatility (which was a top priority for me). For instance, it can be dressed up to wear to the office or down to the gym.
More black turtlenecks, tested by the author
Best for wearing solo:
Quality, fabric: 5/5 | Fit, shape: 4/5 | Layering: 5/5 | Overall rating: 4.67/5
Quality, fabric: This turtleneck from Banana Republic is made with buttery-soft fabric, which feels so good while wearing it. The elastane and spandex blend creates a very obvious stretch; in fact, the turtleneck stretched to fit over my head without being misshapen afterwards.
Fit, shape: I adore the way it fits, which is actually true to size. It sits right below the hips and waistline, so I don’t feel pressured to tuck it in if wearing it underneath something. However, the sleeves were a touch long on me, but that was resolved by rolling the wrists just once.
Layering: It’s easy to layer, as it acts like a second skin on the body without being too tight. However, this is also the only turtleneck in the lineup that I felt confident wearing solo.
Best affordable basic:
Quality, fabric: 3/5 | Fit, shape: 3/5 | Layering: 3/5 | Overall rating: 3/5
Quality, fabric: I don’t notice or feel the 8% spandex portion that this turtleneck is made out of. It’s not inherently soft, but not not soft either. It’s started to pill in the arms, but that's after years and years of consistently wear and washing (I had already owned this turtleneck prior to testing.) It's also very, very sheer.
Fit, shape: This turtleneck runs long; I typically tuck it into jeans, skirts, etc. It curves around the front and back for a more detailed shape, but that design makes it awkward to tuck into slimmer materials like silk skirts because the excess bunches up. Otherwise, the fit is up to par. The turtleneck portion isn’t made with too much or too little fabric, and I’ve never had to fuss with it.
Layering: This turtleneck layers very well underneath T-shirts, sweaters and sleeveless sweater vests. The only issue that I’ve run into is the aforementioned “bunchiness” that happens when tucking it into pants or skirts.
Best for colder days:
Quality, fabric: 3/5 | Fit, shape: 4/5 | Layering: 1/5 | Overall rating: 2.67/5
Quality, fabric: I was not expecting this one to have a sweater-like feel to it, but it does. While unexpected, it also feels high quality.
Fit, shape: This turtleneck fits a bit slimmer compared to other sweater-like designs (if you’re looking at it from the perspective of a sweater, rather than a turtleneck). It fits super well and falls right at hip-length. The neck isn’t bothersome or tight, either.
Layering: I don’t like the way this layers underneath anything aside from a baggy sweater vest. I think the sweater-like material makes it awkward to layer most things over it (aside from a jean jacket or similar outerwear).
Best for a night out:
Quality, fabric: 4/5 | Fit, shape: 5/5 | Layering: 5/5 | Overall rating: 4.67/5
Quality, fabric: This pick isn't as sheer as some of the others; I would wear this on a night out or when wanting a second skin layer that I knew I wouldn't have to fuss with throughout the day. I would most likely not wear this during an in-office day, since I’m getting up and going to the bathroom often!
Fit, shape: This went on tight, but once it was on my body and situated, it was fine! I’m not a huge fan of bodysuits in the first place, so I don’t think I would personally choose this one had it not been for this article. However, I didn’t mind it for testing purposes.
Layering: Because this top is a bodysuit, it fits well underneath a pair of jeans and would go well under a skirt as well.
Best for layering:
Quality, fabric: 1/5 | Fit, shape: 2/5 | Layering: 5/5 | Overall rating: 2.67/5
Quality, fabric: I didn’t like the feel of the fabric when I first took it out of the package. This turtleneck doesn't have a "buttery-soft" feel like some of the others do, even after being worn and washed.
Fit, shape: This top has more of a mock neck rather than a full-fledged turtleneck. The fit feels fine... just that: fine. It's also a bit tight in the arms.
Layering: This is an easy layering piece. Under sweaters, tees, sweater vests, flannels, etc. It lies right where a turtleneck should, in my opinion: If you want to wear it solo, it doesn’t look odd, but if you want to layer it, you don’t necessarily have to tuck it in.
Best for the outdoors:
Quality, fabric: 4/5 | Fit, shape: 3/5 | Layering: 5/5 | Overall rating: 4/5
Quality, fabric: Upon taking it out of the package, this turtleneck feels like a thermal layer you’d wear while skiing, hiking or running outdoors in cooler temperatures. I wouldn't wear it as an everyday turtleneck for this reason. It feels durable, upon taking it out of the package and while wearing it.
Fit, shape: The turtleneck fits slimmer compared to others tested, otherwise I like the way it feels. It doesn't have the same restrictive feeling, yet is noticeably a bit tighter.
Layering: This pick has a second skin-like feel, making it easy to layer underneath sweaters, baggier long sleeves or especially outerwear.
Best for a slim-fitting style:
Quality, fabric: 2/5 | Fit, shape: 2/5 | Layering: 4/5 | Overall rating: 2.67/5
Quality, fabric: It’s made out of a thin, modal fabric that, once again, Battle says is “perfect for solo styling.” The brand describes the fabric as "breathable," but that feature was hard to tell based on how slim-fitting it was.
Fit, shape: I highly recommend sizing up. The shoulders and turtleneck areas are super constrictive. I honestly don’t think I’d last a full work day wearing this one because of how tight it is. Also, the sleeves have a weird flared aspect that I didn’t see online.
Layering: While it was a bit tight-fitting, this turtleneck does have a naturally slimmer fit compared to others, making it easy to layer, despite what Battle recommends above.
Best ribbed material:
Quality, fabric: 3/5 | Fit, shape: 5/5 | Layering: 4/5 | Overall rating: 4/5
Quality, fabric: While it has a bit thicker material, it’s still very very sheer. It has a ribbed material that adds a fun texture to any plain outfit or sweater you’re pairing it with.
Fit, shape: It sits pretty well, and I like the warmth it provides, especially in these more bitter, wintry days. It doesn’t have a too-baggy or second-skin feel, fitting somewhere right in the middle. It also tucks into jeans without them feeling too tight.
Layering: This option is a bit thicker of material compared to the others (aside from the Amazon Essentials pick), yet still layers well underneath a baggy cardigan or sweater. This turtleneck could be worn solo and not look odd.
Best for the gym:
Quality, fabric: 3/5 | Fit, shape: 1/5 | Layering: 5/5 | Overall rating: 3/5
Quality, fabric: This turtleneck feels really stiff upon taking it out of the package. Has a similar ribbed look to the Lululemon one, but isn’t quite as soft.
Fit, shape: This turtleneck has the same stiff, restricting feeling as the Spanx one. The neck and arms were super tight-feeling, even after trying to adjust them to fit after putting it on. On the site, reviewers do describe this turtleneck as small and somewhat tight in the chest, and I have to agree. I, along with many reviewers, recommend sizing up.
Layering: This turtleneck is thin enough for layering, tucking inside pants or a skirt without it feeling bunchy.
More black turtlenecks to shop
This turtleneck fits exactly how one should — not too tight, not too baggy, true to your usual size and a length that hits right at the belt line, giving you the option to leave it untucked if you want.
Reviewers "can't get enough" of its copycat-cashmere fabric at an affordable price.
Reviewers (over 7,300 of them) agree that this turtleneck makes for an easy layering piece for the fall and wintertime. It has a soft fabric, flattering fit and is of "excellent quality," they say.
"I have been counting down the days until it's cold enough to wear this sweater, and today is the day," says production associate Audrey Ekman. "I'm happy to report it's every bit as cozy as I was hoping it'd be as a cotton-cashmere blend. I layered it over a long-sleeved base layer and it didn't look bulky or bunch up at all, plus it stays tucked in thanks to the bodysuit bottom. Such a great staple piece for fall and winter that I'm excited to style with jeans, skirts, slacks, cardigans and more."
"This is my third fall season with this timeless sweater in my arsenal and it's still in amazing condition, thanks to the quality cotton construction," says Ekman. "I opted for the classic black color, which I know I will never tire of. It's actually warm and has a loose boxy fit that pairs well with slacks, jeans and silky skirts alike. This is one of those pieces that'll be hanging in my closet for the rest of my life."
How we tested the black turtlenecks
I, Sierra Hoeger, selected 10 black turtlenecks from editor- and shopper-loved brands, putting them to the test for a month — at the gym, in the office and in my everyday life — rating the overall quality, fit, shape and how they performed as layering pieces.
Why trust us
I'm an associate editor who started writing and reporting for Shop TODAY in 2022, covering topics such related to travel, clothing, beauty and more.
I'm also an avid runner (with plans to run the New York City Marathon in 2025!) and was able to test the appropriate turtlenecks while on the treadmill and at the office.
Meet the experts
- Karis Battle is a personal stylist, costume designer and fashion editor lending insight to multiple publications, including Shop TODAY, where she recently gave recommendations for fabrics to keep in mind when shopping for sweats.
- Liz Teich is a New York-based stylist and style expert. She's contributed to a handful of Shop TODAY pieces, including commenting on why capri pants are trending (again!).
