The 3 best black turtlenecks to class up your closet, according to our editors

Senior Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini loves this Splendid top so much that she deemed it “a perfect turtleneck.” Why? “It’s comfortable, layerable, versatile and well-fitting. This is my third time purchasing this same shirt over the past eight years. I love it,” she says.

While the shirt itself is fitted, the fold-over turtleneck is a little saggy, which Romolini says she prefers because it’s less constricting than closer-fitting styles. It’s so versatile that she wears it with practically everything, she says: “jeans, button-downs, skirts, and even under summery dresses.”

She gave the cotton blend a five out of five on the softness scale and said it feels so good on that “it’s the T-shirt of turtlenecks.” Though the top may stretch a bit after you wear it, it “snaps nicely back into shape in the dryer.”

This tissue-thin turtleneck from J.Crew has been my go-to for years because it’s the perfect layering piece. I’m able to tuck it into jeans, dress pants and skirts without any bunching. It’s so thin and flat under bottoms that it looks like I’m wearing a bodysuit instead of a top. 

While I often wear it on its own, I also love layering it under button-downs, cardigans and pull-over sweaters once it starts to get cold in the winter — it gives me the perfect amount of added warmth without feeling bulky. The soft neck folds down and never feels like it’s choking me, which is always a consideration when I’m shopping for turtlenecks.

I’ve had this top for over three years and it still looks brand new, plus it fits perfectly every time I take it out of the wash. It’s size-inclusive, with options ranging from XXS to 3XL, so it’s easy to find the right fit. I love it so much, I also have it in gray and white, and I’m eyeing the sleek olive color too.

While this Alo turtleneck is designed for an active lifestyle, Senior Commerce Writer Kristin Granero says it’s versatile enough to wear with anything. The stretchy topper is equal parts soft and breathable, and the fabric has spandex that gives it some stretch. Granero says she mostly wears the fitted basic on its own but has styled it with everything from dressy trousers to workout bottoms.

She also raves about how durable the turtleneck is. “It doesn’t wrinkle, the fabric is easy to wipe off/doesn’t collect lint or pill, and it has sustained its color saturation.” However, when it comes to care, it takes a bit more work than others on this list. While the brand suggests washing it separately in cold water, Granero says she has thrown it in the machine with other darker clothing with no issues. She does hang it dry so that it keeps its shape and softness.

Simple and sophisticated, this relaxed turtleneck is just what we need to stay comfortable while we transition into cooler weather. No wonder so many of our readers are fans!

“Literally, my new favorite sweater, and I plan to buy other colors,” said one five-star reviewer. “This is a lightweight sweater that still gives me the warm and cozy feeling of a heavier sweater. The neck stands up great after a day of wear which is really important to me. Sleeves are the perfect length and not restrictive. Loose but without taking up too much room in my coat sleeves. Soft enough to wear without a shirt underneath if that’s your jam. Boxy, loose and wearable in all situations.”