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Fashion
By Heidi Quill, Faye Fearon and Adam Cheung
The rollneck jumper is the suave knit of choice for such menswear style icons as Tom Holland, Steve McQueen and Stormzy. Here’s our pick of the best you can buy this season
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Whether you call them polo necks, turtlenecks or rollnecks, as with every year, the rollneck jumper is a piece of best men's knitwear that’s sure to become a wardrobe staple in the colder months ahead. And if there's one man who knows just what to do with high-necked knitwear, it's Mr Tom Holland.
Spotted sporting a rollneck everywhere from date nights with Spiderman co-star Zendaya to the premiere of Uncharted in Madrid, Hollywood's most recent Peter Parker loves nothing more than balancing a high-neck with suit trousers and sleek, chic loafers. But Holland aside, it was in the 1970s that the popularity of the rollneck jumper was first at its peak, when style icon Steve McQueen had men flocking to buy the perfect navy-blue one to emulate his look from Bullit. Years later, another Steve – last name Jobs – became an unlikely style icon in his signature black rollneck, while the red carpets of recent years have been awash with men wearing slimmer-fitting rollnecks under suits – The Weeknd comes to mind alongside Holland in providing particularly strong styling inspiration in this department.
Plenty smarter than a standard sweatshirt, and warmer too, a rollneck is a timeless classic that’s received plenty of eye-catching updates for the new season. As such, we’ve filtered through the rollneck rails to bring you our edit of the best you can buy.
Shop GQ's edit of the best rollneck jumpers for men…
Ralph Lauren Purple Label
1/10
Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Ralph Lauren Purple Label
- Fabrication: Cashmere
- Sizes: S-XL
- Colours: Black
Rollneck jumpers are usually kept quite clean and simple, which is hardly a bad thing, but if you're looking for one with a touch more class, allow us to introduce this offering by Ralph Lauren. Sitting in the designer's Purple Label, its classic black frame is centred by the beloved Polo Bear motif: donned in a dapper tuxedo to elevate the piece's timeless style standing. Aside from this eye-catching appliqué, the jumper oozes quality through its cashmere construction and promises to flatter through its slim-fit, making it well worth the investment.
Fred Perry
2/10
Fred Perry
Fred Perry
- Fabrication: Merino wool blend
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Oatmeal, black
We're big fans of a bright rollneck, and as we write, it doesn't get much better than this one from Fred Perry. Clad in a stunning oatmeal shade, its relaxed silhouette combines merino wool and recycled nylon, and features deep ribbed trims for the finishings. The standout feature, however? It's got to be the brand's iconic Laurel Wreath logo, boldly fused in burgundy form across the upper left arm. What a beauty
Husbands
3/10
Husbands
Husbands
- Fabrication: Cashmere
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Colours: Mulberry
Looking to serve a romantic stance via your rollneck of choice? This simple piece by Husbands is proof as to why the Parisian brand is making waves in the menswear world. It's crafted from pure cashmere (ooh la la), is slightly cropped to tuck easily into high-waisted trousers (another signature offering from the label which we suggest checking out) and comes complete with ribbed finishings. Magnifique.
M&S
4/10
Marks & Spencer
M&S
- Fabrication: Merino wool
- Sizes: S-2XL
- Colours: Black, burgundy, beige (+4 more)
Arguably the eternal winter wardrobe essential, a black rollneck is one of those pieces you can adapt to pretty much any social scenario, and thanks to Marks & Spencer, you can do so without it breaking the bank. Uncompromising on quality, this staple style is made from an extra fine merino wool (known for its luxuriously soft feel, FYI) and comes in an extensive size range up to 4XL.
Mr P.
5/10
Mr P.
Mr P.
- Fabrication: Merino wool
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Grey
If anyone can take a timeless style and make it feel new, it’s Mr Porter. With one of the greatest modern menswear edits on the planet, the retailer's in-house line is an extension of its design knowledge, and for Autumn/Winter 2024, this translates merino wool jumper. Re-imagining the traditional rollneck with a starker silhouette in mind, it has been space-dyed during production to achieve a striking abstract pattern, the edges of which are ribbed for extra warmth. A fashionable favourite for team GQ.
Asket
6/10
Asket
Asket
- Fabrication: Merino wool
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Dark green, black, brown (+2 more)
In a deep green tone, this rollneck from Asket presents a smart take on the timeless piece. Worn with a suit or tailored trousers, this jumper works just as well behind a desk as it does paired with jeans and a bomber jacket. Crafted from extra-fine merino wool, this rollneck is both breathable and insulating, making it the ideal pick for Britain's unpredictable weather.
Drake's
7/10
Drake's
Drake's
- Fabrication: Lambswool
- Sizes: S-XL
- Colours: Grey, green, navy
Cosy, versatile, and totally timeless, Drake's latest submariner rollneck has been knitted in Scotland from a heavyweight lambswool texture: therefore a must to see you through imminent cold days. Reflecting the Savile Row-based brand's excellent approach to craftsmanship, it's chunky gauge frame is stitched with ribbed detailing across its tall roll neck, cuffs and hem, and sits with a relaxed fall for maximum comfort. You'll get your wear out of this one, for sure.
Sandro
8/10
Sandro
Sandro
- Fabrication: Wool
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Camel, black, grey (+4 more)
Known for its cool-guy take on Parisian minimalism, Sandro creates enviable wardrobe staples ideal for a sunset stroll along the river Seine. Having said that, this sandy beige rollneck from Sandro looks good regardless of location, crafted from a warming pure wool construction that skims the body in just the right way. Amp up the colourway with tonal trousers, accessories, et cetera.
Ami
9/10
Amiri
Ami
- Fabrication: Merino wool
- Sizes: S-XXXL
- Colours: Off-white, black, grey
We heart this piece by Ami (literally). If you’re in the market for something ultra cosy to get you through the autumn and winter months, you need to check this out. Crafted to a slight slouch with relaxed dropped sleeves, it’s knitted from RWS-certified wool and accented with the iconic ‘Ami de Cœur’ logo in red. Pair these with some neatly-pressed trousers and you’ll be good to go.
N.Peal
10/10
N.Peal
N.Peal
- Fabrication: Cashmere blend
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Colours: White, brown, black (+2 more)
Famously donned by a certain 007, the N.Peal rollneck is famed for good reason. Crafted from a fine gauge cashmere and silk blend, this crisp white wardrobe addition is sure to make a stylish impact no matter the occasion, even if that's chopping through waves at the helm of a speed boat, martini in hand.
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