Right now, we all want any excuse to choose the relaxed options in our wardrobes. Less loafers, more slippers. A cardigan instead of a jacket. And, lately, it’s about leaving the turtleneck behind for its arguably more versatile (and even superior) cousin: the mock neck. They’ve suddenly popped back into view, with a number of brands carrying them this season, and I, for one, am not mad.
To understand this sudden interest, we have to (unfortunately) look at what’s happening outside our closets. The fact of the matter is how we dress has changed over the past year. Those of us who are into clothes have been forced to hunt for pieces that sit on the crossroads of relaxed and stylish. Thus, the mock neck snuck back into our lives.
The shorter neckline strikes a comfortable balance between casual crewnecks and more formal turtlenecks. But for all their ease, mock neck sweaters prove to be a polarizing garment. Do you dress it up? Or is it purely casual? Does it make me look like Steve Jobs? Adam Rogers, co-founder of menswear brand Adret, says the answer is simple: “Mock necks are the bridges that close the gap between being overly put-together or foolishly underdressed. They are an unassuming sophistication.” In other words, less Steve Jobs and more Steve McQueen.
Whether your thing is tailored trousers or well-worn jeans, mock necks are able to make an outfit look effortless and easy. It’s in this versatility where the appeal lies. Mock necks are more than able to stand on their own. Michael Murphy’s Yale Pollack in Manhattan provides a great example, wearing a loose cotton jersey iteration with slim 5-pocket jeans whilst strolling the city streets. Moreover, they are also underrated MVPs of layering, working brilliantly underneath checked over-shirts and relaxed tailoring. Turn to an episode of Seinfeld and you might catch Jerry wearing a dark brown checked sports jacket atop a black mock neck for a dinner date that, inevitably, ends poorly.
That’s the beauty of mock necks—they can play the field and appeal to all sides. The next time you’re a bit stumped between looking put together or relaxed when you go out for coffee, remember there’s a middle ground. Here are eight of the best to buy now.
-
N.Peal 007 Fine Gauge Mock Neck Sweater
Image Credit: N.Peal Knitted in from a fine gauge cashmere-silk blend, British brand N. Peal’s tailored sweater was worn by none other than James Bond in Spectre. Available in a variety of colors from classic navy to fawn, you can’t go wrong with this versatile charcoal gray.
-
De Bonne Facture Merino Wool Mock Neck Sweater
Image Credit: East Dane What makes this rust-colored offering from the Parisian label unique is not only its slightly lower neck and saddle shoulder construction, but the fact that the merino wool used to make this is mulesing-free, avoiding a practice that usually harms the sheep.
-
Mr. P Cotton Mock Neck Sweater
Image Credit: Mr Porter Who said mock necks are only for the colder months? This sky blue short-sleeved number from Mr Porter’s own label is knitted in Italy from a soft, lightweight cotton, and makes for a great option for a casual day out once things start to warm up.
-
Inia Meáin Ribbed Mock Neck
Image Credit: Todd Snyder For those particularly freezing days when you just want to feel hugged by something, this is the one to reach for. Made on an island famed for knitting traditional fishermans sweaters, the combination of chunky ribbing and timeless navy blue will add a subtle nautical note to urban attire.
-
Camoshita Wool Mock Neck Sweater
Image Credit: Mr Porter Yasuto Kamoshita’s eponymous brand is built on his personal style of relaxed elegance, and his offering of fine wool mock necks are no exception to the rule. Do things a little different with this camel color, which would be right at home with a pair of dark trousers.
-
Sunspel Fine Merino Wool Mock Neck Sweater
Image Credit: Sunspel A black mock neck is indispensable, so do yourself a favor and grab a simple piece that can work on all occasions. The piece from the storied British brand, does just that in slim-fitting merino wool. Make like Jerry and find yourself a nice checked sport coat to wear it with, or be bold and go completely monochrome.
-
Camber USA Mock Neck T-Shirt
Image Credit: Beige Habilleur This sportier take on the mock neck comes from Camber USA, a family run company in Norristown, Pennsylvania that specializes in the production of cotton jersey workwear. The light weight and ecru color make it an ideal candidate for layering.
-
Colhays Superfine Lambswool Mock Neck
Image Credit: Colhays Taking cues from styles worn by ’60s Beats and the likes Otis Redding, this rich dark brown iteration is made in Hawick, Scotland, from a surprisingly soft 12-gauge lambswool. An effortlessly versatile piece of cozy knitwear.
