Mock Neck vs. Turtleneck: What’s the Difference?

A mock neck top—or “mock turtleneck”—is a garment with a high collar covering most of the neck, but the collar does not feature layers of fabric you can fold over. This shirt cut is common in knit sweaters, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and long sleeve shirts. Some mock neck tops resemble the slim fit of a classic turtleneck, while others, like roll-neck sweaters and funnel neck tops, provide the wearer with a looser fit. As a casual and versatile garment, you can wear a mock neck year-round.

Also known as a polo neck, a turtleneck is a garment with a high neckline that folds over. The turtleneck collar sits close around the neck with a snug fit. Turtlenecks come in different styles, including sweaters and long sleeve shirts, and also come in a variety of materials, such as cashmere, wool, and cotton. A staple for your fall and winter wardrobe, turtleneck sweaters are a versatile layering piece you can wear with V-neck cardigans, blazers, or as an undershirt beneath crewneck pullovers.

Though mock necks and turtlenecks share a distinctive high-neck silhouette, there are differences between these two garment styles. Here’s how the two compare:

• Collar style and fit: The primary difference between mock necks and turtlenecks is the style of the collar. A mock neck has a loose-fitting collar with no extra fabric to fold and style, while all types of turtlenecks feature the signature fold-over neckline that fits tight around the neck.
• Fabric content: Both mock neck and turtleneck tops come in many fabrics and materials. Knit turtlenecks often come in lambswool, cashmere, or synthetic fabrics, though turtlenecks also come in cotton or fleece. Similarly, mock neck shirts come in cotton, modal, jersey, or other fabrics, and knit varieties often come in materials with a thinner weave than turtlenecks, such as merino wool, that allow for either a loose drape or a close-fitting ribbed knit style.
• Versatility: Mock neck and turtleneck tops are versatile and adaptable for year-round attire, depending on the fabric and cut. Turtleneck tops are a favorite choice for cold weather because the fabric around the neck provides extra warmth, though there are sleeveless turtleneck tops for warmer weather. Mock necks come in many cuts; you can wear mock neck T-shirts in the summertime with skinny jeans or pair a mock neck wool sweater with leggings in the fall.

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