Turtlenecks and time

Should women in the Passage wear turtlenecks?  I own quite a few, in various fibres. Time was when all I had to think about was whether one fit—sleeves and torso long enough, and no pulling at the bust. 

But now, there are whole new Turtleneck Problems. 

The torso requires help from a bra that pushes up a bit, but not so much that it looks like two plush animals are under there. The shoulder: Didn't I used to have straight shoulders? Is it time to bring back shoulder pads? What can be done here, if anything?

Moving up, the neck. The snug tube collar is now like wearing throat-Spanx; the squished skin has to go somewhere, and 'where' is spilling over the top like twine around cookie dough.  

The most ease would mean a cowl neck. A character in the film "Private Life" said, about her mother, "She used to have style, then she hit menopause and boom! It was all tunics with cowl necks." Oof, that's cold! But she has a point, the cowl atop a boxy, long cut looks like a drop cloth. To avoid that, look for a cowl neck on a fitted body. (Shown, Brora ribbed cowl neck cashmere sweater in grape.)

Some women say they have never worn turtlenecks; they cite short necks—so the collar grazes the chin—or find them too hot or constricting, but if you live in a cool climate—or find you chill easily— they are a staple from fall right into spring. 

I decided to wear them anyway. I like how they highlight my earrings, buck a draft, and make me feel like Audrey Hepburn, especially in black. Le Duc just laughs when I ask if I look too busty.  

If you hunt, you can find some with accommodating necks. This classic lambswool WoolOvers polo neck has a wide-ribbed (and therefore more flexible) roll. Price, $CDN 135.

We have language issues here. European makers use the terms "polo neck" or "roll neck" for what North Americans call "turtleneck". Their "turtleneck" is what North Americans call a "mock turtle". When the neck is high but not folded— but may occasionally flop gracefully (this stuff is complicated)—both sides agree to "funnel neck". 

In the window, options that offer some snuggle without the bulk of the folded turtleneck. (Full prices below, but this is the time of year for sales, so they may be reduced.)

Left: Side-slit loose turtleneck, Eric Bompard. Full price $CDN 435, but check the sale (Jan. 11-Feb. 17, 2023.)

Top right: Alpaca-blend funnelneck, Brora; full price, $CDN 330.

Bottom right: Kotn ribbed cotton mockneck, $CDN 48. This top was named by the New York Times' Vanessa Friedman as a sure-chic pick: wear it with any bottom, pop on your sunglasses, swipe your favourite lippie—and you are cool, for sure. 

The finale is not a sweater, but an accessory.  What if, I ask breathlessly, you could turn any sweater into a turtle or cowl neck only when you wanted to? Planning to run around town all day? Visiting your cousin who believes overheated houses are unhealthy? Attending an event in a drafty hall or arena? 

I can think of a dozen good reasons to buy, knit or sew one of these, perhaps from an old sweater, or several.

Lighter: Cashmere gauzy snood, Brora; price, $CDN 180. A great weight for indoor wear and mild winters or transitional seasons. Now on sale.

Midweight: Cashmere 4-ply ribbed snood, Eric Bompard; price, $CDN 275. This is a deep, squashy one that can work outdoors. On sale but in limited colours.

Heavier (but less volume): Fitted 12-ply ribbed snood; Eric Bompard; price, $CDN 125.

The joy of a small, lofty, soft accessory! And the attendant pleasure of simply saying "snood"!