These versatile black turtlenecks are anything but boring. (J.Crew)
When it comes to wardrobe staples, a black turtleneck deserves a spot in your rotation this fall and winter. This timeless basic effortlessly elevates any cold-weather outfit and looks just as good layered under a blazer and worn alone with jeans and sneakers. Stylish celebrities have long used the classic topper as the foundation for their fall ensembles. Whether it's Audrey Hepburn dancing around in Funny Face, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy exuding quiet luxury during the '90s or Michelle Pfeiffer showing off her black turtlenecks on social media, this is one celeb-loved style we can get behind.
Any turtleneck connoisseur will tell you that these deceptively simple tops are not all the same. Finding one that's comfortable, breathable and flattering can be a struggle. But that's why we're here to help. Below, you'll find three black turtlenecks that our team of shopping experts has deemed the best of the best. We've also thrown in one more that Yahoo readers just can't get enough of.
Update, Dec. 16, 2024: We've checked all prices and availability and added a new recommendation for best oversize black turtleneck from Lillusory.
Senior Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini loves this Splendid top so much that she deemed it "a perfect turtleneck" — and we deemed it one of the year's best black turtlenecks. 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, including "jeans, button-downs, skirts, and even dresses."
This tissue-thin turtleneck from J.Crew has been my go-to for years because it's an excellent 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-ups, cardigans and pullover sweaters once it starts to get cold in the winter — it gives me the right 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 like a dream 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.
Another one of my favorite black turtlenecks is this chunky oversize style. It’s such a cozy winter go-to with its ribbed texture and flowy fit — wonderful for snuggling up on chilly days. I really enjoy how versatile the turtleneck is; I can fold it over for a more polished look or wear it the neck slouchy for a laid-back vibe.
The best part? The longer split hem gives me great coverage, so I can wear it with leggings and feel completely comfy and confident. It looks just as good when worn with jeans or trousers too. The only tiny downside is that the brand recommends hand-washing it, but I've tossed it in the washing machine without any problems. I do let it air dry, though, to keep it from shrinking.
While this fitted Alo turtleneck is technically 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 in it to give it the ideal amount of stretch. Granero says she mostly wears the fitted basic on it's own but has styled it with everything from dress 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." When it comes to cleaning it, this option takes a bit more work than others on this list. While the brand suggests washing it separately with cold water, Granero says she has thrown it in with other pieces of like colors with no issues. But she does have to hang it dry to keep it's shape and softness.
Long enough to cover your bum and it's loose-fitting while being figure-flattering, it looks great with jeans or leggings.
Related this over-the-moon customer: "Very soft has some stretch and is a good length. The neck doesn't make you feel like you are being strangled. It's more of a soft hug. Keeps me very warm but not sweating hot. I've worn mine from early Nov to early Apr. Very flattering. Very soft. I wash mine if cold gentle setting lay it flat to dry and no shrinkage."
Looking for an easy black turtleneck? Hundreds of Yahoo readers have purchased this stylish pullover in the past few months.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.