Can You Actually Wear Turtlenecks in the Summer? Here’s Exactly How to Pull It Off
Photo by: Kelly Dawson
I own a lot of turtlenecks. Probably too many, given the fact that I live in Los Angeles and I’m not actually Diane Keaton (or Nora Ephron, depending on your pop culture prowess). My dad likes to poke fun at me for this sartorial choice, particularly if I decide to wear a tank top version on a sunny day.
“Oh, is your neck cold?,” he’ll ask and laugh.
Personally, I love how that extra bit of fabric below my chin elongates my neck while showing off my arms, and I think the close cut can be sexy — even if it’s, yes, a turtleneck. This top can balance out bulkier linen pants or wide-leg jeans, or provide a fun contrast to full skirts. And, perhaps my favorite part, turtlenecks look especially cool with a pair of sunglasses.
The Ideal Fabric for a Summer Turtleneck
Wearing a turtleneck in the summer is possible if you pay attention to one important factor: the fabric. It’s going to be quite uncomfortable to walk around wearing wool in June, and likely no one would recommend a cashmere or flannel version in July, either. You want to find a turtleneck made of cotton for the summer months, so that it’s light and airy for your warm-weather fun.
This is a personal preference, so feel free to ignore this part: Find a sleeveless turtleneck, not a mock-neck. I like having that added layer of fabric to fold over, and the outfit looks more complete to me that way. Given that extra fabric, it’s even more important to stick to cotton options. You’ll have the most success seeking out sleeveless turtlenecks secondhand, like on Poshmark or Ebay. Here’s one navy option from J.Crew back in the day, which I actually own as well!
Here I am showing off the versatility of a sleeveless turtleneck in a post for lifestyle blog Cup of Jo.
The Best Outfits for a Summer Turtleneck
A sleeveless turtleneck is versatile, and is legitimately one of those wardrobe pieces that can go from day to night and casual to elegant—trust me. Here are a few options to consider:
This black maxi skirt from Anthropologie has just the right amount of volume to balance out a form-fitting turtleneck tank top. I’d finish things off with statement earrings and a brightly colored clutch.
A pair of linen pants, like these ones from Banana Republic, bring a casual contrast to the structure of a turtleneck. All you need to complete the look are a pair of sunglasses and sneakers.
A skort is an unexpected combo for a turtleneck tank, like this option from J.Crew, and I’d just make sure the tank was a bit slouchy to balance things out. From there, add sunglasses and sandals.
A straight-leg, white jean always looks crisp with a turtleneck in any season, but it particularly captures the Keaton-of-it-all in the summer. These pants from Madewell are ideal. You can add a scarf for extra flare, speaking of the style icon.
Editor's Note: This story was originally published in 2022 and has been updated for Summer 2026 with new styling tips and current product recommendations.
If you buy something using these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. It doesn’t cost you anything, and thank you for supporting my small business!
