Written by Leo Reed in last updated October 2021
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When it comes to style for big guys, there’s a lot of rules about what we shouldn’t do.
Whether it’s saying that fat guys should avoid stripes, skip the v-necks or stay away from an entire range of hairstyles there’s plenty of advice about what big guys shouldn’t do and the prevailing wisdom around the turtle neck is no different.
In fact, there are a ton of guides out there that suggest big guys and fat dudes shouldn’t wear turtlenecks at all. That would mean turtlenecks are exclusively reserved for skinny guys…which seems a little hard to believe.
So should big guys and fatter men wear turtlenecks?
Big guys and fat men can pull off the turtleneck look but they should avoid turtlenecks that run too high on the neck or are too chunky. This can cause your neck to disappear and end up making you appear rounder and thicker than you really are.
But that’s just scratching the surface so let’s dive a little deeper into what you need to know about big guys and turtlenecks.
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What Style Of Turtleneck Looks Best For Big Guys?
Part of the problem with saying that all big guys should avoid turtlenecks is that not all turtlenecks are the same!
You’ve got mock necks, chunky turtlenecks, thin turtlenecks, and everything in between so while some of these options may not be a good fit for big guys that certainly doesn’t mean that none of them are!
So let’s quickly break down your turtleneck options and figure out what works best for big guys.
Tall Turtlenecks
This is your worst option. It doesn’t matter if you’re skinny, fat, or anywhere in between this is a tough look to pull off.
That’s because a tall turtleneck completely throws off your proportions and that’s a bad thing for guys of any size. But for big guys, it can be even worse as not only can a tall turtleneck make you look like you don’t have a neck at all, but without the contrast that your neck brings, your head can end up looking extra round.
There’s isn’t a way to use layers or other garments to fix this and it’s best to always leave a little skin showing even when you’re rocking the turtleneck.
Thick Turtle Necks
Chunky turtle necks like you’d find in a cable knit sweater canwork but once again it’s going to come down to proportions. If big guys try to wear a thicker turtleneck as a standalone piece, you could once again run into proportion issues.
But adding a jacket can make a huge difference and help bring some balance to your look. Match the thickness of your layers to the thickness of your turtleneck and you should be good to go.
Thin Turtlenecks
Thin turtlenecks can work well for bigger guys as it helps you avoid the chunky-neck look. As a result, you have a lot more flexibility with how you wear this style.
However, a thin turtleneck usually means a thinner shirt overall which can cause its own problems. Thinner shirts have a tendency to highlight your belly or your nipples so once again you’ll want to use layering to balance out the look.
Mock Necks
Mock necks are by far the best option for most big guys. These are turtlenecks that fold over at the top making them shorter overall. These are still definitely turtlenecks but they don’t go up as high on your neck by design.
Not only will some guys find this more comfortable, but it can actually elongate the neck and give you a taller look.
If you’re not sure exactly how to style turtleneck or don’t want to figure it out, big guys should opt for the mock neck and it’s hard to go wrong here. I’ve picked out a few mock neck sweaters along with all my favorite sweaters for fat guys in this article if you’re interested in learning more.
Why Big Guys Should Wear Turtlenecks
You might be wondering why you’d want to go for a turtleneck in the first place if this look is so hard to pull off.
Fair question, but when you take the time you make this style work it can make you look taller, improve your posture (seriously) and just add some variety to your style. Of course, it’s also a great way to stay warm and the turtleneck isn’t just about looking great.
How Can A Turtle Neck Make Guys Look Taller
If you’re wearing a thinner turtleneck along with a jacket, the contrast between these two garments can make your neck and torso look longer overall. If your turtleneck isn’t especially tall and still shows some extra skin then the effect will be even more significant.
It’s the same idea behind shorter guys wearing a pair of shorts with a shorter inseam. By showing just a bit of extra leg, the proportion of shorts to the skin is shifted and ends up elongating the legs along with your entire look.
Turtlenecks Can Improve Your Posture
Okay, stay with me here. I know that might seem like a stretch but having a turtleneck on can make you more aware of the position of your neck and therefore help you achieve a better posture overall.
It’s not going to make a massive difference but better posture can improve your overall look so it’s worth mentioning.
Add Some Variety and Stay Warm
I’ve said it once and I’m sure I’ll say it many more times but fat guy fashion can, unfortunately, be very bland.
It’s the result of so many fashion gurus saying that fat guys shouldn’t wear this, that, and the other along with an underwhelming selection of sizes when it comes to most garments.
But doesn’t have to be that way and with a little digging you can find the perfect turtleneck to not only keep you warm but also spice up your wardrobe which is reason enough to try this look out this winter. Of course, it doesn’t stop with turtlenecks and there are plenty of other trendy styles fat guys and big dudes can pull off.
How Big Guys Can Pull Off The Turtleneck
Let’s wrap things up with some basic guidelines on how fat guys and big dudes can make the turtleneck look work.
Layer For Balance
If you haven’t picked up on it already, the turtleneck is all about balance, and layering is one of the best ways to pull this off.
When going for a thicker turtleneck, make sure you’re matching it with a heavier jacket to balance the increased thickness around your neck. When going for a thin turtleneck, you still want to layer but consider matching it with a suit jacket or similarly thin type of garment.
Whatever you do, look for a balance between the turtleneck and the rest of your layers.
This quick video has a great section on layering for bigger guys that’s worth checking out:
Don’t Go Too High On Your Neck
Avoid a turtleneck that hides all the skin on your neck and instead show a little skin to create some contrast and elongate your look.
That’s it, it’s that simple!
Closing Thoughts
Okay, let’s wrap this up!
While there are definitely some ways to run into problems when it comes to rocking the turtleneck, there’s no reason why a fat guy can’t pull off this look.
It doesn’t need to be complicated either. Just focus on thoughtful layering to balance your look and avoid running your turtleneck too high and you’ll be good to go 95% of the time.
So what do you think? Are you going to go for the turtleneck this winter?
