Roll Neck Jumpers for Women: Fit, Yarn and Styling

A roll neck jumper for women is a knitted sweater with a tall, close tube of knit at the neck that folds over on itself, and the choice comes down to three things: how high the neck sits, which yarn it is knitted in, and how much room the body has. A softer reading of the shape is the new ME+EM High Neck Relaxed Jumper in Black, in pure cashmere with dropped shoulders, and the label’s wider knit edit is in our ME+EM knitwear guide.

This guide explains the neck names, compares yarns, sets out how a roll neck should fit, and shows how to wear one under tailoring and over a shirt. If you already know you want cashmere, our dedicated guide to cashmere turtlenecks goes deeper into that one fibre.

Roll neck, turtleneck, polo neck, funnel neck: the differences

Roll neck. The British term for a long neck tube that is folded down over itself. It covers the whole throat.

Turtleneck. The American word for the same garment. Same shape; polo neck is the older British name.

Funnel neck. A neck that stands up away from the throat without folding, usually slightly wider at the top.

Mock neck and high neck. A shorter neck that rises above the collarbone but is not folded. ME+EM calls this a high neckline. It gives the line of a roll neck with less bulk under a coat collar.

Which yarn to choose

Cashmere. Very soft, warm for its weight and the most comfortable against the neck. It pills at first, which is normal for a soft natural fibre. The N.Peal Margot Superfine Cashmere Roll Neck Jumper in Black and the Luna Roll Neck Cashmere Jumper in Oat Grey are both full roll necks in cashmere.

Merino wool. Smooth, fine and breathable, with natural elasticity. A good choice for a slim roll neck under a blazer, and less prone to pilling than cashmere.

Lambswool and Shetland. Warmer, hairier and more rugged. Best for a chunky weekend roll neck.

Cotton. Cool and washable, useful for spring and for anyone who finds wool itchy at the throat, though it stretches out at the neck faster.

Blends. A little silk adds sheen; a little elastane helps the neck keep its shape.

The new ME+EM High Neck Relaxed Jumper

ME+EM knits the High Neck Relaxed Jumper in Black in 100% cashmere, which the house describes as a luxuriously soft, responsibly sourced yarn worked to be low-pilling. The fit is relaxed, with a high neckline, dropped shoulder positioning, full-length sleeves, a standard body length and a level hem. The model is 175 cm, a UK 8, and wears a size S.

The same jumper is already on Coveti in Mid Grey Melange and Rich Olive Green. For a closer line, the High Neck Straight Jumper in Cocoa Brown is the straight-cut sibling.

Comparison matrix: high neck and roll neck jumpers on Coveti

How we measured: composition, fit, care and measurements for the Black jumper come from the ME+EM product page and ME+EM’s own published size chart in centimetres; sizes for the other jumpers come from the Coveti catalogue (Store API). We did not re-measure garments. Where the house has not published a value for that colourway, the cell says so.

How a roll neck should fit

The neck. It should sit close without pressing on the throat. Unfolded, a roll neck tube should be long enough to fold at least once; a high neck should clear the collarbone without wrinkling under the chin.

The body. A relaxed roll neck has real ease: the ME+EM chart gives 108 cm across the bust at size S, generous for a UK 8 model, so the drape is designed in. A slim roll neck for layering under tailoring should have far less.

The shoulder. On a dropped-shoulder jumper the seam sits below your shoulder point, on purpose. On a set-in style it should meet your shoulder bone.

The sleeve. In the ME+EM chart the overarm sleeve is 52 cm from XS to XL, so the sleeve length stays constant while the body widens. If you have long arms, push the sleeves up to the forearm; the dropped shoulder adds reach. Our ME+EM size guide covers the label’s knit sizing.

How to wear a roll neck jumper

Under a blazer. A slim roll neck replaces a shirt and tie in a suit. Black and navy are the most formal.

Under a shirt worn open. Put a crisp shirt over the roll neck like a light jacket. The reverse trick, a collar under a jumper, is covered in our guide to layering a shirt under a jumper.

Under a coat. A high neck sits more comfortably than a full roll inside a high coat collar. For more on cashmere shapes in general, see our guide to cashmere sweaters for women.

Roll neck jumpers around the world

UK. Roll neck jumper women draws around 5,400 searches a month, peaking near 14,800 in November. British shoppers also use polo neck. Wool and cashmere are worn from October to March.

US. The same garment is a turtleneck sweater, searched about 2,400 times a month and rising to roughly 8,100 in December. Lighter merino suits centrally heated offices.

EU. In France it is a col roule, in Germany a Rollkragenpullover.

GCC. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia a roll neck is a December to February piece and a travel layer for colder destinations. A high neck in fine cashmere is the practical option for air-conditioned interiors.

How to care for a cashmere roll neck

ME+EM labels the High Neck Relaxed Jumper for a cold hand wash. Use a wool detergent, press the water out gently in a towel and dry flat, reshaping the neck while damp. Never hang it, as the weight stretches the shoulders. The house notes that some pilling is a characteristic of soft natural yarns and can be restored with delicate washing and a knitwear comb. Fold for storage, with cedar to deter moths.

Frequently asked questions

Is a roll neck the same as a turtleneck?

Yes. Roll neck is the British term and turtleneck the American one for a jumper with a tall folded neck.

What is the difference between a high neck and a roll neck?

A high neck rises above the collarbone without folding. A roll neck is a longer tube folded over on itself, so it covers more of the throat.

Which yarn is warmest for a roll neck?

Cashmere is the warmest for its weight. Lambswool is warm and more rugged. Merino and cotton are lighter.

Should I size down in a relaxed roll neck?

Usually not. The ease is part of the design. Check the bust measurement on the house size chart against a jumper you already own.

Can you wear a roll neck under a blazer to work?

Yes. A slim roll neck in black, navy and grey is a smart alternative to a shirt under tailoring.

How do I stop a roll neck stretching at the neck?

Dry it flat, reshape the neck while damp and fold it for storage rather than hanging it.

Curated by the Coveti Studio. Read our editorial policy.