A polo without a collar is what is usually called a turtleneck in Swedish: a sweater with a high, round neck that folds down, without a shirt collar and without buttons. The confusion arises because a shirt with a collar and a button placket is also called a "polo" in English. In Swedish, this is instead called a polo shirt.
In this guide, we clarify these terms, go through the different neck styles, and show you how to style a turtleneck this autumn.
Contents
- What is a polo without a collar called?
- Turtleneck or polo shirt – the difference
- Turtleneck, roll neck, and mock neck
- Who suits a turtleneck?
- How to style a turtleneck this autumn
- Materials and care
- Quick guide: neck styles
- Our current favorites
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
What is a polo without a collar called?
In Swedish, "polo" almost always refers to a turtleneck, i.e., the high neck that goes up the throat and folds down. A polo without a collar is therefore simply a turtleneck. In English, this same sweater is called a turtleneck or roll neck, while the English polo shirt is the short-sleeved shirt with a collar and buttons.
This is why searching can be confusing: a Swede saying "polo" means a high neck, whereas an English speaker means a collar. If you want to know more about the high neck specifically, we have a separate guide on women's turtlenecks.
Turtleneck or polo shirt – the difference
The turtleneck has no collar at all. The neck is a tube of knit or jersey fabric that sits close to the throat, usually double-folded. It has no buttons and is pulled on over the head.
The polo shirt has a folded shirt collar and a short button placket with two or three buttons. It is often short-sleeved and made of piqué, a cotton fabric with a small waffle-like texture. This is the shirt that is called a "polo shirt" in English, named after the tennis and polo players who made it popular.
In short: a high neck without a collar is a turtleneck; a collar with buttons is a polo shirt.
Turtleneck, roll neck, and mock neck
A full turtleneck is high and folds down once or twice. It is the warmest and looks the most elegant. A mock neck, or high round neck, only goes partway up the throat and does not fold. It feels lighter and is suitable for those who do not like fabric close to the chin.
An oversized turtleneck is wide and soft, sits looser around the neck, and provides a relaxed, cozy silhouette. A thin roll neck in fine knit or jersey is the slim variant that works best as a layer under a blazer, dress, or coat. Read more about it in our guide on women's turtlenecks.
Who suits a turtleneck?
Everyone can wear a turtleneck, but the style matters. If you have a short neck or a broad upper body, a mock neck or a thin, close-fitting turtleneck is often flattering, as it doesn't add volume to the face. If you have a long neck or narrow shoulders, a thick, folded turtleneck does most of the heavy lifting.
If you want to elongate your silhouette, choose the same color for your sweater and trousers. An all-cream or all-black outfit with a turtleneck looks both tall and well-thought-out.
How to style a turtleneck this autumn
Everyday: thick knitted turtleneck, straight jeans, and boots. Tuck the front of the sweater in to show your waist.
Work: thin turtleneck under a blazer, with straight trousers and loafers. It’s an elegant alternative to a dress shirt that doesn't wrinkle.
Layers: a turtleneck under a sleeveless dress or a shirt dress extends the season of the dress well into winter. Under a long coat, the turtleneck also acts as a scarf that never falls off.
With a cardigan: a turtleneck under an open cardigan in the same color palette is autumn’s coziest combination. More ideas can be found in our guide on what goes well with a cardigan.
Materials and care
Wool and wool blends are the warmest and breathe well, but can itch against the neck. If you are sensitive, choose merino wool, cashmere, or a soft acrylic or viscose blend. Acrylic is easy to care for and warm, while thin viscose or jersey works best as a base layer.
Wash knitted turtlenecks on a wool or delicate cycle at 30 degrees, inside out, and dry them flat so the turtleneck doesn't stretch out. Read more in our guide on how to wash knitwear.
Quick guide: neck styles
| Style | Collar? | Warmth | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turtleneck (full) | No, high folded neck | High | Everyday, layers under coats |
| Mock neck | No, semi-high neck | Moderate | Work, if you dislike fabric against your chin |
| Thin roll neck | No, slim high neck | Low to moderate | Under blazers and dresses |
| Polo shirt | Yes, shirt collar + buttons | Low | Summer, sports, smart casual |
Our current favorites
Three turtlenecks that make autumn both warmer and more stylish:
- Sophie | Ribbed Oversized Turtleneck for Women with High Collar – soft and relaxed, with a turtleneck that keeps you warm.
- Geometric Knitted Women's Turtleneck with High Neck – a knitted pattern that adds texture to a simple outfit.
- Elegant Oversized Women's Turtleneck in Soft Knit – timeless, easy to care for, and easy to wear with both jeans and skirts.
A white shirt is the wardrobe's most useful garment: tucked into suit trousers for work, unbuttoned over a camisole with jeans, or under a sweater when it gets colder. What determines whether it looks expensive is the fabric and the shoulder seam. What to look for and how to style it can be found in our guide on the white shirt for women.
Frequently asked questions
What is a polo without a collar called?
A turtleneck. A sweater with a high, folded neck and no collar is called a turtleneck in English and "polotröja" in Swedish.
What is a shirt with a collar and buttons called?
A polo shirt. This is the shirt that is known as a "polo shirt" in English.
Are turtleneck and roll neck the same thing?
Yes, effectively. They are both terms for the same item, though "roll neck" is often used in shops for the thinner, close-fitting models.
What is a mock neck?
A sweater with a semi-high neck that does not fold down. It is a middle ground between a round neck and a full turtleneck.
Can you wear a turtleneck under a dress?
Yes. A thin turtleneck under a sleeveless dress or shirt dress is one of the easiest ways to wear summer dresses in the autumn.
How do you prevent the turtleneck from stretching?
Wash the sweater gently, dry it flat, and avoid pulling the collar over your head with force. Fold it instead of hanging it.
Summary
A polo without a collar is a turtleneck: high neck, no collar, no buttons. The shirt with a collar and buttons is called a polo shirt. Choose a full turtleneck for warmth, a mock neck if you want a lighter feel, and a thin roll neck for layering under blazers and dresses. That way, you'll have autumn's most useful garment.
Ready to find yours? Explore our women's sweaters.
Looking for something else? See all of our 165 guides in a list.
